Training not only increases your confidence as a leader, it helps you understand the Girl Scout resources you can rely on to help keep girls safe. At least one trained adult must be on hand for all outings. Training is available for any Girl Scout volunteer. Learn more about required and enrichment training at sdgirlscouts.org/training.

Creating a Safe Space

The Girl Scout troop environment that you create is important—maybe even more important than the activities girls do. It’s key to having a group that girls want to join and continue to be a part of year after year. As you might guess, safety means selecting a meeting place that is safe and clean and where cell phone service is available, and common allergens, like pet dander, won’t affect susceptible girls. It means following safety guidelines for activities. And it means tending to the emotional safety of the troop.

Outdoor Essentials

Take your girls outside! Our outdoor training prepares you to introduce girls to the great outdoors in progressive steps from a local overnight to rustic camping. Not sure what course you need? See the Outdoor Progression Chart to learn more. Classes must be taken in order.

Camping progression

Do you have extensive camping experience with Girl Scouts or another youth organization? You may be able to test-out of some of these courses. Contact training@sdgirlscouts.org to learn more.

  1. Basic Overnights (45 min, online course)
    Take this training if your troop is planning its first neighborhood overnight (required before girls can go cabin camping) or if your troop plans to attend a service unit encampment or council-sponsored Adventure Weekends where program activities and meals are provided and girls lodge in cabins. At least one adult in attendance must have this training. Sign up using the code sleepingbag.
  2. Let’s Camp (2.5 hour, in-person course)
    If you’ve completed a basic overnight, encampment, or adventure weekend with your girls, they may be ready for a troop cabin campout. Learn about outdoor program delivery, how to choose and reserve property, manage safety, involve girls in no-cook meal preparation (adults may use heat), and build troop skills, teamwork, and memories. You’ll be qualified to take girls cabin camping in our mountain properties and at private and public campsites. Pre-requisites: Getting Started with Your Troop (online), Intro to Girl Scouts, Basic Overnights. Register for Let’s Camp
  3. Let’s Have a Campfire (3 hour, in-person course)
    In this hands-on class, you’ll learn safe campfire activities you can teach your girls, including building and extinguishing fires, using pocketknives and hatchets, tying knots, campfire programs and reflective debriefing. Get tips for safely cooking on a stick while you enjoy a tasty snack. This training qualifies you for stick cooking (like s’mores), beach or backyard fires, and campfires held while cabin camping. Pre-requisites: Basic Overnights, Let’s Camp. Register for Let’s Have a Campfire
  4. Let’s Cook Out! (7 hour, in-person course)
    Discover several fun methods of outdoor cooking you can empower your girls to use. Using propane, charcoal and wood fuel, you and your new friends will cook and share a tasty four-course meal. Learn about safe food handling, sanitation and accommodating allergies and dietary practices. You’ll be qualified to use many outdoor cooking methods with your girls. Note: This course includes all food and materials. Email training@sdgirlscouts.org if you have dietary restrictions. Pre-requisites: Basic Overnights, Let’s Camp, Let’s Have a Campfire. Register for Let’s Cook Out
  5. Let’s Tent (overnight, in-person course)
    Once you and your girls are ready for more rugged experiences, explore troop tent camping. Learn about safety, environmental considerations and how to sleep comfy outdoors. You’ll discover tips for gear selection, cool night-time activities and much more. Note: This course includes food. Email training@sdgirlscouts.org if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. Please view the Let’s Tent FAQ and Packing List before attending. Pre-requisites: Basic Overnights, Let’s Camp, Let’s Have a Campfire, Let’s Cook Out. Register for Let’s Tent

Backpacking

hiking

The Backpacking Training Program offers great new outdoor adventures for girls and adults! Designed for individuals, our three-step wilderness progression safely takes girls and adults out of the campground and into the woods.

  1. Wilderness Hiking, the first in the outdoor backpacking progression, this one-day training teaches adults and girls (sixth grade and up) the essential skills and knowledge necessary for exciting wilderness exploration. The course covers safety, proper gear and equipment, the Leave No Trace ethic, building independence in girls, and laying a strong foundation for more extraordinary adventures, such as backpacking. The class fee includes course materials and a “Ten Essentials” starter kit. Register for Wilderness Hiking.
  2. Basic Backpacking teaches everything adults and girls (seventh grade and up) need to know to begin a true, multi-night wilderness adventure. Hikers gain the knowledge and skills they need to make important decisions about gear, clothing, and trip planning so that they can hit the trail feeling confident and self-sufficient. Training includes classroom instruction, group day hike, and backpacking trip. Pre-requisite: Wilderness Hiking. Register for Basic Backpacking.
  3. Advanced Backpacking Trips safely takes girls and adults on unforgettable wilderness adventures where they’ll enjoy the majesty of nature along with the camaraderie of fellow backpacking enthusiasts all while building higher level skills. Pre-requisites: Wilderness Hiking and Basic Backpacking. Register for Advanced Backpacking Trips.