Explore Out Guide
Table of Contents Explore Out Objectives.................................................................. 3 Why Outdoors?................................................................................ 4 Safety Activity Checkpoints......................................................... 6 Emergency Preparedness............................................................. 8 Forms and Paperwork...................................................................11 Progression in the Outdoors.......................................................12 Girl Readiness for Outdoor Camping........................................14 Dress and Pack............................................................................... 17 Suggested Personal Packing List..........................................21 Quick-Check Planning Sheet................................................ 22 Required Training for Outdoor Adventures............................ 24
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Explore Out Objectives Through Explore Out, Participants Will Learn...
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The value of outdoor adventures.
How to use Safety Activity Checkpoints and valuable safety guidelines for specific situations.
How to prepare for an emergency and address common first aid concerns.
The appropriate forms and paperwork related to outdoor activities.
The progression of outdoor activities.
The signs and indicators for girl readiness.
How to dress and pack for an outdoor experience.
Required training for outdoor adventures.
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Why Outdoors? The Value of Outdoor Adventures for Girl Scouts The value of an outdoor experience in a girl’s life is beyond measure. The outdoors provides the setting for girls to: • Stretch their minds and muscles • Appreciate the uniqueness and beauty of the world in which they live • Exercise leadership • Learn a wide variety of new skills • Be challenged as individuals and as groups working toward a common goal • Create memories that will last a lifetime The outdoors and camping offer adventure, challenge and FUN! They present a perfect setting in which to emphasize three keys to leadership:
Discover Girls develop a strong sense of self, gain practical and healthy life skills and strengthen their values.
Connect Girls form caring relationships, promote cooperation and team-building, and embrace diversity.
Take Action Girls feel empowered to make a difference, identify and solve problems they care about, and advocate for themselves and others. Camp and the outdoors are also good places for reflecting on the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
The Co-Leader’s “Secret Agenda” Camping and outdoor activities present a whole new learning opportunity for girls. Something as seemingly simple as playing a game or roasting marshmallows with friends can help shape a girl’s life. As adults in Girl Scouting, we want girls to learn more than just how to tie a knot or pitch a tent. We want our girls to grow with that knowledge, to gain confidence, to work with others, to see how her actions affect others and to make good decisions. That’s a lot to expect from simply learning to tie a square knot, isn’t it?
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As a Girl Scout co-leader or volunteer, your challenge is to take the activities the girls want to do and direct those activities to meet this “secret agenda” for girl growth. For instance, your girls want to go wading. While they are wading, why not do some fun aquatic activities to learn about protecting the environment? Or your girls want to stay up all night. Okay, grit your teeth, prepare for a sleepless night, and play team-building games or tackle a big service project or learn about the night sky and satellites.
Can you think of ways these activities help girls grow? • Build a fire • Go on a hike • Roast marshmallows • Sleep outside • Catch frogs • Pack clothing for the trip • Cook over a fire • Create “kaper charts” (chart of who does what) • Sing together
Let’s Review... 1. Camping has been an important part of the Girl Scout experience since the beginning of the organization. A. True B. False 2. Outdoor experiences can support the leadership keys of Discover, Connect, and Take Action. A. True B. False 3. Girl Scout camping teaches girls more than “outdoor skills.” They also learn self-confidence, teamwork and leadership skills. A. True B. False ANSWERS: 1. A; 2. A; 3. A GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 5
Safety Activity Checkpoints What Are They? Why Are They Important? When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin with the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints written for that particular activity, which can be found on GirlScoutsNebraska.org by searching “Safety Activity Checkpoints.” The checkpoints are formatted as checklists, so that you, your co-volunteers and the girls can go through and check off each step that has been followed. In addition to reading the checkpoints yourself, you can also email or print them for co-volunteers, parents/guardians and the girls. Not sure about your planned activity? It is necessary to check with your Troop Support Specialist at Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska before considering any activities that are not listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints. The following review questions will present critical information from Safety Activity Checkpoints on adult supervision, emergency preparedness, and security and risk management. To answer the questions below, you will need to refer to Safety Activity Checkpoints, found on our website.
Safety Activity Checkpoints Questions 1. When learning how to check Safety Activity Checkpoints, an overview of the general format used in all checkpoints can be found in “Girl Scout Activity Standards in Guidelines." A. True B. False Where did you find this information? 2. A reminder to use the buddy system is listed in “Girl Scout Activity Standards in Guidelines.” A. True B. False 3. When hiking, the hiking pace always accommodates the fastest hiker. A. True B. False Where did you find this information?
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4. When preparing for a troop outing, you must ensure the presence of a first aid kit and a adult with current certificate in First Aid, including Adult and Child CPR or CPR/AED. A. True B. False Where did you find this information? 5. Who offers activity approval, certificates of insurance and guidelines for girl health examinations for trip/travel camping? A. Girl Scout council B. Troop co-leader C. Troop parents Where did you find this information? 6. It is mandatory that an adult sleep in the sleeping area (tent, cabin or designated area) with the girls during a trip/travel camping activity. A. True B. False Where did you find this information? 7. You are taking a group of 13 Girl Scout Brownies camping. To meet adult-to-girl ratios, you will need: A. Three adults B. Two adults C. One adult D. Four adults Where did you find this information? BONUS QUESTION: Are adult-to-girl ratios the same for group meetings vs. events, travel and camping? A. True B. False (Answer may also be found by checking the Safety Wise chapter of the Volunteer Guide). 8. Girl Scout Daisies may participate in overnight camping. A. True B. False Where did you find this information? 9. When swimming, you must ensure the presence of watchers, who work under the direction of the designated lifeguard. A. True B. False Where did you find this information?
ANSWERS: 1. A; 2. A, found on page 7; 3. B, found on pages 32 and 74; 4. "A, found on pages 12 - 13; 5. A, found on page 5; 6. B, found on page 8; 7. A, found on pages 4-5, Bonus Question. B, found on page 4, 8. A, found on page 38; 9. A, found on page 143 GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 7
Emergency Preparedness Before Leaving Home 1. Refer to Safety Activity Checkpoints and review the safety chapter in our Volunteer Guide. 2. Plan what to do in case of illness or accident on the way to and while at the camp-out. Make sure all adults going know the plan. Include planning for an adult getting ill or injured. 3. Review the "What to Do If…" section of the Spirit of Nebraska Volunteer Guide for serious injury, fatality or other crisis during a Girl Scout activity. 4. Create travel packets for all drivers and the emergency contact person at home. This should include: • Names, addresses and emergency contact of everyone on the trip. • Girl Scout council emergency contact numbers.
6. Travel Information (for each vehicle): • Map of the site. • Map or directions of your travel route to and from the site (use Google Maps). • Directions from your site to the nearest hospital/ urgent care office (available through smart phones). 7. Vehicle identification of the vehicles staying with the group.
At the Site 1. Locate the equipment you might need in an emergency:
• Telephone number for site.
• Emergency Specifics for Site
• Telephone numbers for emergency care at your final location (sheriff/police, ambulance).
• Tornado Shelter
• Two troop emergency contact persons’ numbers (these people are available to call parents if you need them to).
• First Aid Kit
• The cell phone numbers of all adults going on the trip. • Secure a CIT to go with your on your trip, if possible. 5. Obtain medical/health information: • Health History/Activity Permission Forms. • Health forms for everyone on the trip, to be referred to only in an emergency. • Special information or training you need for dealing with girls’ and accompanying adults’ health issues (asthma, diabetes, seizures, medications or other).
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• Fire Extinguisher
• Phone 2. For additional safety information, refer to the Spirit of Nebraska Volunteer Guide "Safety" chapter.
Common First Aid Concerns in the Outdoors DEHYDRATION causes headaches, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating. Prevention: Drink water. Take frequent breaks to “offer a toast” for something. The girls will all take a drink and have fun at the same time. Treatment: Drink water. SUNBURN is indicated by hot, red skin with possibe small blisters. Prevention: Apply sunscreen according to directions on container. Make sure to reapply as often as possible. Wear a hat to shield the face and head. Long pants and long shirts along with socks and shoes will keep skin covered. Stay out of sun during hottest parts of the day. Treatment: Cool the area immediately with clean, cool water. Cover loosely. Any serious sunburn should receive medical treatment. HEAT EXHAUSTION OR HEAT CRAMPS cause complaints of headache, upset stomach, cramping, sweating and cool moist skin. Prevention: On hot days take frequent rest breaks in the shade. Treatment: Move to a cool place and sip cool water. HEAT STROKE shows a high body temperature and red, dry skin. Breathing may be shallow and rapid. Prevention: On hot days take frequent rest breaks in the shade. Treatment: This serious emergency requires immediate medical attention. HYPOTHERMIA is indicated by shivering, numbness, listlessness, decreasing pulse and breathing rate, and may become serious if not treated early. Prevention: Be aware that hypothermia may occur even when the temperature is in the 50s or 60s, especially if the person is wet or the day is windy. Change out of wet clothes and enjoy warm drinks. Treatment: Remove wet clothing and warm the body slowly. SCRATCHES AND ABRASIONS may become infected if not cleaned thoroughly. Prevention: Pay attention to surroundings; look for hazards. Dress appropriately and avoid running. Treatment: Wash thoroughly with soap and water. Cover with clean dressing. With parental permission you may use an antiseptic. BLISTERS are sore, fluid-filled pouches under the skin caused by continued rubbing by shoes, canoe paddles or other tools. If not treated they may break and become infected. Prevention: Wear dry socks and shoes that are broken in and comfortable. Work gloves may help prevent blisters on the hands.
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Treatment: Treat a blister as soon as you notice it beginning to hurt. You might put a “donut” of moleskin around the blister, coat it with Vaseline, cover it with an adhesive bandage or blister pad, or even apply duct tape! Because breaking the blister opens the skin to infection, it is better not to drain the fluid. SPRAINS/STRAINS are indicated by pain, swelling and bruising. Prevention: Wear appropriate footgear. Look carefully. Be aware of hazards in the area. Continuous motion or heavy lifting may cause strains. Treatment: Broken bones may appear to be sprains, so treat any sprain as you would a broken bone. You can remember the acronym RICE when treating a sprain or broken bone: Rest – stop using the injured part. Immobilize – splint or wrap with elastic bandage. Cool – cool injury to limit swelling. Elevate – unless it causes pain. MINOR BURNS are a special hazard when inexperienced girls work around a campfire or in the kitchen. Minor burns are indicated by hot, red skin, possibly with small blisters. Prevention: Have kitchen mitts or gloves available. Limit the number of people in the kitchen/fire area. Train the girls in safe behavior around fire and hot foods. Treatment: Cool the area immediately with clean, cool water. Cover loosely. Any serious burn should receive medical treatment.
Let’s Review... 1. You can wait to make emergency plans until you arrive at your destination. A. True B. False 2. An emergency plan during the travel to your destination is just as important as a plan for when you arrive at your destination. A. True B. False 3. It is not necessary to consider an emergency plan if taking a hike to the park with Daisies. A. True B. False 4. Important safety information can be found in the Spirit of Nebraska Volunteer Guide. A. True B. False 5. Most common First Aid concerns can be prevented, when considered before an outdoor adventure. A. True B. False ANSWERS: 1. B, 2. A, 3. B, 4. A, 5. A 10 ☙ Explore Out Guide
Forms and Paperwork Spirit of Nebraska Procedures Safety is a priority for Girl Scouts. Completing the proper forms and keeping accurate records ensure that you and your girls can have a safe and wonderful outdoor experience. The following forms are required, in the circumstances indicated, by Spirit of Nebraska and will prove to be very beneficial.
Health History/Activity Permission Form • Each parent/guardian needs to complete this card for their child. Co-leaders should have this card at all meetings and field trips in case of emergency.
Troop Trip Request Form/Insurance Options This is due at least one month prior to your Troop Support Specialist for: • Trips over 100 miles (one way) from the troop meeting place. • Overnight trips of two or more nights. • Day or overnight trips which involve outdoor activities. • Trips involving activities not listed in Safety Activity Checkpoints or activities with high risk.
Driver Safety Form • This is required for every volunteer who drives a vehicle in which girls ride. • Review the Transporting Girls section and the Checklist for Drivers of the Safety Wise chapter of the Volunteer Guide.
Accident/Incident Report • To be completed after any accident or incident occurring while on or at a troop event or activity. Submit to your Troop Support Specialist. Visit the “Forms” page on our website for the most recent versions of Spirit of Nebraska forms. If you have questions about forms or the procedure for using forms, please connect with your Troop Support Specialist.
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Progression in the Outdoors Whether you are planning a hike, cook out, camp out or more, you need to prepare your troop for the best experience. Progression in the outdoors is the Girl Scout way of helping you get your troop ready.
Look Out
Exploring Nature
Your troop is just getting started to observe the outdoors. They do an activity that gets them looking out the window at nature.
Meet Out Your troop steps out of your meeting place to observe the sights, sounds and smells of nature. They learn nature songs, games and learn about protecting and improving the world around them.
Move Out
Getting Ready to Hike and Cookout
The girls take a walk around the block to see what they can see. They do an activity to help them explore nature a short distance from their homes.
Explore Out The girls are ready to plan and take a hike. They learn what to wear and take, how to make a snack and how to stay safe outdoors.
Cook Out You’ve learned about fire building, stove use and cooking outdoors. The girls are ready to plan and cook a meal outdoors. They learn about fire safety, lighting a stove, building and putting out a fire, using knives, and prepping a meal.
Getting Ready for a Camp
Sleep Out The girls are getting ready to sleep out to practice camping. They learn about camping gear and what to pack and eat. They plan an overnight close to home.
Camp Out The girls are getting ready to camp out. They have done a sleep out. They learn about tents, knots and fun programming. They plan and go on a camp out.
Travel Out You will want more specialized and advanced courses for your girls to do more extensive outdoor travel such as back-packing, hiking, archery, etc.
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For additional progression and travel information, refer to the Spirit of Nebraska Volunteer Guide, Pathways, Travel.
Let’s Review... 1. Progression in Girl Scouting is important because... A. It lets girls master simple skills before moving on to more challenging ones. B. It prepares girls for camping experience by going through the steps so that girls can better overcome their fears. C. Girls are more likely to be successful when they've already developed needed skills. D. All of the above. 2. A nature walk near our troop’s meeting place would be a good beginning trip for Daisies. A. True B. False 3. Your girls are ready to plan and go on a hike after they have... A. Looked outside to discover the great outdoors. B. Met outside to experience the out-of-doors. C. Moved outside to take a walk around the block near home. D. All of the above. 4. Your girls have experienced a sleep out close to home and know basic camping skills of exploring and cooking. They are ready for... A. Travel Out B. Camp Out C. Cook Out 5. Preparing a new troop to go camping will take... A. Two or three meetings. B. Spending ample time completing the steps of progression. C. One month. ANSWERS: 1. D, 2. A, 3. D, 4. B, 5. B GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 13
Girl Readiness for Outdoor Camping Girl Scouts need to be prepared emotionally and physically, have necessary skills and knowledge, and want to go troop camping. Use these readiness indicators as a checklist to determine if each girl in your troop is ready to go camping overnight:
Emotional Readiness • Is not afraid to be away from home and parents overnight. • Wants to go. • Is willing to sleep, eat, play with all girls, not just with best friends. • Can cope with strange place, darkness, woods and night noises, spiders, bugs and worms. • Can manage with little or no privacy. • Doesn’t always have to have her own way. • Can function as a member of a group.
Physical Readiness (Accommodate Girls with Special Needs) • Does not tire quickly. • Is strong enough to carry own gear, bucket of water, pot of food, armload of wood. • Has strength and coordination needed for planned activities.
Necessary Skills and Knowledge • Can plan a simple trip. • Can use a hand operated can opener, grater, peeler and paring knife. • Can read and follow a recipe and a kaper chart. • Can wash dishes, clean up and store food properly. • Can build a fire and/or operate camp stove to be used. • Can dress properly for the weather. • Can sweep the floor and clean a toilet. • Knows how to operate a flashlight. • Demonstrates a concern for safety.
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• Can follow directions satisfactorily. • Has been on a series of day trips, cookouts and sleep outs. • Can pack and keep up with gear and roll and tie or stuff a sleeping bag.
Behavioral Expectations Knowing what is expected ahead of time will help the girls to behave in an appropriate way. As a troop, the girls, with adult guidance, should make their own behavior plan. These may include the following: • Stay with the group (don’t wander from camping area). • Use the buddy system. • If lost, stay where you are, and blow a whistle. • Avoid contact with strangers. • Report suspicious sounds, activities or people to an adult. • Follow safety rules. • Do kapers on time. • Respect other campers’ property. • Leave a place better than you found it. • Make no unkind remarks. • Be a friend to all.
Handling Girls’ Fears You have used a progression of experiences to enhance the troop’s readiness, prepared them with skills, and practiced those skills in your meeting. Some ways to deal with challenges for which the girls may not be ready: • Create a safe, non-threatening environment. • Recognize that girls come from different backgrounds. • Set behavioral expectations (safety rules, no unkind remarks, all help). • Let girls know what to expect (night noises, kapers, caring for own belongings, bathroom facilities). • Plan activities to help girls get over their fears and build excitement for camping (for example: stargazing, night hikes or a bug experience). • Take troop to visit camp area prior to the trip, if possible.
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Let’s Review... 1. A girl is not ready to camp if she... A. Has no concern for safety. B. Has never spent the night away from home. C. Has not learned the necessary skills. D. Any of the above. 2. Leaders really can’t do anything to prepare girls for camping. A. True B. False 3. Adults should make all the decisions about what is appropriate girl behavior. A. True B. False 4. Experiencing night noises, being away from parents overnight, and learning about bugs prior to a camping trip can help girls to overcome some of their fears. A. True B. False ANSWERS: 1. D, 2. B, 3. B, 4. A 16 ☙ Explore Out Guide
Dress and Pack Outdoor Attire Wear the Right Clothing • Check the weather forecast before you go. • Bring appropriate clothing for all planned activities. • Bring clothing for unexpected weather changes. Make sure all campers have a warm jacket or sweater and rain gear with them. • Whenever possible, use clothes the girls already have. Second-hand stores may have gently-used clothing appropriate for camping.
Think “Layers" • A base layer, warm layer and weatherproof layer are the basic clothing layers. • Remember your head and hands. Bring gloves and hats for cool or cold weather. • Dress in layers rather than in a single heavy coat. Each layer must provide warmth and ventilation without hindering mobility. • Put on or take off layers as your temperature changes. Sweat-soaked clothes lose insulation value. • Pay attention to what the girls are wearing. They often ignore the warning signs of getting chilled until they are thoroughly cold and will then have a hard time getting warm again.
Choose the Right Fabrics • Cotton can be worn in warm weather. However, it won't keep you warm if it gets wet. • Warm layers should be of wool, fleece or a synthetic such as polypropylene. Many girls have fleece jackets and pants for sports activities. • Nylon wind pants and jackets make a good outer layer.
Appropriate Clothing Shirts and Pants • Leave tank tops, halter tops, crop tops and short shorts at home. Exposed shoulders or midriffs can easily get sunburned or bitten by insects. • Long sleeves and long pants will help protect you from insects, poison ivy or brambles. • Shorts can be worn in warm weather, but beware of sunburn. • Clothing should be loose enough to allow easy movement.
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Shoes and Socks • To prevent cuts, scrapes, blisters and general discomfort, closed-toe shoes and socks must always be worn for outdoor activities. Check that socks do not have holes. • Tennis shoes are appropriate for most outdoor activities. Flip-flops, “Crocs" and sandals are not suitable for outdoor activities. • Shoes should be broken in before going on long hikes. • For an extended hike, wool or polypropylene socks are best. • Keep feet clean, warm and dry. Happy feet help to make happy campers! Rain Gear • Each person should always have a waterproof layer with her. On cool days or when wind will evaporate moisture from the skin, hypothermia is a real concern. • An emergency waterproof layer can be a garbage bag with holes cut for the head and arms. Hats • In cool weather, pack a warm knit hat. Sleeping in it will even help keep your feet warm! • During the summer, bring a hat with a brim. You'll appreciate the shade and the protection from sunburn. Sleepwear • Change all your clothing before going to bed. Put on clean dry socks and underwear. • Plan to sleep warmly. It makes a difference in energy and attitude. Try to go to bed before you become chilled. Odds and Ends • Gloves or mittens are good for cool mornings. • Sunglasses are recommended on sunny days. • A bandana is a very useful clothing item. Its uses range from handkerchief to pot holder to blindfold to belt. • Loose or floppy clothing is not to be worn around stoves or fires or around any moving parts (such as playground equipment or bikes). • Synthetic clothing is a danger around fires. Check Safety Activity Checkpoints for more information on clothing specifics.
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Personal and Group Equipment One of the big decisions for any trip is what to take. What are your clothing needs? Sleeping needs? Packing needs? Cooking/cleaning needs? Shelter needs? First aid needs? And what are the items you DON’T need? You’ll want to consider with the girls what equipment is available on site and what sources are available for borrowing/buying/ renting equipment and supplies. You’ll find suggestions to consider on all those topics below along with recommended packing lists.
Clothing • Select clothing based on the weather, location and planned activities. Put clothing in plastic bags to keep clean clothes dry and wet/dirty clothes separate.
Sleeping • To keep sleeping bags and bedrolls from unrolling as they’re being transported, tuck them into a stuff bag of some sort. A large plastic bag or old pillow case will work if the sleeping bag didn’t come with a stuff bag. If you’re sleeping on the floor, will you want a foam pad or air mattress for extra padding? • Remember the different economic situations of your girls. Perhaps challenging all the girls to make and sleep in old-fashioned bedrolls would be a good alternative for the girl without a sleeping bag. Girls can also use an aluminum pie pan instead of an expensive mess kit. Challenge your girls to come up with ways to "camp cheap."
Packing • Pack lightly! Girls are expected to carry their personal gear from the vehicles to their destination. Girls should pack and be responsible for their own gear so that they know what they brought and where it is packed. Rain gear, sit-upon, mess kit and flashlight should be on top of the pack for easy retrieval. • Pack in a soft bag and seal bottled liquids in plastic bags in case of leaks. Label belongings so that everything finds its way back to its proper home.
Cooking/Cleaning • Consult menus to create the list of items needed to prepare and serve the planned food. Remember the small kitchen tools needed for preparation. Bring storage bags/containers for leftover food. • Girl Scouts always want to leave a place looking better than we find it, indoors or out. Include those standard necessities for kitchen areas like dish detergent, towels, rubber spatulas, scouring pads and garbage bags. GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 19
• Standard necessities for bathroom areas are hand soap, toilet paper, trash bags and cleansers. • These standard cooking and cleaning supplies could be stored in a plastic tub, ready to go at a moment’s notice.
Shelter • Be sure you plan for the appropriate shelter. Are you staying in a shelter already set up and ready to go, or do you need to bring tents, ground cloths, ropes and tarps?
First Aid • Always carry your troop first aid kit with you. Safety Activity Checkpoints has a thorough list of items to include.
What DON'T You Need? With the girls, decide on the appropriateness of these items: Electronic games, iPods, MP3 players (all “PIDs”- personal isolation devices) Cameras Cell phones, tablets Hair dryers Valuables, jewelry Items that would be ruined if wet
Do Not Bring... • Items in glass containers • Perfumes (attracts insects) • Chewing gum, candy or other “personal foods” (attracts animals)
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Suggested Personal Packing List All items, except sleeping bag and pillow should be packed in a single duffel bag or backpack that each girl can carry. Also consider optional items you may need. For instance, will you sleep on the floor? Would an air mattress be welcome?
Clothing
Kitchen
Closed-Toe Shoes
Knife, Fork, Spoon
Flip Flops, “Crocs” or Sandals (for Shower ONLY)
Mesh Dunk Bag (to hold dishes)
Sturdy Shoes or Boots (as needed for hiking)
Plate, Bowl, Cup or a Mess Kit
Socks (bring extra)
Water Bottle
Hat (as needed for sun protection) Hat, Gloves, Scarf (if necessary for warmth) Jacket, Sweater or Sweatshirt Rain Gear
Bedroom Sleeping Bag Pillow (optional)
Shorts/T-shirts
Miscellaneous
Pajamas
Permission Slip(s) and Health Information
Underwear/Long Johns (as needed for cold weather)
Flashlight, Extra Batteries
Long Pants/Long-Sleeved Shirts
Large Plastic Bag
Bathroom
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Towel, Washcloth, Soap
Hairbrush or Comb
Sanitary Items (toilet paper, tissue, etc.)
Insect Repellent (not aerosol) Sunscreen and Lip Balm Girl’s Medicines (prescription and over the counter medicines are to be in original containers and to be given to a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) to be administered)
Leave at Home
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Quick-Check Planning Sheet Use this quick check sheet to ensure you haven’t forgotten anything for your camping trip. Description of Outing Destination Date Time(s) Copy of Reservations Council Approval and a Copy of any Necessary Paperwork Costs (for each girl or for the troop) Name of Counselor-in-Training (Home and Cell Phone Number), if Attending CIT Cell Phone Number Troop Emergency Contact Person (home and cell phone number) Emergency Procedures (lost camper, weather emergency, accident) Safety Considerations (Safety Chapter of Volunteer Guide and Safety Activity Checkpoints) Location and Phone Numbers of Police, Fire Department and Rescue Squad/Ambulance Permission Slips Health Information on all Girls and Adults First-Aid Kit All Prescriptions and Medicines are with an Adult, Along with a Journal to Record When Medications Were Administered or First Aid Given Type of Transportation, Drivers’ Information Names of Adults Attending Names of Girls Attending Trained Supervision (example: for swimming, must have certified lifeguard) Schedule Program Activities Food Troop Equipment Personal Gear
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Let’s Review... 1. Base, Warm and Weatherproof are the 3 basic clothing layers. A. True B. False 2. Warm layers should be made of... A. Wool, Cotton, Fleece B. Cotton, Fleece, Synthetic C. Wool, Fleece, Synthetic 3. When it is warm outside, girls should wear flip flops, tank tops and shorts, to maintain proper body temperature. A. True B. False 4. Items in glass containers, heavily scented perfumes and personal food items (like chewing gum or candy) are items that should be left at home. A. True B. False 5. What will have the most influence on how you dress and what you pack? A. Activities planned B. Location C. Weather D. All of the Above 6. If a girl forgets her rain gear, the best substitute would be: A. Cotton sweatshirt B. Garbage bag C. Nylon wind jacket ANSWERS: 1. A, 2. C, 3. B, 4. A, 5. D, 6. B GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 23
Required Training for Outdoor Adventures Like the progression of outdoor adventures, Spirit of Nebraska offers a progression of outdoor volunteer training opportunities to ensure that the experience is girl-led and safe. You must complete the required training below BEFORE your outdoor adventure. Spirit of Nebraska’s training schedule can be found on our website under Volunteer Resources > Volunteer Training > Outdoor Training.
STEP 1 EXPLORE OUT Online
STEP 2 ▶
CAMP OUT (BASIC) In-Person
STEP 3 ▶
CAMP OUT (PLUS) Online
REQUIRED
REQUIRED
OPTIONAL
Before traveling away from the typical troop meeting location.
Before taking your girls on an outdoor adventure that includes fire building and/ or outdoor cooking.
Online webinars and videos to enhance your camp out adventure.
(Explore Out is a prerequisite.)
Explore Out If you are reading this, chances are you already know what it is, and why you are completing it.
Camp Out (Basic) Want to take girls on an outdoor camp experience that includes fire building and/or outdoor cooking? You must complete Explore Out and attend a Camp Out (Basic) training session. In conjunction with the completion of Explore Out (which is a prerequisite), Camp Out (Basic) training sessions will prepare you to safely take girls to a camp setting. Topics covered include “leave no trace” principles, girl-led experiences, fire building and outdoor cooking.
Camp Out (Plus) Refresh skills learned in Camp Out (Basic) and learn more before taking your girls on an outdoor adventure. Short videos include topics such as: knot tying, hiking, outdoor evening activities and more! 24 ☙ Explore Out Guide
Let’s Review... 1. You may take your troop on a field trip to an area zoo when you have completed... A. Explore Out B. Camp Out (Basic) C. Camp Out (Plus) D. A and C 2. Your troop will be spending the night inside a cabin and will build a campfire for s’mores that night. Before you go, you must complete... A. Explore Out B. Camp Out (Basic) C. Camp Out (Plus) D. A and B 3. You are planning a weekend camping trip to a Girl Scout camp. The girls are planning outdoor meals, campfire skits and sleeping arrangements in tents. Before that weekend, you are required to complete... A. Explore Out and Camp Out (Basic) B. Camp Out (Plus) C. All of the above ANSWERS: 1. A, 2. D, 3. C GirlScoutsNebraska.org ☙ 25
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
GirlScoutsNebraska.org REVISED JUNE 2019