Grow Our Impact
Volunteer Kick-Off
Join us in Thibodaux for Girl Scouts Louisiana East’s annual Volunteer Kick-Off (VKO) Saturday, August 28, 2027, at the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center! This full-day event is your opportunity to connect, learn, and grow with fellow Girl Scout volunteers and older girls from across our region.
Whether you're a brand-new troop leader or a seasoned volunteer, VKO offers something for everyone—from essential trainings to enrichment sessions designed to strengthen your troop, service unit, and leadership skills.
Event Highlights:
Workshops & Training covering topics like branding, traditions, mental wellness, troop finance, cookie program, and more
Required GSUSA Onboarding Courses for new leaders
Girl Scout University: a leadership track for Seniors and Ambassadors (limited seating)
Recognition of Excellence Luncheon to honor our outstanding volunteers
Friday Night Swaps with a Twist
Discounted Hotel Rates available at Hampton Inn & Suites Thibodaux
Free Swag Bag with registration, available white supplies last (receive at the event)
Let’s kick off Membership Year 2027 together: energized, connected, and ready to lead the way for Girl Scouts across Louisiana East!
2026 VKO Course Offerings and Descriptions
What's New in Membership Year 2027 
What’s New in Membership Year 27 
OPENING SESSION
Get ready for an exciting new year! This class will walk you through what’s new for the 2027 Girl Scout membership year. We’ll cover updated programs, new tools or resources for volunteers, updates on Annual Family Giving and any important policy updates. Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or just getting started, this session will help you stay informed and ready to support your girls with confidence.
Using Traditions and Ceremonies to Build Bonds
Using Traditions and Ceremonies to Build Bonds 
Girl Scout traditions are the heart of who we are! In this seminar, we’ll explore history, ceremonies, songs, and symbols that create a sense of belonging and pride in every troop. Learn how to incorporate these meaningful traditions into your meetings and events to deepen connections and inspire the next generation of Girl Scouts.
Caring for Yourself While Leading Others
Caring for Yourself While Leading Others
This class focuses on the importance of mental wellness—for both you and the girls you lead. Learn practical strategies to manage stress, set healthy boundaries, and create a positive, supportive environment. We’ll also discuss how to recognize when a girl may need extra support and how to connect with resources. Taking care of your own well-being helps you be the best leader you can be!
Troop Basics
Troop Basics
This seminar covers everything you need to confidently guide your troop! We’ll walk through essential topics like clear communication with families, planning your first year, official Girl Scout branding, navigating sensitive topics that come up, and how to support girls as they transition to the next level. Leave with tools, tips, and a plan to make your troop year smooth and successful!
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Family Engagement- The Key to Success
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Family Engagement - The Key to Success 
*Required Training: Engaging families in their Girl Scout's experience benefits troop leaders, Girl Scouts and families too. This course illuminates the value of family engagement and provides practical strategies for how to enlist family support. It also equips you with an agenda to plan a parent/caregiver meeting to set the tone for family engagement for the year.
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Funding the Fun-Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: Funding the Fun - Managing Girl Scout Troop Finances
*Required Training: In this course, you will learn the basics of managing your troop’s funds. We will highlight how troops fund meetings and activities. We will also review how troops manage and report their finances to their councils.
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Benefits of the Product Program
GSUSA New Leader Onboarding: The Benefits of the Product Program
*Required Training: In this course, you will learn the basics of the Girl Scout Cookie program. We will review how and why Girl Scouts sell cookies, who the bakers are that make the cookies, and how to utilize your cookie proceeds with your troop. We’ll also review all the exciting program options you can explore with your troop as you build their entrepreneurial skills. Finally, we’ll go over cookie selling safety, and important ways to bring families and caregivers along in your troop’s cookie business adventure. – Meredith/Jessica
Growing Our Team, Grow Our Impact
Growing Our Team, Grow Our Impact 
Discover practical strategies to grow and strengthen your Service Unit! In this seminar, we’ll explore simple, effective ways to boost girl and volunteer membership, increase engagement, and build strong community partnerships. Whether you're new to the role or a seasoned volunteer, you'll leave with fresh ideas, useful tools, and the confidence to help your Service Unit thrive.
Older Girl Opportunities: Getting the Most Girl Opportunities
Older Girl Opportunities: Getting the most Girl Opportunities
There's so much more to explore in Girl Scouts beyond the younger years! This seminar highlights the exciting opportunities available to older girls, including travel adventures through Destinations, unique programs like Mariners and Trailblazers, earning the Highest Awards, planning trips to Savannah and beyond, and growing leadership through community impact. Learn how to keep older Girl Scouts engaged, inspired, and ready for what’s next! – Kevin/Tracy
Girl Scout University: Just for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts
Information Coming Soon!
Girl Scout University:
This workshop is just for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts!
Thank you to our host hotel, Hampton Inn & Suites Thibodaux, for offering discounted accommodations for Volunteer Kick-Off in 2026.
Hampton Inn & Suites Thibodaux, 826 North Canal Boulevard, Thibodaux, LA 70301
Recognition of Excellence Luncheon at VKO
This special luncheon celebrates our incredible volunteers with an award ceremony and lunch. Nominated honorees are recognized for their impact, and Volunteer Kick-Off attendees are invited to join.
Give back to those that do so much for our Girl Scouts
Explore the our Volunteer Kick-Off various sponsorship levels and select the level that suits you best. For more information about ways you can support this reviving event please contact our Fund Development Team at funddevelopment1@gsle.org.
Ready to sponsor? Contact our Fund Development Team for more details.
2026 Presenting Sponsor
Sponsor Today to be featured!
2026 Spirit of the Troop Sponsors
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2026 Champion Sponsors
2026 Badge Builder Sponsors
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2026 In Kind Sponsors
The following sponsors donated physical items in support of this event.
To learn about other opportunities or methods of giving, please contact Monique Crochet, Chief Development Officer at mcrochet@gsle.org.
Volunteer Kick-Off 2026 Photos
