Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council

3663 Peters Creek Road, NW ▪ Roanoke, VA 24019-2809 ▪ 540-777-5100 ▪ 1-800-542-5905 ▪

www.gsvsc.org

Trips and Overnights

GS201 Manual

2120 – 3-2017

Table of Contents

PREREQUISITES ....................................................................................................................................................1

COURSE OBJECTIVE ..............................................................................................................................................1

LEARNING OBJECTIVES ........................................................................................................................................1

TRAVEL .................................................................................................................................................................2

TRAVEL IN THE UNITED STATES .......................................................................................................................2

GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE ................................................................................................................4

GIRLS DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION .........................................................................................................7

PROGRESSION ......................................................................................................................................................8

CHECKLIST FOR TRAVEL READINESS ................................................................................................................. 10

IS YOUR TROOP/GROUP READY FOR A TROOP/GROUP TRIP? ......................................................................... 13

ARE YOU READY? QUIZ ..................................................................................................................................... 15

ADULT READINESS QUOTIENT ...................................................................................................................... 15

GIRL READINESS QUOTIENT .......................................................................................................................... 16

GET MOVING .................................................................................................................................................... 17

WALKING HINTS ............................................................................................................................................ 17

BRAINSTORMING .............................................................................................................................................. 19

CHOOSING A DESTINATION .............................................................................................................................. 20

PLANNING THE ITINERARY ................................................................................................................................ 20

OVERNIGHTS - CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR GIRLS ........................................................................................ 22

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND BATHROOMS ............................................................................................ 22

EXTENDED TRIPS ............................................................................................................................................... 24

SAMPLE PLANNING CALENDAR ..................................................................................................................... 24

DEVELOPING A BUDGET ................................................................................................................................... 26

SAMPLE BUDGET SHEET ................................................................................................................................ 30

BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS ........................................................................................................................................ 31

BUDGET BUSTERS – OVERLOOKED COSTS ........................................................................................................ 32

MONEY EARNING QUIZ ..................................................................................................................................... 33

SAFETY .............................................................................................................................................................. 34

SITE ................................................................................................................................................................ 35

EMERGENCY CONTACT ..................................................................................................................................... 36

FIRST AIDER ....................................................................................................................................................... 37

SAFETY ISSUES .................................................................................................................................................. 39

CONDUCT WHEN TRAVELLING ......................................................................................................................... 40

EXPECTATIONS .................................................................................................................................................. 41

SAMPLE OLDER GIRL EXPECTATIONS OF ADULTS ON TRIPS ......................................................................... 41

SAMPLE ADULT EXPECTATIONS OF GIRLS ON TRIPS ..................................................................................... 41

THE CAREGIVER PARTNERSHIP ......................................................................................................................... 42

GIRL/CAREGIVER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT ............................................................................................... 46

EVALUATING ..................................................................................................................................................... 47

AFTER THE TRIP ................................................................................................................................................. 48

FINANCIAL REPORTING ..................................................................................................................................... 49

LIST OF FORMS* TO BE COMPLETED WHEN PLANNING TRIPS ........................................................................ 50

ACCOMMODATIONS – WHAT’S AVAILABLE? ................................................................................................... 51

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA SPOTS AND PARTNER RESOURCES IN THE U.S. ...................................................... 53

1

PREREQUISITES

The prerequisites for this training are GS101, GS102 and GS103 and New Leader Orientation.

For support volunteers acting as a trip advisor, GS104 is the only prerequisite.

COURSE OBJECTIVE

By the end of this course, participants will become familiar with the various elements of domestic

troop/group trips and overnights including program development, financial planning, and necessary

paperwork while stressing the importance of girls doing the planning.

By completing this training, troop/group volunteers will have the information necessary to facilitate a

girl-planned short/easy walk, trip and/or overnight within the 48 contiguous United States.

The short walk, trip and/or overnight may include staying overnight at an:

• Organized lock-in held in a church, or mall

• Hotel

• Hostel

• Bed and Breakfast/Inn

• Dormitory

• Community facility

• Permanent building at a camp with permanent sleeping arrangements

The trained adult volunteer must work with the girls to prepare them for the trip or overnight and attend

the entire outing with the girls.

When age appropriate, girls may cook on a fixed gas or electric stove with adult supervision. Because

outdoor cooking would involve extra safety measures, cooking on open fires, grills, or camp stoves by

girls and/or adults requires Outdoor Education (GS301A & GS301B) training.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of this training participants will be able to:

• Identify 6 types of trips

• Define trip progression and purpose of Girl Scout trips

• Indicate at least 3 resources for planning a trip and overnight

• Construct an appropriate trip planning timeline and budget

• Identify forms necessary for trip approval through council

• Define an appropriate safety plan and realistic trip expectations

2

TRAVEL

There are many opportunities for travel

beyond the meeting place for all girls in Girl

Scouts.

Learning to plan trips and travel as a group is

one of the basic experiences in Girl Scouting.

In Girl Scouting, travel is about fun,

exploration, and progressive experiences in

appreciating the outdoors, new places, and

other cultures. As girls grow older and more

experienced in travel, the scope of their

travel broadens to include travel across the

country on a girl planned trip with sister Girl

Scouts, or as an individual in a council or Girl

Scouts of the USA sponsored Getaways.

Safety is the most important thing to consider when planning trips and traveling. Girl Scouts of

the USA provides guidelines for travel in Safety Activity Checkpoints—from activities to

transportation to number of adults needed.

TRAVEL IN THE UNITED STATES

Girls can travel as troops or groups, planning trips with their adult volunteer, travel in a council

sponsored trip or event with other girls from their council, or travel with girls across the country

(and around the world) through a destinations event facilitated by Girl Scouts of the USA.

When traveling into a different part of the country, it is good to do some research about the

place you are going first. In addition to viewing scenic attractions, shopping, or exploring

museums, girls may find their trip enriched by doing a Girl Scout activity while they're there,

utilizing awards related to travel.

Many Girl Scout councils in major cities or areas of the country have "council's own" patches

related to the unique attractions of their city or the area. For example, Girl Scouts of the

Nation's Capital in Washington, D.C., has a set of Discovering the Nation's Capital patches on

their Web site, while Girl Scouts of Patriot's Trail in Boston, Massachusetts, has the Freedom

Trail patch to focus on exploring the historical sites on a walk. (Note: girls must visit the area in

order to earn these patches.)

Girl preparation is done through progression. Progression is an important aspect of the Girl

Scout Leadership Experience. Common themes through all levels of progression are safety

and standards, skill development, program goals, girl planning, environmental protection and

fun. Progression in Girl Scouts is the continuing development of skills or knowledge in any

What is a Girl Scout trip?

It is a trip, short or long, that supports

the Girl Scout program. It is not a

family trip. Troop money (including

money earned through product

sales) cannot be used to fund trips

that are not for the entire troop and

can never be used to fund family

events or individual girls.

3

area, building on skills already learned, and progress toward further development of those

skills. The goal of progression is to ensure that each girl gradually develops the skills and self-

confidence needed to complete the activity. When done properly, the girls will have increased

abilities to plan their short walk, trip or overnight.

Throughout the planning process, it is important that the activities are girl-led with the

troop/group leader providing age-level appropriate guidance, allowing girls to learn by doing,

and to engage them in cooperative learning. A Girl Scout trip is NOT something planned by

adults for girls. A successful trip requires sound planning and teamwork by the troop/group.

The trip should be based on ongoing troop/group activities and interests. The girls should

have demonstrated readiness and exhibit the maturity to accept the responsibilities the trip will

bring. Each girl should participate in the decision-making process about where the group will

go and her goal in taking this type of trip. Remember, though, that readiness to travel is not

age-based. Girl Scout Juniors that have camped and traveled a lot may be more ready for

extended trips when they reach Girl Scout Cadette than Girl Scout Ambassadors who have

never traveled. Before you journey on extended trips with inexperienced Girl Scout Seniors

and Ambassadors, make sure that they prepare for it and build their travel experience through

a series of overnight and shorter trips. While Daisy Girl Scouts will be able to choose between

two activities with the leader making all of the plans, Ambassador Girl Scouts may be able to

make all decisions regarding a trip or activity. Leader responsibilities will then be mostly

oversight and assistance. It is still the leader’s responsibility to ensure that all policies and

procedures are followed.

This chart will show the level of leader and girl involvement with progression. Daisy Girl

Scouts will have very little involvement in planning while Ambassador Girl Scouts will be very

active in planning.

Daisy Brownie Junior Cadette Senior Ambassador

Leader’s Involvement in Planning

Girl’s Involvement in Planning

4

GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE

Below are the three keys to leadership. Read the definition of each key and then try to identify the

outcome or benefit to girls as they discover, connect, and take action through their troop travel.

THREE KEYS TO LEADERSHIP OUTCOMES OR BENEFITS TO GIRLS

DISCOVER

Exploring values,

skills, and the world

around them

CONNECT

Engage in teaming

up and relating to

others

TAKE ACTION

Engage in activities

that make a difference

Below are the three processes which are how girls do things in Girl Scouting. Use the space provided

to identify troop trip activities related to these processes.

THREE PROCESSES ACTIVITIES

GIRL-LED

LEARNING BY

DOING

COOPERATIVE

LEARNING

5

5 Ways Girl Scouts Builds Girl LeadersGirl Scouts’ mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. Since 1912, girls have explored new fields of knowledge, learned valuable skills, and developed strong core values through Girl Scouts. Today Girl Scouts is, as it always has been, the organization best positioned to help girls develop important leadership skills they need to become successful adults. At Girl Scouts, guided by supportive adults and peers, girls develop their leadership potential through age-appropriate activities that enable them to discover their values, skills, and the world around them; connect with others in a multicultural environment; and take action to make a difference in their world. These activities are designed to be girl led, cooperative, and hands-on—processes that create high-quality experiences conducive to learning.

When girls participate in Girl Scouts, they benefit in 5 important ways:

COMMUNITY PROBLEM SOLVING

Girls desire to contribute to the world in purposeful and meaningful ways, learn how to

identify problems in the community, and create “action plans” to solve them.

6

Why do these five outcomes matter?

When girls exhibit these attitudes and skills, they become responsible, productive, caring, and engaged citizens. But don’t take our word for it! Studies show that the development of attitudes, behaviors, and skills like confidence, conflict resolution, and problem solving are critical to well-being and rival academic and technical skills in their capacity to predict long-term positive life outcomes.1

Youth who develop these five outcomes…

Are happier, healthier, and less likely to engage in problem behaviors or be

victimized. Youth who develop competencies such as perseverance, positive self-

esteem, and sociability have lower rates of obesity, depression, and aggression, and

show greater life satisfaction and well-being than those who do not develop such

attributes/skills.2

Achieve more academically and feel more engaged in school. Youth who

participate in programs that promote the attributes and skills linked with our five

outcomes show stronger academic performance and school engagement compared to

those who do not.3 When students are more self-aware and confident about their

learning capabilities, they try harder and persist in the face of challenges.

Become strong job applicants. While employers want new hires to have technical

knowledge related to a given job, those skills are not nearly as important as good

teamwork, decision-making, and communication skills.4 Yet many employers around

the world report that job candidates lack these attributes.5

Become successful, well-adjusted adults. Kindergarteners who learn how to share,

cooperate with others, and be helpful are more likely to have a college degree and a

job 20 years later than youth who lack these social skills.6 They are also less likely to

have substance-abuse problems and run-ins with the law.

1 Child Trends. (2015). Key “Soft Skills” that Foster Youth Workforce Success: Toward a Consensus across Fields. 2 OECD. (2015). Skills for Social Progress: The Power of Social and Emotional Skills. OECD Skills Studies, OECD Publishing, Paris. 3 Durlak, J., Weissberg, R. Dymnicki, A. Taylor, R., & Schellinger, K. (2011). The impact of enhancing students’ social and emotional learning: A meta-analysis of school-based universal interventions. Child Development, 82(1), 405-432. 4 National Association of Colleges and Employers. (2015). Job Outlook 2016: Attributes Employers Want to See on New College Graduates’ Resumes. 5 ManpowerGroup. (2015). Talent Shortage Survey. 6 Jones, Greenberg, & Crowley (2015). Early Social-Emotional Functioning and Public Health: The Relationship between Kindergarten Social Competence and Future Wellness. American Journal of Public Health, 105(11), 2283-2290.

7

GIRLS DISCOVER, CONNECT, TAKE ACTION

DISCOVER

Your inner strength

Your values

New skills

CONNECT

With others by working towards a goal

Develop healthy relationships

Feel a connection to the community

Share your trip with family, friends

TAKE ACTION

Have a meaningful trip

Feel empowered to take action on something you care about

8

PROGRESSION

Meeting Time Trips – travel to points of interest in your troop’s/group’s community. Examples

include a walk to a nearby park, or short ride by car to a fire station or courthouse.

Day Trips – go on daytime excursions away from the group’s meeting place. This could be an

all day trip to a point of historical or natural interest where they bring their own lunch or a trip to

a neighboring city where they make plans for a meal in a restaurant. Campfires or outdoor

cooking are not allowed on these activities without Outdoor Education (GS301a and GS301b)

training.

Lock-in/Indoor Sleepover – spend the night indoors at an organized lock-in held in a local

church, mall, or school.

Simple Overnight Trips – spend one or two nights away. The trip may be a nearby state park,

historical site or city for sightseeing. For younger girls (Daisy and Brownies), the trip could

include family members like a Mom and Me overnight. (This does not include sleeping in tents

or cooking outdoors. These would require Outdoor Education (GS301a and GS301b) training.)

Extended Overnight Trips – spend three or more nights away. Trips range from a week at

camp to extended travel in the continental United States. The troop/group might use several

accommodations and modes of transportation throughout the trip.

Advanced Hiking - hike to areas where cell service is not available or EMS is more than 30

minutes away. These trips require trip leaders completing GS202 Advanced Hiking training

and Wilderness First Aid.

Overnight Hiking or Backpacking - hike to areas where cell service is not available or EMS is

more than 30 minutes away that include an overnight. These trips require trip leaders

completing

GS301a, GS301b and GS302a Backpacking Planning and GS302b Backpacking Overnight.

Girl Scout Destinations, Getaways, International Events or Troop Treks – girls can travel

individually or with their troop/group through GSUSA sanctioned events with many trip options

that take place at the council, state, national or international level.

International Trips – experience travelling outside the country. These trips require trip leaders

completing GS201 Trips and Overnights and GS203 International Trips training. Expected

activities on these trips may require additional training.

It is important that the girls are involved in every aspect of their trips whether meeting-time,

simple overnights, or extended overnights. Being involved in the planning process will build

skills and knowledge they will use as they progress to more complex trips.

Progression, with regard to girl travel and planning trips, means planning trips that will

progress in difficulty, distance, length, etc. as the girls grow older.

9

Using the concept of progression, plan a trip theme that can progress with the girls. Fill in the

grid below with the trip details at each level; be sure to show how the skills are progressing

through each level.

Trip Theme: ___________________________

International Trip

Extended

Overnight Trip

Overnight Trip

Day Trip

Meeting Time

Trip

10

CHECKLIST FOR TRAVEL READINESS

This is a checklist of general indicators to be used in

determining whether a troop is ready for a trip. Readiness is

shown when the following statements can be made regarding

the troop and its plans.

1. The trip is in keeping with Girl Scout policies and

standards.

The trip meets the planning guidelines in Chapter

4: Staying Safe of Volunteer Essentials and all the

appropriate program standards listed in Safety

Activity Checkpoints.

2. There is communication with the council.

Prior to the trip, all appropriate permissions have been obtained from council within

the specific time-frame allowed for processing.

Leaders and chaperones are aware of responsibilities and council procedures for

handling emergencies.

Council policies concerning camps, overnight trips and extended trips, including

procedures for handling emergencies have been shared with the girls.

Council staff are informed of any changes in plans.

3. There is sound planning.

The trip has a clear purpose, formulated and understood by the girls and adults.

The trip is part of ongoing troop/group activities, with all participants included in the

planning steps.

Girls are able to work successfully in groups and are mature enough to accept the

responsibilities involved in the trip.

The proper number of adult chaperones who are willing to accept the responsibilities

of the trip have been recruited, registered as GS members, completed a volunteer

application and received a cleared background check.

Girls and their caregivers are wholeheartedly behind the project; caregivers

understand all of the plans and have confidence in the leadership.

All the girls and adults make realistic, detailed plans together well in advance.

Plans take into consideration the special abilities and religious and ethnic diversity of

the participants, and those of the people with whom they will interact during the trip.

11

4. Travel arrangements are made in advance.

Time is provided for eating, sleeping, rest, and relaxation, recreation, and personal

needs.

Mileage to be covered per day is reasonable

o for the type of terrain expected while hiking or

o for how far you can travel with each adult driving up to 6 hours per day (with

breaks every 2 hours).

Drivers as well as passengers are considered in making plans.

Reservations for overnight accommodations are confirmed in writing, and stopping

places are planned in advance.

The entire itinerary is known to girls, adults, caregivers, the council, and the back-

home emergency contact.

5. The business and money matters are worked out.

Girls and adults set up a detailed and realistic budget. Remember items such as

transportation, food, tips, insurance, recreation, admission fees, taxes, and

emergency funds.

Money-earning activities are carried out with the permission of the council and in

accordance with Girl Scout policies and standards.

Personal and group expenses are defined in advance. The amount of personal

money that may be needed, and the way those funds should be handled, are

determined in advance.

Notify bank of troop/group travel plans if using troop/group debit card. (If card does

not have a computer chip, debit card may not work.)

Troop/group travel funds are kept in a bank before the trip, and troop/group debit

card limit adjustments have been arranged with bank prior to trip. You may need

council approval for increased debit card limits. Troops are required to keep

accurate financial records & receipts for all troop expenses.

Split cash among the trip leaders. If one leader is a victim of a pick pocket or loses

cash, there will still be funds available for the troop’s/group’s use. One person is

responsible for all troop/group funds and will keep a daily account of expenditures

and receipts.

Decisions are made in advance concerning how to pay bills that come up prior to the

trip, during the trip, and afterward. Pay everything possible before the trip and take

the receipts with you.

12

6. Members take responsibility for personal conduct and equipment.

All girls know what clothing and equipment to take and how to use and pack the

equipment.

If traveling in uniform, provision is made to ensure that all travelers have a uniform

and that the uniform is worn correctly.

Everyone is briefed on appropriate conduct and safety precautions.

All girls and adults are prepared for new experiences and are open to appreciation of

local customs and foods.

On trips requiring special equipment, such as tents, bicycles, canoes, etc., the

equipment is checked and ready well before the departure date.

Luggage and equipment are kept to a minimum. Individual limits are set and

adhered to.

Each person is able to carry her own individually identified belongings.

7. Everyone knows and observes good health and safety practices.

Volunteer Essentials (‘Staying Safe’ chapter and ‘Appendix: Troop/Group Travel’)

and Safety Activity Checkpoints are used when preparing for any trip.

Required health examinations are completed.

Everyone is physically and mentally able to undertake the trip.

For trips outside the meeting place, at least one currently trained first aider is

present.

For trips of three nights or more in length, insurance covering the entire trip is

obtained through the council.

Arrangements have been made for an adult contact back home for routine reporting

as well as for emergencies.

Written itineraries, including phone numbers and addresses, are prepared for girls,

their families, the council office, and the back-home emergency contact.

Procedures for handling accidents, illnesses, and emergencies are understood by

all.

Trip leaders for specialized trips such as backpacking or canoeing have taken

leadership training related to that activity.

13

IS YOUR TROOP/GROUP READY FOR A TROOP/GROUP TRIP?

Girls will enjoy their trip experiences best if they have previous experiences to prepare them.

Taking a group of girls on a trip with no preparation is likely to lead to frustration and confusion

on the part of both girls and adults.

Types of

Readiness Readiness Indicators

Emotional

Readiness

Not afraid to be away from home and caregivers overnight. Caregivers are

prepared to let their daughter go.

Wants to go.

Is willing to sleep, eat and play with all girls, not just friends.

Can accept new experiences, such as:

Strange places (including outdoor bathrooms)

Darkness and night noises

Spiders, bugs, worms

Can manage with little or no privacy.

Can function as a member of a group and doesn’t always have to have her own

way.

Physical

Readiness

Has stamina, does not tire easily.

Practice packing so she knows where her belongings are and can carry her own

gear.

Has coordination for planned activities and jobs (sleeping, hiking, sweeping,

mopping, moving chairs and tables, etc.). (Adjustments should be made for

physical needs and differences of girls.)

Skills and

Knowledge

for

Age-Level

Can use the buddy system.

Knows her phone number and address.

Can use kitchen implements, read a recipe and help with cooking.

Is able to store food properly.

Can follow a kaper chart, clean up the kitchen and cooking area including washing

and disinfecting dishes.

Can order from a menu for herself.

Can make up her bed.

Can clean a toilet.

Can use a flashlight.

Can plan simple activities.

Can read a map (at facility or attractions visited).

Proven

Ability and

Experience

Has previously followed instructions satisfactorily.

Has previously been on day trips without difficulties.

Has demonstrated the ability to pack and repack personal gear, sleeping bag.

14

Social

Skills

Can act appropriately in public.

Can relate to other girls.

Will respect adults and will obey guidelines and rules.

Readiness in girls is not dependent on age. The experience of each girl and how ready she is

for an overnight experience away from family and familiar surroundings will greatly affect how

she feels and how enjoyable the experience will be for her. Readiness in girls is checking

where they are when it comes to their emotions, physical ability and skills for living away from

a caregiver. Progression and readiness support one another. Being aware of the readiness of

your troop/group will allow you to increase their progression at a pace that is suitable for them

and create a positive experience for everyone. Know your girls! Girls may have personal

issues that you will have to deal with. If there is something going on at home or school, a girl

that normally does not have behavior issues may suddenly have problems.

15

ARE YOU READY? QUIZ

Read each statement. Rate yourself on a scale of 0-5 in terms of how true each statement is

to/for you, with 0 being not sure if this is like me and 5 being totally like you. Total your

numbers to determine “Your Readiness Quotient.”

ADULT READINESS CHART

0 – Not sure if this is like me 3 – More like me

1 – No, nothing like me 4 – Very much like me

2 – Somewhat like me 5 -- Yes, totally like me

I have visited another country before 0 1 2 3 4 5

I am interested in other cultures. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I’ve taken the troop/group on extended trips before. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I’m open to trying new things, even foods. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I can handle various emotions from girls. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I adapt well in new situations. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I can stay calm while implementing emergency procedures. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I have a positive attitude. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I can enforce the rules of the behavior agreement. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I get along with different personalities. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I communicate my frustrations and fears openly. 0 1 2 3 4 5

Total

ADULT READINESS QUOTIENT

If you score 16 or less – your Readiness Quotient is on the low side. You may need to get a

little more experience under your belt.

If you scored 17-27, your Readiness Quotient is somewhere in the middle. Being in the middle

means there’s room for improvement! Which statements did you rate yourself low on? Focus

on turning those statements into 4’s and you’ll be ready to go!

If you scored 28 or more, your Readiness Quotient is high. You are so ready to travel!

16

GIRL READINESS CHART

0 – Not sure if this is like me 3 – More like me

1 – No, nothing like me 4 – Very much like me

2 – Somewhat like me 5 -- Yes, totally like me

I have visited another country before. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I am interested in other cultures. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I’ve been away from home for more than one week 0 1 2 3 4 5

I’m open to trying new things, even foods. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I’ve traveled without my family. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I adapt well in new situations. 0 1 2 3 4 5

If I got separated from my group, I would be able to stay

calm. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I have a positive attitude. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I follow the rules. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I get along with different personalities. 0 1 2 3 4 5

I communicate my frustrations and fears openly. 0 1 2 3 4 5

Total

GIRL READINESS QUOTIENT

If you score 16 or less – your Readiness Quotient is on the low side. You may need to get a

little more experience under your belt.

If you scored 17-27, your Readiness Quotient is somewhere in the middle. Being in the middle

means there’s room for improvement! Which statements did you rate yourself low on? Focus

on turning those statements into 4’s and you’ll be ready to go!

If you scored 28 or more, your Readiness Quotient is high. You are so ready to travel!?

Nothing teaches better than experience!

17

GET MOVING When considering trips with your girls, the best way to start is a short walk or trip outside of

your meeting place in your community. This affords you the opportunity to test the behavior of

your girls and to assess each girl’s readiness.

WALKING HINTS

Walk short distances at first.

Plan a definite purpose for each outing.

Use a steady, rhythmic pace.

Provide rest periods.

Take a first aid kit and take care of first aid needs immediately.

Carry everything in a daypack.

Girls need to be aware of security. Stay together. Girls are to use the Buddy System at

all times.

One leader walks near the front of the line and one at the end of the line. Girls should

never be allowed to fall behind the last leader.

Avoid poisonous plants.

Snakes can be anywhere. Watch where you put your hands and where you step on

rocky ledges or piles of rocks or wood. Walk around any snake you see. Do not harm

them.

Each girl should wear sneakers or hiking boots suitable for the terrain.

Let’s Go Walking

There are many ways to make a walk more enjoyable. Below are a few theme walks to try with

your girls.

Baby Walk

Use this in early spring to find the first signs (babies) of spring.

Camera Walk

Each girl brings her camera or shares with a buddy and takes pictures along the way. Choose

objects that are unusual. Hold a picture contest or a picture swap.

Curiosity Walk

Find some odd or curious objects such as bark, a stone, a stick, etc. By using your imagination

tell what animal or thing the objects look like. Do not touch or remove the objects.

Evening Walk

This outing is for older girls. Turn off your flashlight. Find North by the stars. Learn to recognize

some constellations.

18

Get Together Walk

Invite another troop/group and divide up so that a girl from each troop/group will become

buddies. Plan to share a snack.

Wildflower Walk

See who can identify the greatest number of wild flowers. Do not pick them! Draw pictures of

them.

Hansel and Gretel Walk

See how many wild plants you can find that are edible. Do not pick them!

Monogram Walk

Find three or more objects beginning with your initials.

Rainbow Walk

Find and list as many colors in nature as possible.

Sounds Walk

Note all the sounds made by nature. Describe them or make a tape.

Stop, Look, Listen Walk

Walk for five minutes or a designated number of steps. Stop for one minute and write down all

the objects you see or all the sounds you hear. Five stops are enough for this walk.

Story Walk

With a familiar story such as "Alice in Wonderland" or "Treasure Island" lay a trail using

phrases and places from the story.

Seeing Nature Walk

Observe birds, insects, land animals, rocks and minerals, trees and shrubs, water animals, and

wild plants that are part of nature.

Crayon Walk

Give each person a different colored crayon and have them look for something that matches

the color. Have them report back at the end of the walk.

Sock Walk

Put white socks over each person’s shoes and walk through an area. At end of the outing

share what hitchhiked.

19

BRAINSTORMING

Before getting started, it is important to consider inclusiveness throughout the entire planning

and preparation process as well as while on the trip. Supporting diversity and inclusiveness is

a core value of Girl Scouting. It ensures that all girls and adults, regardless of their

background, religion, economic situation or ability can meaningfully participate in all aspects of

life. It embraces girls and adults with many different needs at all program levels. Remember

to work with the girls and adults to take into account everyone’s abilities, requirements and the

ABCs (allergies, braces and culture) when planning lodging, activities and meals. If the trip will

include a girl with a disability and you’re not sure how to accommodate her, ask the girl’s

caregivers, or the girl herself if she’s older, on what she will need to make her travel

experience successful.

Once they determine what their goal for the trip will be, they can start discussing where they

may want to go. A great tool for this is brainstorming. During the brainstorming session, all

ideas should be allowed. You are trying to identify the possibilities. With the girls, develop

some guidelines for the brainstorming. These would include:

One person speaks at a time.

All ideas are written down.

No comments are made on the idea, negative or positive – this includes from the Adult

Trip Consultant. If there are too many negative reactions, girls will not feel comfortable

sharing ideas.

Take turns going around to everyone for input. Everyone has a chance to contribute

one or more ideas.

It’s okay to build on others’ ideas.

It’s okay to pass.

Some girls may be anxious about contributing. You could start by first soliciting

contribution from everyone through anonymous cards with ideas.

After all the ideas are offered, they are evaluated for feasibility, but alternatives could then be

considered. For example, if one of the girls in a Girl Scout Junior troop/group wants to go to

Paris, the Adult Trip Consultant might let the girls know that a trip to Paris would be more

appropriate for Girl Scout Seniors and could certainly be something for the troop/group to

consider in a few years, but what might be an alternative? Another girl might think of EPCOT

at Disney World where they could learn about other countries, including France, and actually

meet the people from those countries that work at the pavilions.

The girls should then review the list and look for:

Answers that are repetitive or similar

Start clustering like ideas together

Eliminate responses that definitely do not fit

Narrow the list down to 3-5 places.

20

CHOOSING A DESTINATION

Before making a decision, more information will be needed. Girls need to research what kinds

of activities are available at the different destinations they have selected and the associated

costs. Ask girls where they might go for information. Each girl or group should then either

volunteer or be assigned to take one of more of these resources to start collecting more

information. Guide books are often available at local libraries. Looking through guide books or

online are great first places to go. Some may look at transportation alternatives; some might

review the types of lodging; while others might research activities. The pros and cons for each

of the sites should be addressed and costs compared. Then it is time for the final decision to

be made. Now that the location is agreed upon, it is important for the girls to learn about the

place they will visit and obtain more specific information. Girls should write to visitors

associations, National and State parks. Guide books and online searches are also useful as

well as talking to people that have been there.

PLANNING THE ITINERARY

Girls should look at the activities that they have planned. What are the “must see” sites?

What are the opening and closing times for attractions? What days are they closed? This is

information that they will be able to find online or in guides. Make sure they are identifying

posted times for the timeframe they will be traveling, especially if you are going “off season.”

Many attractions have later openings and earlier closings during low season.

The itinerary should be built in one-hour increments. Girls should estimate how much time will

be required at a particular activity to full experience it and not feel like they are rushing

through. Some travel books and online sites will have recommendations on how long to stay.

Make sure extra time is allotted for things like loading cars, getting to the airport/destination,

meals and bathroom breaks. It will take longer than expected. Allowing for the extra time will

reduce stress during the trip. Leave time in the schedule for breaks, free time, and changes of

plans.

Be flexible in the itinerary to accommodate delays, unexpected weather conditions, sold-out

activities, or even canceled activities. Finally, be sure to include quiet time at night. Even if

girls are still awake, they are expected to be quiet to respect the other girls sharing their room.

As per GSVSC Policy #P1, troops/groups must complete the Activity and/or Trip Permission

Application for a Troop/Group (Form #2129) before participating in any of the activities in the

box below. This form must be completed anytime a troop is travelling outside of its community

boundaries. Your community boundaries are defined as your Girl Scout community (county)

and the Girl Scout communities (county) bordering (touching) yours. If your Girl Scout

Community borders a county that falls in another council and/or state, then those counties are

included within your boundaries.

21

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Program Policy #P1

Troops/groups must have written permission from a council-authorized volunteer or

employee to participate in the following activities:

a. activities that involve travel outside the community

b. camping activities, including backyard camping and camping at facilities not

owned by the council

c. programs that include human sexuality and related health issues

d. activities that present a greater risk than usual to participants

Activity and/or Trip Permission Application for a Troop/Group Form #2129

Your trip is not approved until you receive e-mailed approval from

trippermission@gsvsc.org. Without this approval, you may not move forward in your trip

planning.

Two (2) weeks processing is required for in-community-boundary camping and

other high risk activities.

Four (4) weeks processing is required for trips out-of-council/community

boundary activities/trips/camping.

Eight (8) weeks processing is required for out-of-country trips/camping.

It is important that the trip (troop/group) leader submits Form #2129 to council within the

outlined time-frame allotted to process activity/trip permissions. This allows council the time

needed to process additional background checks, and to ensure all adult and girl members are

registered GS members.

22

OVERNIGHTS - CREATING A SAFE SPACE FOR GIRLS

Now that you have been outside in the community, your girls may be ready to progress to an

overnight spent at your meeting place or another local facility or maybe go cabin camping.

Trips may include non-Girl Scout participants. For example a “Mom and Me” trip to another

town for shopping and lunch.

Additional insurance must be purchased any time:

Non-Girl Scouts will be participating in a trip.

The trip is longer than 2 (two) nights.

Use the Request for Non-Girl Scout Insurance or Registered Girl Scout Insurance for Stays

Longer Than Two Nights (Form #2136).

SLEEPING ARRANGEMENTS AND BATHROOMS

Always ensure the following.

Girls and adults do not share a bed.

In an instance where adults need to share a sleeping area with girls (For example: an

open space sleeping environment or to support a girl with special needs), there should

always be two unrelated adult females present.

When staying in hotels, if possible, get connecting rooms. Adults can be in one room

with girls in the other. As in tent camping, when girls and adults share rooms, there

needs to be two adults or no adults.

You must have written caregiver permission for girls to share a bed.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Program Policy #A5

Adults who will serve as trip or event chaperones in a tent or room are required to complete an

application, register through the Council as a member, and have a background check completed prior

to the trip.

23

Male family members are welcome to attend trip and overnight outings with Girl Scouts.

However, the following guidelines need to be followed.

Males do not sleep in the same sleeping area, bed or tent with the girls.

Restroom arrangements must be made. Separate facilities must be provided for males.

Males over ten (10) may not attend girl events unless the event is for families.

Tagalongs are discouraged unless special supervision can be provided by other adults

in attendance.

o If tagalong males are present, they may not sleep with their moms if the moms

are needed to meet the girl-to-adult ratios. In this case, the male tagalongs must

have separate male overnight supervision.

o If it is necessary for the tagalong male to share sleeping quarters with the

mother, she may not sleep with the girls and other adult supervision for the girls

will be required.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Program Policy #P9

Male volunteers may not sleep in the same space with girl members who are not their

daughters.

24

EXTENDED TRIPS

Girls may now be ready for an extended trip. Extended overnight trips may be one or two

nights away from the meeting place or a week traveling to another part of the country. No

matter the length or distance, guidelines must be followed.

SAMPLE PLANNING CALENDAR

When preparing and planning for a trip, it will take several meetings with the girls before they

will be ready to leave for their adventure. Below is a sample calendar that will guide you

through six meetings of planning with girls. It may or may not take six weeks to prepare the

girls. You will need to be the judge.

Meeting

# Meeting Content/Discussion with Girls Leader Activities*

1

Discuss the trip with girls.

Explain what a troop/group trip is.

Have girls brainstorm where they would like to

go and discuss location options with them.

Discuss what type of activities they could do on

the trip.

Discuss what it may cost to go on a trip. Have

the girls brainstorm all cost. How will they pay

for it?

Research the location options.

If girls make a decision on where

they would like to go, make the site

reservations.

Begin communication with

caregivers regarding the upcoming

trip.

2

Discuss the menu with girls.

What would the girls like to eat? Are they

experienced with cooking? What would be

appropriate? Do you have to consider food

allergies?

Brainstorm meal ideas and begin to create a

menu and a shopping list.

Find out from caregivers and Health

History forms if girls have food

allergies.

Begin to recruit for adult support,

volunteers to help with shopping for

supplies (with the girls), drivers to

get girls to and from camp,

chaperones, etc.

25

3

Discuss activities that the girls want to do.

Begin to make a list of activities and a supplies

needed. Discuss with girls how they will come

up with any supplies.

Begin to plan the schedule for the trip.

Learn a fun song or Girl Scout grace.

Add to your shopping list and to the

budget any supplies needed for

activities.

Confirm with caregivers when

shopping will take place.

4

Work on skills.

Discuss trip safety and the buddy system.

Randomly pick buddies for each Girl Scout.

Practice simple first aid (if age appropriate).

Send permission slips home with the girls.

Ensure that a certified First-Aid and

CPR adult and First-Aid kit is lined

up for the trip.

Plan the shopping list; make sure

your adults are confirmed to help

the girls shop.

5

Discuss expectation and behavior for the

trip.

Create behavior guidelines for the trip

experience.

Implement a game or have the girls identify

items to pack and not to pack.

Begin to gather permission slips.

Create poster board with the

guidelines the girls created.

Give the girls a list of what to pack

and not to pack.

6

Discuss kapers (chores) and have the girls

create their kaper chart.

Review the trip agenda with everyone.

Collect permission slips.

Answer any questions the girls may have.

Confirm with all adults/drivers and

ensure screening process and

registration are complete.

Ensure you have permission slips

and

Health Information and Release

Forms for all girls/adults.

*Seniors and Ambassadors are able to do many of these Leader Activities.

26

DEVELOPING A BUDGET

After the girls have decided where they want to go and what they want to do, they must

consider the cost.

How will the trip/activity be paid for? The group needs to discuss all the ways that money will

be earned/collected for the trip:

troop dues

product sales

payments made by caregivers/individuals

scholarships

money earned by individuals on their own in special projects

money donated to the group for the trip

additional council approved fundraisers

If you wish to open a checking or savings account to keep trip money separate, complete GS

Bank Account Application (Form #4319). Once the new account is opened, submit

Troop/Group, GS Community, Camp or Sub-Unit Bank Record (Form #4041).

Set up a money earning calendar. Group and individual money earning will be part of your

money earning plan. Girls need to be involved in all the decisions about earning money:

goal setting

payment schedule & deadline

money earning activities

participation in money earning activities

participation agreements

what happens when there is non-participation in money earning activities

girls joining the group after plans and money earning are in progress

if a girl drops out of a trip

The major money earning activities should be decided on and put on the calendar early in the

trip planning process. They take time to plan and carry out. Smaller money earning activities

can be added, if needed, at later dates. Troops/groups must follow all council policies and

procedures for money earning and acceptance of donations. Additional Group Money-Earning

Activities (Form #2131) must be completed and approved before having any money earning

activities. Some girls may not be able to work on the day of a particular event, but they could

still be involved in the planning. For example, the girls could be involved in the pricing and

tagging of the items for a yard sale or providing baked goods for a bake sale. All troop/group

money earned through council sponsored product sales and additional money earning

activities belongs to the troop/group as a whole and cannot be assigned to individuals nor

divided equally among the number of girls. The Troop/Group/Trip Donation Record (Form

#1215) must be completed for all donations.

27

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council does not have the ability to control, change, or influence

these IRS restrictions.

IRS INUREMENT/PRIVATE BENEFIT - CHARITABLE ORGANIZATIONS

A section 501(c)(3) organization must not be organized or operated for the benefit of private

interests, such as the creator or the creator's family, shareholders of the organization, other

designated individuals, or persons controlled directly or indirectly by such private interests. No

part of the net earnings of a section 501(c) (3) organization may inure to the benefit of any

private shareholder or individual. A private shareholder or individual is a person having a

personal and private interest in the activities of the organization.

Rewards/incentives are based on sales ranges set by councils and may not be based

on dollar-per-dollar calculations

All money earned is for Girl Scout troop/group activities and is not to be retained by

individuals

o Distribution of funds for troop/group activities cannot be based upon dollar-per dollar

raised by individual girls.

o No troop/group cash-based accounts may be kept for or distributed to individuals for

participation in troop/group activities.

o Funds raised cannot follow the girl outside of the council in any monetary form (ex.,

gift cards, gift certificates, etc.)

All benefits provided should relate back to supporting the Girl Scout Mission; decisions

should be based on our tax-supported philosophy regarding what is mission-related (ex.

camp, travel, events, would be mission related.)

Understand this is a risk management issue that can not only impact the tax exemption

of this council, but potentially the tax-exempt status of other Girl Scout Councils

nationwide.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Volunteer Finance Policy #P6

Troops/groups of registered Girl Scouts who participate in both council-wide product sale

programs and who need to earn additional funding to carry out planned and budgeted annual

program activities are required to submit a money-earning application at least three weeks

prior to the event and comply with all Safety Activity Checkpoints and council policies.

28

For those girls whose caregivers cannot afford to contribute, there may be financial assistance

available through council; however, not having sufficient time for money earning activities to

support their trip should not be reason to request financial assistance for all the participants.

Sufficient time before the trip should be scheduled to ensure that girls can work on earning

funding needed. Financial assistance may be applied for by using the Individual/Troop/Group

Trip/Event Financial Assistance Application (Form #1118).

Ask the girls to compose a list of things they wish to do on the trip that will require money.

Review the list developed by the girls. Did they include transportation, hotel, food, attraction

and activity costs? Girls can research fees and start developing a draft budget based on their

research results. Since this is a rough estimate, round up or perhaps add about 20% to cover

increases to airfare or activities or costs that are identified later in the process. It will be much

easier to adjust the cost of the trip down when the decisions become firm rather than having

the cost of the trip continually increase throughout the planning process. As decisions are

made, the budget should be updated with actual costs. Be sure to take confirmation notices

and all receipts for activity deposits with you when travelling.

Girls should review the total cost and discuss if the trip is too costly. What are the options?

They might consider changing different aspects of the trip, such as changing the mode of

transportation like driving instead of taking a train, cutting back on some of the activities,

shortening the length of the trip, or deciding that it will require saving for 2 years. Extended

trips require more time to plan and earn money.

Individual/Troop/Group Trip/Event Financial Assistance Application Form #1118

Financial assistance is subject to availability within the current Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline

Council budget. A large portion of GSVSC financial assistance is funded by council-sponsored

product sales. (Fall Product and Cookies). Troops/groups requesting financial assistance for a

trip must participate in both council-sponsored product sales. You may apply once a year for

financial assistance for a trip; however, you might not receive assistance every year,

depending upon the needs of others. Financial assistance is provided on the basis of need in

relation to the expense involved. Financial assistance is not automatic, and every troop/group

is expected to provide a portion of the total cost. Trip financial assistance for adults will be

considered only if their participation or training is required to fulfill requirements for girl/adult

ratios or if they are specifically trained adults who meet the program safety activity checkpoints

of the trip.

29

Will the adults pay for their trip, or will the troop/group cover the costs? There is no set rule for

this. In some troops/groups, the girls fund the trip of chaperones that meet the girl/adult ratio.

Other troops/groups require adults to pay for their own costs; however, because adults are

needed to drive and/or chaperone troop/group trips and adults are needed to meet girl/adult

ratio requirements at money earning activities and to help work, some troops/groups allow

those adults to earn funds for the trip.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Volunteer Finance Policy #8

Adults may not conduct money-earning activities under the Girl Scout name to support their

own participation in an activity unless they have direct responsibility for supervising a group

of girls during the activity for which the money is being earned.

To earn funds and/or accept donations..

Troops/groups must participate in both GS product sales.

Additional money earning activities cannot take place

during the GS product sales.

You must complete the Application for additional Group

Money Earning Activities (Form 2131).

The Troop/Group/Trip Donation record (Form 1215) must

be completed for all donations.

All GS money belongs to the Troop/group as a whole, and

moneys must be divided equally among the girls.

30

SAMPLE BUDGET SHEET

Transportation Cost X No. people Transportation Cost

Airfare

Train

Bus

Boat/Ferry

Subway

Rental Vehicles

Automobile

Gas

Other

Lodging per room X No. nights X No. rooms Lodging Cost

Hotel/Motel

Hostel

Campsite

Other

Programs/Sightseeing Per person X No. people Program cost

Specify

Specify

Specify

Equipment/Clothing Per person X No. people Total

Specify

Specify

Miscellaneous Cost per day X No. days X No. people Miscellaneous cost

Insurance

First Aid Supplies

Laundry

Life Guars

Tolls

Other

Subtotal

Contingency 20% of total

Total

Total Individual Cost Total Cost / No. people

31

BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS

Girls should bring their Student IDs for some admission discounts.

Some large hotel chains will give you great discounts (even cheaper than lower-budget

chains). Call the Sales Office at the location instead of the reservations line. Look for

hotels that offer free breakfast.

Girl Scout uniforms or t-shirts can sometimes get you discounts, moved to the front of

lines, or upgrades.

Get state maps for free from the state or local tourism departments.

Contact local religious institutions (prior to trip) regarding sleeping arrangements as an

alternative to hotels.

Check out the possibility of camping on another Council’s program sites.

Some youth hostels require membership fees, but can also save travelers money due to

inexpensive lodging and food. There are hostels located in many American cities.

Some student travel agencies offer memberships, which can greatly reduce the costs of

transportation and lodging and offer additional insurance coverage.

Cell phones do not work in some areas. In addition, some phones may not have

unlimited service plans. When discussing cell phone usage by the girls, check with

caregivers. They may not want their daughter using/carrying cell phones.

If transportation will be by air, everyone participating in the trip should consider signing

up for the airline’s frequent flyers program. Some airlines will offer special programs for

new people signing up that could include waiving luggage fees for the first flight. Check

air transport fees. They change often.

Add at least 20% to cover increases to airfare or activities or costs that are identified

later in the process.

32

BUDGET BUSTERS – OVERLOOKED COSTS Air Travel

transportation to and from airport

parking fees

group deposits not returned until trip

completion

tips for skycaps

luggage fees

Hotel

over-weight luggage charge

additional bags charge

unscheduled changes

meals/snacks on the airplane

blanket/pillow charges

headphones

hotel taxes (can be 11%)

energy surcharge and taxes

resort fee

baggage storage before/after check in/out

luggage assistance tip

additional person charges

roll-away bed charges

phone charges (even local)

Restaurants/Dinner Shows

daily parking fee

room service/pizza delivery

in-room movies

internet access fee

charges for water bottles provided in

room

cancellation fees

life guard if planning on using the pool

gratuities

souvenirs

specialty drink glasses

Automobile

photos

a la Carte meals

parking or transportation

hidden rental charges (mileage)

drop off charges if returning to another

location

gas price increases

prepaid gas charges

parking (expensive in tourist areas)

Cruises

Rental insurance – collision and liability

(do you really need it?)

GPS rental

maps (MapQuest or other internet

sources are not always accurate)

tolls

gratuities

beverages, even at dinner

destination/port fees

excursions (may be expensive but worth it)

Train

photos

high prices at destinations

specialty coffee

parking

transportation to and from train station

parking

meals

snacks

Other

beverages

fee for movies

gratuities

patches

itinerary changes

unscheduled tours

phone calls home

bottled water

ice for coolers

snacks

life guard or watercraft certified adult

33

MONEY EARNING QUIZ

RESOURCES: ‘Managing Troop/Group Finances’ Chapter of Volunteer

Essentials

Circle “T” for statements you feel are true and “F” for statements you feel are false

T F 1. Your troop/group can do a money-earning activity any time of year.

T F 2. Your troop/group can do a money-earning activity by feeding the general

public.

T F 3. Your troop/group adults can raise the money for the troop trip.

T F 4. Your troop/group can do garage sales, car washes and

supervised/group babysitting.

T F 5. Caregivers have to agree to all troop/group money-earning project

decisions

T F 6. Troops/groups can have Tupperware, Thirty-One, Pampered Chef or

other demonstration parties to earn money.

T F 7. My troop/group money-earning project needs to get approval from my

community before beginning, except garage sales and recycle drives.

T F 8. You can conduct money-earning activities on the Internet.

T F 9. Any funds earned through troop/group money-earning activities remain

with the group even if a girl is unable to participate in a project or event

for whatever reason.

T F 10. Participating in money-earning activities is voluntary.

34

SAFETY

Whether your troop/group chooses to spend the day at the zoo or sightseeing in Washington,

there are safety issues that must be considered.

When planning your trip, review the

Safety Activity Checkpoints: Computer/Online

Use

Safety Activity Checkpoints for any activities

planned

Chapter on Safety-Wise in Volunteer

Essentials.

As Girl Scout activities keep pace with an ever

changing world, ensuring the health and safety of the

girls is paramount. Safety is the responsibility of girls

and adults alike. When Girl Scouts learn about

safety, more activities are within their reach. The two

key resources for safety information are Volunteer

Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints. Prior to

your trip, brainstorm ideas for a basic set of rules for the group to follow while travelling.

Discuss the safety rules and consequences that could result if they are not followed. Use the

statements below for some ideas to help get you started on building safety rules for short trip

or walk. Have the girls give reasons why they think each of these rules are important. Try to

relate the safety rules to things that the girls will understand. Example: “Why should we always

use the Buddy System? “ “If someone gets hurt, there is always someone to go for help.”

Girls always use the buddy system.

Girls don’t leave the group without permission.

Everyone wears closed toe shoes until bedtime.

The troop/group takes a First-Aid kit and certified First-Aider on each trip. Know how far

away EMS is.

The First-Aid kit is checked before leaving to be sure it is stocked.

Troop/groups practice emergency evacuation drills/signals.

Weather radios and phones are available for emergencies. (Depending on trip location.)

If in a location without cell service, know the location of land line phones.

Know the physical limitations of the adults on the trip.

It’s important to tell an adult if they are hurt or sick.

35

Girl/Adult ratios should always be maintained. Trip ratios are different from meeting ratios.

Girl/Adult Ratios Events, Travel, and Camping

Two unrelated adults (at

least one of whom is

female) for each number

of girls:

Plus one additional adult

for each additional

number of this many

girls:

Girl Scout Daisies (K– grade 1) 6 4

Girl Scout Brownies (grades 2–3) 12 6

Girl Scout Juniors (grades 4–5) 16 8

Girl Scout Cadettes (grades 6–8) 20 10

Girl Scout Seniors (grades 9–10) 24 12

Girl Scout Ambassadors (grades 11–12) 24 12

SITE

No matter where you stay, you need to take precautions. All of the same precautions apply when

travelling as they do at home. Don't let your guard down just because you're on a fun trip, or because

you're in a smaller or more rural location.

When considering site selection, you should consider if the area is secure. If activity is outside, is there

shelter in case of inclement weather? Are there food preparation, eating and serving areas? Are there

bathrooms?

All sites and facilities used for Girl Scout activities must conform to the guidelines in Risk Management

at Girl Scout Councils, Safety Activity Checkpoints, and applicable local, state, and federal laws and

regulations. Reservations for council-owned sites must be made through council headquarters by using

How to Reserve Facilities at a Virginia Skyline Camp/Program Center (Form #2150).

Check the GSVSC website for a list of currently approved vendors for charter buses, horse stables and

high adventure vendors. It is recommended that a written agreement be obtained for use of each site

not owned or leased by the council. Site agreements should specify responsibilities regarding local

codes and use of the site, facilities, equipment, and services. If the owner does not provide a written

agreement, write a letter to the owner that restates all the information that has been agreed to. The

council carries general liability insurance. Upon request, a certificate of insurance can be provided to

the owner/operator of a site/facility by using the Request for Certificate of Insurance (Form #1040).

36

EMERGENCY CONTACT

An emergency contact person(s) should be available at home for the duration of the event or

trip. The emergency contact person should be an adult who is willing to communicate with

families and the troop/group in case of an emergency. The family of each girl should have the

name and phone number of the emergency contact person.

Emergency contacts must be someone other than a caregiver attending the trip. Caregivers

should inform emergency contact person if they will be available when girls are travelling. In

the event that caregivers will not be available, an alternate contact for the family should be

designated. Ensure that the alternate contact person is aware that they are the alternate

contact and may be responsible for the girl in an emergency situation.

The emergency contact person’s packet should include the following checklist.

Names and phone numbers (work, home and cell) of everyone attending including

chaperones and drivers.

Names and phone numbers of alternate emergency contacts.

Name of and directions to where you plan to stay

Phone number where you are going/staying (hotel, activity site, etc.)

Phone number of nearest police location

Schedule of activities

Council emergency number

Trip Emergency Procedures

37

FIRST AIDER

A First-Aider is an adult volunteer who is currently certified in a Girl Scout-approved first-aid

and CPR training that includes specific instructions for child and adult CPR. A First-Aider must

attend all trips and stay the entire time and have a First-Aid kit along with them at all times.

Information on the contents of first-aid kits can be found at

http://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-

family/gethttp://www.redcross.org/prepare/location/home-family/get-kit/anatomykit/anatomy .

In addition to the standard materials, all first aid kits should also contain the following.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Emergency Procedures (Form #1088)

several Incident/Accident/Crisis Report forms (Form #1089) for serious emergencies

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Claim Form from Mutual of Omaha

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Girl/Adult Health History (Form #2072) for each

participant.

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Adult Health Examination Record (Form #2077)

for each adult participant and Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Girl Health

Examination Record

(Form #2078) for each girl participant for trips more than 2 nights

emergency contact information for all participants

Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Parent Permission (Form #2134)

Parent Permission For Activities (Form #2133)

Check all emergency contact information and Health Histories immediately prior to departure

of trip to insure there have been no changes and that the information stated is current. Know

your girls! Do any have a life threatening allergy or condition? Perhaps you want to highlight

any major concerns on the Health History forms.

Medication, including over-the-counter products, must never be dispensed without prior written

permission from a girl’s caregiver. You may want to provide caregivers with a list of over-the

counter medications that you will have for the trip. You must have written documentation from

the girl’s caregiver that it is acceptable for the girl to receive these medications. Some girls

may need to carry and administer their own medications, such as bronchial inhalers, an

EpiPen, or diabetes medication. You must have written documentation from the girl’s caregiver

that it is acceptable for the girl to self-administer these medications.

Document all health/first aid incidents on the Incident/Accident/Crisis Report (Form #1089). If

a group member has a minor accident, take care of the injury immediately. Contact the

caregiver, and make a joint decision on what further actions, if any, should be taken. (See

below) Whether the incident is minor or major, caregivers/emergency contacts should always

be notified as soon as possible of all incidents/accidents/crises so they can decide on the care

and well-being of their child.

38

Before leaving on the trip, the group leaders need to plan for the possibility of a group member

(girl or adult) being ill enough to be hospitalized or sent home. In the case of girls, the

caregiver is immediately contacted, and the trip leader and caregiver make a joint decision on

what action should be taken. Caregivers may need to travel to where you are, or the girl may

have to return home. Caregivers should understand that this will have to be at their expense.

In the case of the ill person being an adult there to meet Girl/Adult ratios, the trip may need to

end if there is not another adult travelling with group.

39

SAFETY ISSUES

Safety Issues How to Address them

40

CONDUCT WHEN TRAVELLING

Traveling with a Girl Scout group has many advantages. People recognize the organization

and treat Girl Scouts with respect. They treat us with respect, we need to be respectful in

return. However there are some things each group member needs to do to ensure a positive

experience for the group.

In the event of multiple troops/groups travelling together, the designated trip leader is in

charge of all troops/groups on the trip. This trip leader will be responsible for any conflict

resolution during the trip.

Conduct yourself appropriately. At airports don’t joke about bombs, guns, etc.

Always use the buddy system.

Wear identification bracelets or necklaces with the name of the traveler and the council

emergency phone number.

Know where all group members are at all times, including which girls/adults are in which

vehicles, which rooms, etc. Make up a master list to share with each person.

Have travelers carry a card with their name, address, and phone number; the council

name, address, and phone number; and the address and phone number of the

emergency contact.

Don’t give out names, phone numbers, or lodging information. Carry this information

with you.

Know the location of fire exits in places where you’re staying. Make a plan of where to

meet in case of evacuation.

Girls should not be allowed to have free run of the hotel, ride up and down the elevator,

run up and down the halls.

Respect quiet hours.

Follow rules regarding pools with particular respect to supervision and lifeguards.

Know where care-giving facilities are located.

Have a plan in case members get separated.

Make sure everyone knows the plan for getting back together if the group divides up.

Do things the Girl Scout way – prepare and be safe.

Girl Scouts always leave things better than they found them.

Check Safety Activity Checkpoints for all activities planned for the trip (Ex: Swimming)

All trip participants, adults and girls (and their caregivers), must sign the Code of Conduct for

Girls (Form #1122) or Code of Conduct for Adults (Form # 1123). This form spells out

disciplinary action in the event of gross misconduct.

A detailed itinerary should be provided to the caregivers along with lodging information and

contact person information. This is a good time to have examples of the kind of gear the girls

will need to bring. Have an example of the kind of luggage/backpack/duffle that should be used

explaining that if they did not have it, that there are options to buying like borrowing or finding

them at yard sales or thrift shops. Some troops/groups that are planning their first extensive

trip have included the cost of purchasing backpacks for everyone in the group in the total cost

of the trip. A girl developed packing list can be provided to everyone at this time. Remind girls

that they will have to carry their own gear.

41

EXPECTATIONS

SAMPLE OLDER GIRL EXPECTATIONS OF ADULTS ON TRIPS

Less Overprotective

Don’t embarrass us

Patience

No yelling

Don’t get too involved/excited

Less bathroom breaks

Try to blend in

No singing/dancing/rap

No pictures of food or group shots in food establishments

No GS verification

Don’t get involved in our conversations

Don’t get into long conversations with new people

Let girls be more independent

SAMPLE ADULT EXPECTATIONS OF GIRLS ON TRIPS

Courteous

Respond first time asked

Stay w/ Buddy

Good Language/ Clothing

Respectful

Enjoy each other

Let adults rest/sleep

Get along with each other

Willing to compromise

No whining – Be a trooper

Include everyone

Willing to try new things and food

Willing to consider adult advice

Be helpful

Use common sense

Use safe behavior

42

THE CAREGIVER PARTNERSHIP

Involving caregivers is the key to the success of any trip. Group

members need to share all stages of the trip planning process with

their families.

Caregivers can be good resources and can help with estimates of

costs, etc. A “united” planning approach with caregivers will help

make the final commitment much stronger. You need to know that

caregivers approve of the trip and will support the girls’ efforts. At this

point you need to meet with caregivers.

Caregivers should be required to attend the initial meeting.

Everything that is included in this meeting should be designed to inform caregivers and enlist their

support. Be sure to include these items on the agenda the items listed in the Longer Trips section of

this manual.

How caregivers decide to transport girls between their homes and Girl Scout meeting places is each

caregiver’s individual decision and responsibility.

For planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities—outside the normal time and place—in which a

group will be transported in private vehicles, the following rules apply.

Every driver must be a registered, approved adult* volunteer and have a good driving record, a

valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle.

o *“Adult” is defined by the age of majority in each state.

o An approved volunteer is a registered GS adult member who has a complete volunteer

application and cleared/current background check on file with council.

o Criminal background checks expire every three years.

Each driver takes rest breaks every two hours, and drives no more than six hours in one day.

There is a relief driver for trips of more than six hours.

Drivers will not use cell phones or any electronic devices for talking or texting while driving.

Girls never drive other girls.

If a group is traveling in one vehicle, there must be at least two unrelated, approved adult

volunteers in the vehicle, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer

Essentials must be followed.

If a group is traveling in more than one vehicle, the entire group must consist of at least two

unrelated, approved adult volunteers, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in

Volunteer Essentials must be followed. Care should be taken so that a single car (with a single

adult driver) is not separated from the group for an extended length of time. Caravanning

(following so closely that other vehicles cannot come between your vehicles) is not allowed.

Passengers may use cell phones or walkie-talkies to communicate between vehicles

If a vehicle is borrowed or leased without a written contract (for example: borrowing a church

vehicle), Information Needed On Vehicles and Drivers (Form #2265) must be completed.

43

When the girls have made a decision on a trip they would like to take, discuss the items listed below.

After the girls have realized what is involved in planning and implementing their trip have a caregiver

meeting to inform them. Caregivers should be required to attend the meeting. Let them know how long

it will take to plan and prepare. Give them an idea of what kinds of costs and activities might be

involved. If this is an extended trip of more than 2 nights, it would be a good time to let caregivers know

that a Girl Health Examination Record (Form #2078) signed by a medical professional documenting a

medical exam in the last 24 months will be required. Adults attending these trips will need an Adult

Health Examination Record (Form #2077) signed by a medical professional documenting a medical

exam in the last twenty-four (24) months.

Be sure to include these items on the agenda:

Information:

• Presentation of the girl planning process for trip destinations

• Girls’ decisions – the where, when, and how of the trip

• Girl readiness

• Benefits and how the trip fits into the Girl Scout program

• Trips near to home versus long distance trips

Cost:

• Presentation of the troop/group money earning to date

• Presentation of the girls’ preliminary budget

• Presentation of the girls’ money earning ideas

• Timeline for money earning o Deadlines for deposits

o Down payments

o Payment installments and late penalties

• If needed money is not earned, what is the troop’s/group’s plan B?

o Do caregivers agree?

o Do caregivers have other ideas and help for money earning?

o Do caregivers agree to support the frequency of the money earning activities?

o What roles can be delegated? o Discuss/brainstorm ways the girls could earn

money as individuals to pay for their personal portion (if the girls are going to

need to pay out of their pockets and not troops’/groups’)

o Does anyone know of any good deals for travelling?

• Trip cost estimate

• Contingency fund? Troop/group budget should include a reasonable amount for

contingencies. (Up to 20%)

• Discuss what happens if a new girl comes into the troop/group (this should be discussed

with the girls.)

• Discuss what happens is a girl drops out of the troop/group

• What happens to the money if the girl can’t go on the trip

• Discuss what happens if a girl cannot attend a money earning activity.

• Refund policy - state what funds are sunk costs or deposits that cannot be returned,

such as some airline tickets that are non-refundable (define GSVSC cancellation policy)

• Work with the girls in asking for community support (supplies, scholarships, etc.)

• What will souvenirs or spending money cost? (Is this a caregiver or troop/group

cost?

44

Planning:

• Planning timeframe

• Leader and girl preparation plans (vary by cost, distance and destination)

• Permission slips

• Helping girls to make this long-term commitment

• Specialty equipment and clothing needed Dress rules for where you are going

• Health information will need to be updated.

• Health exams are needed for all girls and adults travelling internationally and going on

trips of more than two nights

• Will over the counter medication be available, caregiver permission is needed to

administer

Participation

• Leaders’ expectation of girls

• Leaders’ expectations of caregivers

• Encouragement and support for daughter’s participation in planning sessions and money

earning projects

• Can substitutions be made (define substitutions)

• Prohibited activities - GSVSC prohibits girl participation in certain activities. These

activities may be allowed for members of other councils. Even though the activity is

allowed by the council in which you will be travelling, it is still not allowed by members of

GSVSC. These activities are listed in the GSVSC Safety Activity Checkpoints.

• What do you want the girls to pack in? Is there a limit to how much luggage is allowed?

(Size or weight

• Behavior agreements need to be signed by the girls and the caregivers.

45

For adults:

All adults attending trips are expected to represent Girl Scouts in a positive manner.

• Discuss adults’ role in this trip

• Discuss who is in charge of the group (trip leader vs troop leader/ caregivers)

Will you need drivers, Chaperones, first aiders? – When transporting girls to areas that are

outside the normal time and place, every driver must be at least 21 years if age, a registered

Girl Scout, complete a Girl Scout Volunteer Application (Form #4249), have a cleared

background check prior to the trip and complete GS104. They must have a good driving

record, a valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle. Everyone must be in a legal seat

and wear a seatbelt at all times, and adhere to state laws regarding booster seats and

requirements for children in rear seats. Those acting as drivers must also have a completed

Safe Driver Pledge (Form #4144) and (Form #2265) Information Needed On Vehicles and

Drivers

• Read the sections titled “Transporting Girls” and “Checklist for Drivers” in Volunteer

Essentials

o Will their gas or mileage be paid?

o Will you as a leader pay for the trip or will your way be paid by the

troop/group?

o You will need an emergency contact at home and at the destination

o Will you need a lifeguard? (Needed for water that is knee deep on the

shortest girl. This must be an adult who is at least 21.)

o What type of first aider will you need?

• Caregiver questions and concerns

• Discuss sleeping arrangements

• Do caregivers have security issues?

• How caregivers will be kept up to date - additional meetings may be scheduled

• Final Trip Schedule needs to be approved by caregivers. Have caregivers given

permission for all activities scheduled?

46

GIRL/CAREGIVER PARTICIPATION AGREEMENT

Girls and caregivers should agree on the girls’ participation.

This is a sample group agreement between the girls in the troop/group.

Girl: To be an active participant in the planned troop/group adventure, I will:

1. attend a certain number (to be determined) of troop/group planning meetings and

activities

2. attend a certain number (to be determined) of troop/group money-earning activities –

including both Fall Product and Cookie Sales

3. I understand the money that the troop/group earns belongs to the troop, and not to an

individual girl

Caregiver: To be a supportive part of the planned troop/group adventure, I will:

1. arrange for my daughter to attend at least 80% of troop/group planning meetings and

activities

2. attend a certain number (to be determined) of the troop/group caregiver information or

planning meetings

3. ensure that my daughter will participate in a certain number (to be determined) of

troop/group money-earning activities-including both Fall Product and Cookie Sales

4. I understand the money that the troop earns belongs to the troop/group, and not to an

individual girl

When writhing the Girl/Caregiver Participation Agreement ensure that you use the Girl Scout

Leadership Experience and the three processes when forming the agreement. This should be

discussed and agreed to by the entire group.

47

EVALUATING

A key process in implementing the Girl Scout Leadership Experience is experiential learning or learning

by doing. The trip experience is a perfect environment where girls learn by doing. Asking good

questions before, during and after the trip will help you, your girls, and other adults learn from the

experience. It teaches girls to be inquisitive and question their own experiences. This will help the girls

make meaning and apply it to future experiences.

Design your questions to get the information that you wish to receive. Questions with a yes or no

answer will not give you this information. Ask questions that make the girls think about their experience

and that will give you honest answers.

During the Trip

Here are some suggestions on how to engage the girls in evaluating their experience without them

even knowing it is happening.

Thumbs Up, Thumbs Down - This is a quick and easy way to gauge how the

girls feel about the experience. After they have finished the experience and

they are waiting to start the next activity ask, “How do you think it went? Did

you enjoy it? Thumbs up for yes, Thumbs down for no.” Then ask probing

questions based on how the girls rated the experience, “Sally, why do you

have a Thumbs down?”

On a Scale of 1 to 10 - This is another quick and easy way to get the girls evaluating

and 1------5------10 talking about their experience on their trip. When doing a sit

down activity or waiting for the next step to begin, ask the girls to rate from 1-5, 1-10

or 1-100 (you can create the scale) what they think about their experience. Tell

them 1 = “yuck, the worst experience of my life and 10 = “this is fab, the best

experience ever.” You can choose the words for the scale. As they give you a

number, ask them to explain why.

Name One Thing— as you are wrapping up the first day of your experience or an

activity, ask these three questions: “Name one thing you liked about today (or the

activity). Name one thing you did not like. Name one thing you would change.” As

the girls discuss their one thing, ask them to explain why they liked it or why they

would change it.

1

10

48

AFTER THE TRIP

The trip is over! The girls and adults had fun. It’s now time to evaluate the experience and see

how the girls feel about the trip and what they can do to improve the planning and experience

the next time. An important part of learning is reflection. For younger girls, write down what you

hear from them, put it with the paperwork from the trip and pull it out when they are ready to

plan another adventure. Older girls could reflect on the trip by writing an article for the local

paper, writing a poem about their adventure or making a scrapbook that include their photos,

ticket stubs, and brochures on the sites they visited.

As your girls grow, your techniques for evaluation will evolve as well. You will get to know the

girls in your troop/group better and be able to judge which techniques encourage them to

share the most. Here are some ideas to evaluate with younger girls:

Bull’s Eye - Draw a large bull’s eye on a piece of newsprint. Have the girls use stickers to

gauge their feelings about being “on target” or “way off.” Example, use your bull’s eye as a

way to see how the girls feel about their success with the trip.

Mural - Place a large sheet of butcher paper on the wall or on a long table. Ask the girls an

open-ended question. For example, “Since we have been planning a trip to Washington, what

have we learned about planning a trip? Supply paints and markers and have the girls draw

pictures and write in response to the question.

Pictures - Have each girl cut out magazine pictures or draws something in response to a

question. This tool works best with a before or after question. For example: Have the girls find

or draw a picture about how they felt before they had to plan the trip, while they were on the

trip and then after the trip when it was over. Have the girls share their pictures and explain

them to the troop/group.

Girls should write thank you letters to chaperones, drivers and anyone helping on the trip.

Don’t forget to share the success of the experience with the caregivers. Tell them how you

saw their daughter succeed and grow while she participated.

49

FINANCIAL REPORTING

For those troops/groups or girls receiving financial aid, the Troop/Group Leader is responsible

for completing the Individual/Troop/Group Trip/Event Financial Assistance Application - Post-

Trip Report part 3 (Form #1118) and submitting it to GSVSC within 14 days of the trip end

date.

If you create a separate bank account for your troop/group

trips, you must complete Bank Record Form (#4041) after

opening the account. Submit a copy to (1) Finance

Facilitator and (2) Membership and Volunteer Services

specialists at council.

An annual Finance Report (#4318) is due June 1 of each

year for the trip account. If there is trip money remaining

after the trip, all remaining funds should be deposited in

the troop/group bank account, the trip account is closed,

and the Finance Report must be filed within 30 days of the

end of the trip. If the account is not closed due to

additional trips, the Finance Report is due June 1. Attach the copies of receipts and all bank

statements to the appropriate Finance Report. The finance statement including income and

expenses should be given to girls and caregivers.

50

LIST OF FORMS* TO BE COMPLETED WHEN PLANNING TRIPS Download the most current version of these forms at GSVSC.org

Form #2129 - Activity and/or Trip Permission Application for a Troop/Group

Form #2136 - Request for Non-Girl Scout Insurance or Registered Girl Scout Insurance for

Stays Longer Than Two Nights

Form #4319 - GS Bank Account Application

Form #4041 – Troop/Group/GS Community, Camp or Sub-Unit Bank Record

Form #2131 - Additional Group Money-Earning Activities

Form #1215 - Troop/Group/Trip Donation Record

Form #1118 - Individual/Troop/Group Trip/Event Financial Assistance Application

Form #2150 - How to Reserve Facilities at a Virginia Skyline Camp/Program Center

Form #1040 - Request for Certificate of Insurance

Form #1088 - Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Emergency Procedures

Form #1089 - Incident/Accident/Crisis Report

Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Claim Form from Mutual of Omaha

Form #2072 - Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Girl/Adult Health History

Form #2077 - Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Adult Health Examination Record

Form #2078 - Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Girl Health Examination Record

Form #2134 - Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline Council Parent Permission

Form #2133 - Parent Permission for Activities

Form #4249 - Girl Scout Volunteer Application

Form #4144 - Safe Driver Pledge

Form #1122 - Code of Conduct for Girls

Form #1123 - Code of Conduct for Adults

Form #2265 - Information Needed On Vehicles and Drivers

Form #4318 - Finance Report

*(In order as mentioned in this manual)

51

ACCOMMODATIONS – WHAT’S AVAILABLE?

To make good decisions about your trip accommodations, you need to know details of the

options available. Investigate! Use the internet and the telephone, visit the library and talk to

friends, families and travel agents. Have each participant research possible accommodations

in the areas where you’ll be staying and have them share during one of your planning

sessions. If your trip involves multiple locations, you can divide them among the participants to

research.

Gather as much information as you can before making a detailed plan. It may take time to hear

back from some places so allow a few weeks for this process.

Search for accommodations that fulfill the three C’s — clean, comfortable, and cheap!

Camping may be the focus of your trip, or you may use a campsite as an inexpensive place to

sleep and spend your days elsewhere. You can camp at private campgrounds, in state parks,

national forests, and national parks. Don’t forget youth camps, especially Girl Scout, Boy

Scout, and Camp Fire boys & girls properties. In general, site fees range from $2 to $15 a

person per night.

52

Motels may come within your price range if you have three to four people in a room. Use toll-

free 800 numbers to investigate chain motels or inquire about budget motels. As an example,

four people sharing a room that costs $52 would be $13 per person. Keep in mind Safety

Activity Checkpoints asks for each girl to have her own bed.

Hostels offer inexpensive accommodations with the benefits of interaction with others. See the

listing in the next section for more info.

Churches and Synagogues may allow groups to stay overnight. Obtain contacts through your

minister, priest, or rabbi.

HomeAway, Airbnb, and other travel apps may helpful tools for troop/groups to find travel

discounts.

Colleges and Boarding Schools often open their dormitories (and cafeterias and sports

facilities) to groups during vacation periods. What a great opportunity to get a taste of campus

life! Nightly rates vary.

Home Hospitality is a wonderful way to make new friends and visit a different place. It often

happens as part of a troop/group exchange — your troop/group invites another to visit,

provides accommodations and organizes sightseeing and activities. Then at a later date, your

troop/group visits the other troop and enjoys their hospitality. Families provide hospitality in

their homes. Often girls stay in pairs, so not everyone need be a hostess. No money changes

hands for this type of accommodations. However, networking to find a compatible troop/group

at your desired destination can be time-consuming.

The YMCA has lodging centers in some cities. While a few are for men only, the majority are

coed. Most have a cafeteria, swimming and recreational activities. Costs are about $15 per

person per night, higher in popular cities.

53

GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA SPOTS AND PARTNER RESOURCES

IN THE U.S.

Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace, Savannah, Ga.

Home of the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA, the Birthplace and

Savannah can be a great travel opportunity for girls of all ages. Built in

1821, the house has been elegantly restored to reflect the time that

Juliette Gordon Low lived there. This registered historic landmark is open

to the public and special tours are available for Girl Scout groups. Visit

the Birthplace page for more information.

Girl Scout National Headquarters and Girl Scout Museum, New York, N.Y.

National Headquarters houses approximately 400 staff working to serve

over 100 Girl Scout councils and USA Girl Scouts Overseas, and a

membership of over 3.5 million. Besides busy offices, there are some

great things to look for if you take a tour, including the National Historic

Preservation Center and the GSUSA shop.

The Girl Scouts of the USA headquarters also features a museum, open

to the public, curated by the National Historic Preservation Center, and

filled with the artifacts and ephemera that tell a story about strength and

change. Centrally located just two blocks from the Empire State Building

and ten blocks from Rockefeller

Center, National Headquarters is a highlight of any trip to New York. Find out more

information.

Edith Macy Conference Center, Briarcliff Manor, N.Y.

Girl Scouts of the USA's unique facility dedicated to educational

opportunities is just 45 minutes by train to New York City. Girl Scout

staff, volunteers, and members benefit from the center, which features

400 acres of wooded grounds dedicated to learning through Girl

Scouting and the Great Hall, where Juliette Gordon Low once ushered

in the first WAGGGS World Congress held in the United States. Visit

the Edith Macy Conference Center Web page for more information.

(Special travel funds are available to adults in Girl Scout councils

traveling to accredited events at Edith Macy. Check with your council

for more information.)

54

Hostelling International USA

Hostelling offers a special kind of travel that opens doors to self-

discovery, intercultural exchange, and new people and places. With

safe, clean, inexpensive accommodations and special travel and

cultural education programs, hostels are welcoming places that

encourage meaningful interactions. With over 100 hostels and local

organizations throughout the country, HI-USA can help girls learn key

travel skills in preparation for or as part of their next adventure. To

learn more, visit the Hostelling International USA Web site.

https://www.hihostels.com/

For more trip ideas check out http://forgirls.girlscouts.org/travel/take-a-trip/getaways/