One of the most popular outdoor experiences for a troop is camping. Adults and girls should look forward to having a good time when camping! This is possible if both girls and leaders have prepared for the kinds of responsibilities they will have in the out-of-doors and anticipate some of the experiences which will be new, especially troops camping for the first time.
Service Unit Directors, Outdoor Trainers, and Council staff are ready to help leaders prepare for an exciting adventure. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio-West Region requires at least one member of a Girl Scout troop/group to have the appropriate level of outdoor training to camp (as outlined below). Dates, times, locations, and other training details are listed here.
Level 1 - Explore the Outdoors Home Study for day trips.
Level 2 - Keys to the Cabin for indoor overnight at Girl Scouts of North East Ohio-West Region campsites.
Level 3 - Outdoor Skills for outdoor cooking and use of fire circles and platform tents at Girl Scouts of North East Ohio-West Region campsites.
Level 4 - Tent Camp Training Weekend for a rustic camping experience (in pitched tents)
Once a troop/group has decided they would like to go camping, the leader should obtain an "Application for Troop Camping and Day Outing" to reserve a campsite. Applications are available from Service Unit Directors or through the Council Service Center. Mail the completed application to the Council Service Center, remembering to enclose the site fee. All use of a Camp Site requires pre-application, and no campsites can be reserved without payment and completed application. Troop camping applications must have the Service Unit Director's signature and approval. Applications without a signature will not be processed and will be returned. A confirmation will be returned confirming the campsite, unit site and date, along with equipment lists and a "Troop Camping and Day Outing Evaluation". The evaluation must be returned to the Council Service Center within 30 days of the event.
The more prepared you are when you go camping, the more fun the girls and adults will have! Keep these guidelines in mind when planning your next camping trip:
Gather resource material for badge work or rainy day activities such as game and song books, crayons, yarn, scissors, etc. The weather can be unpredictable and everyone will have fun if you have backup activity plans.
Help troop members determine troop equipment needed and order Council equipment on "Request for Camping Equipment" form at least four weeks ahead of your camp-out.
Know responsibility for troop camp check-in and check-out. See CAMP SITES GUIDE and "Troop Camp Checkout Sheet". Remember, Girl Scouts leave places cleaner than they found them.
Someone (you or another adult) trained in first aid must stay with the troop during the entire camp stay.
The leader has the FINAL word regarding health and safety of girls and respect for property.
Understand the privileges and responsibilities of site use; observe courtesy and good ecology practices at the campsite.
Follow the camping standards of GSUSA Safety-Wise and procedures of Girl Scouts of North East Ohio-West Region.
Return equipment clean and in good condition.
Communicate any problems concerning damaged or improperly working appliances with the Property Manager or Camp / Outdoor Program Director with an understanding of human limitations.
Most of all, have FUN! Camping is a great experience for girls!
I just had to share with you all "My Troop's First Campout and Bridging" We had a family campout and unforgettable memories! We all had such a great time. Pleasant Valley is an awesome place; you really need to visit it! I am surprised if no one heard us scream with excitement when we got there, that's the BEST part! The girls chose and prepared the menu and worked hard all weekend. We had great weather, archery, hiking and our bridging ceremony. We had an awesome campfire and got bitten by mosquitoes. They had smores and smores and more smores. (Thanks to Mrs. Brinkman)
If you're a leader: Please consider taking the Camp training this summer or fall and take your troop camping, It's just sooo much fun! To experience things for the first time through the girls’ eyes is just so amazing, I am so lucky and I thank God for allowing me to be in this position to do just that. The girls learn so much and you do too!
Even if you think "I can't do that" or " I am not the camping type", BELIEVE ME:
"YOU" can amaze yourself because
"YOU" can be the camping type!
Hello my name is Girl Scout Leader Rene' Webb, and I am a Camping-holic!
-Rene’ Webb, after camping at Camp Pleasant Valley
One of the most popular outdoor experiences for a troop is camping. Adults and girls should look forward to having a good time when camping! This is possible if both girls and leaders have prepared for the kinds of responsibilities they will have in the out-of-doors and anticipate some of the experiences which will be new, especially troops camping for the first time.
