Volunteer and Leader Application Process
Volunteer adults are essential to the Dakota Horizons Council.  To become a Dakota Horizons volunteer or troop leader, the process is simple.

• Volunteers complete both a GSUSA Adult Membership Form and Volunteer Application and submit it to Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons.
• Background checks are conducted. 
• Reference letters are sent out.
• Phone interviews are completed.
• Dakota Horizons staff sends an appointment letter to the volunteer.   
• Membership Specialist and Service Unit Manager are informed of the volunteer appointment.

Membership in the Girl Scouts of the USA and a background and reference checks are required for all troop leader positions.  Other volunteer positions do not require a reference check.  Once this process is complete, volunteers receive an appointment letter and a new leader manual including training dates available or options for training.

Volunteer Membership
Volunteer adults are the heartbeat of our organization.  Every program or event for girls is delivered by volunteers with support from council staff.  That means Girl Scouts come in all age groups—you just need to have a desire to make a difference in the lives of girls.  Adults 18 years of age and older can join Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons to serve as a leader, a mentor, a camp nurse, a cookie “mom", a board or committee member or in numerous other roles.  Whatever your expertise, you can help us out!  We’re looking for adults who believe in girls and want to support their development. 

Membership in the Girl Scouts of the USA, a background check and references are required for all volunteer positions. Just a few of the volunteer opportunities with Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons are listed below:

• Troop Leader or Co-Leader– Partner with girls to take responsibility for managing the troop/group and plan, carry out and evaluate activities based on interests and needs.
• Studio 2B Advisor – Spend one to two hours a month for one school year mentoring middle school girls.  Meetings are held at school locations. 
• Studio 2B Expert – Time commitment varies from one hour a month to one hour every three months.  Volunteer creates a presentation on a topic in their area(s) of expertise. 
• Service Unit Team Member – Organize regional events.  Develop a plan to achieve service unit membership goals.
• Community School Coordinator – Coordinate and conduct girl/adult recruitment activities in the service unit area.  Assist leaders in securing meeting places, sponsorships, resource materials and planning parent meetings. 
• Event Director – Term is dependent on time necessary to plan, promote, implement and evaluate an event.  May direct one or more events throughout the year. 
• Camp Volunteer – Volunteer for one or more camps.  It is a time commitment of one or more days during the summer. 
• Program Volunteer – Volunteer for one or more events throughout the year.  Most events are 1.5 to 2 hours long.  Assist with the setting up, cleaning up, and helping for the entire event! 
• Cookie Shop Manager – Confirm cookie shop sites prior to the scheduled shop dates, schedule troops and independent Girl Scouts at each of the cookie shop sites, provide a cookie shop confirmation (date, time, location) to each participating troop and each participating business.
• Cookie Sales Coordinator – Ensure the distribution of cookie sale materials to participating troops.  Provide support and guidance to troop cookie volunteers throughout the sale.  Arrange for delivery and distribution of cookies to the troops.  Collect and verify all sales-related forms and forward to the Director of Product Sales by the deadlines.  Distribute theme merchandise and goal patches by the deadline.

Training is available for each of these positions.  For more information about volunteering, please contact Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons at 605.336.2978 or toll free at 800.666.2141.  You can also email us. cochocki@gsdakotahorizons.org

GSUSA Adult Membership Form

Volunteer Application

Volunteer Training
We know your time is precious.  We also know working with girls is exciting and invigorating, but it can also be exhausting. We want to help you make the time you give the Girl Scouts, some of the most productive and satisfying time in your life.  To do that, we provide training to prepare you for your role in Girl Scouts.  Several of the Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons training programs are listed below.

• Orientation/Basic Leader Training –  Designed for new adult leaders and co-leaders.  Learn about running a troop, including safety information, finances, forms, basics of troop information, product sales and much more.  (Minimum of 5 people required)
• Daisy Leader -- As a Daisy Girl Scout Leader, you are helping five and six year olds lay the foundation for what they have the potential to become.  This course gives practical tips such as troop leadership, troop finances, bridging, insignias, uniforms, standards and more.
• Brownie Leader – By becoming a Brownie Girl Scout Leader you have embarked on a wonderful journey helping girls in 1st through 3rd grade.  Learn about Try-Its, the four program goals, product sales, uniforms, bridging, the Brownie smile song, kaper charts and more.
• Junior Leader – Sharing experiences with a group of 8-11 year old girls will be fun and rewarding (if you’re prepared).  Learn about badges, the Bronze award, product sales, uniforms, bridging, the Girl Scout’s Own Ceremony, troop government, and Studio 2B for girls in the 5th and 6th grade.
• Girls 11-17 – Working with teenagers is challenging, rewarding and most of all, fun.  You will play a vital role in helping teenage girls explore their feelings, ideas, dreams and the opportunities that await them. Learn about ceremonies, Gold and Silver Awards, rededication, flag ceremonies, Studio 2B, Just for Girls and other Girl Scouts programs for teenage girls.
• Homestudy Courses are available any day, any time for all of the courses listed.
  If you are interested in these training programs, please contact the Adult Development and Program Director at 1-800-666-2141 or Connie Ochocki.  

Thanks for volunteering and making a difference in the life of a Girl Scout!

Outstanding Volunteer Outstanding Leader Appreciation Pin Honor Pin Thanks Badges President's Award Leadership Dev. Pin Leaf Pins Recognition Outstanding Volunteer Award This award recognizes an adult in a position other than leader or in addition to leader whose service benefits a community or a service unit in a way that is beyond the expectations for the position. Who to Consider For a volunteer in a position other than leader Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Complete appropriate training or demonstrate ability/skills for the position. Perform at a level that exceeds the expectations of the position as outlined in the position description agreement in one or more of the following areas: Membership Program Fund Development Pluralism Marketing and Communications Strategic Leadership/Governance Human Resources Actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior Nomination and Approval Process Submit an application describing the volunteer’s accomplishments to the recognitions task group outlining how the service has benefited the girls and the organization. Recognitions task group reviews the application and approves or denies the nomination. Recognitions task group sends out notification of its decision. Outstanding Volunteer Award Nomination Form - Download Recognition Outstanding Leader Award This pin recognizes the troop/group leader, assistant leader, or coordinator for outstanding performance in working with girls. Who to Consider For a troop/group leader, assistant leader, or coordinator for outstanding performance in working with girls. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Demonstrate competence in at least two of the following: Involving adults in the community to help broaden the program opportunities for girls. Increasing girl membership to support the council membership goal. Using the four program goals to select a wide range of program activities with girls. Helping girls to recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. Building an effective By Girls, For Girls approach with girls. Nomination and Approval Process Submit an application describing the volunteer’s accomplishments to the recognitions task group outlining how the service has benefited the girls and the organization. Recognitions task group reviews the application and approves or denies the nomination. Recognitions task group sends out notification of its decision. Outstanding Leader Award Nomination Form - Download Recognition Appreciation Pin This pin recognizes an adult who has delivered outstanding service to at least one geographic area, service unit or community. Who to Consider For volunteers actively giving outstanding service to at least one geographic area or program delivery audience. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Have significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in one geographic area. Actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination and Approval Process Appreciation Pin Nomination Form - Download Recognition Honor Pin This pin recognizes an adult member who has delivered outstanding service to two or more geographic areas or service units. Who to Consider For volunteers actively giving outstanding service in more than two geographic areas. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Have significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility in two or more geographic areas. Actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination and Approval Process Honor Pin Nomination Form - Download Recognition Thanks Badge This badge recognizes an adult member whose performance is truly outstanding and benefits the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Who to Consider For volunteers actively giving service impacting the council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Have taken a leadership role at the council level in one or more of the following areas during the previous four years: Increasing membership growth and retention; Increasing the percentage of adult-generated funding in the total council income; Increasing innovative program opportunities council wide; Developing broad participation in policy-influencing through the democratic process; Ensuring that inclusive behavior is recognized, understood, and practiced at all levels. Nomination and Approval Process Thanks Badge Nomination Form - Download   Recognition Thanks Badge II This badge for continuing service recognizes an adult member who has already received the Thanks Badge and who has continued to contribute in extraordinary ways that benefit the total council or the entire Girl Scout movement. Who to Consider For Prior Thanks Badge recipients. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Have taken a leadership role in developing a model that has been replicated at the national level in one or more of the following areas during the previous three years: Membership Program Fund Development Pluralism Marketing and Communications Strategic Leadership Human Resources Nomination and Approval Process Submit an application describing the volunteer’s accomplishments to the council recognitions task group outlining how the service has benefited the organization. Council recognitions task group reviews the application and approves or denies the nomination. Council recognitions task group sends its recommendation to the National Board Adult Recognitions Task Group. Thanks Badge II Nomination Form - Download   Recognition President’s Award Who to Consider For a geographic area team or program delivery team. Criteria All be registered Girl Scout adults. Must have significantly contributed to meeting one or more council goals in membership growth and retention, fund development, or increased community visibility. Must reflect the diversity of the area they serve. Actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination and Approval Process Submit an application describing the volunteer’s accomplishments to the recognitions task group outlining how the service has benefited the girls and the organization. Recognitions task group reviews the application and approves or denies the nomination. Recognitions task group sends notification of its decision to the council board of directors for confirmation. President's Award Nomination Form - Download Recognition Leadership Development Pin This pin recognizes adult troop/group leaders, assistant troop/group leaders, or group coordinators who demonstrate competence, continuous improvement, and participate in training in subject areas that will increase their abilities in working with girls. Who to Consider For troop/group leader, assistant leader, or coordinator. Criteria Be a registered Girl Scout adult. Have completed one successful year in the position of troop/group leader, assistant leader, or group coordinator. Have completed the appropriate training and have demonstrated position competence. Actively recognize, understand, and practice the values of inclusive behavior. Nomination and Approval Process The candidate submits an application which is reviewed by a designated volunteer or employed staff member. If all requirements have been met, the recognition is authorized. Leadership Development Pin Nomination Form - Download Recognition Additional Recognition: Green Leaf Silver Leaf Gold Leaf Who to Consider For Prior Leadership Development Pin Recipients. Criteria Green Leaf: Represents 10 contact hours or one CEU of additional training. Silver Leaf: Represents 50 contact hours or five CEUs of additional training. Gold Leaf: Represents 250 contact hours or 25 CEUs of additional training. Nomination and Approval Process Candidates applying for leaves need to document their hours and describe how the workshop/course has improved their work with girls.

Safety Information
There are numerous safety issues concerning girl activities, girl outings and general Girl Scout practices.  To learn more about the safety issues, please use the GSUSA  Safety-Wise Publication.
Safety-Wise is an official publication of Girl Scouts of the USA addressed to all adults (and girls) in Girl Scouting containing Girl Scout Program Standards and Guidelines that provide for the health and safety of all girls.

Following the guidelines in Safety-Wise  is the best way to ensure safe, fun activities for all Girl Scouts.  Safety-Wise is available at local Girl Scout offices or by clicking here: Safety-Wise

How do I become a Girl Scout leader?  Complete the membership registration form, pay the $10.00 membership fee, complete the Volunteer Application and take the necessary training prior to working with the troop or girls.

Do I need to fill out the Volunteer Application?  Yes.  This is extremely important because it provides us the information we need to do your background check.  It also let’s us know in what capacity you want to volunteer.

Do you provide training?  Yes.  We provide a basic orientation about Girl Scouts and you will also need to participate in an age level training dependant upon the age of girls that you will be working with. This can be done in the classroom, during Service Unit meetings or at home as a home study.

Do I really need to have a co-leader?  Yes, for not only the safety of the girl but also for the safety of the adult.  Having that other adult allows for one to care for a sick or injured child while the other cares for the rest of the troop.  Having two adults present at all times also allows for a second set of eyes and ears if needed.

What is a Service Unit?  A Service Unit is run by volunteers like you and is made up of many troops that meet periodically throughout the year – monthly, bi-monthly or quarterly. This geographical division may be made up of one community or several, a county, or numerous schools coming together to hold leader meetings, programs, and events for girls. 

Then what is a District?  Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons is divided into four districts to serve the local area.   District offices are located in Bismarck and Fargo, ND and Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD.  We also have additional Field Offices in Minot and Grand Forks, ND and in Huron and Aberdeen, SD.

If I have questions who do I call?  Your first line of communication would be your Membership Specialist.  She/he can answer all your questions (or find the answer) and provide you ongoing support throughout the year.

How do I handle troop money?  You will contact your Membership Specialist or District Office to pick up the form detailing the exact steps you should take to open a troop checking account using the Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons tax identification number.  All troop funds should be run through the account.

Does the troop money belong to the troop?  Any money raised in the name of Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons from dues, fall product, cookie sales, sponsors, etc. belongs to the council though decisions on how the money is spent are made by the troop.

How does the council know how the money is spent?  Each year a Finance Report is due by June 30th detailing monies earned and monies spent. 

What happens to the money if the troop ends or disbands?  Any funds remaining in the troop account at that time are divided by the number of girls registered to the troop and that determines each girl’s portion.  This is the amount that follows each girl.  If she becomes an independent (does not belong to a troop) then her amount would go to the headquarters office where it is kept in her name to be used by only her.  If a girl joins a different troop, her portion would go to the new troop.  If the girl is not rejoining then her portion goes to her Service Unit to be held for one year in case she was to rejoin again.  After the one year the money is used for programming in that Service Unit.

Where do I buy those cute uniforms?  You can purchase uniforms, books, and all things Girl Scout at any one of the 6 shops located in Minot, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Fargo, ND or Rapid City and Sioux Falls, SD. 

When are the shops open?  All shops are open during regular business hours Monday-Thursday 8am-5pm, Friday 8am-12pm and Thursday evenings to 7pm (Sept-May) and the second Saturday of the month (Sept-May).  You can purchase directly from the shop or place an order over the phone and have it delivered to you for a small shipping cost.

How will I learn about Girl Scout programs?  You should have received the Program Guide when you registered.  And the Summer Program Guide was sent to all families in April.  Both can be found on the website. These booklets contain information, costs, and opening and closing dates for all district and council programs.

Friends & Alumnae
If you have a history in Girl Scouting, we welcome you to join our Dakota Horizons Alumni and Friends Association.  Once a Girl Scout, Always a Girl Scout!  As Girl Scouts and Girl Guides, you came to understand the value of sisterhood, and that belief continues in the lives of women in today’s world.

When you register, you will receive the Council newsletter and updates on Girl Scouting in North and South Dakota, 13 counties in Minnesota and one Iowa county.  This organization is a great networking tool that continues the circle of sisterhood you once enjoyed.  We welcome you to share your fond memories of Girl Scouts and the passion you have for an organization that has impacted over 50 million women.

Register Online (coming soon)

We have a volunteer Board of Directors composed of adult women and men from across our council.  The council area includes fourteen counties in Minnesota, one county in Iowa and all of South and North Dakota.  Board members are nominated by a nominating committed and voted on at our annual meeting by Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons delegates.  We strive for a diverse background of our board that can bring a wide range of expertise to the council.  The expertise and leadership of the board provides the direction for the council and business structure of the organization. 

If you are interested in becoming a board member, please contact the Girl Scouts—Dakota Horizons headquarters located in Sioux Falls, SD.