Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Trip and Camp Readiness

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

Trip and Camp Readiness

WelcomeWelcome to Trip and Camp Readiness. This module will prepare

you for simple overnight trips and camping events.

The module will take about 90 minutes to complete. If you don’t have time to finish it in one sitting, that’s okay. Just make note of the last page you accessed (page numbers are on the bottom right of each slide) and continue from there.

To move to the next slide, click the mouse, press “enter” or the space bar on your keyboard, or right click on the mouse and press “next” when the menu appears;

To move to the previous slide, press backspace or right click on the mouse and press “previous” when the menu appears.

2

Welcome (cont’d)During this home study course, you will need access to the following documents:

•Safety Activity Checkpoints: Group Camping (pp 109-112) and Outdoor Cooking (pp 119-123). http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/all_safety_activity_checkpoints_2011.pdf

•Volunteer Essentials, Part 2: The Program (Traveling with Girls section). http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/The%20Girl%20Scout%20Leadership%20Experience%20sept%201%202013.pdf

•Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety. http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/Safety%20Guidelines%20sept%201%202013.pdf

Please be patient when downloading files; it may take a few minutes. 3

http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/all_safety_activity_checkpoints_2011.pdf

http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/all_safety_activity_checkpoints_2011.pdf

http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/The%20Girl%20Scout%20Leadership%20Experience%20sept%201%202013.pdf

http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/The%20Girl%20Scout%20Leadership%20Experience%20sept%201%202013.pdf

Welcome

You will be asked to complete a learning log as you move through this module. Please refer back to your “course confirmation email” for the link to access your Learning Log. Either save it on your computer or print it and complete it by hand.

Learning log questions will be identified with this graphic:

4

WelcomeComplete the learning log and forward it to:

GSSEMAttn: Adult Learning

3011 West Grand Blvd500 Fisher Bldg

Detroit, MI 48202

or you can fax to 313-870-2600or email to [email protected]

To receive credit for this course, you must submit your completed Learning Log.

5

Course ObjectivesBy the end of this course, participants will be able to:

•Determine the readiness of individual girls and the group.

•Use the components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to plan and execute a one day trip, overnight experience or extended experience.

•Direct the girls in the planning of an overnight experience following the guidelines in Safety Activity Checkpoints and Volunteer

Essentials, Part III: Safety.

•Explain the development and use of kaper charts.

•Teach girls safe kitchen skills including healthy meal planning, food handling, the use of knives and other kitchen tools and sanitary clean-up.

•Instruct the girls on going “green”.

•Describe how to handle unique situations such as encountering animals and poisonous plants, a separated girl, or homesickness.

6

Introduction

Trips are important in Girl Scouting. They give the girls an opportunity to take the skills they’re learning into the real world.

In other words, trips and camping are the Girl Scout experience moved to a new environment, out of the home, school or other meeting place.

Within the GSSEM jurisdiction, there is a wide variety of local trips worth checking out. Our Council and Communities also provide program opportunities for all grade levels. You can find information on these activities on the Calendar of Events on our website (www.gssem.org).

7

IntroductionTroops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level.

For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience!

See Volunteer Essentials, Part 2: The Program (Traveling with Girls section) for information & guidelines for taking trips with girls.

8

Introduction

While camping isn’t a required activity in Girl Scouting, it’s a great opportunity for girls to gain confidence, develop character, learn new skills, and explore new ways to make the world a better place.

The various types of camping experiences available for girls can be found at: http://www.gssem.org/content/camp

How else might a trip be of value to girls? (Record the answer on your learning log.)

9

Title Goes Here

10

Your Responsibilities after Completing this Course

Prepare girls to successfully and safely experience a trip or camping event

Ensure troop/groups are emotionally ready to travel or go camping

Ensure event is the right length, and is appropriate for the grade level of the girls, to be of benefit

11

Your Responsibilities after Completing this Course

Ensure troop/group has had to time to work on planning and that plans comply with Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints

Ensure that some of the activities selected by the girls enable them to develop values associated with their impact on the environment

Ensure that trips and camping events are inclusive – that all girls have the same opportunity to participate in all the activities

12

The focus of the program (creating girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place) is fueled by 15 short-term and intermediate outcomes. It is ignited by three keys – Discover, Connect and Take Action – and it runs on three processes – Girl-led, Cooperative Learning and Learn by Doing.

The Girl Scout Leadership

Experience is the driving force

- THE ENGINE – for everything we

do.

Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE)

It’s What We Do!

13

It’s simple. Everything we do with the girls starts with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Every activity should:

•involve at least one of the three keys (discover, connect, take action) - and

•incorporate the processes (girl-led, learning by doing, cooperative learning).

On the following pages, you will explore how camping experiences can incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Introduction (cont’d)Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level.


814

Girl Scout Leadership Experienceon Trips (1)

GIRLS DISCOVERWhat is something a girl could Discover for herself while

participating in an overnight trip?

Plan and Measure DiscoverFill in at least 3 rows on the Discover Outcomes chart.

Five Discover Outcomes Camp –related Activity Process

Girls develop a strong sense of self

Girls develop positive values

Girls gain practical life skills

Girls seek challenges in the world

Girls develop critical thinking



814

Girl Scout Leadership Experienceon Trips (2)

GIRLS CONNECTHow can girls Connect during an

overnight trip?

Plan and Measure ConnectFill in at least 3 rows on the Connect Outcomes chart.



816

Girl Scout Leadership Experience on Trips (3)

GIRLS TAKE ACTION How can girls Take Action on an overnight trip?

Plan and Measure Take ActionFill in at least 3 rows on the Take Action Outcomes chart.



817

Don’t forget the processes!

Girl-led

Cooperative learning

Learning by doing



818

The girls benefit from doing the

work themselves.

So, let them (girl-led) work together (cooperative learning)

to learn (learn by doing) about how to take care of themselves in the

out-of-doors. They may make some mistakes along the way --- but the lessons will be

valuable and provide the best benefit to the girls!

19

An important point to remember…

Anything you can do in a troop/group meeting can, with advanced planning, be done on a trip or at camp in a one-day, an overnight,

or an extended trip

experience.

20

Trip ReadinessProgression –

List one item from the checklist above that really stands out to you.

Travel Progression ChecklistIf your group is thinking about travel, consider first whether the girls are mature enough to handle the trip. Determine a group’s readiness for travel by assessing the girls’:

Ability to be away from their parents and their homesAbility to adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and situationsAbility to make decisions well and easilyPrevious cross-cultural experiencesAbility to get along with each other and handle challengesAbility to work well as a teamSkills, interests, and language skills (where applicable)

21

Progression

It begins with the first experience away from the troop meeting place and progresses to more advanced camping and trips.

The responsible adult must take the training appropriate for the planned experience.

Allow enough time to teach new skills to the girls prior to the activity.

Outdoor education emphasizes teaching the girls the skills they need to have a positive outdoor experience.

Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

Transitioning from Adult-Led to Girl-Led

Adult-Led

Adult-Planned

Adult

Responsibilities

Girl-Led

Girl-P

lanned

Girl

Responsib

ilities

22

Look Out

Wonder what the world is like at our doorstep

Meet Out

Look outdoors See trees, birds, buildings

Listen outdoors Hear nature sounds and city sounds

Feel outdoors Enjoy games and songs outdoors

Learn ways to protect the environment

Move Out

Plan a walk around the block

Touch a tall tree

Locate a food chain

Watch the sky

Examine a micro-habitat

Trace neighborhood smells

Look for tracks, trails, traces of other living things

Find pollution problems

Explore Out

Walk/hike with a purpose Rock hike Gadget hike Metric hike Penny hike Color hike Shape hike Compass hike

Day pack

Visit nature centers

Plant a tree

Plant a garden

(Progression) It starts slowly…

23

(Progression)…and then it soars!

Sleep Out

Prepare for overnight

List and prepare equipment Bedroll Sit-upon Toiletries

Plan menus (NO cooking)

Learn knot tying

Spend night away from home

Learn about Leave No Trace

Cook Out

Prepare menus

Prepare shopping lists

Learn/try cooking No-cook meal Nosebag lunch One-pot meal Skillet Stick cooking Foil cooking Charcoal Box oven Propane stove

Learn knife safety

Learn fire building

Learn safety and first aid rules

Camp Out

Prepare packing lists• For troops• For individuals

Plan activities at camp

Budget for troop activities and meals

Know safety and first aid rules

Prepare shopping lists

Shop for menu items

Establish campsite• Sleeping areas• Latrines• Kitchen areas

Pitch and strike a tend

Use sound environmental policies

Pack Out

Plan meals, menus, shopping lists

Purchase and provide storage of food

Plan routes, transportation, travel arrangements

Use maps, charts, timetables, compasses

Budget trip costs

Keep financial records

Select and transport minimum personal and group equipment

Progression at GSSEM Camps

Council Sponsored Weekend CampActivities are planned and delivered by GSSEM camp staff. Meals provided in dining halls.

Community Sponsored Weekend CampActivities are planned by a Community (older girls & adults). At Camp Hawthorn Hollow & Innisfree, meals are provided in dining halls. At Playfair community volunteers & girls cook their meals.

Facility Rental

Camp activities are planned and delivered by the troop/group. The troop/group cooks all their own meals.

Council Sponsored Summer CampThis is an outdoor experience for an individual girl. A girl chooses activities planned and delivered by GSSEM camp staff and eats meals in the dining hall.

24



825

Trip & Camp Readiness

Ask yourself and the girls:• Are the girls ready for trip camping?

• Are you ready?

• Have you given yourself enough time to prepare/plan?

• Do you have a checklist?

• What is your mode of transportation? Have you practiced yet?

• Are you including your parents/guardians in the planning?

What advance preparation needs to be done to prepare the girls for the activity planned? How longwill that take?



826

Planning involves the entire troop/group.

Girls make the decisions – where to go, what to do, what to eat, who will accompany them, when they will go, what type of experience it will be, what they will get out of it.

Planning the Experience: Girl-led

27

Speaking of Girl-Led,How about a Kaper Chart?

Girls work cooperatively to complete tasks.

Adults supervise and answer questions.

Rotate tasks throughout the trip through use of a Kaper chart.

Modify it as necessary for the group’s size and activities. (See sample types of Kapers on the next slide.)

KAPER CHART

Food and table prep

Sat. Breakfast Sat. Lunch

Busy Bees Crazy Caterpillars

CookArtful Ants Busy Bees

Clean up Crazy Caterpillars

Artful Ants

28

Sample Kapers for the Camp, Trip or Travel Setting

• Hostesses– Clear, wash, and set table for meals– Place dunk bags randomly at the table– Add napkins, beverages, salt and pepper, and other

condiments to the table

• Cooks– Review menu and recipes– Gather/prepare food and set it up for easy access and cooking– Cook food according to recipe (girls should share responsibilities

equally)

• Dishwashers– Prepare dish line– Call groups to dish line– Wash dishes and hand them to owner



829

Planning the Experience -Keeping It Safe

Review Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety for the trip as well as the activities planned. You are responsible for keeping the girls safe.

Certain trips/activities may require personnel with documented certifications to be present. When planning trips/activities you must review and follow the guidelines as stated in the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Make sure he/she is up to-date on all trainings prior to departure date and is emotionally ready to handle the types of emergencies that could occur at the planned event.

List one item from Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety or the Safety Activity

Checkpoints that was new information to you.

First Aid KitEach group should carry a first aid kit adapted to the kinds of activities that will take place during the trip. The contents of the kit will vary according to its intended use and the size of the group.

Adhesive tape & bandages Oral thermometerAlcohol wipes Personal care products (sanitary napkins/tampons)Band-Aids, assorted Plastic bagsBottle of distilled water Single-use pocket face mask or face shield Drinking cups Gauze pads & Roller gauze bandagesFirst aid book Safety pinsFlashlight ScissorsInstant chemical ice pack Anti-bacterial soapDisposable gloves SplintsList of emergency phone numbers Triangular bandagesNeedle Tweezers

How many girls and adults are going? Do you have enough supplies?

Share safety knowledge freely with the girls. Even the youngest Girl Scout can be taught basic first aid.

What items should be in your first aid kit?How will you involve the girls?

What first aid skills are important for your girls to learn?30



831

Involve the girls in the use of Safety Activity Checkpoints

Involve the girls in the use of Safety Activity Checkpoints. (Print only the pages needed for the particular activities planned.)

When working with Daisies and Brownies, read the information to the girls.

Juniors will look at it with you. For example, they might say, “Can we go….” and your response is, “Let’s check the Safety Activity Checkpoints.”

Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors should be able to review the Safety Activity Checkpoints with their advisors.



832

Safety Planning with Girls

Make sure they know the obvious – don’t assume:

Who is the first aider for this trip?

Is one required for the trip?

What does the first aider do for us?

What to look for in an emergency

How to summon help in an emergency

How to treat basic injuries until help is available

Where the first aid kit is kept, during transit and at destination.



833

Medications & Safety

• Refer to Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety

• ALL medications should be in original containers and prescribed doses should be given by a responsible adult (usually the first aider) based on written permission of a parent or guardian

• Inhalers and other self-administered medications can remain with the girls with the leader’s advance knowledge

• This applies to ingested or topical medications – do not give prescription or over-the-counter remedies to girls without parent permission.



834

General Safety Rules – ALL Trips!

The buddy system (girls always have “a buddy” to pair up with) should be in effect at ALL times.

Even better (in case of emergency), travel in groups of three or four.

All the girls should know your count-off system and, if appropriate, remember their numbers.

Remind them to watch out for each other and alert an adult if there is a concern!



835

Additional Notes for You and Your First Aider

Be aware of girl health issuesSpecial needs (physical, dietary, emotional)Allergies

• Triggers• Reactions• Treatment

Be aware of the energy level of the girlsand balance the activities:

Too much stimulation leads to fatigue - leads to injuryToo little stimulation leads to boredom - leads to injury



836

Travel by Automobile

Most likely, your trip will involve travel by automobile.

Review Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety and the ICE Toolkit

Pay close attention to guidelines and policies related to transporting girls and Girl Scout Activity Insurance.

What can you, as a leader, do to help create a safe travel space for the girls?



837

Safety Basics

For example:

How to wash their hands

ORStop, drop and roll (fire)

Check out Grade Level materials for opportunities to teach safety in troop

meetings & on trips!



838

More Safety Basics

If Lost - Hug a tree

Stay by a tree – don’t wander looking for group

(The troop/group will be looking for the girl!)

Yell – use a whistle – make loud noises

(Animals are more afraid of us than we are of them.)

If you give each girl a garbage bag at the beginning of the hike it can be used protect the girl from the elements .

39

Safety in the City or Country!

Hiking/Walking

Dress for the weather and environment

Use etiquette and cross-walks

Know the requirements from the Safety Activity Checkpoints

Walk slowly and carefully through high grass and wooded trails

Avoid beehives above and in the ground

40

Safety in the City or Country!

Stray animalsAvoid if possible

If unavoidable, stay perfectly still

Make no sudden movements

“Oh, look at that cute kitty!”

41

Plants, animals and insects

• Poisonous plants and insects– Poison ivy

• Learn to recognize it• “Leaves of three, let it be”

• Become familiar with the native species– Visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ and click on the

wildlife and habitat selection on the left side of the screen to see pictures of species found in Michigan

42

A Word about TicksTicks are known to transmit infection from animals to

people and person to person, such as Lyme Disease. They burrow under the skin and are often difficult to see unless you’re looking for the tell-tale signs.

Instruct the girls on how to check for ticks and have them inspect themselves when they return from a hike in the woods.

As protection against ticks,1. Stay on paths when hiking2. Wear long sleeves that are close

to the wrist3. Tuck pant/jean legs into socks

43

Planning the Experience – SafetyEmergency Preparedness during Fires,

Storms and Tornadoes

Ensure girls are aware of “stop, drop and roll.” Hold fire drills during meetings and on arrival at site.

Pack a battery-powered radio that’s tuned to a local station that broadcasts weather and extra batteries.

Pack a battery-powered flashlight, extra batteries and an extra bulb.

Locate emergency exits and sheltered areas for safety from fire, storm and tornadoes.

If you’re inside when a storm or tornado occur, stay away from windows. If outside, stay away from trees and metal objects.

Don’t try to out-run a tornado. Move out of its path and seek low ground (a ditch).

Cooking: Start with the Basics

Good nutrition and drinking plenty of fluids are essential to any outdoor activity. When anyone is working hard and becomes very tired, it is easy to forget to replenish fluid or eat properly. A well-nourished person is more likely to healthy, energetic, aware, and strong. A day hike, overnight, or extended trip will be enhanced if food selection and preparation are done thoughtfully and carefully. Sufficient food for each person is critical. Everyone going on the trip should take an active role in planning the menu.

Considerations include:•The level of physical activity planned and the sizes of appetites•The kind of weather expected.•Sources of food – products purchased at a grocery store or freeze-dried products•Food preferences – likes and dislikes.•Method and space for transporting food.•Amount of space available for refrigeration•Nutritionally balanced menus•Amount of money to be spend on food•Facility for food preparation

44

Cooking (Indoors or Outdoors)

Refer to the Outdoor Cooking Safety Activity Checkpoints for safe food preparation, storage and clean-up.

Name 1-2 new things you learned while reviewing this Safety Activity Checkpoint.

Plan with the girls, not for the girls. They’re more likely to eat what they select and they’ll probably eat more than they think they will.

This is an opportunity for them to learn about nutrition and good eating habits.

Take them shopping. They enjoy it and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn about nutrition, finances and decision-making.

45

46

A Word about Food Allergies

A food allergy can develop at any time. The first exposure to a food (and it’s not always obvious when that occurs) causes the body to develop antibodies. Then the second or subsequent exposure triggers an attack.

It’s very important that, if anyone with the troop has food allergies, the first aider and leaders are aware of what the allergy is and what the response is so the appropriate

action can be taken immediately.



847

Cooking: Plan Ahead

REMEMBER: KIS (Keep It Simple)

First stage of progression in cooking:

No-cook cookingSandwichesTrail mixAnts on a log (celery, cream cheese or peanut butter, raisins)

One pot cookingGirl Scout soup/stew (each girl contributes a can of similar

based soup or a stew item)TacosSpaghetti sauce



848

Teaching Girls about Knife Safety

Reminder: a dull cutting edge causes more harm than a sharp one because you put more force behind it. Don’t try to protect the girls by making sure you give them dull knives.

Demonstrate good knife usage yourself at all times. You will set a good example and your actions will become automatic.

Progress the girls; they’re never too young to learn! The first knife they use doesn’t have to be a machete; a vegetable peeler will do.

Teach knife use in a safety circle (Each girl should have enough space around her to extend the knife in any direction and not come in contact with another girl)



849

Teaching Girls about Knife Safety

Keep your thumb off back of knife to avoid injury; hold the handle

Always cut or peel away from the body

Use cutting boards. The thumb has better uses than stopping a knife when you’re slicing a cucumber.

When passing a knife, the recipient should grasp the handle and say “thank you” so the passer can release it

Note: More about knife safety will be covered in the Outdoor 1 course.

How will you help your girls “progress” in the safe use of knives for food preparation/cooking?

50

Cooking OnceYou’re There

Reminder – Allow plenty of time for meal preparation. It may take one person five minutes to make a sandwich. When you have five or more girls making sandwiches, the time expands exponentially.

It’s smarter to allow too much time for meal preparation and have a back-up activity than to allow too little time and deal with hunger.

You may save time by having the girls do a bit of preparation before the outing (veggie sticks, pre-cook ground hamburger, etc). Remember to store food safely. Refrigerate frozen, cooked or fresh meats.

Girls should always eat freshly prepared meals that they made themselves.



851

Food for Thought

Reflect on the previous information about menu planning, cooking and knife safety ….

What are 3 things to take into consideration when planning a

menu with girls?

What are 2 tips for ensuring that meal preparation is a safe, positive experience for girls?

52

Deciding What to Do Once You’re There

Because the activity is girl-led, the girls choose the activities for the trip or camping event as part of the planning process.

Potential resources available for them to use include, but aren’t limited to:– Safety Activity Checkpoints– Journey Books– Grade-level awards (Badges and/or Journey Awards, Daisy Petals,

etc)– Camp programs (staff-led)– Service projects– Nature identification and scavenger hunts (look, don’t pick)– Crafts – Story-telling/puppetry– Organizations like National Wildlife Federation or Leave No

Trace or Michigan Department of Natural Resources– Websites and books– Scout’s Own (Reflection ceremony)

53

Going Green

Be aware of your host’s policies and adhere to them.

Reduce - reuse – recycle: Model this and encourage your girls to bring their own cup wherever possible!

If Mother Nature put it there, it’s there for a reason.

Take only pictures, leave only footprints

Use environmentally and septic-friendly cleaning supplies and paper products.



854

Common SenseIf you opened it, close it.If you turned it on, turn it off.Don’t open oven doors or lift saucepan lids unless necessary.If the facility doesn’t recycle, bring recyclables home.Buy in bulk.Don’t run water while brushing your teeth. Use reusable containers (including personal dishes and dish-bags).

55

What’s a Dish-bag, You Ask?

A dish bag is an individual net bag for each girl (And it’s a Girl Scout tradition to use them!) . Options include:

– Orange or onion bag– Laundry bag – Two medium-woven dishcloths sewn or woven together on three

sides with a drawstring across the top

Each girl brings her own unbreakable dishes (plate, bowl, hot/cold beverage container) and silverware (spoon, fork, butter knife). Make sure the utensils don’t slip between the mesh or out of the seems.

When cleaning up after a meal, use 3 sinks for dishwashing. The first contains hot, soapy water; the second contains clean water for rinsing; and the third contains water with a capful of bleach to sanitize.

After dunking in the bleach water in the third sink (one capful of bleach per gallon of water), the dish-bags can be placed in large bowls and carried to the drying area to avoid creating puddles on the floor.

56

What to Pack and Dressing for the Weather

Along with the girls, you may find yourself teaching parents about

dressing for the weather. Make them aware that weather and activities are the deciding factor in what gets packed. Also, the girls need protection from the elements, insects and sunburn.

Girls can prepare their packing lists by using the Group Camping Safety Activity Checkpoints.

The girls can even learn to pack and carry their own clothing! Practice at troop/group meetings. Girls have fun while learning if you help make it a game!

Once a packing list has been determined, make sure to share it with girls and their parents/guardians.

57

Dressing for the Weather

Faced with varying weather conditions in the outdoors, girls must be able to select and care for outdoor clothing and be prepared for sudden changes in temperature. Dressing appropriately can ensure well-being in cold or hot weather.

It is important to be familiar with layering, the basic principle of dressing for the outdoors. Layering involves wearing layers of garments rather than one or two heavy ones. Each layer must provide warmth and ventilation without hindering

mobility. Layering helps the body regulate temperature in warm or cold weather and can help prevent hypothermia or heat exhaustion.



858

Dress for the Weather Activities

Foot Warmth: To demonstrate the importance of warm footwear, obtain several large jars of equal size and shape and fill each with very hot tap water. Insert each jar into a different kind of sock (nylon stocking, cotton sock, wool sock, etc). Set the jars outdoors with a thermometer in each. Record water temperature in the jars every five minutes. Which

jar cools more quickly? What kind of sock would keep feet warmer?

Outdoor Fashions: Girls can have fun learning about

appropriate clothing by dressing up in items they

choose from a pile of clothes for particular

circumstances. Make a skit, fashion show,

relay race out of it after girls learn the basics.

59

What to Bring – Personal

Clothing based on weather and planned activities Comfortable shoes (enclosed – no sandals) or boots plus extra Pajamas -- Slippers – Extra day’s clothes and underwear Rain gear -- poncho and boots Medication (Labeled, and turned in to adult in charge) Toothbrush/toothpaste – Hairbrush/comb – Soap – Washcloth –

Towel – Other toiletries Dirty laundry bag Insect Repellant and/or Sunscreen (non-aerosol) Blanket or pad to sleep on (if needed) - Sleeping bag (if

needed) - Extra sheets/blanket - Pillow Flashlight with Fresh/Extra batteries - Sit upon Dishes and dishbag Optional - Handbook or Journey Book – Cards - Quiet games -

Stuffed animal -Inexpensive camera

What to Bring – Troop/Group

Whether your troop/group is camping overnight or staying in a hotel, you will find ideas on what to pack in:

Group Camping Safety Activity Checkpoints (Camping Gear)Outdoor Cooking Safety Activity Checkpoints (Outdoor Cooking Gear)

Make sure to pack for the type of trip you are taking!

A troop/group equipment list will have some basic categories:Shelter Cooking Supplies Washing Supplies

Group Tools/Supplies

What are some things that should go on your group/troop equipment list?

How can you involve girls in creating this list?

60

61

What to Bring – Troop/Group Ideas

Troop roster Kaper chart/activity schedule Menu and recipes

First aid kit – First aid book - Handbooks - Song books Safety Activity Checkpoints (sections specific to

activities) Alarm clock – Battery-Powered Radio – Extra batteries

Sponges and towels – Dish soap – Bleach - Toilet paper Craft Supplies Plan “B” Activities to fill programming gaps Napkins - Plastic garbage bags – Can opener – Disinfectant -

Pots, pans and utensils – Measuring cups and spoons – Bowls and serving dishes – Colander – Matches – Coffee pot/tea kettle – Cutting Board – Paring knives/vegetable peelers – Pot holders



862

The Most Contagious Dis-ease

It starts slowly, probably when it’s dark and quiet. First, there’s a sniff, then a sniffle, and maybe even a sob when a girl realizes she’s in a strange place.

BEWARE: Left unchecked, this dis-ease will grow and spread. You must deal with it immediately.



863

Dealing with HomesicknessSince it spreads so easily, pull the girl aside and

determine if there are fears that need to be dealt with.

Talk about the fun that’s been had and the fun ahead (especially since she helped plan the event). The objective is to help her relax and go back to sleep.

The next to last resort is to call family and have one of the talk with girl (this frequently makes things worse; that’s why it’s next to last).

As a last resort, allow the girl to go home. But, don’t ever, ever make her feel bad about the episode!

64

Check List for Planning Overnight Trips and Activities

Review (with the girls) and follow guidelines in Volunteer Essentials, focusing on Part 2: The Program (Traveling with Girls section) and Part 3: Safety.

Review (with the girls) and follow guidelines in the Safety Activity Checkpoints

Make sure the trip/activity is appropriate for the grade level, previous experience and progression

Recruit or make sure certified personnel are present (if needed) for activity/trip – make sure they have current certifications

Develop (with the girls) and follow a budget

Develop (with the girls) an itinerary to include specific dates, locations, and times of trip/activity

Obtain permission slips and health forms



865

And now the adventure begins!…

Stretch your own wings to help your girls learn how to fly!

Have fun!

The opportunities are tremendous and the payback to you and the girls will last a lifetime.

Think about it ……

What are some first steps in preparing for our trip?

How can I prepare myself and the girls for our trip?

Documents

Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Trip and Camp Readiness