TROOP CAMPING

Brownie Girl Scouts and other girls with little or no "outdoor camping experience" should start with activities in the most familiar environment before venturing far from home.*
A sample outdoor progression might include:

1. An outdoor meeting or hike;

2. A slumber party;

3. A day outing to a camp or state park;

4. Camping in a lodge or cabin;

5. Tent camping.

Each step can be designed to help girls acquire the skills and emotional readiness needed to progress to the next experience. Day Camp, Troop Adventure Camp, and Resident Camp offer girls and leaders many outdoor experiences with the support of core, volunteer, or paid staff.

*Daisy Girl Scout troops should take one-half day length field trips. For additional information, please refer to Daisy Girl Scouts Leader's Guide.

To take troops on an overnight outing, the leader or another adult attending must be certified by completing the Lodge Camp/Indoor Camping (for lodge camping only) or Camp Certification course or by passing the equivalency exam.

GLOSSARY

Day Camp

Camping by day, usually lasting three - five days. Girls from different troops sign up as individual campers and are placed in temporary units. The girls and unit leaders plan and carry out activities. Day camping is council-sponsored on a site, which may be council owned, leased, rented or borrowed. Any registered Girl Scout may attend. For specific information, see day camp flyers available through service units, the council website, or contact the Girl Scout Center in early spring.

Summer Outdoor Opportunities

Day events of fewer than five days, which any registered Girl Scout may attend where offered.

Troop Camping

An overnight camping experience for 24 or more consecutive hours planned and carried out by a troop and its leaders using sites approved by the council. Each troop going camping must have proper adult/girl ratio and at least one adult qualified to administer first aid. See Safety-Wise for both of these requirements. In addition, an adult must be certified for camping.

Resident Camping

A sustained camping experience during which girls from all parts of the council camp at an established site under the guidance of carefully trained counselors. Girls from different troops sign up as individual campers and are placed in temporary units. The girls and their counselors plan activities taking advantage of the opportunities available to them. Girls are grouped according to age, experience, and program interest. Further information may be found in the Summer Camp Opportunities Brochure, which is mailed to all registered members in January, or on the council website.

Troop Adventure Camp (TAC)

Troop camping that offers a troop or patrol an opportunity to enjoy core-staffed camping during the summer. Lifeguards, a naturalist, an arts consultant, and program assistants offer program support. Kitchen staff prepares three meals per day. One adult accompanying the troop must attend orientation prior to camp. Further information may be found in the Summer Camp Opportunities Brochure, which is mailed to all registered members in January, or on the council website.

Core-Staffed Activities

A troop experience where "core" staff are provided to assist leaders in providing program activities to troops. Activities are designed to acquaint leaders with program resources available and are based upon the interests and experiences of girls.