The Volunteer Essentials Handbook is the starting guide for every volunteer in Girl Scouting.

Upon completion of the application process, every leader and co-leader receives a copy of the Volunteer Essentials Handbook. If you have not received a copy, please contact your Service Unit Director.

Study of the Volunteer Essentials Handbook and completion of the quiz are one of the basic training requirements for new leaders. For more information about the training requirements, visit the Training page and review Course #201.

The Volunteer Essentials Handbook has five main sections:

1.  The "Program and the Girl-Adult Partnership" section reviews the basics of what girls do in Girl Scout (Program) and the role of the adult leader.

2.  The "Troop and Money Management" section reviews the nuts and bolts of organizing and managing troop members, developing your support network so that you don't do everything yourself, and the basics of troop money management.  A special insert for this section is the "Girl Scout Family & Friends Handbook" that troop leaders can use to help share the basics of Girl Scouting with their girl's friends and family as they get started with their troop.

3.  The "Safety and Risk Management" section reviews the basics of safety in Girl Scouting, guidelines for creating a safe space, and the procedures to follow for situations that introduce the possibility of risk.

4.  The "Forms" section lists all of the forms that are vital in helping us ensure safety, quality Girl Scout program, and responsible money management.

5.  The "Council Policies" section includes policies that our Board of Directors over the years has determined are needed to enhance the safety and risk management of our council.