Overnight Trips

1. Learning Objectives This course will prepare troops/groups to hold activities beyond the regular troop meeting to two overnight. At the completing of this course, participants will be able to: • understand and apply the concept of progression in the context of • planning overnight trips • evaluate and improve the readiness of the troop/;group for activities • beyond the regular troop meeting • demonstrate familiarity with Safety Activity Checkpoints, Volunteer • Essentials (Chapter Four and Appendix: For Travel Volunteers)and • emergency procedures • identify planning steps for a troop activity beyond the regular troop • meeting • locate and complete paperwork required for a troop/group trip • list at least three ways to involve everyone in planning activities • describe three trips that are appropriate to the grade level of the • troop/group. Overnight Trips Day Field Trips to Trips of 1 or 2 nights

2. Safety Activity Checkpoints, Volunteer Essentials and Progression (click mouse) Readiness: Girls and Adults Progression in Activities Beyond the Troop Meeting Group Planning Process Who Must Accompany the Troop Transportation Lodging and Program Facilities Trip Safety and Security First Aid and TravelingAppendix A: Forms Safety PlanningAppendix B: Sample Troop Progression EmergencyAppendix C: CO Child Restraint Laws FoodAppendix D: Insurance Information Packing Lists and Equipment KaperCharts Leave No Trace Activities/Plan Evaluation Celebrating Success Table of Contents

3. Page 1 of 2 Safety Activity Checkpoints, Volunteer Essentials and Progression Safety is planned by all members of a Girl Scout troop/group. When Girl Scout members learn about safety, more activities are at their command. Girl Scouts use: Safety Activity Checkpoints (found online at GSUSA and on the Girl Scouts of Colorado website) Safety Guidelines (found in Volunteer Essentials) Chapter Four and Appendix: For Travel Volunteers in Volunteer Essentials Safety Roles and responsibilities of volunteers and parents/guardians and are found on pages 69 – 71 of Volunteer Essentials

4. Page 2 of 2 The Girl responsibilities are found on page 71 of Volunteer Essentials. Girls who learn about and practice safe and healthy behaviors now are more likely to establish habits of safety consciousness throughout their lifetime. Each Girl Scout should: • Assist leaders and other volunteers in safety planning. • Listen to and follow leaders’ instructions and suggestions. • Learn and practice safety skills. • Learn to “think safety” at all times and to “be prepared.” • Identify and evaluate an unsafe situation. • Know how, when, and where to get help when needed. Safety Activity Checkpoints, Volunteer Essentials and Progression

5. Page 1 of 9 (See Understanding healthy Development in Girls on pages 54 – 58 in Volunteer Essentials) Before beginning a troop adventure beyond the regular troop meeting, both Girl Scouts and leaders need to have a variety of experiences that span emotional, physical, and mental development for successful troop overnight experience. Here is a checklist you can use to make that determination: Girls do not have to meet every one of the criteria on the next three slides in order to go to the planned event. For instance, girls with a physical disability may not be able to carry her own gear but can reasonable accommodations be made to help her? Make sure event planners know ahead of time if there are special needs. Readiness

6. Page 2 of 9 _____ Emotional Readiness A girl is emotionally ready for a field trip or overnight even when she: • Wants to go and is willing to plan and prepare • Is willing to share, play and work with all girls, • not just best friends • Doesn’t always have to have her own way; • can give in or compromise graciously • Is experienced in being a member of a group • Is comfortable meeting and working with new people • Is not afraid to be away from home overnight • (and her parents are prepared to let her go) • Is not afraid of the dark or new environments • Is willing to get along with little or no privacy Readiness

7. Page 3 of 9 _____ Physical Readiness A girl is physically ready for a field trip or overnight even when she: • Has the stamina, strength, skills and coordination for the • activities planned • Is strong enough to carry her own gear • Can operate a flashlight • Has been on a series of day trips or on a sleepover Readiness

8. Page 4 of 9 _____ Skill and Mental Readiness A girl has sufficient skills for a field trip or overnight even when she: • Understands and can abide by safety rules such as the buddy • system and is able to follow directions in emergencies • Understands and practices good manners and Girl Scout ways • Knows how to dress for planned activities • Can pack and take care of her own gear • Is able to pay attention in an age-appropriate way and learn new • things Readiness

9. Page 5 of 9 Are the GIRLS Ready?

10. Page 6 of 9 Are the GIRLS Ready? The more checks you have in the “All of Them” and “Some of Them” columns, the more enjoyable the trip will be for the girls and for you, and the easier the trip will be for everyone.

11. Page 7 of 9 • Can you assess the readiness of the girls for an outing or an overnight? • Can you plan progressive experiences for an overnight, including planning, preparation and activities? • Can you facilitate/guide/mentor girls in planning for an overnight? Are you ready for the girls to take the lead in planning the trip (at an age appropriate level)? • Have you completed the appropriate training: Overnight Trips (followed by Cooking & Camping, if needed, and Extended Trips)? • Are you prepared to handle emergencies? • Are you familiar with the appropriate Safety Guidelines and Safety Activity Checkpoints? • Are you familiar with appropriate council paperwork? LEADERS, Are you Ready?

12. Page 8 of 9 LEADERS, Are you Ready?

13. Page 9 of 9 LEADERS, Are you Ready?

14. Page 1 of 2 • These trips allow everyone to start plane their trips of varying lengths. • Short Trips around the neighborhood • Look at the world outside your troop meeting place • Take a walk around the block to see what you can see • Practice using the buddy system • Go bird-watching, observe buildings and gardens, or gaze at the stars • Do a neighborhood or nature sounds hike Progression in Activities Beyond the Troop Meeting

15. Page 2 of 2 • Day Trips (day long) • Visit a bakery or fire station, or walk in • a parade • Hikes: alphabet, bird, color, penny, • sound, trail, tree • Practice using the buddy system • Go to a museum or zoo • Explore a national, state, or city park • Take a train or a bus to a neighboring • town • Ride a horse, or a bike, or skate or swim • (Check Safety Activity Checkpoints first) • Carry a nosebag (brown bag/sack) lunch • Carry a first-aid kit • Carry/Wear a backpack • Cook In • Plan a nutritious meal • Use a kitchen knife safely • Cook on a stove or in an oven using a skillet or one-pot • Prepare a no-cook meal • Have a first-aid kit Progression in Activities Beyond the Troop Meeting, cont.

16. Page 1 of 2 Daisies and older (p. 98 in Volunteer Essentials) Over nights may begin with a sleepover at a leader’s home or a local hotel, or an overnight event at a museum or zoo, etc. An overnight trip usually involve one or two nights away in or out of council. Destinations may be a nearby state or national park, historic site, or a city for sightseeing. The group may stay in a hostel, hotel, cabin or lodge. If ten camping, campfires, or outdoor cooking are involved, at least one troop adult must have completed Cooking & Camping training in addition to Overnight Trips. Overnight Trips • One or Two nights • Girls know how to: • Plan activities with girl-led, learning by doing and cooperative learning • Prepare for an indoor overnight at a hotel or someone’s home • Plan what to take and what to eat • Make a toiletries kit • Develop a kaper chart • Bring only what they can carry • Know how to leave a space better than they found it practicing principles of Leave No Trace • Know how to plan meals and menus, transport and store food and select places to eat • Determine trip costs, make a budget and keep financial records • Go shopping, plan routes, transportation and make other arrangements • use road maps, city maps, charts, GPS, cellphone apps, and timetables • Select, pack, and transport personal and group equipment

17. Page 2 of 2 Extended Overnight Trips – 3 or more nights away (Juniors and older) May vary from local to extensive travel within the United States. The group might use several accommodations and modes of transportation throughout the trip. Start planning 9 – 12 months in advance to the trip. • National Trips (Juniors and older) • National trips are available for Juniors and older Girl Scouts who have demonstrated progression. These are trips from three nights and longer to such places as New York City, Washington, DC, Savannah, Disney World/Land, etc. Start planning 12 – 18 months in advance of the trip. • International Trips (Cadettes and older) • Travel internationally is available to Cadettes and older who have successfully taken previous overnight trips. Older age requirements are in place at some of our international World Centers so have the girls check if they will have attained the minimum age by the time they travel. Start planning 2 or more years in advance of trip. • Keep in Mind • High-risk activities and those not specified in Safety Activity Checkpoints also require Membership Manager approval. The Travel and High Risk Activity Application form can be found at www.gscolorado.org and “Search” forms. These activities may have special insurance requirements. Land, air, and water activities are covered in Safety Activity Checkpoints. Hang gliding, hot air ballooning, bungee jumping, flying in small private planes and helicopters or using trampolines are not permitted. If you have further questions about these activities, contact your Membership Manager. Overnight Trips

18. Page 1 of 2 • Progression and planning are keys to a successful trip; all approvals should be based on progression of experience. Trips should be planned by girls in partnership with their leaders. • Safety Activity Checkpoints and Volunteer Essentials must be followed when planning a trip. • Because Girl Scouts is an inclusive organization, and all members of the troop/group should be able to attend the overnight trip, it should be planned for all or almost all of the troop to participate. • Opportunity Grants can be used to help partially fund girl trips – ask your Membership Manager • Age Requirements • Troop Overnights • Grades K-1 (Daisy) – One to two-night overnights and weekend camps at council-approved sites • Grades 2-3 (Brownies) – Maximum two-night overnight provided they have demonstrated progression • Extended trips • Grades 4-5 (Juniors) – Domestic trips provided they have demonstrated progression • Grades 6 – 12 (Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors) – National and international trips provided they have demonstrated progression Basic Guidelines for Troop Travel

19. Page 2 of 2 • Process • Required training must be completed before a troop begins to plan an extended trip. • In addition to training, adult participants must be a member of GSUSA and have an approved volunteer application and background check on file with GSCO. • Training occurs in progression and includes: • Overnight Trips (can be taken by a registered adult GS member who is interested in working with the girls planning the troop trip • Cooking and Camping (if the trip entails outdoor cooking and/or camping) • Extended Trip Training (trips of 3 nights or more) • First Aid/CPR • Level 2 First Aid/Emergency Planning (check Safety Activity Checkpoints for which activities require a Level II first aide or if 15-30 minutes from an Emergency Medical Service and depending on the remoteness of the trip (Volunteer Essentials p. 75). • Wilderness First Aid/Wilderness First Responder if 30 minutes or more from an Emergency Medical Service and depending on the remoteness of the trip (Volunteer Essentials p. 75). • Extended trips – national – submit the preliminary Travel and High Risk application at least 3 months prior to the trip. • International travel – submit the preliminary Travel and High Risk application 18 months in advance. • Upon trip approval, Girl Scouts of Colorado will send the application for Accident/Illness insurance to the trip chaperone/advisor. Basic Guidelines for Troop Travel

20. Page 1 of 4 What can the leader do to let the girls plan? __________ Help girls explore activities In their Journeys and Girls Guide to Girl Scouting, mentor priorities, and help them establish a calendar of activities and events. __________ Partnership of girls and adults Put the girl-led philosophy into action; work together to plan and resolve problems or issues. __________ Progression Together plan an ever-widening array of activities and overnights away from home. __________ Girls need to make choices and plans Achievement goals: selling 15 more boxes of Girl Scout cookies than last year, earning enough cookies credits to attend camp, finishing an activity to receive a badge, or completing a Journey in one-year. Learning goals: overcoming shyness in asking a neighbor to support Girl Scouting by buying a package of cookies, learning financial skills, or preparing and delivering a speech for a parent/troop meeting. __________ Active listening is one of the most important skills Girls should generate most of the conversations and ideas; the trip leader takes on a stronger leadership role when safety is a concern or when girls are trying an activity for the first time. Group Planning Process

21. Page 2 of 4 Planning Trips and Outings Checklist

22. Page 3 of 4 Planning Trips and Outings Checklist

23. Page 4 of 4 Planning Trips and Outings Checklist

24. Page 1 of 5 A minimum of two unrelated adults (over 18 years of age, drivers over 21), one of whom must be female, not-related, who are registered Girl Scouts and have completed a background check, must accompany the troop with enough adults to cover the girl/adult ratios as found on page 21 of Volunteer Essentials. One adult must have completed required adult learning/training curriculum for level of trip (Overnight Trips, Cooking and Camping – if cooking and/or cooking, Extended Trips). All adults spending the night with girls must be an approved volunteer with an active membership (and completed volunteer application process – VE p. 24). All members of girl scouts will be covered by Girl Scout Activity/Accident Insurance. Any adult responsible for the health and safety of girls must be a registered Girl Scout adult and have an application and background check. A trained, certified First Aid/CPR or Wilderness First Aid/First Responder. Note: The leader/trained overnighter/First Aider/Wilderness First Aid/First Responder may be the same person, but it’s highly recommended that this person be a separate adult. Should s/he need to stay with a sick or injured child, the troop may continue with the planned activities. Men associated with the troop are welcome to attend a troop activity. The only caveat for men, per Colorado Revised State Statues: “No camper shall sleep in the same room or tent with any person of the opposite sex excepting members of his/her immediate family.” Who Must Accompany the Troop?

25. Page 2 of 5 ADULTS Extra Parents/Guardians/Relatives of the Girls All adults should be given assignments to do with the troop on the trip. The trained troop advisor/chaperone is responsible for these extra adults too. Often parents/guardians/relatives can detract from what the girls are doing and some even insist on doing the activities for their children. Some events will not allow more than those adults who will meet the girl/adult ratio. Again, if girls cannot attend an overnight activity without their parents/guardians, they may not be emotionally ready for an overnight experience. DRIVERS If the distance if far from the point of departure, do not expect drivers to go home and come back to pick up the girls. They may have to stay overnight with the troop. Make sure that the even sponsor allows for extra adults. Drivers don’t necessarily stay at the event. This is just a reminder that they still need to meet council requirements to drive troop members to and from an event. OLDERS GIRL SCHOULD/YOUNGER CHILDREN Program Aides (PAs) These are older Girl Scout helpers called Program Aides (girls 11 or older), who have taken special training to work with younger girls in the Girl Scout program. If the event allows the troop to bring along some PAs, the younger girls love having them along; however, they must be at least two years older than any girl in the troop. They provide a view of the continuity and progression in Girl Scouting to your troop. PAs do require the same parental permissions as the members of the troop and the girl/adult ratio listed on page 21 of VE. Tag-Alongs These are the other children of the adults attending the event. These additions may force a parent/guardian to divide attention between their own child(ren) and the Girl Scouts and should be discouraged unless all are close enough in age to participate in the planned activities. If other arrangements cannot be made, it would be a good idea to bring along an older girl or other adult to take care of the tag-alongs. Again, the trained troop overnighter must verify that it is allowed to bring along extra children. Note: Tag-alongs and any other persons who are non-registered GS members are not covered by Girl Scout Activity Accident Insurance. A special one-day tagalong insurance policy can be purchased from Marlene Bruno at Girl Scouts of Colorado. Her phone number is 303.778.8774 and e-mail for questions is: marlene.bruno@gscolorado.org. Who ELSE Must Accompany the Troop?

26. Page 3 of 5 Emergency Contact Person This is the troop’s emergency contact at home, the communication link with the girls’ parents/guardians in an emergency. Several things are required of an Emergency Contact Person (ECP), not the least of which is reliability. S/he has a phone and will be available during the entire event. Cell phones are acceptable. S/he has a list of troop members at the event and their emergency contact numbers. S/he has a copy of the activity schedule, transportation plans, even site phone numbers and ways to contact the troop leader. If the leader is relying on a cell phone, it must be verified the site can receive cell contact. If the schedule or transportation plans change, the leader will call the emergency contact person who will then contact parents. If parents need to contact troop members, the emergency contact person will relay any information to the troop. Who is Necessary but does not accompany the troop?

27. Page 4 of 5 • Adults accompanying a group should be chosen for their patience, flexibility, and good judgment. • The need to understand the chain of command and understand their responsibilities during the trip. • The trip leader should explain their role and expectations before the trip – a group agreement amongst the adults is also another good step to take before the trip. • They should understand and follow the plans the girls have made for the trip. • They should understand the safety systems for the trip and the buddy system that the girls have learned. • They need to know the emergency procedures for the site as well as during travel to and from the site. • They need to be members of Girl Scouts and have a completed application and background check. • The troop/group leader needs to communicate with the other adults and encourage them to attend meetings when the troop is preparing for the trip. They should know what equipment and clothing to bring and what the site(s) will be like. They need to know the rules in force at the site and the schedule and expectations that the girls have set for themselves. A “behavioral agreement” is an exceptional tool to have all girls, adults and their parents sign prior to leaving on the trip. Adults supervising girls on the trip(for adults who are not trained leaders)

28. Page 5 of 5 • Encouraging girls to try new things • Watching, guiding, directing while allowing the girls to take the lead and learn by doing • Intervening before injuries occur (safety is a primary concern) • Being knowledgeable about the activity to be supervised and the potential for injury • Being a role model by your actions (smoking and/or drinking at any location is not permissible) • Taking full responsibility for an activity or group of girls when asked • Adhering to the Adult to Girl ratios at all times • Providing effective discipline when needed (criticize the behavior, not the child) • Knowing where the girls are at all times • Being easily located by girls who need help • Helping girls understand how to do unfamiliar tasks while giving them real responsibility for finishing a job so that they see themselves as useful and competent • Providing praise for effort and achievement • Helping girls with tasks such as combing hair, reminding them to wash hand, clean fingernails, change to clean cloths, etc., only if they need it • Tips: • If the adults have daughters in the group, they may want to discuss ways to encourage these girls to feel that they are part of the group, not different or special. • Also, realize that young girls sometimes find it hard to share the time and attention of their parent (or special adult) with other girls. • Have someone else supervise your daughter(s) unless you are going to an Adult/daughter event. • Attend a pre-trip event to practice skills needed for the trip. Supervision means:

29. Page 1 of 1 • Determine how the troop will travel to and from the activity. See Volunteer Essentials page 72 for the Driver’s Checklist: • Drivers should be licensed, insured, and at least 21 years old (per Colorado law). • Insurance on vehicles must meet or exceed state requirements. • Check for current driver license, registrations and insurance cards. • Each person must have her own seat belt. Current state seat belt and child restraint laws must always be met (see Appendix C for child restraint law in CO). • The vehicle must be currently registered and in good operating condition. Tires must be appropriate for possible weather conditions along the way. • Each driver has maps and written instructions to the overnight site, all cell phones of the other drivers and volunteers on the trip, and the trip emergency contact person’s telephone number. • Each driver has a copy of the permission slips and health forms for the girls and adults in the car, to be returned to the leader upon completion of the trip. Shred all copies upon completion of the trip. • If using an outside facility’s equipment, services, or goods (including rentals) consult council policies. • GSCO does not allow any council or Service Center to rent cars or vans for troops/groups. • Drivers are not to use cell phones while driving; especially not for talking and testing. If a phone call is required, have a girl do the talking or pull over when it is safe to make the call. • Resources and References: Transportation In the Handout: See Appendix C & D for CO Child Restraint information and GS insurance

30. Page 1 of 4 • Site Orientation • Girls should talk with someone who has visited or have them take a virtual tour of their website, to determine what is needed to bring and what program possibilities are available. • Dates available • Contact person and phone number • Directions to location, distance from home and time needed to get there • Facilities available – tables, chairs/benches, heat, sleeping and cooking facilities • Capacity for girls and adults • Total cost for use • Menu provided by facility (if any) • Restroom facilities, showers, flush toilets, latrines, port-o-potties • Safe water supply • Nearby emergency medical services and hospital • Distance from parking to site area • Program possibilities available • Equipment available, free or for rent • Accessibility to the site and activities for participants with disabilities • Terrain – grassy, shaded, muddy, rocky, sandy, wooded • Site organizer, if any, and location Lodging and Program Facilities

31. Page 2 of 4 • Facility (beds, kitchen, bathroom, temperature, storage, parking) • Shelter/sleeping arrangements • If at a public venue (museum, YMCA, zoo) find out about changing facilities, common practices, packing tips (i.e., limited space), sleeping facilities • If staying in a cabin, find out what it has (heat, fans, etc.) • If staying in hotels, are there connecting rooms? Ensure each girl has her own bed unless parent/guardian permission has been obtained if girls are to share a bed. In hotels with queen sized beds, for example, a rollaway could be ordered for the girl who does not have permission to sleep in the same bed. Adults and girls never share a bed (see Safety Activity Checkpoints, Trip/Travel Camping section). • Site maintenance/care (what are check out procedures? Who to call if site issue arises?) • Security and emergency information (staff on-site? Hours?) • Bathroom facilities (indoor, outdoor, public, showers, separate bathrooms for males?) • Food and cooking options (storage, availability, refrigeration) Girls find out what is and what is not included

32. Page 3 of 4 When selecting a location for overnight accommodations (or program activities), this form will help the girls assess the site for safety. (Note: A separate safety sheet is needed for each site.) SITE: Place ___________________________________________________________________ Date __________________________________ NEAREST TELEPHONE: (If cell phones do not work) Phone # ____________________________ NEAREST SAFE BATHROOM: ____________________________________________________ NEAREST SAFE DRINKING WATER: ________________________________________________ NEAREST HOSPITAL: __________________________________________________________ PHONE # _____________________________________________________________ NEAREST EMERGENCY SERVICE: ________________________________________________ PHONE # _____________________________________________________________ Site Safety Sheet

33. Page 4 of 4 • Safety checklist for site: • Site is easily accessible for all members • Site is safe and secure • Site is properly ventilated, heated, and lit • Site is free from obvious hazards • Site has at least two exits • First aid equipment is on hand • Toilets and sanitary facilities are accessible • Telephones or other communications equipment is accessible, adequate, and well marked • Adequate lighting is available after dusk Site Safety Sheet cont.

34. Page 1 of 2 • Review Council guidelines on troop money earning on page 82 of Volunteer Essentials • Girls should be able to help with the budgeting processes and help estimate the total cost of the activity. Depending on age level, they may be able to help break it down into individual costs. • Make a clear distinction between what troop money will pay for – what the troop will provide – and what each individual will pay for or bring • Product sales/cookie credits can only be used for troop/group travel – not personal travel • Make sure the troop has a bank account • A sample budget worksheet is included on page 23 of Overnight Trips booklet and on the next two slides Finances and BudgetingManaging group finances Chapter Five, Volunteer Essentials

35. Page 2 of 2 Sample Budget Sheet for Troop Activities and Overnights

36. Page 1 of 1 • 1. Know where each girl/adult is at all times • Use the buddy system regularly before the trip – practice! • Follow the girl/adult ratios listed on page 21 of VE. • Divide group into smaller groups, with at least one adult responsible for each small group. • Make sure each adult knows/recognizes the girls for whom she/he is responsible. • Wear easily-identifiable clothing but do not wear Girl Scout uniforms or clothing while traveling. • Use head counts before and after each stage of activity (bus rides, recreation, food stops, potty stops). • Have girls, adult chaperones and parents/guardians sign a behavioral agreement (designed by the girls with guidance from the trip leaders) prior to trip. • 2. Check out safety of site ahead of time • Use Site Safety list on page 21 of this Handout • 3. Teach girls/adults what to do if confronted by strangers • Develop an agreed upon signal for girls/adults to use if they are uncomfortable • Teach them how to react safely when confronted by a stranger who is bothering them • Observe each girl practice the procedure • 4. Teach girls/adults what to do if they become separated from group • Identify safe sources of help • Identify whom NOT to ask for help • If possible and safe, instruct girl/adult to stay where she first realizes she is lost • Give each girl/adult the number of a place or person to call if they become separated from the group • If in outdoor hiking situation, practice “Hug-a-Tree” (girl/adult sits down at the foot of the tallest nearby tree, blows her whistle three times every few seconds, stays close to the tree in meantime, and responds to searcher calling her name) • Observe each girl/adult practice the procedure Trip Safety and Security

37. Page 1 of 2 Safety is a major concern when taking the troop/group traveling. Each troop/group should have a first aid kit that follow the guidelines in Safety Activity Checkpoints by activity. Each troop/group MUST have a certified first aider/wilderness first aider/wilderness first responder, (depending on remoteness and high-risk of activity) present when physically demanding activities, as defined in SAC, involving potential injury is involved. It is recommended that two be present in case one must leave with a sick or injured girl. ALL medication, including over the counter, must be in the original containers and kept by the first aider. Parents/guardians have to give the first aider permission to apply sunscreen, bug spray and band aids so please have them check this off if you think this may be necessary on the trip. Some girls may need to carry and administer their own medications including epipens, bronchial inhalers and diabetic medication (VE p. 73). This includes the medication of all adults traveling with the group and is for the safety of the girls. When planning a trip with the troop/group, find out where the closest emergency facility is located. The leader MUST have a permission slip signed by a parent or guardian and a completed health history form for each girl for each trip. First Aid and TravelingReview Chapter 4 in Volunteer Essentials

38. Page 2 of 2 Each adult that goes on the trip must also turn in an Adult Health History. PLEASE remember that it is just as possible for an adult on a trip to be injured or suffer from a medical condition. Do NOT forget to take along Adult Health Histories, including yourself. Have the emergency contact person at home handle any necessary phone calls to parents. Within each car must be copies of the permission slip and health history for each person in that vehicle. Each vehicle must have a first aid kit in the vehicle when transporting Girl Scouts (p. 72). Check Safety Activity Checkpoints for additional requirements for a particular travel trip. (For example, do you need a lifeguard?) Think about the trip the troop/group is getting ready to take; what do you think should be added to the first aid kit for the troop/group that is traveling? First Aid and Traveling Review Chapter 4 in Volunteer Essentials

39. Page 1 of 8 Accidents happen, generally speaking, when safety precautions are overlooked. Accidents don’t usually happen when time is taken to plan ahead – when safe thinking lies at the base of all activities. Use this checklist to help promote the safety of your troop/group. General Supervision Two-thirds of accidents are related to quality of supervision and instruction. Do the girls and the adults: • Review health and safety considerations in preparation for activities? • Discuss appropriate clothing for each type of activity? • Consider your impact on the natural environment and avoid actions that damage the area? • Choose activities that are appropriate to the age and experience of girls, site, and equipment? • Keep together on trails or sidewalks, with a leader at both ends? Do you, as a trip leader: • Take responsibility for upgrading your skills and your instruction techniques? • Make frequent head counts? • Have a good system for knowing where everyone is, what they are doing, and who is responsible at all times? • Make sure the ratio of adults to girls is appropriate to the kind of activity and the accident potential involved?? • Have sensitivity to a girl’s limitation in group situations? • Assist girls in changing plans if they are tired or unprepared? • Make use of small groups for activities with higher potential hazards – equipment, tools, and for strenuous activities? • Stop horseplay and bullying whenever you see it whether by other leaders or girls? • Know the appropriate steps to take in emergency? • Know that if someone else is providing instructions, supervision, or equipment, you are still responsible for safety and knowing that guidelines are being met? What is Safety Planning?

40. Page 2 of 8 Emergency, Evacuation, Security Knowing what to do in an emergency situation is vital. Your trip first aider can help with knowing what to do in many of these situations. Do you and your girls: • Know and practice how to evacuate buildings and living areas, including what to take with you? • Prepare your sites for weather when leaving for an extended period? • Know what to do in an electric storm, hailstorm, or winter storm – in and out of the living area? • Know what to do if there is an emergency on the trail or during an activity? • Know what to do if you become lost or separated from your group? • Report unusual occurrences, including unidentified persons on the site? • Know how to summon help? • Know what emergency signals are and how to respond? • Always wear your whistle and know when to use it? • Show courtesy and caution to others around the site? • Know and practice the buddy system? What is Safety Planning?

41. Page 3 of 8 First Aid If an accident occurs, are the girls and the first aider trained and prepared to handle it effectively? Follow-up is also important! Involve the first aider in this discussion as soon as possible. Do all leaders: • Know how to secure emergency first aid assistance? • Know how to treat a splinter, cut, burn, insect bite, sprain or strain, heat stress, hypothermia? • Know what to do in case of a fall? • Have a first aid kit available for all activities, which includes non-latex gloves and face masks? • Know the contents of first aid kits and how to use everything in each? • Take precautions to prevent heat stress, sunburn, and hypothermia? • Use sun block to prevent future health problems? Do you, as a trip leader: • Have appropriate First Aid/CPR level training or have a person available with certification as per guidelines for activities in Safety Activity Checkpoints? • Check back with girls who have a cut, burn, or blister? • Know how to recognize symptoms of physical or emotional problems in individual girls? • Make sure first aid kits are kept stocked and accessible? • Collect all medications from girls and get written instructions from parents for administering them? • Note: epipens, inhalers, and diabetic medications are exempt. • Keep a record of all first aid and medications given? • Know the procedures for obtaining help and reporting emergencies? What is Safety Planning?

42. Page 4 of 8 Lodging Area The way you live has an impact on attitudes about yourselves, as well as about safety. Most accidents occur in living areas. Do the girls and the adults: • Keep the lodging quarters clean and attractive? • Identify hazardous situations within the area and take steps to mark or correct them? • Put equipment and personal items away as soon as you finish using them so they don’t become a hazard to others and don’t get lost? • Wear shoes and socks at all times outside and hard-soled slippers inside to avoid stubbing toes, athlete’s foot, and slivers? • Discourage running except in supervised activities in specific areas? • Prepare for weather and time of day any time you leave your area? • Recycle whenever possible? Bathrooms and Showers Do the girls and the adults: • Keep bathrooms and showers clean and picked up? • Keep bathrooms lighted (dimly) at night? • Keep hand washing facilities stocked with soap and towels? • Check the shower water temperature before girls use it? • Know when girls get up to use the bathroom at night? • Have your room identified for girls (or other staff) who look for you at night? What is Safety Planning?

43. Page 5 of 8 Fire Fire is a friend. Out of control, it is an enemy. In case of fire, do the girls and the adults: • Know where fire-fighting equipment is kept? • Know how to use it? • Know how to report a fire? • Know what to do, where to go, and what to take if a fire breaks out? • Know what to do if your clothing catches fire? Stoves When using stoves, do the girls and the adults make sure: • Fire-fighting equipment is always close at hand? • Pots or cooking equipment are used safely (handles in, etc.)? • Have baking soda handy? • Have sleeves rolled up? • Tie back hair and avoid loose clothing? • Avoid horseplay? • Avoid overcrowding, disorganization? What is Safety Planning?

44. Page 6 of 8 Sanitary Food and Water Accidents and illnesses occur if people do not follow safe and sanitary practices. Do the girls and the adults: • Wash hands with soap and water before handling food, dishes, and utensils? • Follow dish washing, sanitation, and cleanup procedures carefully and promptly? • Make sure food preparation surfaces are clean? • Know how to handle dishes when setting table s and passing food? • Keep and store foods at appropriate temperatures? • Always use food and water containers only for food and water, and never use containers that have been used for disinfectants or poisons? • Always know that drinking water is potable because it has been tested or treated? • Avoid wasting water? • Use individual eating and drinking utensils (never share drinking cups, or silverware)? • Do not handle food if ill with a communicable disease or skin infection? What is Safety Planning?

45. Page 7 of 8 Using Equipment Do the girls and the adults: • Use protective equipment such as safety helmets or eye protection for sports or activities that warrant it? • Read and follow manufacturer’s instructions for safe use of equipment? • Mark and report equipment that is unsafe? Do you, as a trip leader: • Consult Safety Activity Checkpoints for use of experts and equipment by activity? • Make sure equipment, whether owned, borrowed, or rented, meets requirements? • Give instruction in safe use of equipment? • Check equipment for safety before use? • Adjust equipment to the individual? • Make sure equipment is stored (locked, if necessary) when not in use to prevent misuse or abuse? • Avoid use of pressurized containers? What is Safety Planning?

46. Page 8 of 8 Animals Animals, small and large, are appealing, but can do harm if fed or caught. • Use SAC for necessary equipment when working with horses or other large animals. Do the girls and the adults: • Do not feed and/or play with wile animals? • Make sure garbage is carefully stored, sealed, and away from living areas? • Depending on where you are, report any small animal or bird you find dead – without touching it? • Report the presence of any unidentified dog without feeding it or encouraging it to stay? • Leave your domestic animals at home. If sleeping at a troop members house, keep the animal under control at all times and take responsibility for its behavior with children? • Conduct regular tick checks, especially during tick season? • Safety Consciousness Depends on Everyone Does everyone: • Follow Girl Scout safety guidelines? • Use judgment in taking any additional precautions necessary to avert accidents? • Involve girls in safety planning and implementation? • Evaluate situations where an extra safety risk is involved? • Seek to instill a sense of safe living? • Listen to and follow instructions and suggestions? • Plan for accident prevention? • Set a good example? • is a good role model? • Avoid smoking and drinking? • Plan for safe risk and great adventures? What is Safety Planning?

47. Page 1 of 1 When an incident occurs, it is of vital importance that the person in charge at the scene follows all procedures on the Girl Scouts of Colorado Emergency Plan. All volunteers will receive a wallet card to keep these instructions with them. The person at the scene should follow these steps in order: 1. Determine extent of injury and give appropriate first aid, as qualified. 2. Call for emergency help – police, fire department or hospital as appropriate. 3. Call police in the event of a motor vehicle accident. 4. Move non-injured people away from the scene as appropriate. 5. In the event of a fatality or serious accident, always notify police. Retain a responsible adult at the scene of the accident or emergency. See that no disturbance of the victim or surroundings is permitted until police have assumed authority. 6. Speak only to the police or proper authorities. 7. Notify Girl Scouts of Colorado of the incident. During business hours, call your service center. After hours, call the emergency answering service at 1.877.425.4886 and provide the information they request. 8. Do not call the media and do not make statements to them. Refer all media inquiries to the Girl Scouts of Colorado communications office staff at 303.778.8774 or 303.825.9386. Do not make any statements or release any names. Do not place any blame or accept liability. 9. Do not sign any statements or reports, except for the police and your insurance company. Please, share insurance information with the other party. 10. Complete a written report of the events, treatments, calls, etc. and submit to the Girl Scouts of Colorado corporate office within 5 days. What to do in case of emergency?

48. Page 1 of 6 The right kind of nourishment is important as you may be burning extra calories during your activities away from the regular troop meeting. Gourmet dinners are fun, but you don’t need to spend lots of time cooking to be eating right. You may want to kick back and enjoy the scenery or watch the wildlife. The important thing to remember is to have enough food for everyone and the right kind of food for the trip planned. • When planning a menu, consider: • Where the troop is going and what they will be doing (this affects the number of calories burned!) • What cooking facilities and equipment are available (microwave & refrigerator only? Full kitchen? Etc.) • The weather expected (more calories needed in cold weather) • Where food will be purchased • What everybody likes and doesn’t like to eat • Special dietary needs, if applicable (consider allergies, requirements for gluten-free menus, religious concerns, menus to accommodate diabetics, vegetarians, etc.) • Planning balanced meals • The amount of money that can be spent per person • how food is going to be packed and carried • How much preparation can be done beforehand • The cooking time allowed (limits by daylight or altitude?) Food

49. Page 2 of 6 • Other hints for eating right: • Water is more essential than food, especially at high altitude. Be sure to drink lots of it during the day and with each meal. Avoid drinks with caffeine, as they dehydrate. • Pack high-energy snacks like dried fruits, nuts, cheese, and hard candy. • Keep in mind any food allergies. • Snacking to Satisfy • Fight fatigue. Increase iron intake by eating lean meats, tuna, prunes, raisins, beans, and broccoli. • Eat more fiber! Whole grains are great at fighting fatigue as are beans. • Raise attention and alertness with protein (meat, eggs) and yogurt. • Remember: Anti-oxidants help with energy & memory; beans, berries. • Sugar and Caffeine provide temporary “Ups” and then drop your energy hard and fast. • When planning meals – consider the activities you have planned and aim for healthy foods that will sustain energy but won’t keep them up all night! Food

50. Page 3 of 6 • Examples of Kid-friendly Healthy Snack Combinations: • Sandwiches made with meats or peanut/almond/soynut butter (check allergies) • Crunchy vegetable sticks with low-fat ranch dip • hummus and pita wedges • Yogurt parfait with low-fat yogurt and fruit • Berry cones with yogurt – ice cream cone filled with yogurt and topped with berries • Sliced tomato with mozzarella cheese • Melon cubes with a slice of turkey • Hard-boiled egg with a slice of whole-wheat bread or crackers • Low-fat yogurt with berries and almonds (check allergies) • “Light” microwave popcorn with grated parmesan cheese • Bowl of cereal with milk • Banana slices with peanut/almond/soynut butter (check allergies) • Fruit smoothie made in a blender with fresh fruit, yogurt, and juice • Stay hydrated • It is very important to stay hydrated while traveling. On a normal day, it is recommended that a person drink 64 ounces of water. If you are doing any strenuous activity, high altitude or it is very hot you should drink as least twice as much. Stay hydrated! Food