VLC @ GS Con


VLC @ GS Con
Date/Time
Registration Begins
7/25/2025 7:00 AM
Last Day To Register
9/15/2025 8:00 AM
Location
137 S McDonough St
Decatur, GA 30030, US
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The last date for registration has passed.

Calling all volunteers - join us for a morning of learning, enrichment, and fun!

There will be classes and opportunities for new and experienced volunteers alike!

  • Learn from fellow volunteers, program partners, Council staff and special guests in your choice from a variety of learning sessions.
  • Make new friends, reconnect with the old and find new opportunities while networking with fellow volunteers. 
  • Enjoy a morning out with your fellow Girl Scout volunteers!

New this year!  We've paired the program with Girl Scout Con to maximize your day!  You can attend Volunteer Leadership Conference sessions in the morning and then can discover all that our partners have to offer in the afternoon - as a free add-on!

This year, we'll focus on 4 high-level topic areas, with a variety of workshops:

  • Engaging Older Girl Scouts
  • Balancing Life & Girl Scouts: Mental Health for Girl Scouts and Volunteers
  • Enriching your GS Experience: STEM, Outdoors, and Entrepreneurship
  • 1, 2, 3 - LEAD: Finding Success for New Leaders

Note: Be sure to check your confirmation email to sign up for your sessions via Sign-up Genius.

 

Workshop Sessions:

 

Session 1: 9:30 - 10:20am
Older & Greater Get ready to receive insights, tips, and inspiration from seasoned troop leaders who have been at the forefront of guiding Girl Scouts on their journey of growth and empowerment. In this interactive discussion, our panelists will share their diverse experiences, challenges, and successes in leading troops of middle and high school Girl Scouts. Whether you're a new troop leader seeking guidance or a seasoned veteran looking for fresh perspectives, this panel promises to offer valuable strategies, best practices and leadership connections.
Leader Mental Health Volunteering as a Troop Leader, in a Service Unit Role, and as a general supporter of Girl Scouts can sometimes drain your energy.  In this session, you'll learn about how you can best take care of YOUrself to ensure a happy and successful membership year.
A Sprinkle of STEM Sprinkle on the STEM!  Discover how to incorporate STEM into ALL your Girl Scout activities in a way that's fun and easy!  Adding STEM concepts into your troop's meetings and experiences creates a richer learning experience and helps Girl Scouts connect with all their Girl Scout activities in new ways.  Join us for this interactive session to learn how STEM can become a true multi-disciplinary experience (including nature, art, technology, and more) and walk away with new skills and activities to try with your troop.
Imposter Syndrome: New Troop Leader There are SO many resources, best practices, badges, ideas, etc that make-up the Girl Scout troop year.  As a new or returning leader, it may be difficult to navigate all of these things and to feel confident that you are leading your troop well.  Join this workshop, featuring a few guest troop leaders to share, discuss, and recognize the self-doubt, anxiety, and feelings of fear that sometimes affects the volunteer role.
Session 2: 10:30 - 11:20am
Achieving Excellence: Navigating Girl Scout High Awards Join our informative Girl Scout High Awards Information Session to explore the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Award prerequisites, requirements, approval process, and recognition! In this fast-paced learning experience, you'll gain valuable insights into helping your girls pursue these prestigious awards. It's your opportunity to have all your High Awards questions answered and discover how to help your troop members make their mark in the world of Girl Scouting.
Troop Mental Health Girl Scouts face challenges each and every day that may affect their mental health.  As a Troop Leader, you are likely to encounter this at troop meetings, events, programs, etc.  In this session, you'll learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Mastering Camp Magic Join our GSGATL outdoor experts to learn about the benefits and opportunities when bringing your Girl Scouts to camp!  From campfires to kayaking, there’s sure to be something for all levels. Camp is a place where Girl Scouts can unleash their inner girl and discover that they can accomplish anything.   Our engaging programs and activities are designed with girls’ interests in mind, so they can grow their passions and take healthy risks in a safe, supportive environment.
Tools You Can Use (2 part workshop):
VTK, Year Plan, GS Learn, Registering for Programs, MyGS, GSGATL Website		 Learn about resources available to support troop leaders and families in delivering the Girl Scout Experience.  During this workshop, we’ll provide an overview of the Volunteer ToolKit, gsLearn, our council and national websites and other tools you can use when planning your Girl Scout activities this year. This training will include hands-on learning segments and the opportunity to begin planning out your year with confidence! Please bring a device such as a laptop or tablet (if you have one).
Find Your Voice: A Self-Expression Songwriting Experience
 
Join the Find Your Voice: A Self-Expression Songwriting Experience workshop to enhance your Troop Year experience by promoting positive self-expressions, sisterhood, and inclusivity through songwriting with your Girl Scouts!
 
“Find Your Voice: A Self-Expression Songwriting Experience: In this workshop you’ll discover how to transform emotions into original songs, connect your feelings and personal stories to different styles of music, and collaborate on writing a group song to see how it all comes together.”
Session 3: 11:30am - 12:20pm
GRITS: Getting Really into Troop Safety As a dedicated volunteer, you lead according to the Girl Scout motto of “Be prepared”.  Join this session to learn about safety and risk management guidelines. Dive deep into vital topics such as Contracts, Insurance, Liability, and Accident and Incident Reporting. Together, we'll navigate the essential elements to ensure that your troop activities are not only enjoyable and exciting, but safe and successful, too!
Troop Mental Health Girl Scouts face challenges each and every day that may affect their mental health.  As a Troop Leader, you are likely to encounter this at troop meetings, events, programs, etc.  In this session, you'll learn about the warning signs of mental health conditions and what steps to take if you or a loved one are showing symptoms of a mental health condition.
Entrepreneurship: Funding the Fun Join us for a fun and practical session all about making the most of Treats & Keeps and Cookie Season. We’ll explore how to turn these programs into powerful, girl-led learning experiences that build entrepreneurial skills, creativity, and teamwork. You’ll also gain tips on marketing your troop’s efforts and engaging families in the process. Walk away with tools and fresh ideas to support your troop’s goals while keeping the fun front and center! 
Tools You Can Use (2 part workshop):
VTK, Year Plan, GS Learn, Registering for Programs, MyGS, GSGATL Website		 Learn about resources available to support troop leaders and families in delivering the Girl Scout Experience.  During this workshop, we’ll provide an overview of the Volunteer ToolKit, gsLearn, our council and national websites and other tools you can use when planning your Girl Scout activities this year. This training will include hands-on learning segments and the opportunity to begin planning out your year with confidence! Please bring a device such as a laptop or tablet (if you have one).
Equip Your Troop to Tackle Hunger: Community Food Experience for Leaders
 
Are you ready to inspire your Girl Scouts to take meaningful action against hunger? Join us for an in-person Community Food Experience presented by the Atlanta Community Food Bank. This interactive simulation offers a hands-on look at the challenges of food insecurity. Gain insights, tools, and strategies to bring this impactful experience back to your troop and help them become changemakers in their communities.

 

Schedule:

  • 8:00am - 9:00am: Check-In
  • 9:00am - 9:20am: Welcome
  • 9:30am - 12:20pm: Workshop Sessions    
  • 12:30pm - 1:00pm: Troop Best Practices Networking
  • ​1:00pm - 2:00pm: Lunch Open in Agnes Scott Dining Hall
  • 1:00pm - 4:00pm: Free Admission to GS Con!

Cost: 

$20.00/Adult - With Lunch

Note: While we were able to extend registration through Monday morning on 9/15, we had to close the lunch tickets, since we've already submitted these numbers to Agnes Scott.  You are still able to purchase lunch at Agnes Scott for $12.50 the day of the program.

$10.00/Adult - Without Lunch

Both tickets include admission to GS Con ($5.00 value)

Lunch Note: Lunch will be offered in the Agnes Scott Dining Hall.  There are several lunch stations for attendees to choose from and they'll have accommodations for dietary restrictions.

Cost
$20.00 per Adult Ticket + Lunch
$10.00 per Adult Ticket - No Lunch