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VSSM Revised 06/2019 Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide

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VSSM Revised 06/2019 Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide

THE GIRL SCOUT PROMISE On my honor, I will try:

To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.

THE GIRL SCOUT LAW

I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do,

and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.

The “Let’s GO!” Training Plan in GSCTX First Aider– All troop meeting and troop activities must have at least one adult volunteer in attendance that is first-aid/CPR certified. Visit the adult training event calendar on the GSCTX website for scheduled CPR/FA trainings. For a list of approved CPR/FA approved certifying organizations, please check Volunteer Essentials.

Let’s GO! 1, 2, 3 – Encompasses all three Let’s GO! Courses in one session. Covers the eight basic outdoor skills. This class is a skill-based class so the participant must demonstrate the skills taught in the class. A recertification for Let’s GO! 1 will be required every three years due to changes in forms, Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About – Required for troops taking day trips to simple overnights (hotel, cabin camping with heat and indoor cooking only – up to two nights). This class will cover required paperwork, safety-wise ratios, budget, places to go, things to do, etc. A recertification will be required every three years due to changes in forms, Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Let’s GO! 2 - Fire, Food and Fun – Required for troops that want to build a campfire to have s'mores at their simple overnight. This course teaches fire safety, one pot menus, and outdoor fun things to do. This class is a skill-based class so the participant must demonstrate the skills taught. Prerequisite – Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About.

Let’s GO! 3 - Outdoor Skills – Required for troops to expand their horizons and move out of buildings and into the outdoors. It is the third step in the Let’s GO! training plan. Covers the eight basic outdoor skills. This class is a skill-based class so the participant must demonstrate the skills taught in the course. Prerequisite – Let’s GO! 2 Fire, Food, and Fun.

Let’s GO! 1 - Recertification – Let’s GO! 1 – Out and About requires recertification every three years. The recertification will address any changes in policy, safety, or forms. Recertification is not retaking the whole LG1 course again, but instead is an online updated mini course.

Let’s GO! - The Extra Mile – For extended travel. Required for troops traveling for more than two nights/three days, regional, national and international. This class will discuss required paperwork, medical forms, budgets, insurance, money earning applications, and how to plan an extended travel with the girls. This class is offered as an online course. Prerequisite - Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About.

Chaperone Course – Not a required council training. Additional material for leaders to offer any adults who work with the troop. This course will cover the key points from Let’s GO! 1 - Out and About & Let’s GO! The Extra Mile to ensure that all adults understand the importance of being a chaperone. Includes proper behavior and safety-wise requirements. Includes an online course or home-study packet. There is no knowledge check; no certificate or card is sent; this training is not tracked in training records.

Advanced Outdoor Skills – This course will cover areas like backpacking, canoeing, kayaking, orienteering/compasses, climbing, spelunking. When posted on GSCTX website the course will be listed as:

Example – for backpacking: Advanced Outdoor Skills – Backpacking

Note: In order to maintain Outdoor Training certification, you must take the Let’s GO! 1 - Recertification online refresher course every three years.

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VSSM Revised 06/2019 Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide

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VSSM Revised 06/2019 Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide

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ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE LET'S GO! 1 TRAINED ADULT

The primary responsibility of the Let's GO! trained person is to prepare a troop/group for their outdoor experience. She/he plans, prepares and accompanies the troop/group on their outing assisting girls and adults when necessary, and then works with the girls to evaluate their experience.

QUALIFICATIONS OF THE LET'S GO! 1 TRAINED ADULT: • Has a sense of humor and can enjoy the humor of the girls and adults with whom she/he works • Completes the GSCTX volunteer application process, including criminal background check (CBC) • Registers as a member of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. (GSUSA) • Holds a belief in, and enthusiasm for the Girl Scout program • Holds an interest in and enjoyment of outdoor activities • Is willing to take required training and updates periodically • Follows the guidelines outlined in GSUSA's Safety Activity Checkpoints and GSCTX policies • Has the ability to supervise a diverse group of girls and adults • Has the ability to see degrees of achievement not just success and failure • Has the ability to adapt plans to changing circumstances • Has the ability to sit back, watch and wait for the girls to work out a solution to the problems as they present

themselves, with the exception of any health and safety issues

BEFORE THE OUTING, THE OUT AND ABOUT TRAINED PERSON: • Sets the tone for the outing by modeling and demonstrating appropriate behavior, skills, and attitude toward the

outdoor world • Guides the girls in planning their outing • Ensures that health and safety requirements are met as outlined in GSUSA's Safety Activity Checkpoints and GSCTX

policies • Verifies that necessary forms to secure GSCTX permission for the troop/group are completed • Secures the site (if applicable) • Arranges for equipment (if applicable) • Teaches the required skills so the girls as a troop/group can perform each skill comfortably • Assigns tasks to patrols insuring equal participation • Identifies responsibilities and instructs accompanying adults • Includes a review of evaluations of past events in the planning process

DURING THE OUTING, THE OUT AND ABOUT TRAINED PERSON: • Supervises planned activities, offering assistance and guidance as needed • Ensures health and safety standards are followed • Reviews safety rules, emergency procedures, and simple first aid with girls • Allows the troop/group to proceed at its own pace in performing assigned tasks • Adjusts the plans as necessary to meet unexpected situations • Oversees site cleanup

AFTER THE OUTING, THE OUT AND ABOUT PERSON: • Sees that all borrowed equipment, completed paperwork and keys are returned as appropriate • Evaluates the outing with the girls and attending adults • Recommends the next progressive step to troop/group volunteers and girls

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VSSM Revised 06/2019 Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide

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GSCTX TRAVEL FORMS Forms are labeled with the name of the form, revision date, GSCTX department associated with form, and what type of signature is required – handwritten versus electronic signature.

HANDWRITTEN VS. ELECTRONIC SIGNATURE: If a form requires a handwritten signature, you will need to complete the form prior to printing it, using a PDF Reader (version 7 or higher). Then print the form and sign it.

If the form allows an electronic signature you will be able to complete the form using an PDF Reader (version 7 or higher). After completing the form and attaching an electronic signature you will be able to save it. You will need to utilize a secure electronic signature that:

(a) is unique to the person making the signature; (b) the technology or process used to make the signature is under the sole control of the person making the signature; (c) the technology or process can be used to identify the person using the technology or process; and (d) that is secured with a password when attaching it to the document.

TRAVEL FORMS: A description of each of the travel forms is listed below and an example can be found in the Forms Section at the back of this handbook and on the GSCTX website.

1. Girl or Adult Health History form: (2 pages) - The health history form provides a snapshot of the health of the individual participating in the troop/group meeting, travel, or event. If there is information that is not applicable, then mark N/A. Adults must provide information that is pertinent to Girl Scouts.

Form is to be completed at the beginning of each program year by a parent or adult. A current picture of the individual must be attached to each form. Form must have a handwritten signature. Adult maintaining the health history form must keep the form in a secure location. This form may be used by troop, group, Service Unit, or GSCTX.

2. Permission for Meetings, Day Trips: (1 page) - This permission slip provides permission for a girl to participate in Girl Scout troop/group meetings, day trips, media permission, consent of emergency medical/dental treatment, and emergency contact information. This permission slip allows the troop/group to take field trips and day trips for the entire year. The form is to be completed at the beginning of each program year and is maintained by the Troop/Group Leader. Form can have either a handwritten or electronic signature.

3. Permission for Overnights of Extended Trips: (1 page) – This permission slip provides permission for a girl or adult to participate in an overnight or extended trip. This form must be completed two weeks prior to travel by parent, or adult participating in the travel, and turned into adult in charge of travel. This form is to be maintained by the adult in charge. Form can have either a handwritten or electronic signature.

4. Troop Travel Application (TTA) and Travel Roster: (2 pages) The troop travel application and travel roster must be completed and submitted online or to the Service Unit Director a minimum of two weeks in advance of:

• day trips more than 100 miles from troop meeting place, or lasting past midnight, • overnights/two-night camping, or tours for more than 24 hours, and • high risk activities.

The travel application and travel roster are due online or to the SUD two weeks in advance, regardless if traveling nationally or internationally.

This form can have either a handwritten or electronic signature. It is the responsibility of the adult in charge to submit the form in a timely manner. An approved form must be returned to the troop prior to travel taking place. A copy should be taken on the trip.

5. Permission International Travel for Minors (2 page) and Permission for International Travel for Adults (1 page): These permission forms are to be completed for individuals traveling internationally. This form is to be completed by the parent, or adult traveling with the girls. The form must have a handwritten signature and be signed in front of a notary. This form is to be maintained by adult in charge.

Let’s Go! 1 – Out & About Recert Guide VSSM Revised 06/2019

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Form When to submit To whom? Notes Type of trip

Adult Health History At the beginning of the program year

• In a sealed envelope to Adult in Charge

• Ensure Troop/Group Leadership also completes

• Requires handwritten signature • Must have a current photo attached

All outings away from the regular meeting place and /or travel

Girl Health History At the beginning of the program year

• Troop/Group Leader • For meetings, events and all trips • Requires handwritten signature • Must have a current photo attached

Required to participate in any Girl Scout activities

Permission for Meetings, Day trips, Media Permission, Medical/Dental

At the beginning of the program year

• Troop/Group Leader • For meetings, events and all-day trips • Requires handwritten or electronic

signature

All outings away from the regular meeting place and/or day trips

Permission for Overnight or Extended Travel

Two weeks prior to travel • Troop/Group Leader or • Certified First Aider

• Must be completed for each event/trip • Requires handwritten or electronic

signature

For overnight or extended travel – local, regional or national

Permission for International Travel for Girls

Minimum of four weeks prior to the international trip

• Troop/Group Leader • Requires handwritten signature in front of notary

For all international travel

Permission for International Travel for Adults

Minimum of four weeks prior to the international trip

• Troop/Group Leader • Requires handwritten signature in front of notary

For all international travel

Troop/Group Participation Roster With Troop Travel Application • Online form or Service Unit Director • Troop/Group emergency contact

person not on the trip

• Should be updated for each event. Useful for all outings

Troop/Group Travel Application Two weeks prior

Depending on destination and duration of the trip: • Online form or Service Unit Director

• You must receive approval prior to any trip.

• Must have completed appropriate training for the trip

All travel: high risk, longer than 24 hours, overnight, extended – regional, national, international

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