Adventure Ahead

Thank you and welcome, we're glad you're here!

This guide is designed to support busy, on-the-go troop volunteers. Inside you will find details and information to help you get started on your newest adventure—being an awesome leader for girls. This guide is designed to support busy troop volunteers on the go. You can easily find what you need to get started on your Girl Scout journey and search for answers throughout the troop year.. Ready to get started? Let’s go!

New troop leader?

We’ve got you covered. Check out this page for help defining your role. You'll learn how to get your families involved and get tools you need to lead a successful troop. We also have a dedicated staff team and other local volunteers to support you in your new role. Reach our Troop Support team at troopsupport@gsnetx.org.

Volunteer Essentials

In English

El Guía de Recursos Esenciales Para Voluntarios

Additional Assets

Safety Resources toggle arrow

Activity Approvals:

Volunteers must submit a GSNETX Activity Approval Request Form and receive approval before planning the following activities:

Activity considered high adventure or high-risk and requiring council-approval as outlined in Safety Activity Checkpoints
Activity or meeting taking place at a private home
Activity regarding a sensitive topic
Activity requiring a signed contract
Activity requiring a Certificate of Insurance
Camping at a non-GSNETX property
GSNETX Day/Twilight Camp
Money-earning activity / fundraising (not including the GSNETX Fall Product or Cookie Programs)
Overnight activity
Pass-Through Donation Request
Travel & Trips
Troop Funds Agreement
Vehicle Rental

To allow time for review, please submit approval forms at least 4 weeks in advance and allow 5 business days for processing. After completing the request, you will either receive an automatic approval via email or will be notified that your request needs further review before approval can be given.

Activity Approvals will be subject to the guidelines GSNETX has in place at the time of submission. If those guidelines change after approval is given to where more is permitted, volunteers may resubmit for approval provided those updates. If they change to where approved events are not able to take place, GSNETX will contact the submitting volunteer as soon as possible.

Camping, Travel & Overnights:

Volunteers must submit a GSNETX Activity Approval Request Form and receive approval before planning any overnight activities, trips, or camping that is not at a GSNETX camp.

At least one volunteer must have the appropriate GSNETX camp certification training. For camping at GSNETX properties, that means TR301: GSNETX Camping. For camping at non-GSNETX properties, that means TR302: On the Road Camping. TR303: Camp Recertification is available in gsLearn. Camp training information is available at gsnetx.org/training.

Volunteer Policies and Procedures toggle arrow

The Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) Volunteer Policies and Procedures serves as the main governing document to guide volunteers and staff, ensuring that the Girl Scout program is delivered in a safe, consistent manner for girls across our council. Volunteers should familiarize themselves with these policies and procedures which guide and protect their status as Girl Scout volunteers.

Download (PDF)

Covid-19 Protocols toggle arrow

The health and safety of our members is always Girl Scouts’ highest priority. During the course of the COVID-19 pandemic, local GSNETX rules and recommendations have shifted to meet the needs of members and norms in our local community. Current COVID-19 protocols and templates are available as needed. If ever necessary, GSNETX will issue more specific guidelines.

© Copyright 2009–2022 Girl Scouts of the United States of America.  All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.