Spring 2026 Lead & Learn

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Lead & Learn Spring 2026 Course Catalog

Registration opens Feb. 24

Lead & Learn

Lead & Learn is a bi-annual publication of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Natissia Small Ed.D. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lydia Bullock Chief Engagement and Belonging Officer Kelly Daleen Chief Marketing and Membership Officer Brenda Marsian Chief Philanthropy Officer Danielle Washington Chief Program Officer Barbara Wilson Chief Financial Administrative Officer Erin Huett Chief People and Culture Officer

2026 Spring Issue With support from dedicated adult volunteers, caregivers and staff, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri (GSEM) delivers the Girl Scout experience to girls and adults in eastern Missouri, which includes St. Louis City and the 28 surrounding Missouri counties of Adair, Audrain (Van-Far School District), Clark, Crawford, Franklin, Iron, Jefferson, Knox, Lewis, Lincoln, Linn, Macon, Marion, Monroe, Pike, Putnam, Ralls, Reynolds, Schuyler, Scotland, Shelby, St. Charles, St. Francois, St. Louis, Ste. Genevieve, Sullivan, Warren and Washington.

GSEM NEWS

Interested in receiving our monthly e-newsletter and other GSEM updates via email? To ensure members receive these updates, please login to myGS, click on the “Family Profile” tab and make sure the “Email Opt In” box is checked and that the email address we have on file is accurate.

314.400.4600 answercenter@girlscoutsem.org

GSEM Service Center 2300 Ball Drive St. Louis, MO 63146

CAMP LOCATIONS

Camp Cedarledge Pevely, MO Camp Fiddlecreek Labadie, MO

@girlscoutsem

Editorial Inquiries communications@ girlscoutsem.org

Camp Tuckaho Troy, MO

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has zero tolerance for any instances of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation of any individual. Any staff member, volunteer, or independent contractor found to have engaged in any such activity will be terminated from their employment, volunteer role, and/or any other affiliation they have with Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri will also pursue any and all legal actions warranted in the event of an instance of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation. For more information about this policy, see the Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri website at vr.girlscoutsem.org/sampolicy, or contact the Director, Risk Management. Sexual Abuse, Physical Abuse and Molestation Policy

If you have any concerns about, or need to report, an instance of sexual abuse, physical abuse, and/or molestation, contact the Director, Risk Management. If that person is not available, contact another Leadership Team staff member. Also remember that Missouri law states that if any person with the responsibility for the care of children has reasonable cause to suspect that a child has been or may be subjected to abuse or neglect or observes a child being subjected to conditions or circumstances which would reasonably result in abuse or neglect, that person shall immediately report to the Missouri Department of Social Services Children’s Division. Mandated reporters include Girl Scout volunteers and staff.

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

The GSEM Volunteer Support Team

Zakiyyah Kitab, MBA Director, Volunteer Support

Libby Kindle Adult Education Coordinator

Shaun Lindhoff Adult Education Coordinator

Eric Webster Adult Education Coordinator

Welcome to the Spring 2026 Lead & Learn !

My name is Zakiyyah Kitab, MBA, and I am honored to serve as the new Volunteer Support Director at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, overseeing the Adult Education Department. I am excited to return to Girl Scouts with over a decade of nonprofit leadership experience in volunteer and program development, community engagement, and nine years of service across three different Girl Scout councils. Girl Scouts has always held a special place in my professional journey, and I am grateful for the opportunity to partner with you in this important work. Whether you are a returning volunteer or just beginning your journey, thank you for your commitment to girls. Your dedication is what makes this movement thrive. At Girl Scouts, learning and growing isn’t just for girls, it’s for all of us. Confident, knowledgeable volunteers create safe, engaging, and empowering experiences that allow girls to explore, lead, and discover their strengths. Lead & Learn exists to equip you with the tools, certifications, and insights needed to guide girls through enriching opportunities, from outdoor adventures and first aid preparedness to archery, waterfront activities, outdoor cooking, and beyond. This spring, we’ve made Lead & Learn more accessible and easier to navigate. You’ll notice new icons, streamlined course descriptions, and a simplified layout to help you quickly identify the training you need. We’ve also enhanced the scholarship

process to reduce barriers and ensure quicker access to courses. Adult Girl Scout members can register for adult education and training events directly through their myGS account in just a few clicks. Our courses are led by trained staff, experienced volunteers, and community subject matter experts who are passionate about sharing their knowledge. Taking advantage of these learning opportunities is an investment in yourself and in the girls you serve. The skills and certifications you gain strengthen your ability to deliver high-quality programming while supporting your own personal and professional growth. We also want to hear from you. If there are courses you would like to see more of, new topics you’re interested in, or certifications that would better support your troop, please share your ideas. Your feedback helps us continue to grow and shape Adult Education to meet your needs. Lead & Learn is possible because of you, your willingness to grow, your leadership, and your commitment to creating meaningful experiences for girls. We are honored to support you and look forward to seeing you in class this spring.

With appreciation, Zakiyyah Kitab, MBA Volunteer Support Director, GSEM

Lead & Learn Spring 2026 Lead & Learn Fall 2025

Lead & Learn Quick Start

Two paths. One place to begin. Lead & Learn is a volunteer’s guide to training, certifications, and support at Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri. Volunteers don’t need to read everything at once. They can start with the path that fits them best and move forward at their own pace.

New to Girl Scouts? Welcome! Whether a volunteer is a brand-new troop leader or supporting Girl Scouts for the first time, training is designed to help them feel confident, prepared, and supported from day one. Begin in gsLearn (see pg. 6), where all required and optional training lives. Most new volunteers start with the New Troop Leader Learning Path, which walks them through troop basics, safety requirements, finances, planning meetings, and age-appropriate programming. Some courses are required within a volunteer’s first 30 days, while others can be completed as their schedule allows. All volunteers are required to complete child safety training, including Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training. These courses help ensure a safe and supportive experience for every Girl Scout. Once a volunteer is underway, they can explore additional courses that match their troop’s interests, whether that’s outdoor adventures, badges and awards, or special programs.

Experienced Volunteers For volunteers who have been part of Girl Scouts before, Lead & Learn helps to expand their skills, renew certifications, or step into new leadership roles. In gsLearn, volunteers can quickly review their training history, register for in-person or blended courses, and find advanced learning paths. Many experienced volunteers focus on certifications such as outdoor skills, aquatics, archery, first aid, or mental wellness. Others explore leadership training for service teams, camp roles, or district support. As a reminder, all volunteers are required to complete child safety training, including Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention and Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training. If a volunteer is renewing a certification, be sure to check expiration dates and course prerequisites. Scholarships are available for select fee-based courses, and most training can be completed on a flexible schedule.

Stay Connected Training works best when communication is easy. Rallyhood is the central hub for Adult Education updates, calendars, resources, and course announcements. Joining Rallyhood ensures volunteers stay informed about new offerings, schedule changes, and opportunities throughout the year. Check out all the details on pg. 7.

Need Help? Support is always available to help volunteers unsure which courses they need or where to start. For help, contact our Answer Center at answercenter@girlscoutsem.org or 314.400.4600.

We’re glad our volunteers are here and are excited to support everyone on their journey.

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

Discover Our Courses

At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, we are committed to making volunteer training as convenient and accessible as possible. Recognizing the value of our volunteers’ time, we fully embrace virtual learning as a cornerstone of our training approach. To better serve our volunteers, we have increased the number of blended-learning opportunities for skills-based courses. This format allows volunteers to complete the knowledge portion of a course online at their convenience while participating in hands-on skills practice during in-person sessions. We also understand the importance of in-person training and programs in fostering a sense of community, which many of our adult members greatly value. These face-to-face experiences will continue to play a vital role in our adult learning curriculum. Looking ahead, our goal is to build upon this foundation by expanding our curriculum to include more online courses and live virtual events. By doing so, we aim to reach a broader audience across our council and efficiently support our volunteers in achieving their learning goals and enhancing their overall experience.

Courses are grouped in the following categories: • Aquatics: Engaging, hands-on courses equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills to confidently lead Girl Scouts on aquatic excursions. • Archery: Courses include USA Archery Level 1 and Level 2 Instructor certifications, providing comprehensive training on USA Archery skills and procedures. • Badges, Awards, Patches and Programs: Get started with ease! These courses offer guidance on the latest badge and patch programs and achieving Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards. • Camp and Service Team Volunteers: Specialized training for volunteers and staff at GSEM camps and those looking to enhance their leadership skills within their districts or neighborhoods. • First Aid, CPR, and Mental Wellness: The American Red Cross, the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, and GSUSA offer valuable, life saving courses. • Technology and Platforms: Courses designed to help volunteers confidently navigate the technology and online platforms essential to GSEM operations. • Troop Camping and Outdoor Skills: Required certifications for volunteers taking troops camping on or off GSEM properties, along with outdoor skills training to enrich the camping experience. • Troop Management: These courses, tailored for new and experienced troop leaders, help volunteers manage their troops effectively, safely, and confidently.

Program Levels Program levels follow course titles. Courses are categorized by program levels to indicate the audience who will benefit most. Seniors and Ambassadors are welcome to attend most courses in this publication unless otherwise indicated. A caregiver may register a Senior or Ambassador Girl Scout for an adult course by contacting the Answer Center at 314.400.4600. gsLearn Course Prefixes GSEM uses “548” as its unique identifier for gsLearn courses and learning paths created by our council. “GSUSA” stands for Girl Scouts of the USA, our national organization, and is used for classes and learning paths created by GSUSA for use by councils across the country. In the course listings, these prefixes are omitted for clarity. Courses and learning paths created by GSUSA are noted with (GSUSA) at the end of the course title. Turn to pg. 6 for more information on gsLearn. Scholarships Scholarships are available to volunteers who wish to participate in Adult Education courses with fees. To apply for scholarships, register for a course as usual, pay the minimum deposit due, and complete the Scholarship Application.

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

Train Anywhere, Anytime with gsLearn

gsLearn is the online learning platform where volunteers access training, register for courses, and track completed certifications. Nearly every course in Lead & Learn begins in gsLearn, whether it’s online, blended, or in person.

Volunteers use gsLearn to complete required safety training, explore learning paths, register for upcoming sessions, and review their training history at any time. Courses are designed to fit busy schedules, with many offerings available on demand. Registration works a little differently depending on the course type. Online courses are available immediately, while in-person and blended courses require registration through gsLearn, and sometimes payment through My Events. Each course listing clearly explains what steps are required.

For questions about registering for or accessing a course, support is available through the Answer Center.

How do I register for courses in gsLearn? There are multiple ways to register for courses in gsLearn depending on the course type: • No need to register for online courses—they are accessible anytime • Register for in-person or virtual courses with NO fees by selecting and opening the course in gsLearn or clicking the link in Lead & Learn , clicking Start This Course, and then clicking Register by the desired date • Register for in-person courses with fees by clicking the link to My Events in Lead & Learn to complete the registration and payment process, or by selecting and opening the course in gsLearn, clicking Start This Course, and then following the direct registration link to My Events for the desired date Volunteers may also register for courses by: • Opening their myGS account on our website and searching My Events (in-person courses with fees only) • Contacting the Answer Center at 314.400.4600 or answercenter@girlscoutsem.org .

Access gsLearn

Connect with us in Rallyhood!

In the Adult Education Rally: • See the entire Lead & Learn course catalog, plus other important GSEM dates, on the calendar • Easily access links and files to find volunteer resources • Learn about course additions, changes, and cancellations • Post questions, comments, or feedback for the Adult Education team and volunteer instructors Need a go-to online platform where multiple people can contribute ideas, update tasks, and help plan the next great Girl Scout event? That’s the idea behind Rallyhood, a collaboration platform that makes group communication faster and easier than ever.

Well-informed volunteers are critical to the success of our mission! That’s why Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has partnered with Rallyhood to help streamline communication, encourage collaboration and foster a connected council community.

Helpful links: • Rallyhood website login

GSEM Rallies Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri has several rallies that families and volunteers can join! Check out and join these in Rallyhood: • Council News and Updates • Adult Education • Camp News and Resources • Cookie Mangers—Troop & Neighborhood • Daisy Drop Box Year 1 • Daisy Drop Box Year 2 • Brownie Bundle Year 1 • Brownie Bundle Year 2 • GSEM Juliettes For questions about Rallyhood, please contact Libby Kindle, lkindle@girlscoutsem.org .

• Basic instruction for Rallyhood users • Instructions for hub and rally admins • Rallyhood tech support, support@rallyhood.com Download the updated Rallyhood app! Use the QR codes below to download today. • Convenient when on-the-go • Faster and more responsive experience • New features

iPhone

Android

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

New Troop Leader Learning Path

3. Managing My Troops from My Account An overview of managing troop and member information in My Account, including registration and renewals. 4. Volunteer Toolkit—Troop Leader View A volunteer’s go-to planning tool for the troop year. This course shows leaders how to use the Volunteer Toolkit to plan meetings, track progress, and spend more time adventuring with their Girl Scouts. 5. Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention (Required) Required training to help supervising adults recognize, respond to, and report concerns of child abuse or neglect. 6. Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training (Required) Missouri law requires Girl Scout volunteers and staff to serve as mandated reporters. This course explains how to identify and report concerns to the appropriate authorities. 7. New Leader Onboarding: What Girl Scouts Do Six program-level courses that help leaders understand how Girl Scouts grow and learn at each age level, ensuring meetings are engaging, age appropriate, and girl-led. All volunteers are required to complete the following courses within 60 days of assignment in gsLearn : • Girl Scouts Child Abuse and Neglect Prevention • Missouri Child Abuse and Neglect Mandated Reporter Training GSEM is committed to maintaining policies and procedures that create a secure environment for girls to discover their world, connect with their peers and take action to improve their communities.

Everything A New Leader Needs To Start Strong: Step By Step Starting a new troop can feel overwhelming. The New Troop Leader Learning Path is designed to make a first-time leader feel supported and confident leading a safe, fun, and successful Girl Scout troop.

Who should complete this learning path? All new troop leaders and assistant leaders.

What’s Included The New Troop Leader Learning Path includes seven courses that build on one another. Together, they cover troop basics, safety, finances, planning, and age appropriate programming.

Learning Path Courses 1. New Troop Leader Training (Required)

An introduction to Girl Scouting for troop leadership, including troop structure, meeting flow, and proactive planning strategies to help leaders feel confident in their role. The first course must be completed within 30 days of being assigned in gsLearn. 2. Troop Money Management Learn how to open a troop bank account, manage troop funds, and complete the required Troop Year End Report. Mandatory Volunteer Training Protecting the emotional and physical safety and well-being of Girl Scouts is our shared top priority. Volunteers help ensure that Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is a safe place for all girls. The purpose of the training is to equip volunteers with the knowledge and skills to recognize signs of child abuse or neglect and understand our responsibilities as a mandated reporter. Review GSEM Mandatory Volunteer Training FAQs here.

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID

WHY YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? Youth Mental Health First Aid teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among children and adolescents ages 12-18.

WHO SHOULD KNOW MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID? • Troop Leaders • Troop Volunteers • Service Team Members • Camp Volunteers & Staff • Council Staff • Parents • Any Adults who Work with Youth

1 IN 5 teens and young adults lives with a mental health condition. Source: National Alliance for Mental Illness*

50% of all mental illnesses begin by age 14, and 75% by the mid-20s. Source: Archives of General Psychiatry***

10.2% of youth will be diagnosed with a substance use disorder in their lifetime. Source: Youth Mental Health First Aid**

WAYS TO LEARN Blended – Learners complete a 2-hour, self-paced online course before participating in a 5.5-hour, in-person session led by certified instructors. • Learners receive a 3-year Youth Mental Health First Aid certification after successfully completing the course • Course materials include a YMHFA manual and a YMHFA processing guide • See the course listing for more details WHAT MENTAL HEALTH FIRST AID COVERS • Common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges in this age group, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactive disorder (ADHD). • Common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges. • How to interact with a child or adolescent in crisis. • How to connect the youth with help. • Expanded content on trauma, substance use, self-care and the impact of social media and bullying.

Learn how to respond with the Mental Health First Aid Action Plan ( ALGEE ): A ssess for risk of suicide or harm. L isten nonjudgmentally. G ive reassurance and information. E ncourage appropriate professional help. E ncourage self-help and other support strategies.

Sources * National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Kids. https://www.nami.org/Your Journey/Kids-Teens-and-Young-Adults/Kids ** Mental Health First Aid. (2020). Mental Health First Aid USA for adults assisting children and youth. National Council for Mental Wellbeing. *** Kessler, R., Berglund, P., Demler, O., Jin, R., Merikangas, K.R., Walters, E.E. (2005, June). Lifetime prevalence and age-of-onset distributions of DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry . 62(6); 593-602. doi: 10.1001/archpsyc.62.6.593

To learn more about Mental Health First Aid visit MHFA.org

Daisy Drop Box & Brownie Bundle

Being a Daisy and Brownie troop leader has never been easier with our Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Daisy Drop Box (grades K-1) and Brownie Bundle (grades 2-3) programs. When leaders register for these programs, a monthly troop meeting in a box will be delivered right to their door at no charge. Troop leaders will receive everything they need to confidently lead grades K-3 in troop meetings, no experience required! Check out an example of what is included in these boxes on the next page. These programs engage our Girl Scouts with all the Daisy petals and a variety of Daisy and Brownie badges across the four pillar program areas of STEM, Life Skills, Entrepreneurship, and the Outdoors. They introduce Daisies and Brownies to a progression of girl-led experiences in the troop meetings.

How do troop leaders get started? • Visit girlscoutsem.org/join , and register or renew as a Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri troop leader beginning April 1

Daisy Drop Box: Grades K-1

• Visit the Daisy Drop Box or Brownie Bundle websites

• Returning Daisy and Brownie troops: registration for the 2026-2027 school year will open April 1. Beginning in August, the first box will be mailed based on when they register. Look through the program schedules on each website for more details • New Daisy troops: registration will open July 1. Beginning in August, the first box will be mailed shortly after they register • Register using the links on the Daisy Drop Box or Brownie Bundle webpage, depending on the troop’s grade level • Read he FAQs on each website to find answers to frequently asked questions about the program

Brownie Bundle: Grades 2-3

Lead & Learn Spring 2026 Lead & Learn Fall 2025

What To Expect Each Month, Delivered Straight To You!

Scripted step-by-step meeting instructions to lead an engaging troop meeting.

Welcome card that explains what your troop will learn, and a list of everything included.

YOUR MEETING

WELCOME!

Information card with upcoming GSEM events and more!

Activity supplies will change with each box to help Girl Scouts complete the meeting activities. They may include items

FUN!

like pom poms, yarn, beads, straws, paper plates, and more!

*Additional common household items may be needed (pencils, pens, adult scissors, hole punch). Troop supplies such as crayons, markers, glue and tape will be used throughout the year.

Questions About These Programs? Please contact: Pam Johnson, Daisy Drop Box Program Manager at 314.592.2357 or pjohnson@girlscoutsem.org

Meredith Dean, Brownie Bundle Program Manager at 314.400.4606 or mdean@girlscoutsem.org.

Adult Recognition

Volunteers are vital to Girl Scouts. Their dedication fuels our mission, shapes girls’ lives, and makes every moment of growth, discovery, and leadership possible. At Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri, we see the impact our registered members and non-members make that stretches far beyond troop meetings. Whether they are a troop leader, cookie manager, event helper, or behind-the-scenes magic maker, they are the reason Girl Scouts works. And we want to celebrate them. Every year, Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri honors council-level recognition awardees at our Adult Recognition Ceremony. Scan the QR codes below to watch our Thanks Badge honoree videos from 2025. Have someone in mind to recognize? Below are some of the ways we can express our deep gratitude for their service.

Council-Level Recognitions : • Spark Award • Diversity Hall of Fame • Volunteer of Excellence Award

Join Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri at our annual Adult Recognition Ceremony as we honor exceptional individuals and groups for their outstanding achievements at the council-level. Adult Recognition Ceremony

• Gold Laurel Award • Gold Trefoil Award • President’s Award • Pearl Award • AntRabbit Award for Camping Excellence • Thanks Badge • Thanks Badge II Each council-level recognition has its own recommendation form tailored to each award’s specific criteria. These recommendation forms make it easier for those nominating or providing recommendations for a candidate to give detailed accounts of a candidate’s volunteer service and accomplishments. Follow the links above to download individual recommendation forms. Each recommendation form is fillable and specific to the award listed.

Sat., May 2, 2026 Noon-2 pm Edward Jones— South Campus 1255 Manchester Rd., St. Louis 63131

The deadline for nominations is February 28, 2026 . For more information, visit the Adult Recognition page on our website.

Thanks Badge Thanks Badge II

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

2026 Spring/Summer Adult Courses

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

Aquatics

All aboard! Get Girl Scouts active on the water by taking them on a boating adventure. Courses in this section will teach volunteers how to plan and execute safe and exciting small craft activities suitable to their experience levels.

Small Craft Safety Program The Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri Small Craft Safety Program consists of three learning paths that contain all the knowledge volunteers need (through online modules) to participate in the in-person skills session for each aquatic discipline (Canoeing, Sailing, or Moving Water). Each Small Craft Safety learning path contains multiple online-only and blended-learning courses, meaning there are online components accessible anytime in gsLearn and corresponding in-person skills sessions requiring registration. Some courses are found in each learning path and are linked to one another, so that completing a course in one learning path will complete it in each of the others. All online components must be completed before attending in-person skills sessions. Additional Information: • GSEM Small Craft Safety learning paths are not typical certifications; they instead acknowledge the successful completion of all requirements for that learning path • Each course in a learning path (online or in person) is individually renewable every three years • Basic Water Rescue is also offered as a standalone blended-learning course, in addition to being a component of all Small Craft Safety learning paths

Each learning path is described here:

Small Craft Safety: Canoeing —required to supervise all levels of Girl Scouts in canoes on flat water (no current). • Basic Water Rescue blended-learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • Small Craft Safety: Canoeing blended-learning course Small Craft Safety: Sailing —required to supervise Juniors through Ambassadors in sailboats on flat water (no current). • Basic Water Rescue blended-learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • Small Craft Safety: Sailing blended-learning course Small Craft Safety: Moving Water —required to supervise Cadettes through Ambassadors in canoes on Class I or Class I/II moving water (with current). • Basic Water Rescue blended-learning course • Small Craft Safety Core online course • Small Craft Safety: Canoeing blended-learning course • Small Craft Safety: Moving Water blended-learning course LP: Learning Path Curated learning bundles designed to guide volunteers through the playlist of courses on a specific topic. BL: Blended Learning Course format that includes an online knowledge portion and a in-person skills practice session.

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

Canoeing and Sailing with Your Troop Summer means being out on the water, and taking your troop on a canoe, sailboat, or other small craft outing could be just the adventure they’re looking for! But where do you start? Learn the number of adults needed and what training is required for common small craft activities in the Small Craft Activity Adult-to-Girl Ratios and Trained Personnel Requirements table on the next page, along with the waterfront personnel and training requirements defined below. This basic information covers outings on and off Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri-owned property. Details for each course referenced below are in the course catalog’s Aquatics and First Aid, CPR, and Mental Wellness sections. Trained Waterfront Personnel There are four essential trained personnel roles for small craft activities: primary trained personnel, secondary trained personnel, watcher, and general first aider. These roles are defined below, along with the training requirements for each: Primary trained personnel: This is the main person directly in charge of the waterfront during an activity. Must have completed the Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety (SCS) learning path relevant to the activity (SCS: Canoeing, SCS: Moving Water, or SCS: Sailing) and signed Appendix D of the GSEM Waterfront Manual. They must be at least 18 years old. Secondary trained personnel: This person serves as the primary rescuer during the waterfront activity, whether that be from the shore or from a craft on the water. They must be at least 16 years old (18 for lifeguards), must have completed one of the following courses and signed Appendix D of the GSEM Waterfront Manual: • Basic Water Rescue • SCS: Canoeing, SCS: Moving Water, or SCS: Sailing (as appropriate, learning paths already include Basic Water Rescue) • American Red Cross (ARC) lifeguard certification plus GSEM Lifeguard In-Service Training (GSEM only recognizes ARC lifeguard certification) Watcher: A watcher continually monitors the water while activity participants are out in their craft. No outside training is required, but the primary trained personnel will instruct watchers of their responsibilities and role expectations before the small craft activity begins. Watchers will remain on the waterfront during small craft activities on flat water and will be on the water during small craft activities

on moving water. Watchers must be at least 16 years old. Basic Water Rescue training is recommended for watchers, but not required. General First Aider: Must be certified in ARC Adult & Pediatric First Aid/CPR/AED or hold an equivalent certification recognized by GSEM. Small craft activities that occur at locations where EMS would take more than 30 minutes to arrive during an emergency must also be certified in Wilderness & Remote First Aid. The general first aider may also serve in another trained personnel role. Trained Personnel for Small Craft Activities There must be one primary and one secondary trained personnel present during any small craft activity allowed under Safety Activity Checkpoints . There must also be a minimum of one watcher present, depending on the number of Girl Scouts participating and their program level(s). Consult the ratio and trained personnel table that follows for the exact number of watchers needed. There must also be at least one general first aider present during any small craft activity. Any of the other trained personnel roles may also hold the general first aider role. Trained personnel roles may be covered by properly trained professional guides or outfitters when participating in certain small craft activities for older Girl Scouts (consult the Paddling and Rowing Master Progression Chart in Safety Activity Checkpoints ). All training must remain current to qualify as primary or secondary trained personnel or general first aider. For multi-level troops or multiple troops combined, use the adult-to-girl and watcher ratios for the lowest program level participants present. Adult-to-Girl Ratios Adult-to-girl ratios are found in Safety Activity Checkpoints and are used to determine the minimum number of adults required to be present for an activity at any program level. The adult-to-girl ratios for canoeing and sailing activities are given in the ratio and trained personnel table that follows. Note that GSEM may require more trained adults to be present for an activity than the minimum number of adults required by Safety Activity Checkpoints .

Lead & Learn Spring 2026

Small Craft Activity Adult-to-Girl Ratios and Trained Personnel Requirements

Program Level

Adult-to-Girl Ratio

Required Personnel CANOEING

Flat Water, On or Off GSEM-Owned Property

Class I

• 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-4 girls over the first 6 • 1 general first aider • An adult in each canoe containing Daisies • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-6 girls over the first 12 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-8 girls over the first 16 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-10 girls over the first 20 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-12 girls over the first 24 • 1 general first aider • 1 primary trained personnel • 1 secondary trained personnel • 1 watcher • 1 additional watcher to each additional 1-12 girls over the first 24 • 1 general first aider

1:6

Daisy (K-1)

Brownie (2-3)