Training

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is very lucky to have some exceptional volunteers that are instrumental in providing training to our adult volunteers. Without them and their commitment to Girl Scouting, GSSI would be unable to provide the number and variety of training courses that it does.

To get started, follow these 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Fill out the Volunteer Application

Step 2: Complete background check & CANTS form

Background Check

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois is committed to providing a safe and quality program for girls as they participate in Girl Scouting. Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all volunteers in the following positions:

• Any volunteer who has or may have care, custody, and control of girls (leaders, assistant and co-leaders)
• Volunteers who handle money
• Other volunteers as deemed appropriate

We recognize that the confidentiality and security of personal information is a high priority. Volunteers are asked to provide their Social Security Number and date of birth to IntelliCorp via a secure Internet page for a criminal background check. IntelliCorp, a premiere provider of background and employment/volunteer screening and used nationwide, ensures complete privacy of all solicited information. Your information will be seen and used only by IntelliCorp and only to complete a background check. This information is not shared with any other person or organization.

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Log on to https://gsofsi.volunteerportal.net  
2. Enter the password on the Welcome Page: gsofsi2009
3. Enter Personal Information
1. All fields marked with a “*” are required.
   Note: If a volunteer does not have an e-mail address, you can have them enter yours or enter a fake one. As long as the e-mail address is in the proper format, it will be accepted. At this time, IntelliCorp captures this information, but does not validate it.
4. Click Next and review all information to ensure its accuracy before proceeding.
1. If you Quit without clicking Save, the system will not save your information. Your background check will not be run. You will need to start over from the beginning when you return.
2. If you click Save before you Quit, you will be provided with a reference code to enter when you return to the site to pick up where you left off.
• When returning to the site, click on this link on the Welcome Page: “If you are returning to finish a previous search, then click here.”
• Enter your last name and reference number to resume your previous search.
5. Click Complete

Disclosure Statement: Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois or its successor organization is committed to providing a safe and quality program for girls as they participate in Girl Scouts. The criminal background check is a component of volunteer placement procedure. The background check, conducted by IntelliCorp Systems, includes criminal records searches of convictions, arrests, court records, inmate records, and sex offender registries.

CANTS Form

Click here to open a PDF document of the CANTS Form. Once there, print the form, fill it out, and mail to:

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

Attn: Carolyn Brooks

#4 Ginger Creek Parkway

Glen Carbon, IL 62034

Step 3: Orientation to Girl Scouting

Orientation to Girl Scouting (OGS) is for all new leaders. This includes volunteers who are starting new troops or volunteers who are taking over existing troops. Co-leaders and existing leaders who would like a refresher course are welcome to attend as well.

OGS will be the first close-up view of the Girl Scout organization for all new volunteers. This course provides you instruction on use of the council forms, safety, Girl Scout Council policies and procedures (including registration process, Service Unit meetings, additional training options, etc.), troop financial management and parent permission slips. You will also learn of the additional support that is available to new leaders, and who to call for help.

Special Note: You will be required to complete the background check, CANTS form and volunteer application one week prior to attending the orientation. All leaders and co-leaders are required to fill out these forms. Both forms can be found online on our website.

Step 4: Now you are ready to sign up for your courses!

To enhance each volunteer’s experience at GSSI, volunteer facilitators for Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois offer a variety of training and adult learning opportunities. Whether you choose to lead a troop or teach outdoor skills, we have opportunities for you to share with other Girl Scout volunteers and find more ways to make your experience easier and fun!

Our Volunteer Development program is designed to help adult volunteers to broaden their understanding of the philosophy, aims, and program of the Girl Scout Movement, and to increase the knowledge and skills they need to do their jobs with competence and satisfaction. Please refer to the Training Calendar for a list of training opportunities.

Have a special skill or interest you would like to share with youth or adults? Contact Carolyn Brooks at 618.692.0692 or cbrooks@gsofsi.org.