All Girl Scout travel should:
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have a clear purpose, developed by the girls
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meet at least one of the 15 leadership outcomes
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incorporate the GSLE processes:
girl-led, learn by doing, cooperative learning
If you’re not familiar with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) processes or the 15 leadership outcomes, take 30-45 minutes to experience Girl Scouting 101! Password: aboutGS101
Trip Types
Trip Type
|
Definition
|
Recommended For
|
|
Field Trip |
An activity outside the normal meeting place/time |
Daisies & older |
|
Overnight Trip |
A trip involving 1-2 overnights |
Daisies & older |
|
Domestic Extended Trip |
A trip of 3 nights or more within the Continental US |
Juniors & older |
|
International Extended Trip |
A trip outside the Continental US |
Cadettes & older |
*Regardless of age, girls needs to show progression in their travel experiences to participate in overnight or extended trips.
Travel Progression
Progression is the backbone of girl travel. Help your girls build on positive basic trip experiences and learn new skills over time. Some Junior troops might be ready for out-of-state travel based on their previous travel experience, others may only be ready for an overnight trip. Start with local field trips, then a day trip to nearby city. Consider a family overnight at a Girl Scouts of Colorado (GSCO) property for your first overnight trip. Make sure all girls in the troop are ready for the trip you are planning.
Use this resource to find out exactly which trainings and forms are required for your trip type.
Training is required before planning a trip! Use the Travel Planning Chart to know which trainings to take.
Travel Volunteers
Every adult who participates in a troop/group activity that involves an overnight stay needs to complete the
volunteer application process before the trip. This includes parents and any adults, even if they aren't needed to meet the adult-to-girl ratio.
The volunteer application process includes a background check ($12) and adult membership registration for the current year ($12) which provides basic Girl Scout activity insurance. Financial assistance is available.
All the travel forms are in the
Forms Library. Use the travel planning chart to quickly figure out which ones you'll need for your trip.
Trip Insurance
Registration with Girl Scouts of Colorado covers girls and adults with basic activity insurance for troop activities up to two nights in length. This basic insurance plan covers injuries, not sickness. Girl Scout insurance acts as a secondary insurance, so we encourage Trip Advisors to have a copy of each girl's insurance card with them on trips.
Travel Insurance is needed for all extended trips! After your trip receives preliminary approval, you'll be contacted within 10 days with the insurance options for your trip, including the appropriate forms and cost information. Learn about our insurance plans.
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Chapter 4: Safety Wise
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Appendix: For Travel Volunteers
First Aid & CPR
For all troop travel, at least one adult volunteer needs to be first-aid and CPR certified. Training is offered by organizations such as: American Red Cross, National Safety Council, EMP America, and American Heart Association.
High-Risk Activities
Written approval is needed for girls (12 and older only) to participation in any of the following high-risk activities:
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operate motorized vehicles, such as go-carts and personal watercraft
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use firearms (hunting is never allowed)
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simulated skydiving and zero-gravity rooms
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take trips on waterways that are highly changeable or uncontrollable
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fly in noncommercial aircraft, such as small private planes, helicopters, sailplanes, untethered hot-air balloons, and blimps
Girls are NEVER allowed to participate in these activities:
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Potentially uncontrolled freefalling such as: bungee jumping, hang gliding, parachuting, parasailing, and trampolining
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Creating extreme variations of approved activities such as: high-altitude climbing and aerial tricks on bicycles, skis, snowboards, skateboards, water-skis, and wakeboards
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Hunting or shooting a projectile at another person
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Riding all-terrain vehicles and motor bikes
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Taking watercraft trips in Class V or higher
Global Travel Toolkit
The Global Travel Toolkit consists of four new, exciting resources that prepare girls and adults for responsible international travel.
Looking for Travel Ideas?
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GSUSA Getaways are prepackaged weekend or short trip opportunities geared towards Girl Scout troops ages 11-17. Programming options are often included in the price, along with a few meals and sleeping arrangements.
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Consider Juliette Low’s Birthplace in Savannah, GA or one of four WAGGGS World Centers
