Spring 2026 Lead & Learn

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.

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Lead & Learn Spring 2026