Volunteer Essentials

You must get written pre-approval from Eastern Missouri for girls who will: • Use firearms • Take trips on waterways that are highly changeable or uncontrollable • Operate motorized vehicles, such as go-carts and boats • Participate in recreational tree climbing, spelunking or white-water rafting, stand-up paddle boarding • Go out on any body of water with a current, including rivers The following activities are never allowed for any girl: • Potentially uncontrolled free-falling (bungee jumping, hang gliding, parachuting, skydiving, parasailing and outdoor trampolining) • Creating extreme variations of approved activities (such as high-altitude climbing and aerial tricks on bicycles, skis, snowboards, skateboards, water skis and wakeboards) • Hunting • Shooting a projectile (including paint balls) at another person • Riding all-terrain vehicles or motor bikes • Taking watercraft trips in Class V or higher water • Flying as passengers in non-commercial aircraft, such as small private planes, helicopters, sailplanes, untethered hot air balloons and blimps • Zorbing • Knife or tomahawk throwing In addition, there are some activities in which girls and volunteers may not engage when representing Girl Scouts. These include: • Endorsement of commercial products or services • Solicitation of financial contributions for purposes other than Girl Scouting • Participation in political campaigns or legislative activities, unless the legislative activity has been Council approved Fireworks No person will use or possess fireworks on Council-owned or operated properties or while involved in Girl Scout-related activities. Experts The Safety Activity Checkpoints for most activities require having an expert on hand to help girls learn an activity. Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri must approve all experts. Our Council maintains a list of lifeguards and small craft safety volunteers who have elected to make themselves available to assist troops while participating in such activities. Contact the Answer Center to request a copy of these lists as needed. Some things to keep in mind when choosing an activity expert: • Does the person have documented training and experience? Do they have the appropriate documentation? Documentation could include course completion certificates or cards, records of training to instruct the activity and letters of reference • An expert should have the knowledge and experience to make appropriate judgments concerning participants, equipment, facilities, safety considerations, supervision and procedures for the activity. They should be able to give clear instructions to girls and adults, troubleshoot unexpected scenarios and respond appropriately in an emergency

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