Girls can do anything! We encourage all of our troops to find the activities that work best for them. Some troops might be adventurous and need their activities approved before they can take off. When in doubt, please check with our Activity Consultant for additional details.

The safety of Girl Scouts—both girls and volunteers—is very important. Lay the foundation of safety in the early days of your Girl Scout troop by completing the Beginning Safety tasks. When you’re ready for a troop outing or travel, follow the steps in the Activities and Travel section. Have a safety question but don’t see the answer? Ask your service unit activity consultant, Jeanne Howard or email customercare@sdgirlscouts.org.

WHEN and WHO needs approval?

A troop activity or trip needs approval from your service unit activity consultant if any of these apply:

  • Your troop travels across the Mexico border,
  • The activity lasts more than eight hours or overnight, and/or
  • The Safety Activity Checkpoints require approval.

Approval for large events and encampments: If your troop is attending a large event that is hosted by a trained event, encampment, or camp director, you do not need to obtain separate approval from your activity consultant. Approval is automatically granted through the director. The director will submit an approval request for the entire event and provide safety info to troop leaders. It’s a good idea to confirm rules, first aider requirements, and the safety management plan with the director.

If you need approval:
  1. Complete these forms (required if visiting Girl Scout San Diego property or elsewhere). Save them to your computer before completing them:
  2. Then, request approval online from your activity consultant, ideally 30 days in advance of routine trips. More time is needed for advanced travel. Follow the checklists in Let’s Go.
    • Once you’ve submitted an approval request, you will receive a response (either questions or an approval) within 5 business days.
    • If not, contact training@sdgirlscouts.org. Don’t finalize your troop’s plans or put down non-refundable deposits until you have approval.
If you don’t need approval:
  • Let parents know where you’ll be and when. Use the communication method you agreed on.
  • Provide a Trip or Event Permission Form for any parent who didn’t give permission for routine activities on the Girl Health History and Annual Permission Form.
  • Make transportation plans clear. If troop parents will be driving girls other than their own, ensure that they’ve had a background check and have received the Message to Volunteer Drivers.
  • Always follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints (following these is required even if approval isn’t required).