TR301 GSNETX Camping - Part A - Online Learning Module

Purpose

“GSNETX Camping” is a big step in a progressive plan to get Girl Scout Troops exploring the out of doors. As a GSNETX Troop Camp Trained Adult it is your role to build upon the girls’ experience of leaving the meeting place to travel as a group and prepare them to safely camp.

GSNETX Camps are the best places to start camping because they are closed to outside groups and have kitchen and bathroom facilities within the units.

Format

TR301: GSNETX Camping is a BLENDED learning experience.

• Part A is online in gsLearn and covers the following topics:

o Girl Readiness & Outdoor Progression

o Preparing Girl Scouts for Camp o Safety & Best Practices

o Planning a Campout

• Part B is in person and covers the following topics:

o Campout Kaper Charts

o Fire Safety o Outdoor Cooking o Cleanup the Girl Scout Way

BOTH parts must be completed and marked for credit inside your gsLearn account before your certification document appears on your MY ACHIEVEMENTS page. Certification is good for 3 years from the date of completion. You can download your certificate from gsLearn whenever you need it.

Objectives

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Part A - Learn about readiness, outdoor progression, and health and safety responsibilities when taking girls camping

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Part A - Explain the value of advanced planning and preparation of the troop before going camping.

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Part A - Identify tasks that belong on a campground Kaper Chart and describe the value of using such a chart.

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Part B - Demonstrate best practices of knife and kitchen safety when working with girls.

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Part B - Demonstrate building a fire and putting it out using Girl Scout methods.

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Part B - Demonstrate Girl Scout methodology for washing dishes at camp.

Troop Camp Trained Adult

Your job is to take information you learn through your active participation and self-directed learning; then share that knowledge with your girls and the other adults in the troop.

Recertification occurs every 3 years.

Consider these suggestions as your troop prepares for camping:

• Share your knowledge, experience, and skill with the other adults in the troop prior to the campout.

• Educate them on their role as adults on the campout – encouraging them to empower the girls to experience the different things they will be doing in the outdoors.

• Empower the girls to “lead” and “learn by doing” by sharing your camping knowledge and skills with them, too.

• Determine if the troop is ready to go camping.

• Facilitate a safe experience for every girl in the program.

PRE-TRAINING SELF-ASSESSMENT RATING

Topic: Page:

Section One: Outdoor Progression & Girl Readiness 5

• Outdoor Progression Chart 6

• Readiness Recommendations 7 - 8

• Fears & Behavioral Issues 9 - 11

Section Two: Preparing Girl Scouts for Camping 12

• Camp Etiquette 13

• Proper Dress 14

• Emergency Procedures & First Aid 15

• Leave No Trace: Principles of Outdoor Ethics 16-17

Section Three: Safety & Best Practices 18

• Safety-wise Ratios 19

• Policies & Procedures for Camping 20 - 21

• Driving 22 - 24

• Emergency Concerns 25

• Dangerous Plants to Avoid 26 - 29

• Dangerous Critters to Avoid 30 - 36

Section Four: Planning Your Campout 37

• Suggested Topics & Activities for Meetings 38

• The Camp Clock 39 - 40

• Meal Planning for 1st Time Campers 41 - 42

What does progression mean to Girl Scouting?

Progression is the key to success in Girl Scout activities. This involves acquiring the skills needed to progress to more difficult or highly skilled activities. Girl Scouts provides girls with experiences for growth to gain confidence while moving onto more difficult tasks

Why is progression important?

Progressive learning builds self-esteem and confidence. Progressive experiences allow a girl to learn at her own comfort rate and skill level. By having exciting new adventures, a girl can test her skill limits, see her growth, and feel a sense of accomplishment.

What is progression in the outdoors?

Progression in the outdoors means that a girl learns simple camping skills and participates in introductory outdoor activities before going on an actual overnight camping trip. Spread progressive learning across numerous outdoor experiences.

Why get troops outdoors BEFORE an overnight experience?

Ask a girl to describe her world and a house, family and close friends come into play which may include church, school, and a trip to the park for soccer practice. For very few of them…in that vision of her world do you see frogs, centipedes, snakes, wasps, daddy longlegs, downed trees, and a huge lake (unless the girl lives on a lake) with a surrounding forest. Remember that for most kids’ spiders equal spooky Halloween!

Now think about this…

• Children are tactile and this makes them particularly vulnerable to unfamiliar surroundings. Just because they are in 1st. 2nd, 3rd, or 4th grade does not mean they lose the desire to want to taste, smell, touch, see, and sense what is around them. Because of this desire, they are also closely attuned to differences in environment as part of their way of learning. We learn by comparison and categorizing with things that are familiar.

• Leaders need to sit on their porch and on the porches of the girls' schools so they can see what the girl sees every day. Then sit in various locations around the GS campground and see how different it is from what the girls get in their everyday world. There is NO comparison. One is well groomed, and one is somewhat overgrown, complete with unfamiliar plants, unseen animals and insects. It is all so unfamiliar.

How will you prepare your girls for a full camping trip when the outdoors is so foreign to them?

Assessing Girl Readiness

Use the readiness indicators on the next page to help you determine where to start with Outdoor Activities.

Step 1: Read the progression checkpoint questions in the first column on the left, and then check the behavior indicator that the girls currently exhibit in that row.

Step 2: Analyze all the readiness factors and think about how you can plan opportunities to develop the girls where they need it most.

Step 3: Remember that just because a girl is at a specific program grade level does not mean she is at that readiness level. You may have to start at a lower readiness level and work up to the next level (or move up a level) to meet girls’ needs and/or leader’s experience. Additionally, a girl may have previous experiences at camp that have her a little more prepared than others might be. Some of this assessment might also need to be done in the context a parent/caregiver meeting to get their insights into girls’ readiness.

Psychologically, humans are most comfortable with what is familiar. Unfamiliar sounds, sights, and smells may produce some anxiety among girls and adults. Understand that this is a natural reaction for many first time “campers”. Think about fears that the girls – and their families - may have about the overnight outing. Help relieve a girl’s fear by having fun and taking time to discuss what to expect on their first overnight camp experience.

Common Fears

• Fear of snakes or insects

• Fear of bears, lions, tigers, alligators, sharks, etc.

• Fear of the dark, fear of shadows

• Fear of plants (itchy plants, plants with thistles or thorns)

• Fear of getting lost

• Fear of getting dirty or sweating

• Fear of being alone

• Fear of imaginary strangers, aliens, monsters in the woods (too many scary movies!)

• Fear of using the latrine

• Fear of wetting the bed

• Fear of the dark

• Fear of the unknown

• Fear of thunderstorms and lightening

• Fear of changing in front of others

• Too quiet

Overcoming Fears

• Be aware of fears; don’t discount a campers’ feelings

• Explain about night sounds, like frogs, insects, raccoons, etc.

• Explain where you will be, even in the middle of the night

• Explain the Buddy System (travel in sets of 2 or 3) and always take a flashlight when moving around in the dark

• Make sure everyone knows where the restroom is located and visit it before dark

• Don’t eat in your sleeping area; food should only be in designated areas to ward off critters

• Plan fun activities. Sing peppy camp songs. Keep it light, fun, and active. Inspire the girls to look forward to the activities to come

• Say goodnight to each girl individually. This is the time when a friendly smile and a cheerful word can mean the most

• Be aware if other campers are telling scary stories.

• If a girl does get scared, calmly pull her aside and discuss her fear. Fears can be embarrassing (and contagious!)

Behavioral Issues

Girls may behave in different ways than usual when they are in unfamiliar settings, such as a first camping trip, unexpected changes in the weather, new activities, or other stresses.

Sometimes these behaviors are a result of situations which have occurred at camp; sometimes they are because of situations which come to the surface in the camp setting.

Recognize all girls come from different family situations, and these will influence their responses to the group living that camping requires.

Despite the best, most careful preparation, situations may arise which the girls have difficulty in managing. Here are some things which may occur, along with some suggestions on how to handle them.

Homesickness General Symptoms: Withdrawal from group; moping & gloomy; sitting out activities; crying.

Possible Reasons: Doesn’t feel at home; program isn’t interesting enough; parent’s overemphasis on being apart; little self-confidence; physical ailment.

What can be done: Make girl feel welcome; keep girls busy and engaged; don’t let her eat too much (avoid a stomachache!); give each girl the feeling of belonging.

Bed-Wetting

General Symptoms: Can be very embarrassing! Sometimes when camping even girls who haven’t wet the bed since toddler age will have an accident.

Possible Reasons: Various medical conditions; discomfort with unfamiliar surroundings.

What can be done: Make a group trip to the bathroom to ‘scope it out’ ahead of time. Insist that everyone visit before ‘lights out’. Limit liquids before bed. Have girls sleep with flashlights near-by and establish a buddy-system for nighttime bathroom trips. If a bed-wetting incident does occur, stay calm & minimize chatter among the girls; the main idea is not to embarrass the girl.

Misbehaving

General Symptoms: Vary. You’ll know it when you see it!

Possible Reasons: Resentment of authority; want recognition; over-abundance of energy; too much planned.

What can be done: Assume attitude of accomplishment; reinforce positive behavior; be friendly but firm; be fair. Plan for “turtle time” (quiet time) if needed for girls to rest, relax and reflect.

How to Minimize Behavioral Issues

• Set expectations for girls’ behavior before going camping.

• Discuss safety, care for each other’s feelings, the need for rest, and other factors which can influence their behavior.

• Prepare girls so they know what to expect. Everyone will have chores to do (Kaper), will need to stay together in many situations, will have responsibilities for their own belongings, etc.

• Practice new skills well in advance to build confidence in girls.

• Discuss the possibility that unexpected events will occur, such as the weather, activities, etc. Have a plan.

• Give the girls suggestions for ways and places in which they can express their concerns and ask for alternatives.

• Let the girls know the adults care about them and are prepared to give them loving support and guidance.

TIPS:

Talk to your parents about the girls NOT using cell phones while on the trip; cell phone coverage is limited at many campsites & frequent calls to and from parents while away can detract from the program and the girls’ overall experience. Keep in mind that every council owned site has a phone for emergencies, should one come up; remind parents that you will call if needed (but you hope not to have to!)

• Ask girls what kind of experience they want to have.

• Discuss skills they may need to do the things they want to do.

• Give the girls a voice in choosing the experience.

• Learn one or two skills at camp each time.

• Use meetings to grow skills with games and activities BEFORE you camp.

• Spread the learning of outdoor skills across numerous outdoor adventures.

• Experience, rather than age, should be used when determining which skills to teach your girls.

• Camp skills and outdoor activities should be integrated throughout the entire Girl Scout year.

• Each outing should be a stepping-stone for the next outing

Why this Matters:

Setting expectations up front that the troop campout experience requires each girl to do her part will go a long way to prevent finding yourself in a situation with girls who believe it is a holiday and that the adults are there to take care of it all for them. Girls who know and understand what the rules are will thrive, especially if you involve them in defining what the behavior standards are and prepare and practice before they get there.

1. Be mindful of noise. At GSNETX campsites, quiet hours are from 10:00 pm to 7 am.

2. Use the Buddy System.

3. Be mindful of where it’s safe to run and where you should walk.

4. Treat camp like home.

5. Store personal gear properly.

Let’s think and visualize how you can get these principles across to the girls.

Teaching Ideas

SpideySenses

Instruct your kids to turn-on their “Spidey senses,” or the super-focused senses of smell, sight, hearing, taste, and touch that Spiderman uses to keep tabs on the world around him. This will encourage them to pause and focus their attention on the present. Consider using this when it is time to quiet down.

When do I need a Buddy?

Read the following scenarios or create your own. Ask the girls if they need a buddy. Have the girls give thumbs up or thumbs down.

• You wake up in the middle of the night and need to go to the restroom. (yes)

• You’re eating dinner in the dining hall with your troop. (no)

• Your troop is going on a hike. (yes)

• You want to go refill your water bottle at camp. (yes)

Treat Camp Like Home

Have the girls think about what makes a home “homey”. Now have them think about how they can treat camp like home. Create a poster to illustrate.

Role Play Have 2-3 girls role play having a messy cabin by unpacking at camp. Ask them to pretend to trip over things, not be able to find what they need, etc.

Then, have 2-3 girls role play storing their gear properly. Ask them to model being able to find what they need, having more space in the cabin, etc.

Your ideas

The following are the most important aspects of outdoor dress:

1. Footwear – Make sure shoes are closed-toe, roomy, comfortable, and sturdy. Dressy shoes are not recommended as they are usually too tight for warm socks and not constructed well enough to stand up in the outdoors.

2. Socks - Always wear socks. Having extra pairs of socks in case they get wet and changing socks at night can make your feet more comfortable. Dry socks make a happy camper!

3. Hiking and Coverage - Wear pants or high socks when in the woods. Consider your activities and surroundings when planning to be outdoors. Long sleeves and pants can protect arms and legs against scratches, insect bites, poison ivy, and sunburn. However, they can also cause overheating. Make sure to balance protection with comfort.

4. Rain Gear - Always carry rain gear (a poncho or a raincoat with head covering). The poncho must fit girls around knee length to avoid tripping. It may be cut or taped up.

For cold weather, keep the following in mind:

g are the most important aspects of outdoor dress:

1. Layers - Dress in layers so you can adjust your clothing to temperature. Overheating causes perspiration, which induces chilling. Uncover when active, cover up when inactive. Remove a layer before you start to perspire and add a layer when you become chilled.

2. Socks - Wear wool socks or an extra pair of socks if it does not make your shoes too tight.

3. Hat and Gloves – It is important to wear a hat and gloves or mittens.

4. Sweater or Jacket – It is best to wear sweaters and jackets that are long enough to come well below the waist to shield your lower body as well as your torso.

5. Long Johns - Long johns are worth their weight in gold. Good substitutes are flannel pajama bottoms or sweatpants. If wearing two pairs of pants, be sure they are roomy enough.

Emergencies can happen to anyone at any time and in any place. They require prompt and quick judgment. First aid treatment is essential within the first few minutes, because it can mean the difference between life and death. It is also important to be able to reach medical assistance as soon as possible.

Leaders are expected to see that girls receive proper instruction in how to take care of themselves and others in emergencies. To do this, you should help girls:

• Understand and use the buddy system, especially while camping.

• Assemble a first aid kit that is always accessible and stocked with necessary equipment.

• Know the basic steps to take if clothing catches fire (stop, drop, and roll).

• Know what to report. Understand the importance of reporting accidents, illnesses, or unusual behavior to adults.

• Establish and practice injury, lost person, and security procedures.

First Aid Kits ather, keep the following in mind: g are the most important aspects of outdoor dress:

A general first-aid kit should be available on any camping trip or outdoor activity. Prior to all activities, the kit should be checked by you and the girls to make sure all materials used previously have been replaced. The type, size, and content of the kit will vary according to the activities. Consult Safety Activity Checkpoints on the council website for specific recommendations.

• A first aid kit should never include any orally taken medications such as pain killers or indigestion relief.

• Specific written parental permission must be granted to give girls any medications, supplements, or vitamins. Never administer medications to girls without explicit written parental permission.

• Remember that a trained First Aider must be present for all outdoor experiences

Leave No Trace is a national outdoor skills and ethics educational program. The Seven Leave No Trace Principles of Outdoor Ethics form the basic framework of minimal impact hiking and camping.

1. Plan Ahead and Prepare

• Know the regulations and special concerns for the area you'll visit.

• Prepare for extreme weather, hazards, and emergencies.

• Schedule your trip to avoid times of high use.

• Visit in small groups. Split larger parties into groups of 4-6.

• Repackage food to minimize waste.

2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces

• Durable surfaces include pre-existing and established trails and campsites, rock, gravel, dry grasses or snow.

• Protect bodies of water by setting up camp at least 200 feet from lakes and streams.

• Good campsites are found, not made. Altering a site is not necessary.

3. Dispose of Waste Properly

• Pack it in, pack it out. Inspect your campsite and rest areas for trash or spilled foods.

• Pack out all trash, leftover food, and litter.

• Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.

• Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.

• To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.

4. Leave What You Find

• Preserve the past: examine, but do not touch, cultural or historic structures and artifacts of any kind.

• Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them.

• Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species.

• Do not build structures, furniture, or dig trenches.

5. Minimize Campfire Impacts

• Campfires can cause lasting impacts to the backcountry. Use a lightweight stove for cooking and enjoy a candle lantern for light.

• Where fires are permitted, use established fire rings, fire pans, or mound fires.

• Keep fires small. Only use sticks from the ground that can be broken by hand.

• Burn all wood and coals to ash, put out campfires completely, and then scatter cool ashes.

6. Respect Wildlife

• Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.

• Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers.

• Protect wildlife and your food by storing rations and trash securely.

• Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.

• Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, raising young, or winter.

7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors

• Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience.

• Be courteous. Yield to other users on the trail.

• Step to the downhill side of the trail when encountering someone walking livestock.

• Take breaks and camp away from trails and other visitors.

• Let nature's sounds prevail. Avoid loud voices and noises.

Why this Matters:

When the safety of children is involved, we have a responsibility to mitigate risks and protect them, and ourselves, from danger.

Topics Covered: • Safety-wise ratios • Highlights of important documents and Policies & Procedures • Driving • Emergencies • Plants & Critters to Avoid

TROOP MEETING

FIELD TRIP / OVERNIGHT / CAMPOUT

For mixed level groups, use the ratio of the lowest program grade level to determine the minimum number of adult chaperones your campout requires.

Example: If a campout has a mixture of -

• 6 Brownies + 9 Juniors + 4 Cadettes = 19 girls on the campout

• The lowest program grade level is Brownies.

• The Events, Travel, and Camping ratios for Brownies indicate that two unrelated adults are required for the first 12 girls, plus one addition adult for the next 1 – 6 girls.

•

The first 12 girls = 2 adults. The next 6 girls up to 18 = 1 more. The 19th girl triggers another safetywise adult.

• Therefore, 19 girls in a mixed PGL troop with the lowest PGL of Brownies = a minimum of 4 adult chaperones on the campout who are members with appropriate background clearance.

Camping is an integral and fun part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Only GSNETX camp certification training certifies you to take Girl Scouts camping. Family camping experience or training taken with other organizations is not accepted in lieu of GSNETX camping courses. Check out the Safety Activity Checkpoints for more standards & guidelines.

Because it is important to protect the safety of the girls in the program, the following policies are in place for camping:

• Each Girl Scout Troop must follow the Volunteer Essentials requirements for the ratio of adults to girls and follow all guidelines that are appropriate to the activities they are doing while camping.

o One of the female volunteers must provide proof that they are currently certified in First Aid/CPR/AED. You will submit a copy of their certification with your camp reservation.

o “Activity Approval” is built into the process of booking at a GSNETX camp. If a troop is camping some place other than a GSNETX camp property, they must have TR302: On the Road Camping certification and submit a separate Approval Form.

• Men who camp with a Girl Scout Troop must follow all volunteer procedures. When men are part of the leadership team, separate sleeping arrangements must be provided. In the case of a husbandand-wife team, a separate sleeping arrangement away from the girls and other volunteers is recommended.

Below you’ll find some highlighted procedures. Please refer to the GSNETX Volunteer Policies & Procedures handbook for additional information.

Camp Trained Adults

Troop Format: Each Girl Scout Troop must have at least one (1) registered Camp Trained Adult who has completed the appropriate level of camp training and one registered First Aid/CPR/AED Trained Adult. It is strongly encouraged that this not be the same individual. Each Camp and First Aid/CPR/AED certified adult must have the appropriate volunteer security status.

Safety-Wise Adult-to-Girl Ratio

Refer to the guidelines in Volunteer Essentials. Female Camp Trained Adults and female First Aid/CPR/AED trained adults are counted as part of the required number of adults. Each adult counted as a Safety-Wise ratio adult must be registered and have the appropriate volunteer security status.

Domestic Animals or Pets at Camp

Domestic animals or pets, other than service animals, must not be brought to any Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas camp at any time. Pets belonging to on-site, permanent staff will be contained while campers are on property.

Men at Camp

Any man camping with Girl Scout troops should be an active member of the adult team accompanying the Girl Scout troop/group camping. If a volunteer who is a man is one of the adults camping with a Girl Scout troop/group, these steps must be followed:

1. Limited housing spaces for men are available at GSNETX properties. These spaces can be reserved in the camp reservation system when the campout reservation is made, pending availability. For non-council camp facilities, a separate sleeping area apart from youth members must be designated for men.

2. A minimum of two unrelated Safety-Wise adults who are women must always participate in overnight activities involving volunteers who are men. During established nighttime sleeping hours, volunteers who are men should not enter the sleeping area designated for youth members or volunteers who are women and are generally expected to be in the separate sleeping area for men.

Due to the location of the designated sleeping facilities for men at GSNETX camps, registered volunteers who are men cannot be counted as Safety-Wise ratio adults or serve as the primary Troop Camp Trained Adult or First Aider during campouts at GSNETX camp facilities.

During overnight activities not taking place at GSNETX camps:

• It may be appropriate for registered volunteers who are men to be counted as Safety-Wise ratio adults if more than two adults are required to meet youth-to-adult safety ratios.

• It may be appropriate for a man to serve as the primary Troop Camp Trained adult or First Aider if he is able to be easily contacted and provide assistance quickly during sleeping hours. If this assistance requires that he enter sleeping quarters designated for youth or women for any reason, one of the Safety-Wise volunteers who is a woman must be present at all times.

• If a volunteer who is a man is not able to be easily contacted or if the facility has rules that would prevent this type of supervision or interaction, he may not serve in these roles.

Vehicles at Camp

All vehicles must be parked in the designated parking areas at camp, except when actively loading and unloading at arrival and departure. For special needs related to accessibility while at camp, please contact camp directly so that needs can be accommodated.

Burn Bans

Burn bans are occasionally implemented by the Texas Forest Service for the protection of life and property. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas will follow the forest service recommendations. Information will be posted online on the troop camping page of the GSNETX website. The Camp Registrar or Site Manager may be contacted for updates. During burn bans, only propane, solar and indoor cooking is permitted.

For planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities outside the normal time and place in which a group will be transported in private vehicles:

• Every driver must be an approved adult volunteer at least 21 years old, and have a good driving record, a valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle.

• Care should be taken so that a single car is not separated from the group for an extended length of time.

• Girls never drive other girls.

Please refer to GSNETX Policy XII. Program – Private Transportation, Rentals and Drivers.

Please keep in mind the following non-negotiable points regarding private transportation:

• Obtain parent/guardian permission slip for any use of transportation for anything taking place outside of the meeting place.

• Anyone transporting children other than their own must be a registered and background check cleared member of Girl Scouts.

• Each car should contain a sealed envelope with copies of the health history forms of the girls riding inside. This is done in case there is an emergency on the road and the driver needs to care for the child or give information to an emergency responder. The troop leader shall keep a full set of health history forms with them in a binder.

• Even though written agreements are always required when renting or chartering, you are not authorized to sign an agreement or contract, except for rental car agreements, even if there is no cost associated with the rental. Such agreements must instead be signed by the person designated by the Girl Scout Council.

Checklist for Drivers

ather, keep the following in mind:

Assuming responsibility for other people’s children is a serious consideration, especially when traveling. Whether driving a car, RV, or camper, take the following precautions and ask all other drivers to do the same:

g are the most important aspects of outdoor dress:

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Ensure all drivers are adults at least 21 years old

 Girls should not be transporting other girls.

 Never transport girls in flatbed trucks, in the bed of a pickup, or in a camper-trailer.

 Keep directions and a road map in the car, along with a first-aid kit and a flashlight.

 Check your lights, signals, tires, windshield wipers, horns, and fluid levels before each trip, and recheck them periodically on long trips.

 Keep all necessary papers up to date including, but not limited to your driver’s license; vehicle registration; any state or local inspections; and insurance coverage.

 Always wear your seat belt and insist that all passengers do the same. Girls under 12 must ride in the back seats.

 Follow all the established rules of the road in your state, including the speed limit. Some additional guidelines include keeping a two-car-length distance between you and the car ahead of you; not talking or texting on a cell phone while driving; not using headphones while driving; and turning your lights on when your windshield wipers are on.



Plan rest stops every few hours and avoid driving for extended periods at night. If traveling with others, prearrange stopping places along the way. When planning longer trips, arrange for relief drivers.



Do NOT drive when you are tired or taking medication that makes you drowsy.

Drivers should not drive more than 12 hours in any one 24-hour period.

Email each of your drivers in advance to obtain the following information and complete a worksheet like the template given. Give a copy to each driver to keep in their glove box.

Name of Driver #1: Passengers in this car: Driver’s License #: Vehicle Make/Model/Year Number of Passengers: License Plate #: Cell phone #:

Name of Driver #2: Passengers in this car: Driver’s License #: Vehicle Make/Model/Year Number of Passengers: License Plate #: Cell phone #:

Name of Driver #3: Passengers in this car: Driver’s License #: Vehicle Make/Model/Year Number of Passengers: License Plate #: Cell phone #:

Name of Driver #4: Passengers in this car: Driver’s License #: Vehicle Make/Model/Year Number of Passengers: License Plate #: Cell phone #:

What could possibly go wrong?

When exploring the outdoors with our girls, we want them to have fun…and be safe. Safety is everyone’s responsibility, everywhere, always. It is everyone’s number one priority. The following information applies to daytime visits, AND it also applies to future overnight visits to camp. The Girl Scout program has a wonderful and safe track record. Let’s keep it that way.

Traveling Tips for Safety:

• Watch the weather before you leave and plan accordingly.

• Create a folder with emergency forms for each car that will transport girls.

• All drivers should program every driver’s mobile phone number into their cell phone for quick connection between cars.

• Divide girls evenly among adult’s vehicles and make them responsible for those girls assigned to them while traveling and at camp.

• In the case of an overnight, when traveling to camp and arriving after dark, store girl’s flashlights in a tote in the front of the car for easy access rather than their tote bags. Throw in a roll of toilet paper so it is easily available when you get to camp.

A troop with any medical need or emergency should contact the camp phone numbers immediately. These numbers are displayed in buildings at camp, usually on a bulletin board in the unit shelter. They are also provided in the info packet you receive prior to camp. Find out where the posted emergencies info is located and show and discuss with all other adults in your campsite upon arrival.

Key Points:

• If in doubt, don’t touch it.

• Always carry a first aid kit.

• Always wash with soap and water after a hike and immediately after touching any Poison Oak, Ivy, or Sumac.

• Always take a first aider on any outdoor adventure.

Poison Ivy – Poison Oak – Poison Sumac

The compound leaves of poison ivy consist of three pointed leaflets; the middle leaflet has a much longer stalk than the two side ones. The leaflet edges can be smooth or toothed but are rarely lobed. The leaves vary greatly in size, from 1/3 inch to just over 2 inches in length. They are reddish when they emerge in the spring, turn green during the summer, and become various shades of yellow, orange, or red in the autumn. In our area, Poison Ivy may be a vine, low growing ground plant, bush, or tree looking plant.

Poison Ivy in Spring

Poison Ivy in Summer

Like many spring leaves, poison ivy leaves start out bright red, which seems to fend off insects.

Keep in mind that new leaves can always be reddish even when they sprout in mid summer.

Classic poison ivy in full swing. Some leaves are notched. Some leaves are not.

New leaves are shiny and still somewhat reddish. Older leaves are duller.

Poison Ivy in Fall Poison Ivy in Winter

Poison ivy turns all sorts of colors in the fall: yellow, red, orange. And you can still get itchy from it in the fall.

This is the same bush as pictured in the summer. Imagine gathering wood for a fire without thinking that this bush could be poison ivy. You CAN get it in your lungs if you burn it and breathe the smoke.

Poison Ivy is no joke!

It is the Urushiol oil in the plant that is potent:

Only 1 nanogram (billionth of a gram) is needed to cause rash

500 people could itch from the amount covering the head of a pin.

Specimens of Urushiol several centuries old have found to cause dermatitis in sensitive people.

1 to 5 years is normal for Urushiol oil to stay active on any surface including dead plants

The plant may look dormant for the winter, but the oil will still be there.

15 Minute Teaching Activity

Experiment to find a removal agent for Poison Ivy oil:

1. Put 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in each girl’s palm. Sprinkle ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon. Have them rub their hands together. This represents the oil from poison ivy.

2. Have the girls suggest ways to remove this oil from their hands.

3. Test their theories.

Variables the girls might consider are sand, cold water, warm-hot water, dish detergent, bar soap, more oil, etc. Ask: is any “oil” left behind on the bar of soap? Will that spread? Best case scenario is to wash hands with warm, hot water using dish detergent.

Bull nettle is a coarse prickly weed having white or pale-yellow flowers and yellow berrylike fruit. The plant has many hollow stinging hairs called trichomes on its leaves and stems, which act like hypodermic needles that inject histamine and other chemicals that produce a stinging sensation when contacted by humans and other animals. It is extremely painful, and the effects can last for days.

Bull Nettle Flowers:

The white flowers are mostly harmless but the remainder of the plant is loaded with trouble.

Use Google or another search engine to find more information about Bull Nettle and search for sting remedies.

Notice both the main stem and the stem branches. All are covered with bristly hairs. But these are not normal hairs; they are extremely painful, stinging hairs. The leaves are covered with the same stinging hairs as well. Here is how this plant defense mechanism works: If the foliage or stems are touched, the glass-like hairs break off in the skin. Ouch!

Blue-Green Algae

Blue-green algae, also known as Cyanobacteria, are a group of photosynthetic bacteria that many people refer to as "pond scum." Blue-green algae are most often blue-green in color, but can also be blue, green, reddish-purple, or brown. Blue-green algae generally grow in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving streams when the water is warm and enriched with nutrients like phosphorus or nitrogen.

When environmental conditions are just right, blue-green algae can grow very quickly in number. Most species are buoyant and will float to the surface, where they form scum layers or floating mats. When this happens, we call this a "blue-green algae bloom." If a lake is closed to swimming or boating based on blue-

Bull or Stinging Nettle

green algae bloom, the camps or park service will notify campers. Blue-green algae blooms occasionally happen on Lake Texoma, and other north Texas lakes.

Exposure to the blue-green algae can cause illness. People may be exposed to the toxins of the algae through contact with the skin (e.g., when swimming), through inhalation (e.g., when motor boating or water skiing), or by swallowing contaminated water. Types of toxins and potential health effects include the following: rashes, headaches, fever and gastroenteritis (nausea, stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhea), as well as other more debilitating illnesses. Children may be at greater risk than adults. If the lake is closed by authorities, stay out of the water.

Key Points:

• Girls respect what they know, so plan opportunities to explore nature and coach them on the dangers of nature so that they are better prepared when they are camping out of doors.

• Avoid perfumes or any hair or body products that smell like flowers. Wear insect repellent instead.

• Be prepared for allergies. Be informed. Bring a first aid kit and the girls’ health history forms.

• Store food in airtight, well-sealed containers.

• Place trash into camp or park dumpsters. Trash should never be left sitting by the dumpster.

All natural environments have insects, spiders, and snakes – oh my!

This section covers three main categories of critters to avoid in the out of doors, although there are many others.

o Coach the girls to stay calm and not scream or flail if they encounter any insects as this will likely only aggravate the bug.

o The bug will most likely leave you alone if you leave it alone.

o Some bugs like to land on you to taste your salty sweat.

o Simply brush them off gently; swatting may antagonize them and cause them to sting.

o Spiders serve a very beneficial purpose in nature, often feeding on nuisance critters such as mosquitoes, gnats, flies, crickets, etc.

o All spiders have venom; that is how they kill their prey. However, most bites are usually not medically significant, except for bites from widow spiders and recluse spiders.

o If you are bitten by a spider, you may experience a red, swollen, itchy area on your skin. In most cases, these go away without much care or attention.

o If you feel or see the spider biting you, wash the area with soap and water.

o If the bite is from a Brown Recluse or Black Widow, call the Poison Center for further instructions 1-800-222-1222.

o Girls should know how to identify snakes and what to do if they spot one.

o Snakes primarily come out in warm weather but can occasionally be found in cold weather too.

o They can be found on the ground, in the water, and even in trees or other high places. They have been known to slip indoors now and then.

Need to Know: Insects Photos

Bees

Bees are most active when establishing new hives, generally in the spring and fall.

Bee stings are intense and immediate. Honeybees are the only bees with a barbed stinger that can sting only once.

Honeybees are about ½ inch long. Their color varies from light brown to black mixed with yellow and may (or may not) be fuzzy. Africanized Honeybees are a strain of this species and are difficult to distinguish from managed honeybees.

Do not try to kill bees; they are our friends.

Wasps (also known as Vespids)

Wasps’ stingers are not barbed which allows for multiple stings. The pain is sharp and intense and may cause local swelling.

Yellow Jackets are about ½ inch long. They are typically black with yellow markings on the head, thorax, and abdomen. The body is smooth, and wings are clear.

They may be aggressive when looking for food, especially in the fall. This is the only known vespid to sting for unknown reasons but also the least painful.

Mud Daubers come in several species that are ¾ to one inch long. Their body may be dull black, iridescent blue-black or black and yellow.

They build mud tubes on the sides of buildings or other objects in sheltered areas. They can sting, but most attacks are bluffs. They are the least likely to sting. They are the main predator of the black widow spider.

Regular Honeybees & Africanized Honeybees look exactly alike.

The major distinguishing characteristic of the Africanized Honeybee is their highly defensive behavior.

Wasps are smooth bodied with a nipped-in, ant-like waist, differentiating them from bees that are hairy and thick-waisted

Mud daubers are long, slender wasps with threadlike waists.

Fire Ants

Fire Ants consist of four species in Texas. The most aggressive is the Red Imported Fire Ants which are found mainly in the eastern two-thirds of Texas.

They are less than ¼ inch long. The females are reddish-brown, and the males are darker. They respond rapidly and aggressively to any disturbance of the colony or to a food source.

Ants both bite and sting. A single fire ant can and will sting repeatedly, even after the venom sac is empty. They attack in swarms.

Mosquitoes

The humble mosquito takes second place on America’s list of most dangerous animals.

This annoying pest does more than give you horrible itchy bites; it is also responsible for carrying diseases.

The female mosquito feeds on blood to produce eggs. She has a highly developed sense of smell which detects carbon dioxide and other molecules released in sweat.

If going into an area known to be populated by mosquitoes, wear long, loose clothing, and wear mosquito repellant.

Fire ants can be distinguished from other ants by their copper brown head and body with a darker abdomen.

All mosquitoes have slender bodies with three segments: head, thorax, and abdomen.

Need to Know: Arachnids Photos

Ticks

Wear insect repellent when in tick infested areas.

Wear a hat when hiking or camping in areas with trees.

Wear closed toe and heel shoes, long pants, and long socks and tuck pants into socks.

After a hike, have buddies check each other for ticks, especially in warm places of the body.

First aid courses give instruction for removing ticks properly.

IMPORTANT NOTE: If you suspect that the tick bite may result in the transmission of disease you need to keep the tick in good condition so that the tick can be tested as the disease carrier.

Use a small section of paper towel and make it just damp, place the tick in the towel and seal it in a plastic zip-lock bag (date it) . . . place it in the refrigerator.

Ticks, like mites, have bodies which are divided into two primary sections: the anterior which contains the head and mouthparts; and the posterioridiosoma which contains the legs, digestive tract, and reproductive organs.

Brown Recluse Spider

The Brown Recluse Spider is commonly known as a "fiddle-back" because of the violin shaped marking on the top of the head portion.

The body size is 1/4 to 3/4 inch with the leg span about the size of a quarter or half dollar.

It lives in dark secluded places where there is little activity.

Effects from a bite vary. It may be immediate or delayed; vary from no pain to a stinging sensation, to intense pain.

Within 24-36 hours fever, chills, weakness, and pain may or may not occur.

Within 2-3 days, the bite site may or may not erupt into an ulcerating lesion.

Most spiders have eight eyes; recluse spiders have six eyes arranged in pairs (dyads) with one median pair and two lateral pairs.

Black Widow Spider

The Southern Black Widow is the most recognized of the venomous spiders.

They are shy and prefer to live in protected areas outdoors.

The female is about 1.5 inches long with a red marking on the underside of her spherical abdomen. The marking typically is a red hourglass shaped, but not always. The color may vary from white, red, orange, pink, or other colors.

The male is about half her size, and along with juveniles, tends to have more markings.

Females bite when threatened or protecting an egg sac.

The neurotoxin causes intense pain in 1 - 3 hours and may cause medical difficulties. Bites may be problematic, especially for infants and elderly.

Call the Poison Center for instructions if bitten.

Not all adult female black widows exhibit the red hourglass on the underside or top of the abdomen some may have a pair of red spots or have no marking at all. Female black widows often exhibit various red markings on the top side of the abdomen, commonly two red spots. However, it is believed that black widow young have at least some sort of marking on their abdomens.

Scorpions

There are about 18 species of scorpions in Texas. They have an average size of 2 inches.

The color may vary from dark to light.

Although Texas scorpions are not considered deadly, they can inflict a sharp, painful, sting which may produce a local reaction. Individual reactions may vary.

The venom is a neurotoxin, and anyone stung should be watched closely for adverse or allergic reactions.

Treatment for scorpion stings usually includes pain killers and cold compresses.

Scorpions are tough. Some species can change their metabolic rate, allowing them to live on one meal per year and even survive being stored in a freezer overnight.

Need to Know: Snakes Photos

Coral Snakes

Coral snakes are extremely reclusive and generally bite humans only when handled or stepped on.

They live in wooded, sandy, and marshy areas.

Copperheads

Copperhead snakes have bands of gray and/or brown with a coppercolored head. They are the least aggressive of the venomous snakes.

However, unlike other snakes which may hiss or rattle their tails, the copperhead's initial threat display is to strike. It lashes out at an enemy as a warning. If the enemy is close enough, the fangs may penetrate the skin.

Because this is a threat display, not an attempt to kill, the snake injects little venom. None the less, this bite should still be taken seriously.

Cottonmouths

The cottonmouth, or water moccasin, rarely strays far from water. This includes coastal marshes, swamps, slow moving streams, lakes, ponds, and rivers.

It is a stubby, muscular snake and can grow to nearly six feet. These snakes can be very defensive and sometimes aggressive.

They can bite underwater.

Swimmers, bathers, and anglers on riverbanks should always keep an eye open for these snakes.

They are opportunistic predators and are known to consume a wide range of prey items including fish, salamanders, frogs, turtles, other snakes (most often water snakes), birds and their eggs, and small mammals.

South American coral snakes are poisonous with red, black, and yellow-white bands.

The color pattern consists of a pale tan to pinkish tan ground color that becomes darker towards the midline, overlaid with a series of 10–18 darker cross bands.

Adults have a base coloration of buff to dark brown with irregular darker crossbands across the back that may vary from brown to black.

Juveniles have a strong resemblance to young copperheads.

Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnakes usually "rattle" before striking, but if they are totally surprised, they may strike before rattling.

Most of the rattlesnakes are active at night, when they hunt for prey such as mice, rats, and rabbits.

The Western Diamondback is the largest rattlesnake in North America.

Triangular shaped head.

Heat seeking pits below nostrils.

Tail has a rattle.

The coloration can vary from gray, brown, pink, or yellow, with light brown to blackish diamond shaped blotches, which face towards the tail.

The tail has black, white, or light gray with rings around it.

Adult Diamondback Rattlesnakes range in size from 3 feet to 7 feet long.

SLOW DOWN - Dedicate Time to Involve Girls in Planning

We recommend using outdoor badges or patch programs to teach girls some skills in advance of the campout and others at the campout itself. We also recommend using some meeting time to solicit girl input and decision making about meals and activities, as well as behavior guidelines so that they are part of the planning.

Why this Matters:

The purpose of the campout is for the girls to learn and practice skills to grow their confidence, not for the adults to think and plan and do it for them.

• When girls make decisions and choices within those decisions, that is girl led.

• When girls have hands on learning experiences and talk about them afterwards to identify what went well and what they would change next time, that is learning by doing.

• When girls work together in small groups to achieve an objective, that is collaborative learning.

MEETING MEETING CONTENT LEADER ACTIVITIES

1

• Discuss future overnight with troop

• Decide what kind of place and activities interest the girls

• Discuss what to wear

• Do – Relay race dressing for a particular activity or the weather

2

• Plan menu for overnight

• Considering menu and activities, set up a budget for the trip

• Demonstrate how to make a bedroll and roll a sleeping bag; let the girls practice

• Make site reservations

• Submit necessary trip forms to council

• Bring clothing samples for relay race

• Alert girls’ guardians of dates of upcoming trip

• Ask for adult volunteers for shopping, drivers, chaperones, etc.

• Bring recipes to help girls think about what they want to eat.

3

• Plan the schedule including activities

• Learn an active song

• Practice cooking on a propane stove and using kitchen tools to make a snack

• Practice safety skills; buddy system, looking for site hazards or identifying dangerous plants. Do an emergency weather drill.

• Practice simple first aid; check first aid kit

• Review personal equipment list and show packing process

5

• Discuss expectations and behavior for overnight

• Plan equipment needed

• Make copies and send packing list home to parents / guardians

• Send parent / guardian permission forms home with girls with details of the trip 4

• Permission forms due from guardians and money for trip

• Set up transportation for trip

• Practice edible fire, and then setting up fire with real wood

• Learn two quiet songs

• Make a Kaper chart

• Plan a Scouts’ Own

• Review plans for trip with everyone

• Answer all questions

• Several / all girls bring gear as if packed for the trip

• Leaders make suggestions for changes or additions

• Check arrangements with drivers, shoppers, chaperones, etc.

• Call on adults willing to take girls shopping for food and packing for trip 6

• Get ready & enjoy

• Need ideas for a Scouts Own? Look on the internet for ideas.

A camp clock is a time schedule of activities and should be done in large blocks of time. It could cover a single day, or an entire weekend. Camp clocks are planned with the girls and should allow for rest periods and free time.

A Camp Clock might include:

• Campsite setup

• Time to get up

• Flag raising ceremony

• Breakfast and clean-up (allow 2 hours if cooking)

• Morning activities and free time

• Lunch and quiet time

• Afternoon activities

• Dinner and clean-up (allow minimum 2 hours)

• Flag lowering ceremony

• Evening program

• Bedtime

• Lights out

•

Final camp cleanup

Throughout the entire camp day, there should be a balance between active and quiet pursuits, which needs to be considered when planning your event. Leaders should watch each camper for signs of over stimulation or exhaustion and ease off activities accordingly. If campers understand the reason for rest after lunch, they will accept it as a pleasure and not a penance. In fact, a Girl Scout tradition where everyone gets to rest for a bit is called “Turtle Time”.

Friday Saturday Sunday

7:30am – 8:00am

8:00am - 8:30am

8:30am – 9:00am

9:00am – 9:30am

9:30am – 10:00am

STEPS TO FILL IN A BLOCK

PLAN:

1) Block time for unloading and set up.

2) Block time for breaking down and reloading cars.

Fire & cooking groups wake up @ 8:30

Troop wakes up @ 9

Breakfast @ 9:30 / Jungle Breakfast

Fire & cooking groups wake up @ 8:30

Troop wakes up @ 9

Breakfast @ 9:30 / Instant Oatmeal & fruit

10:00am – 10:30am Dishwashing / Clean Up Dishwashing / Clean Up

10:30am- 11:00am

11:00am – 11:30am

3) Plug in the activities you want to do with girls.

4) Allow some down time every day.

Scouts’ Own Ceremony

GS Way Badge Step 1

12:00pm – 12:30pm

5) Block 2 hours for every meal you cook over a fire. Less cook time for easy cook meals.

Head to Archery Range for Archery Lesson

Reflective hike on the nature trail 11:30am – 12:00pm

GS Way Badge @ Singing Trees from 12:00pm to 1pm. / Step 4

Break down / load cars / clean 12:30pm – 1:00pm

Allow at least 30 minutes for dishwashing.

1:00pm – 1:30pm Lunch – Sack Lunches

1:30pm – 2:00pm

2:00pm – 2:30pm

2:30pm – 3:00pm

3:00pm – 3:30pm

3:30pm – 4:00pm School lets out.

Waterfront from 1:30pm to 4:30pm

GS Way Badge Step 4

Leave camp by 1pm. Stop & have Mexican Food for lunch. $8 per person Arrive home by 4pm.

4:30pm – 5:00pm

Back to Unit – clean-up / change clothes / cooks get dinner ready

Unload cars / inventory camp gear / put away gear

5:00pm – 5:30pm Parent Pick Up

4:00pm – 4:30pm Meet at Mrs. Jones house at 4:15pm to collect forms, organize gear, and pack cars. Get on road at 5:30pm.

5:30pm – 6:00pm

6:00pm – 6:30pm

6:30pm – 7:00pm

7:00pm – 7:30pm

7:30pm – 8:00pm

8:00pm – 8:30pm

8:30pm – 9:00pm

2 hours’ drive time to Camp Gambill. Eat sandwiches in car. Dinner – Beef Stew / Bread / Salad Clean Up

1.5 hours to unpack gear & set up cabins and campsite. Have apples and bananas as a snack.

9:00pm – 9:30pm All Troop Meeting to go over information & plans. Short campfire. 1 hour.

Unit House - More badge work: GS Way Badge Step 5

9:30pm – 10:00pm

Make the GS Traditions “to-do list” & share them.

10:00pm – 10:30pm Bathrooms/Showers/ Teeth Brushing / Pajamas / Tents

10:30pm – 11:00pm

11:00pm – 11:30pm Lights Out

Campfire Chill Out – sing a few songs… Go to bed at 11:30pm

Things to Consider While Planning:

•

Experience of Girls

o Safety First. Safety is a habit and must be practiced over and over o Progression of skills is essential

No-Cook or Easy Cook recipes can be girl-led:

o Start simply so the girls can really be involved and eventually be in charge ▪ Plan No Cook items ▪ Review basic kitchen knife and utensil safety BEFORE going into the out of doors. o Choose a food preparation area • Season/weather o Appetites increase outdoors • Dietary Restrictions o Cultural, religious, or medical o Girls select menu o Girls help in shopping o Girls can chop ingredients (after reviewing kitchen knife safety) o Girls can arrange food o Girls leading Grace (being religiously and culturally sensitive)

Example: Menu Planning:

Friday night snack: Apples & Bananas

Saturday Breakfast: Drink: Water & OJ Bread: Muffins Fruit: Bananas & Oranges Meal: Jungle Breakfast Extras: Butter, syrup, jelly, cream cheese, picante, etc.

Saturday Lunch: Drink: water Salad: N/A Soup: N/A Crackers, salad dressing: N/A Veggie/Fruit: Carrots & Celery sticks Other: Hummus Sandwich/meal: Turkey Sandwiches Desert: Brownies

Saturday Dinner: Drink: lemonade Bread: French Bread w/butter Salad: Lettuce / Tomato / Cucumbers Soup: N/A Veggie/Fruit: N/A Other N/A Meal: Beef Stew & Veggies Dessert Cold Watermelon

Saturday night snack: S’mores & Hot Chocolate

Sunday Breakfast: Drink: Water & OJ Bread: N/A Fruit: Strawberries / Blueberries Meal: Oatmeal Extras: Butter, syrup, jelly, cream cheese, picante, etc.