Outdoor Skills Training Participant Guide

Home , Teamwork (sculpture), Tending the Fire

Updated 3/9/2017 Updated 12/13/2018

Welcome ...... 1 Girl Scout Outdoor Education ...... 2 Girl Scout Leadership Development Model ...... 2 How to Teach a Skill ...... 2 Readiness and Progression ...... 3 Girls and the Outdoors ...... 3 Outdoor Progression ...... 3 Readiness ...... 5 Activities to Help Girls Prepare for the Outdoors ...... 5 8 Basic Camping Skills ...... 6 1. Good Outdoor Manners ...... 6 Camp Etiquette ...... 6 Cell Phones and Electronic Devices ...... 8 2. Proper Dress in the Outdoors ...... 8 Weather Conditions and Emergencies ...... 9 3. Elementary Knots ...... 11 Overhand Knot ...... 11 Square Knot ...... 11 Slip Knot ...... 12 4. Pocket Knife Safety...... 12 Pocket Knife Safety Pledge ...... 12 Safety ...... 12 Opening the Knife ...... 13 Closing the Knife ...... 13 Passing the Knife ...... 13 Use of the Knife ...... 13 5. General Fire Safety and Building ...... 14 Types of Wood ...... 14 Wood Gathering ...... 15 Fire Starters ...... 15 Building a Fire Outdoors ...... 15 Building a Foundation Fire (A Frame) ...... 16 Types of Fire ...... 16 Putting Your Fire Out ...... 17 Indoor Fireplaces ...... 17 6. Outdoor Cooking ...... 18 Cooking Methods ...... 19 Charcoal Cooking...... 19 Meal Planning and Girl Involvement ...... 20 Balancing the Meal ...... 21

Outdoor Dishwashing Method ...... 21 Cast Iron Care ...... 22 7. Outdoor First Aid ...... 23 Emergency Procedures and First Aid ...... 23 First Aid Kits ...... 23 Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac ...... 24 Symptoms of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac ...... 25 Treatment for Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac ...... 25 Tick Bites ...... 25 Removal of Ticks ...... 26 Lyme Disease ...... 26 8. Protecting the Natural World ...... 26 Leave No Trace ...... 26 Minimal Impact Practices ...... 27 Camp Animals ...... 28 Outdoor Planning ...... 29 Outdoor Certified Team and Their Responsibilities ...... 29 Role of the Outdoor-Certified Adult ...... 29 First Aider, Chaperones, Helpers, and Drivers ...... 30 Guidelines for Male Volunteers ...... 30 Planning Resources ...... 31 Safety Activity Checkpoints ...... 31 Volunteer Essentials ...... 31 GSWPA Forms to Know ...... 31 Where Do We Stay? ...... 32 General Information about Platform Tents and Yurts ...... 33 Care and Use of Platform Tents and Yurts ...... 33 GSWPA Camp Availability ...... 34 Equipment and Supplies ...... 34 Ranger Help with GSWPA Property Use ...... 34 Involving Girls in the Planning Process ...... 35 Starting to Plan ...... 35 Tips for Planning with Girls ...... 35 Personal Equipment and Packing ...... 36 Sample Personal Packing List ...... 36 Kaper Groups, Program Groups, and Patrols ...... 37 Camp Service Projects ...... 38 Planning Time Frames ...... 39 Before Taking Girls Outdoors ...... 40 Last Minute Tips for a Great Outdoor Experience ...... 40 General Rules of Thumb ...... 41 Camp Departure and Clean-Up ...... 42

WELCOME TO OUTDOOR SKILLS TRAINING Outdoor Skills Training, a GSWPA outdoor education program. Taking a group of girls into the outdoors can be fun and exciting but also a bit daunting. The responsibilities are great, but the rewards are plentiful for girls and adults alike. The purpose of this training is to prepare volunteers to bring Girl Scouts to GSWPA camps. After completing this training, you will have the experience and knowledge needed to use GSWPA properties and equipment (excluding amenities such as archery, canoes, ropes, and rifles which require additional training or a certified adult to be present). You will be able to lead Girl Scouts in planning and participating in safe and enjoyable activities so they gain an appreciation and respect for the outdoors.

For additional support or any questions, please contact Customer Care at 800-248-3355.

Resources available to you: GSWPA Website www.gswpa.org Camp Page http://www.gswpa.org/en/camp/our-camps.html Camp and Equipment Reservations http://www.gswpa.org/en/camp/reserving-a-camp.html Volunteer Resources http://www.gswpa.org/en/for-volunteers/online-support-for- volunteers.html

http://www.gswpa.org/content/dam/girlscouts- Safety Activity Checkpoints gswpa/documents/Searchableforms/Safety/Safety%20Activity%2 0Checkpoints.pdf Volunteer Essentials http://www.gswpa.org/content/dam/girlscouts- gswpa/documents/Searchableforms/Volunteers/Volunteer_Essen tials_2018-19.pdf Outdoor Resource Guide http://www.gswpa.org/content/dam/girlscouts- gswpa/documents/Searchableforms/Volunteers/Outdoor-Skills- Resource-Guide.pdf

GIRL SCOUT LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT MODEL There are three keys to leadership with the Girl Scouts. Activities that follow these three keys engage girls in practicing leadership skills based on the values of the Girl Scout Promise and Law. • Discover Girls understand their values, and use their knowledge and skills to explore the world. • Connect Girls care about, inspire, and team with others locally and globally. • Take Action Girls act to make the world a better place. Outdoor activities provide opportunities for each girl to participate in the three Girl Scout processes: • Girl Led • Cooperative Learning • Learning by Doing From Daisies through Ambassadors, girls gain confidence and leadership skills when given the opportunity to lead their activities, learn cooperatively as a group, and learn by doing instead of by observing.

HOW TO TEACH A SKILL Implementing skills acquired through attending adult learning opportunities are an integral part of the Girls Scout Learning Experience. To teach girls the skills you learn in this training, follow these simple steps: 1. Be prepared • Prepare the equipment needed in advance. • helpful to have one simple outline written in big letters and posted where all can see it. 2. Know your stuff • You should be able to do the skill well yourself. 3. Show them how • 4. Let them try • In order to learn a skill, a girl must do it herself. • Go slowly, especially at the start, and insist on each girl doing it correctly. • Encourage each learner by pointing out what she has done well.

GIRLS AND THE OUTDOORS O education in your outdoor experience, while remembering the importance of including girls throughout the experience. Outdoor experiences afford every girl an opportunity to: • explore nature. • learn new skills. • progress from one skill level to another. • be challenged to grow in new ways. • develop independence, leadership and teamwork. • teach others what she knows. • improve self-esteem. • gain cross-cultural understanding and make new friends. • develop values to guide her actions and provide foundation for sound decision-making. • be safe and have fun. Your activities will depend on what the girls want to do and how they want to spend their time. Outdoor time is important, so encourage the girls to choose an activity at a park or forest. If your girls are interested in animals, encourage them to plan a visit to a zoo or animal shelter.

OUTDOOR PROGRESSION 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 growing experiences to gain confidence and move into 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 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 learning of outdoor skills across numerous outdoor experiences.

Girls Scouts of the USA created this graphic to help illustrate the steps to outdoor progression.

Getting a troop to a point where they are camping in remote areas will probably take a few years. There is no reason to rush outdoor experiences. The end of second or third grade is good timing for simple troop camping overnights, if progression steps have been met. Each troop will be different, and different girls in the same troop will progress at different rates. In ideal progression, adults take the lead at first, offering choices and doing much of the preparation. After the girls have some experiences, they then begin to initiate and take the lead.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when leading girls through the outdoor progression: • • 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. • Let each outing be a stepping-stone for the next outing.

READINESS Are you and your girls ready for the outdoors? You can do some simple things to find out. Local parks are a previous experiences, and ability to: • be away from their parents and their home, • adapt to unfamiliar surroundings and situations, • make decisions well and easily, • get along with each other and handle challenges, and • work well as a team. Your girls will know best plore outdoors.

Activities to Help Girls Prepare for the Outdoors You can help girls prepare for their outdoor experience by doing some indoor activities that get them excited selection of some activities on pages 3-6 of the Outdoor Resource Guide: • My Dreams, Your Dreams • Create a poster about why the girls want to go camping. • What a Beautiful World! • Draw pictures of their favorite outdoor spots. • Mystery Bags • Put nature items in cloth bags. Pass them around and let • Listening Post • Sit outside quietly for two minutes with your eyes closed. Then write down everything you heard. • Outdoor Skills Round Robin • Set up several outdoor-themed stations, each monitored by an adult. Give girls a sticker or similar reward when they have completed a station. Have them collect all the rewards! • Craft: Water Bottle Holder • Using a tube sock, wide ribbon, needle, and thread, sew the ribbon onto the tube sock so it can be slung over a shoulder.

In Girl Scouts, there are 8 basic camping skills that you and your girls should know: 1. Know and practice good outdoor manners. 2. Know how to dress for the outdoors in hot, cold, wet, and windy conditions. 3. Know how to tie, use, and release overhand, square, and slipped buntline knots. 4. Know how to handle and care for a pocket knife. 5. Know how to make, use, and put out a fire for outdoor warmth and cooking. 6. Know how to cook something for the group or yourself. 7. Know simple first aid for outdoor conditions. 8. Know how to protect the environment.

1. GOOD OUTDOOR MANNERS

• Walk around planted fields, never through them. • Leave gates as you find them, open or closed, unless otherwise instructed. • Pick up after yourself and others as you travel. The area will be clean for the next set of visitors. • Leave no trace of your trip on a trail or in a picnic area, on the bus or train, or on the street. Take only photos and leave only footprints. • Walk on the left side of the road, facing traffic, single file or by twos, with a leader in the front and the back. • Dispose of all paper and refuse properly. • Respect all signs. • Conserve wildlife and natural resources.

Camp Etiquette While camping, there are usually troops or groups in neighboring campsites or units. Adopting these guidelines

• Pay close attention to noise Be aware of radios, cell phones, beepers, and whistles. Try to use the quiet sign instead of a whistle if possible, and keep cell phone use to emergencies only. At GSWPA campsites, quiet hours at 10 p.m. to 7 a.m. You can check with other camps to find out their quiet hours.

• Use the buddy system The buddy system is a way of choosing partners so the leader can keep track of all members of the group. Each girl remains with her partner. Anyone without her partner notifies the leader, and the leader can easily count pairs. Use the buddy system when walking or changing locations to ensure that all participants are present. • Walk, In a camp environment, there are usually uneven surfaces due to tree roots, rocks, etc. Unless playing a game in an open field, everyone should walk not run to avoid falling and getting hurt. • Treat the camp unit as home

the unit (kitchen facility, shelter, lodge/cabin, bathroom, or wash house) is considered home to the camping in that site. As a courtesy, visitors should announce their approach and ask permission to enter the site. • Store personal gear properly The kitchen shelter and fire circle are a combination kitchen and dining room. To minimize clutter, girls should not leave personal gear in the shelter. Gear should be stored in the tent. • - only for specified tasks or activities. If girls are asked to run an errand, they should travel as a group of two, three, or four depending on the size and location of the camp. Girls should never leave the unit alone. • Be safe at night Girls can travel within the unit with a buddy if all the facilities (kitchen, bathroom, and lodge/cabin) are within sight of the outdoor-certified adult or leader. Girls are never to be alone. They must

easy to become disoriented.

Cell Phones and Electronic Devices Many girls and adults have cell phones they carry with them all the time. While adults should keep their cell phones readily available at all times, girls should decide for themselves ahead of outdoor experiences whether they want to bring their cell phones or not. If an adult must use their cell phone, please be courteous to others and make sure girls still have adult supervision. Girls should also be supervised while placing a call or texting. Potential guidelines and discussion to have with your girls related to cell phones and electronic devices: • Will campers be permitted to bring their cell phones? What about other electronic devices? ) • If so, what are rules for use and where will they be kept? Make sure everyone knows responsibility for electronic devices lies with the camper only. • contact the adult volunteers if necessary. Keep in mind that many cell ph emergency calls event without service.

2. PROPER DRESS IN THE OUTDOORS hot, wear something light and cool. Watch the weather and be prepared for rain, snow, heavy winds, etc. -20 degrees colder in the woods than in town, so always pack an extra layer, and that the mornings are usually cooler than the day. going to get wet, have a towel and a change of clothes available and suggest that girls wear water shoes. The following are the most important aspects of outdoor dress: 1. Footwear , and sturdy. Hiking boots are always appropriate and provide good ankle support. 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 (except with water shoes). Having an extra pair of socks, although not necessary, can help keep you more comfortable in case of rain or dew. 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 cooler weather, keep the following in mind: 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 and gloves or mittens. 4. Sweater or Jacket gh 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.

The following 1. No halter or tank tops if straps are narrower than three fingers. 2. No open-toed or open-heeled shoes (flip-flops, sandals, clogs, etc.) except in showers or by the pool. 3. No clothes that are particularly affected by heat such as athletic wear or windbreakers. These materials are cold in the winter and can cause severe burns if worn too close to a fire. Be very specific with girls (and parents of younger girls) about clothing for camp, especially when warmer clothing and boots are needed.

Weather Conditions and Emergencies Site-specific emergency plans relating to weather conditions are posted in each lodge or building at all GSWPA sites. The outdoor-certified adult: • is required to read all posted materials upon arrival. • will need to know how to address their group in the event of severe thunderstorms, tornado warnings, flash floods, etc. • . If you have any questions regarding site-specific emergency procedures, you can always contact the ranger or outdoor program manager.

Some potential emergency weather conditions are: • Lightning • Lightning often strikes the tallest object in an area. At the first sign of an impending storm, seek shelter. • Stay away from tall, solitary objects such as trees or electrical poles. • Avoid standing on a hilltop, exposed ridge, or above the tree line. • rst sign of a storm. • Avoid touching things made of metal, like a wire fence. • Floods and flash flooding • Floods can occur in almost any part of Pennsylvania and usually result from heavy or prolonged rain, rapid melting snow, or dam breakage. • Flash floods can occur with little or no warning and are dangerous because of their swift currents and unpredictable nature. • The National Weather Service provides flood alerts. • When warnings are provided, evacuate the area swiftly and seek shelter. Extra food and water, flashlights, and dry clothing may be needed. • Never camp in dry riverbeds or in areas where rain could produce flash floods. • Winter storms • Winter storms vary in size and strength and could be a blizzard, snowstorm, or ice storm. • When traveling or hiking during the winter, ample supplies of food, water, sleeping bags, and blankets should be taken to provide protection if stranded away from shelter. • Seek shelter and avoid traveling during a storm. • Tornados • storm because of its destructive force. • If a tornado warning is issued, take a battery-powered radio and go to a protected area immediately. • Safe places include: • storm shelters. • basements. • tunnels or underground parking facilities. • interior corridors and hallways. • steel framed or reinforced buildings. • Dangerous places include: • cars, house trailers, and any parked vehicles. • tents. • structures with large, poorly supported roofs. • near windows.

Remember to listen to a local radio station for weather updates, storm watches, or warnings. Always check the weather ahead of any outdoor experiences you have planned. Some weather reports may even force you to thunderstorm. Try to be flexible no one can control the weather!

3. ELEMENTARY KNOTS Knots are used for a variety of purposes. The first knots a girl needs to learn are an overhand knot, a square knot, and a slip knot. These knots can be used for everything from craft projects to making a headband with a bandana. You can find directions for other knots and how to tie them on pages 13-19 in the Outdoor Resource Guide.

Only properly tied knots will hold. Practice is essential and can be fun too. Here are some suggested ways to make knot tying fun and easy: • Use licorice ropes to practice. When girls tie the knots correctly, they can eat them. • If using white rope, color-code the ends ll make the lesson go

• Tie all ropes together in a circle with a square knot. Have everyone step inside the circle and lean back slightly. If all the knots are tied correctly, the rope will hold.

Overhand Knot from passing unimpeded through a hole). Common uses: Sewing, shoelaces

Square Knot The simplest knot for binding is the square (or reef) knot. It can stand heavy strain without slipping and may be undone easily when given enough slack. It flattens when pulled tight, making it useful in first aid and for tying packages. Common uses: Bandages, bandanas, sashes A verse can be said while tying: Right over left, left over right, makes a knot neat and tidy and tight. 1. Take a rope end in each hand. 2. Cross the right end over the left tend, forming an X. Bend it back and under, then forward and up. NOTE: The ends have now changed sides. 3. Bend the right end toward the left. 4. Cross the left end over the right end, forming an X. Bend it back then under and in front of the right end. The shore ends should lie flat beside the long pieces of the rope. Pull tight.

Slip Knot is designed to be easily untied. Common uses: Tent flaps 1. Hold a rope with two hands, allowing approximately 12 inches between the hands. 2. Form a loop by bringing the rope in the right hand under the rope in the left hand so that the rope crosses. 3. Secure the loop with your left hand where the rope crosses. 4. Reach your right hand through the loop and grab a hold of the rope on the left side. 5. Pull the rope in your right hand back through the loop. 6. Let go with your left hand, and then grab onto the two hanging ends. 7. To finish the slip knot, pull your hands away from each other, twisting your right hand clockwise until the knot is tight.

4. POCKET KNIFE SAFETY Pocket Knife Safety Pledge In return for the privilege of carrying a pocket knife, I agree to the following: • I understand and will follow the rules for safe use of a pocket knife. • I will treat my pocket knife with the respect due a useful tool. • I will always close my pocket knife and put it away when not in use. • I will not use my pocket knife when it might injure someone near me. • I promise never to throw my pocket knife for any reason. • I promise never to cut any living thing or carve into anything that is not mine. • I will use my pocket knife in a safe manner at all times.

Safety • Before picking up the pocket knife, spread arms and swing slowly around to be sure no one is sitting too close to you on either side or front or back. This is called The Circle of Safety. • When using your knife, always cut away from your hands and body. • Keep the pocket knife closed when not in use, in pocket, or on belt. • • A sharp knife cuts accurately and does not slip.

Opening the Knife 1. Hold the pocket knife firmly with the fingers of one hand, blade side up. 2. Hold the top edge (slot) of the blade with the thumb and forefinger of the other hand. 3. Keep your fingers away from the blade. Pull the blade all the way out until it clicks into its open position.

Closing the Knife 1. Hold the handle of the knife in one hand with the sharp cutting side of the blade upward. 2. Be sure to keep your fingers clear of the opening. Hold the dull, non-cutting side of the blade in the other hand. 3. With fingers, push the blade up and around toward the slot in the handle, keeping fingers on

Passing the Knife The safest way to pass a knife is to put it down rather than trying to hand it to someone. If the knife can be closed, close the knife The next person can then pick up the knife. However, if you must pass the knife to someone, follow these steps: 1. Hold the top, dull side of the blade firmly with your thumb and forefinger. 2. Make eye contact with the next person before offering them the handle of the knife. 3. that the knife is safely in their possession. Only then should you let go of the blade.

Use of the Knife 1. Hold the knife handle firmly with your fist, tuck your thumb under, and never put your thumb on the blade. 2. 3. ire as extreme heat can ruin the temper on a blade.

5. GENERAL FIRE SAFETY AND BUILDING Always: • have firefighting equipment on-hand before you build fire (shovel, rake, bucket full of with water). • tie back long hair and wear a bandana for short hair. • clear area of leaves, brush, and combustibles. • check for overhanging branches. • protect hands with gloves or potholders when handling hot utensils. • push partially burned sticks into the fire with another stick. • plan sufficient space away from the fire for outdoor programming. • if girls are doing individual cooking, make sure that • put extra wood supply at a sufficient distance so that sparks cannot reach it. • girls. • make sure your fire is totally out before leaving. • extinguish fire with water sprinkle rather than pour water on the fire.

Never: • build a fire alone. • leave fire unattended. • use liquid fire starter or charcoal soaked in liquid fire starter. • wave a stick to put out the flames. • leave matches near fire. • leave a pressurized type of can or container in or near fire. • reach over the fire. • run or play with fire or around it. • wear dangling articles of clothing like loose scarves while working at a fire. • wear nylon windbreakers or pants around the fire. • stand or climb over benches/seats surrounding the fire.

Types of Wood There are two kinds of wood: hardwood and softwood. Hardwood is slow burning and hot, leaves good coals, and is heavy and very dense (maple and oak). Softwood burns fast, leaves few coals, is good for tinder and kindling because it ignites quickly, and is very light weight (pine and spruce). - makers (dead tree limbs caught by other tree branches) usually makes good firewood. The three types of firewood are: • Tinder Smaller than a match; twigs; shavings; burns short time; and used to ignite fire. • Kindling Larger than a pencil to size of thumb and large enough to hold heat for a while. • Fuel Starting at size of wrist; catches and burns more slowly and longer; and large pieces burn easier if split. Remember, wood is a natural resource. Only use what you need. 14

Wood Gathering Part of any outdoor experience can involve gathering wood to make a fire. 1. your fire. 2. Place woodpile far enough away from fire so that no sparks will fly into it. 3. Cut wood into sizes to fit fireplace or fire circle. 4. Stack the woodpile so air can circulate between the wood and the ground. 5. Stack neatly into piles, separating the three types of wood: tinder, kindling, and fuel. 6. Cover with canvas or plastic and weigh down with rocks to keep the wood from getting wet. 7. to replenish the wood supply at your site. Cut fuel logs are typically found at any GSWPA campsite, courtesy of our rangers.

Fire Starters Fire starters are highly flammable materials that ignite at the touch of a match. Some simple ones are twists of newspaper, stubs of candles, and strips of milk carton. There are many types of fire starters you can make at home. To learn how to make some, refer to pages 24-25 in the Outdoor Resource Guide. For best results, fire starts should be seasoned or cured for about two weeks to completely dry.

Building a Fire Outdoors Make a safe and suitable place for your fire. • Check with park or campsite rangers. In some places, you can only build fires in designated areas. • Make sure there are no overhanging tree branches. • Ensure safety precautions are followed with all fires. Before building a fire: 1. Clear a 10-foot diameter circle of leaves, twigs, grass, and anything burnable. 2. Put stones or rocks as a border for your circle. This controls your fire area and also establishes a control for the group only cooks and those tending the fire may be inside the circle. 3. Find a suitable place for your rake and shovel. 4. Place a bucket of water near the fire circle. 5. Have a supply of tinder, kindling, and fuel on-hand.

Note: Use special care with wood fires in dry or windy weather, or use another type of fire. During dry weather, there may be burning bans. Please be aware of bans in your area before you build a campfire.

Build a Foundation Fire (A Frame) to get the fuel logs burning. Tip: When building a fire in a wet fire ring, first line the fire ring with heavy duty aluminum foil. Building your fire on top will keep it from drawing dampness from the ground and putting out your fire. Make sure to clean the foil out of the fire ring when the fire is extinguished. It can even be recycled! 1. Take two pieces of kindling and place them on the ground in a V shape with the open part facing the breeze for a draft. 2. Lay a third piece across the first two to form an A. Lean the tinder just inside the center and against the crossbar. 3. 4. Have about four handfuls of tinder and the same of kindling ready before you start the fire. 5. Fuel logs should also be available when needed. 6. Light a match and hold it under the crossbar to ignite the tinder or the fire starter. 7. Gently add more tinder, making sure that enough air is getting through. 8. Once the tinder is going well, begin to add kindling, starting with the smaller pieces fairly close together, but still allowing spaces for air. 9. fuel logs.

Note: how before they start a fire.

Types of Fire After you have successfully built your foundation fire, you can build it into the kind of fire you want. Tepee Fire • Gives you concentrated heat for quick cooking or boiling water. • Build it over your foundation fire by leaning fuel against the already burning kindling to form a tepee shape. Crisscross Fire • Burns for a long time and makes good coals. • It is good for boiling, broiling, or toasting food. • To make the crisscross fire, lay the fuel over the foundation fire with each layer in the opposite direction.

Putting Your Fire Out Put your fire out when re done using it. NEVER LEAVE THE FIRE UNATTENDED. • Let the fire burn down. • Scatter it and break up coals with a stick. • Sprinkle with water and stir around. DO NOT POUR THE WATER ON ALL AT ONCE. • Continue sprinkle and stirring until fire is out. • Before you leave the fire circle, you should be able to press your hand to the ground at any spot.

Clean out the fire area. • Scoop ashes into an ash can using the shovel. • Stack leftover wood in the designated area. • Rake the fire circle, allowing the next visitor to have a ready-to-use-site.

Indoor Fireplaces Indoor fireplaces can provide a similar experience to using an outdoor fire, with the comfort and familiarity of a house or cabin. You can use an indoor fireplace to let girls practice fire building or cooking in a more controlled environment. Building a fire in a fireplace: • Remove covering from front of fire place. • Open the flue (latch inside of a chimney that allows smoke to escape) if there is one. • Gather an adequate supply of wood. • Fill bucket with water and place close to the fireplace. • Use newspaper balls or build a small fire to start a draft up the chimney. • Build the fire to suit specific need (warmth, cooking, ceremonial, etc.). • Place screen across opening to prevent sparks from flying out.

Cleaning the fireplace: • Remove ashes and place them in the ash can. • Remove burned logs to outside fire circle. • Sweep the floor of the fireplace. • Close the flue. • Replace covering over front of fireplace. • • Replenish outside tinder and kindling woodpiles.

6. OUTDOOR COOKING When planning meals, determine the purpose of the camping experience. the amount of time you want to commit to cooking. Remember: • Quality cooking takes time. Remember to allow enough time for wood to burn down to coals (approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour). • Provide recipes in step-by-step form. Make sure they are easy to read and understand. • Be aware of the number of utensils and cookware it takes to prepare a dish (remember, they all need to be washed). • Make sure to heat enough water for washing, rinsing, and sterilizing all the dishes. • Water boils faster and food cooks faster if the pan has a lid on it. • Plan menus according to the refrigeration space available. Consider the use of coolers. • -out cooking. Until girls become skilled, keep menus simple. Use partially prepared foods and as many shortcuts as you can manage. Pre-cook ground meat, chicken, potatoes, carrots, etc.

Cooking in the outdoors is done in a progressive manner based on the comfort, interest, knowledge, and skill level of the girls. Here is a list of cooking methods roughly in order of difficulty: • Trail snacks • One-pot meals • Stick cooking • Skillet/griddle cooking • Pie irons • Foil Packets • Dutch oven cooking

This list of cooking progression is by no means all- After the initial trail snacks, one-pot meals, and simple stick cooking, girls are typically ready to venture into the other areas of the list. Some cooking methods require a wood fire, charcoal, or special utensils, while others require no cooking at all. There are many options and methods you can explore with your girls.

Cooking Methods You can refer to pages 27-39 in the Outdoor Resource Guide for additional methods, directions, and tips. • Trail Snacks Anything that can be carried and eaten on the way somewhere. • One-Pot Meals The total main course is cooked in one pot. Try to avoid recipes where more than one pot is required (like pasta dishes where the pasta is cooked separately) when referring to one-pot meals. • Stick Cooking Cooking with sticks allows girls direct control over what they cook, and it can be a fun activity. Stick cooking should be done over hot coals, not flames. • Skillet/Griddle Cooking This type of cooking is not heat tolerant less liquid. Cast iron cookware is best if cooking over coals. Other cookware can be used over portable cook stoves. • Pie Iron Cooking Put food inside the pie iron, shut the lock, and toast the contents over a fire. Cast iron pie makers work much better than the cheaper aluminum pie irons. Grease or oil the pie irons well, especially before the first use. You can use cooking spray as an easier alternative to butter. • Foil Packets Foil cooking is ideal for meals where heavy-duty foil rather than the cheaper regular foil. You may want to double wrap the food to help prevent burning. At least an hour before you plan to cook, build a fire using hardwood. Remember, you cook over coals, not flames. • Dutch Oven Cooking A Dutch oven is a large metal box, usually cast iron or aluminum, serving as a

can cook it at home, you can cook it in a Dutch oven at camp.

Charcoal Cooking Most of the outdoor cooking methods can be done with a regular wood fire. However, using charcoal can make it easier to keep a uniform temperature for cooking. Charcoals are especially useful for Dutch oven cooking, because stacking charcoal on top and underneath the Dutch oven is how you regulate its temperature.

• One-Pot Meals or Skillet/Griddle Cooking A flat topped pile of coals just the size of griddle or skillet will prevent overheated hands and wrists. Support the cookware on small rocks at each corner or with a grate so that the bottom of the cookware is ¼ inch above the coals. This allows some air circulation and keeps the fire hotter. • Stick Cooking A flat topped heap of coals is best. • Pie Iron Cooking or Foil Packets Spread coals so that there is ½ to 1 inch of space between them and lay pie irons or foil-wrapped food directly on them with tongs. • Dutch Oven Cooking A flat topped pile of coals just the size of the Dutch oven, then piling more coal on top of the lid.

• Starting Charcoal • Lay sheet of foil on the ground (for easy clean-up). • Place a fire starter in the center. • Place charcoal in a ring around the fire starter. • Stack charcoal on the ring, forming a cylinder of charcoal. About 30 briquettes are enough for e quantity of foil-wrapped food (a 10-pound bag of charcoal has about 150-180 briquettes). • Light the starter and allow it to burn undisturbed for 30-45 minutes or until the briquettes begin to turn ash gray. Fanning with a piece of heavy cardboard will speed up the process. • Cooking should not begin until all briquettes are gray over most of their surface.

• Extinguishing Charcoal • With tongs, place each briquette one at a time into a metal pail of water. • When the water has cooled, dump the water out, leaving the coals in the pail. • Sprinkle ashes in fire ring with water and stir to cool. • Gather up foil lining, keeping ashes in the center, and deposit into ash can. • Coals can be reused when dry.

Meal Planning and Girl Involvement Plan simple meals. Meals can be no-cook or pre-cooked, which saves on time. Try to spend a minimum

This allows more time for camp activities. When planning meals, keep in mind: • appetite appeal • ease of preparation • religious, cultural, or other dietary preference • food allergies • time to prepare, cook, and clean-up • cooking equipment, available refrigeration and storage, packaging • adult support available and skill level of girls • balanced meal • budget Although the outdoor-certified adult needs to have a basic knowledge of outdoor allow the girls to choose their own camp menus. planning, including shopping. Some leading questions you can use when planning meals with the girls: • What are some of your favorite foods? • • What could we do to make this a vegetarian meal? • Raise your hand if you will eat one hot dog? Two? More? • How many buns are in a bag, and how many bags are needed if we need 17 hot dogs? • What utensils and special ingredients will we need to prepare that?

If possible, have a group of girls accompany the adult shopping. Girls can compare prices, check coupons, look for sale items, consider seasonal foods, and compare prices in bulk quantities. Grocery lists can be divided among girls or patrols, and they can shop in small groups or with their parents. Some tips for grocery shopping: • Campsites may not have freezers. • Large cans are heavy and hard to carry if the car is far from the campsite. • Buy one larger container rather than two small containers to minimize trash.

Girls can also assist in any food packing and pre-camp preparation.

Balancing the Meal Plan well-balanced meals including items from each of the food groups. Plan practical meals for the age group, the time available, and the equipment available. Make sure there is at least something at each meal that everyone says they like to eat. Breakfast should include: • cereal, cooked main dish (i.e. eggs, pancakes), bread, or sweet roll • juice or fruit • milk, hot chocolate, or yogurt Lunch/Dinner should include: • main dish • vegetable/salad • bread or other starch • beverage • dessert included in main course (buns, biscuit mix, or mountain pies). Dessert could be fruit, like watermelon.

Outdoor Dishwashing Method When washing dishes outdoors: • Use 3 basins: for collecting extra food from plates, for warm, soapy water, and for hot, clear water. • Always use environmentally friendly dish soap. A quick internet search can tell you several brands that are appropriate. • Waste water must be disposed of according to campsite regulations. Water must be disposed of at least 200 feet beyond any water source or trail. • Spread a thin layer of dish soap around the outside steel pots and pans to prevent black soot from sticking to the outside. A quick rinse after use will wash the soot off along with the soap. • NEVER use soap to wash cast iron cookware.

1. Remove excess food particles using a 2. Wash in warm, soapy water.

rubber scraper or similar utensil.

3. Rinse in hot, clear water. 4. Sterilize by placing in a dunk bag and dip in boiling water for about one minute (recommend

adult supervision and assistance).

5. Air dry using a clothespin or half hitch to 6. Dry cooking equipment on table when it has hang the dunk bag on a line. been scraped, washed, rinsed, and sterilized.

Cast Iron Care Cast iron cookware is great for cooking over a campfire. The heavy iron distributes the heat from the fire, and f stick to a well-maintained pot. However, since heavy and hot, extra care needs to be taken when moving it off the fire. Younger girls should not use cast iron cookware. Good cast iron cookware is easily cleaned with a plastic scraper and warm water. Well-seasoned and maintained cast iron has no rust spots, cooked-on food, or black flakes. cast iron can last for hundreds of years and rarely needs re-seasoning. cast iron means preparing it so that it has a nonstick cooking surface. Seasoning cast iron involves carefully oiling, heating, salting, re-oiling, and reheating.

Since seasoning a cast iron takes several hours and some effort, maintenance is very important: • Use plastic or wooden stirring spoons, ladles, and turners rather than metal utensils when cooking. • Allow cast iron to cool before washing. • Scrape off cooked-on food with a plastic scraper. • Using only warm water and a soft cloth, clean the inside of the cast iron. NEVER use soap. • Allow the cast iron to air dry. • After it dries, polish the cast iron like you would polish furniture. Using a paper towel, rub a small amount of cooking oil on the inside of the cast iron • Store the , preferably upside down or covered.

All kinds of cast iron cookware can be found at GSWPA camps, such as pots, skillets, Dutch ovens, and pie irons. All of this cookware has been properly seasoned when it was first placed at camp. However, its current condition is dependent on whoever used it last. If you find cast iron cookware that is in poor shape, please let the ranger or outdoor manager know.

7. OUTDOOR FIRST AID Emergency Procedures and First Aid 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 nce 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 • 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. • Develop local emergency procedures that are reviewed and practiced. • Establish and practice fire evacuation, lost person, and security procedures.

First Aid Kits 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, kpoints 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. Never administer medications to girls without explicit written parental permission. Remember that a trained First Aider must be present for all outdoor experiences.

Whether you buy a commercially made kit or assemble your own, it should contain the following materials:  Emergency phone numbers  2 hydrocortisone ointment packets  Insurance forms, consent forms, health  1 roller bandage histories  5 sterile gauze pads, assorted sizes  Medical tape  2 triangular bandages  25 adhesive bandages, assorted sizes  Safety pins  5 antibiotic ointment packets  Tweezers  5 antiseptic wipe packets  Scissors  1 blanket, such as a space blanket  Resealable bags for biohazardous  1 breathing barrier for CPR material (e.g. bloodied gauze, ticks)  1 instant cold compress  Flashlight with batteries  2 pairs of non-latex gloves  First aid instruction booklet

Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac avoid the following: • Poison Ivy • a climbing shrub or vine • has three leaves which vary in length from 1-4 inches • leaf color may be glossy green or reddish brown, depending on the season • has waxy white fruit which looks like mistletoe part way up the stem • sun-loving plant found especially along trails, fences, stony outcroppings, and rock slides • Poison Oak • most often a climbing vine; can be a straggly, erect shrub • has three leaves irregularly lobed or toothed, making it look similar to an oak leaf • has yellowish green flowers/berries in loose pendent strings • Poison Sumac • appears as a shrub or small tree found mainly in swampy areas • leaves are divided into groups of 7-13 arranged in pairs with one on the tip of the midrib • leaves are 3-4 inches long • bears same fruit as poison ivy

Picture courtesy of Healthwise, Incorporated.

Symptoms of Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac Symptoms take up to a week to appear after touching the plant. They last anywhere from 10 days to 3 weeks. Symptoms appear slowly over the course of a few days, so a small rash one day can become a large rash a few days later. Make sure to closely monitor areas where suspected poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac contact has occurred. Symptoms include: • burning and itching sensation • rash and swelling • small blisters may appear which later burst and release fluid

Treatment for Poison Ivy, Poison Oak, and Poison Sumac Because it takes a while for symptoms to appear, it is important to wash well if you suspect contact. You dramatically reduce symptoms. • Wash area well with soap and water as soon as possible after contact. • Change clothing that may have been in contact with plant.

Once symptoms have appeared, there are a few ways to help alleviate discomfort: • Cool, wet dressings or cold compresses. • Commercially available products such as Rhulicream or Cortisone ointment will also help. • In severe cases, seek medical help.

Tick Bites Have discussions with your girls about identifying and reporting contact with a tick. While walking in wooded and grassy areas where ticks may be found, take the following precautions: • Carry a first aid kit. • Wear light-colored clothing with long sleeves. Tuck pants legs into socks, and tuck shirt into pants. Wear a hat or bandana on your head. • Insect repellents containing DEET are effective against ticks and may be applied to clothing and sparingly to skin, especially to the ankles. CAUTION: DEET can be highly toxic. • On return from walks and at least once a day, have a tick check.

Removal of Ticks Early removal is important because many disease organisms are not transmitted until the tick has fed for two or more hours. The object is to remove the tick with its mouth parts intact.

1. Grasp the tick firmly with tweezers as close to the skin as possible. 2. Pull the tick firmly. Do not twist. 3. Save the tick in case you need to have it tested for any tick-borne diseases later. 4. Clean and disinfect the tick bite area. Make a note of where the bite was located.

If you do not succeed in removing the tick intact, you can try to get the mouth parts out with tweezers. If you have to leave the mouth parts under the skin, make sure to watch the site closely. These areas are prone to infection.

Picture courtesy of Lobster Marketing Group.

Lyme Disease Lyme disease: • Red macule of papule (rash) that expands in a circular manner over a number of days (looks like ringworm or maybe a solid red area). This rash may appear from 3 - 30 days after the bite. • Headaches, joint pain, disturbances of the heart rhythm may appear days to weeks after the rash appears or even in the absence of the rash. • Weeks later, symptoms of arthritis may appear, with swelling of the joints, usually the knees. If any symptoms appear, see a doctor immediately. Take the tick along if you still have it. For additional information, see your county or state health department.

8. PROTECTING THE NATURAL WORLD Leave No Trace Leave No Trace is a national outdoor skills and ethics educational program. The Seven Principles of Leave No Trace form the basic framework of minimal impact practices: 1. Plan ahead and prepare. 2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces. 3. Dispose of waste properly. 4. Leave what you find. 5. Minimize campfire impacts. 6. Respect wildlife. 7. Be considerate of other visitors. 26

Minimal Impact Practices

Girl Scouts of all ages learn minimal impact practices, which are methods that encourages each person to tread lightly on land and leave no trace after a trip or activity. Outdoor activities should touch the earth lightly, leaving as few traces of human presence as possible. The challenge is to learn how recreational activities affect our natural world and learn how to change those activities to reduce pollution, erosion, or other damage to the environment.

Minimal impact practices require personal responsibility, as each individual must consider how to minimize the impact of their actions. Here are a few examples of minimal impact practices: • • Walk only on established trails. Walking off the trail packs the soil down, kills plants, and causes erosion. • Leave wild animals as they are. • Never destroy animal dens, nests, or homes. • , or try to pet animals. • Never disturb wild animals, especially babies. The mother is probably waiting nearby. • Leave things as they are. • • , or take rocks. • Conserve water, our most valuable resource. Keep water sources clean. • Each girl should use a mess kit and canteen (or washable plate, bowl, cup, and silverware), not disposable dishes and utensils. • Use a bandana instead of paper towels to dry hands. • Turn off unnecessary lights. • Leave your site cleaner than you found it. This does not mean raking or sweeping paths. This can cause erosion. • Buy food that has minimal packaging and recycle what you can. • Take nothing but pictures and memories, leave nothing but footprints. • Set a positive example for others to follow. • Gather only dry wood from the ground for fires or stick cooking.

Camp Animals NOTE: Girls and adults should be aware that no snacks or candy are allowed in their tents or yurts. • When you arrive at camp, collect all food from girls (including gum/candy and all sweet-smelling lip balms, toothpastes, shampoos, soaps, etc.) and store in a tin with a tight-fitting lid or in a car. • Before snuggling down in your sleeping bag (which should be rolled up during the day), check for any unwanted visitors. • Quick movements and loud noises can be stressful to animals. • • rabies). Sick or wounded animals can bite, peck, or scratch and send you to the hospital. • soon go away. • Never feed animals you may encounter. • Not harming animals should include unpleasant ones, such as insects. If you find an unwanted visitor, rather than killing it, use a cup to put it outside.

Remember: • ones. • Never leave your campers unattended. • Always keep a distance between you and the wildlife that you encounter while camping or hiking. • , or litter in areas where

• Tell girls to remain calm and call for help if they encounter an animal. • Instruct children and adults that all food and scented items must be kept in a secure area as per procedures at that facility. • Pack food in animal resistant containers if available. Pack food in cars overnight if there is not a secure, odor-free place to keep food.

OUTDOOR CERTIFIED TEAM AND THEIR RESPONSIBILITES Role of the Outdoor-Certified Adult The outdoor-certified adult is the person who: • . • must be at camp 100% of the time the group is at camp. • must be present at any fire or when cooking over an open flame. • may share responsibilities with other outdoor-certified adults (i.e. one individual may be in charge of fire and cooking and another in charge of the overnight camping). • makes sure that you have the appropriate number of adults for your camping trip, as per Safety Activity Checkpoints and Volunteer Essentials. Always keep in mind one of your primary responsibility is to ensure all participants are safe.

Here are some additional requirements to consider when planning: • Learn and follow GSWPA camp policies and procedures. • Understand check-in/check-out procedures for GSWPA sites. • Get clarification for any Safety Activity Checkpoint questions. • Train the girls in skills and planning (preferably 6 weeks to 6 months before the outdoor experience). • Meet with parents to answer questions and explain procedures. • Provide a list of equipment to bring to all participants. • Manage expectations of the site and the outdoor experience. • Explain camp etiquette to other adults and girls, including smoking and alcohol policies (no smoking or alcohol allowed).

Prior to the trip, the outdoor-certified adult should meet with all adults that will be attending the trip to: • explain their roles and her/his expectations. • discuss the plans the girls have made. • explain safety systems and the buddy system that the girls have learned. • discuss transportation safety standards as per Safety Activity Checkpoints, emergency procedures for the site, and travel plans to and from the site.

NOTE: All adults traveling with the troop/group overnight must be registered members of Girl Scouts of the USA and have completed the GSWPA volunteer application and clearance process.

First Aider, Chaperones, Helpers, and Drivers In addition to the outdoor-certified adult, your trip should have cleared, approved volunteers in the following roles: • First Aider • Has taken an official first aid certification course and has a valid, non-expired certificate. • Responsible for handling injuries and medical emergencies. • Responsible for handling and distributing all medications that girls bring to camp. • Expected to have a copy of girl and adult Health History Forms. • Expected to be familiar with GSWPA emergency procedure. • Chaperones/Helpers • Responsible for the supervision of a group of girls. • Responsible for encouraging girls to try new things. • Responsible for watching, guiding, directing. • Prepared to intervene before injuries occur - being safe is of utmost concern. • Knowledgeable about the activities they are supervising and any potential for injury. • Expected to serve as a role model to girls. • Responsible for knowing where the girls are at all times. • Drivers • Have a • Have current vehicle insurance for the vehicle being driven. • Have a seat belt for each passenger. • Keep a completed health history form and permission slip for each person in the car. This information is held by an adult in each vehicle and is limited to the passengers within that specific vehicle. • Use an approved child booster seat to comply with PA Law when necessary. • (8) must be buckled into a federally-approved child booster seat, which must be secured to the vehicle by the seat belt system, no matter where they ride in a vehicle (front or back seat). Booster seats must be used in conjunction with lap and shoulder belts. Guidelines for Male Volunteers Male volunteers are welcome to join Girl Scouts and often participate in the camp experience. To be sensitive to the need for privacy of our girls, both male and female adult volunteers, and to avoid even the appearance of impropriety, please note the following: • All adults should be part of the planning so that girls are familiar with the adults. • Leaders will ensure that everyone is comfortable with provisions for privacy. • Leaders will label gender-specific bathroom facilities to ensure privacy. • Private, separate sleeping quarters must be provided for males. • An approved male volunteer must never be alone with any unrelated female. • An approved male volunteer must always be paired with an unrelated, approved female volunteer. • When transporting, an unrelated, approved female volunteer must always be in the vehicle.

PLANNING RESOURCES Safety Activity Checkpoints When planning, be sure to refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints. It contains safety and security guidelines, specific activity checkpoints, and program and camping standards. As a Girl Scout leader and/or outdoor-certified adult, safety issues are important to consider when taking girls outdoors. All Girl Scouts, both girls and adults, are required to adhere to all content contained within the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Please take time to review all the Safety Activity Checkpoints that apply for your planned outdoor experience. You can find the link to Safety Activity Checkpoints on page 1 of this guide.

Volunteer Essentials This publication, updated yearly, includes all the basic information you need, including forms and ideas. If you ever have a question, Volunteer Essentials most likely contains the answer. You can find the link to Volunteer Essentials on page 1 of this guide.

Camp and Equipment Reservations Online reservations for a GSWPA site and any specialty equipment (e.g. archery equipment, canoes) from GSWPA can be completed at the following address: http://www.gswpa.org/en/camp/reserving-a-camp.html

GSWPA Forms to Know All forms can be found in Volunteer Essentials or at gswpa.org. Many of these forms are available for submission electronically. • Girl/Adult Health History Form Required for each girl and adult participating in an activity. Must be kept by the First Aider for use in case of a medical emergency. • Rental Checkout Sheet Must be completed after departure from a GSWPA site and emailed to [email protected]. • Additional Activity Insurance Required if any non-members are attending or if your activity lasts longer than 2 consecutive nights (3 nights if one is a federal holiday). • Trip & High-Adventure Activity Application Required for activities at non-GSWPA owned adventure activities. Check Safety Activity adventure. • Certificate of Insurance Required for troops to use/stay at non- GSWPA owned properties. • Additional Money Earning Request Form Used to request an additional money-earning event such as a car wash. Must participate in all council-sponsored sales during the time the troop is registered to qualify.

WHERE DO WE STAY? Pick the site that best fits the needs and outdoor skill level of you and your troop. Consider the number of girls in the troop and the season of the increase, they may want to experience facilities that are more rustic.

Lodges/cabins generally offer: • a mixed-use area for sleeping, eating, and program activities. • a small adjoining room for the leaders or male assistants. • indoor cooking facilities similar to those found in a typical household kitchen. • indoor plumbing and/or a bathroom/washhouse/latrine located a short distance from the building. These buildings are recommended for new or inexperienced campers because the experience duplicates a sleepover atmosphere. The girls receive an introduction to camping while the setting provides some of the comforts of home.

Platform tent and yurt units generally offer: • a picnic shelter. • tables and benches, grills for charcoal cooking, and cabinets or shelves for storage. • bathroom/washhouse/latrine. • a number of platform tents, 3-sided shelters, and/or yurts (round canvas dwellings) as sleeping quarters. • an established outdoor fire ring in each unit. This setting is recommended for girls who are comfortable in a dark outdoor setting and are independent. or yurts with girls. If your group chooses to stay in a platform tent or yurt, here are some general tips to keep in mind: • s cold at night (even in June) at some of our GSWPA camps. • Absolutely no food, gum, candy, lotion, lip balm, etc. is allowed in a tent or yurt.

General Information about Platform Tents and Yurts Platform tents are canvas tents attached to a wooden platform raised several feet off of the ground. Yurts are similar to platform tents, except they are slightly larger and circular instead of rectangular. Each tent and yurt is supplied with four to eight cots with mattresses. The platform tents at GSWPA camps are put up early in the spring and taken down in the fall by camp rangers, while the yurts remain up year-round. The tents and yurts are relatively spacious with some distance between the cots and substantial head space. Tents have front and back door flaps that can be tied up during the day for air circulation and closed at night or during rainy periods. Yurts have doors similar to those in houses with zipper mesh windows that can be opened and closed. Flaps inside the yurt can be tied up to form windows as well. The canvas walls provide good protection against rain, as long as nothing inside the tent is touching the tent walls. Be sure not to spray any type of aerosol near tent walls, as this ruins the water repellent quality of the canvas. Often, spiders create webs in the corners. The webs can easily be removed with a broom. It is a good idea to sweep out tents and yurts when first arriving at camp. Remember not to take any food, snacks, lip balm, shampoo, toothpaste, or other scented items into platform tents and yurts. Unwanted visitors can easily climb the steps up to the platform.

Care and Use of Platform Tents and Yurts • Keep all gear away from the sides of the tents/yurts so they will not leak if it rains. • Move cots toward the middle of the tent/yurt to avoid potentially touching the canvas. • • Do not pin anything or use anything sharp near the canvas. • t use any aerosol sprays in or near tents/yurts. • When tying up the tent/yurt openings, use a knot that will slip out easily, like an overhand or slip knot. Never use square knots to tie back flaps. • Roll flaps up inside the tent/yurt so they can be let catch in the roll. • Never roll side wall or door flaps up unless completely dry. Damp canvas will mildew rapidly when not open to the air. • hem periodically. Mice like to nest in the rolls. • or hang any items from the tent/yurt or ropes holding the tent/yurt in place. • Keep mirrors under cover sunlight reflected in a mirror can be hot enough to start a fire. • No lighting other than battery operated lighting should be used inside of tents/yurts. • No heaters of any kind should be used in platform tents or yurts as they are a fire hazard.

Please report any small tears, missing ropes, or any other problems with GSWPA equipment or lodging to the camp ranger.

GSWPA Camp Availability You can find information about our camps and their availability on our website gswpa.org under the upcoming programs, the availability of facilities, and a link that forwards you to camp reservation information.

EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLIES Having the necessary equipment and supplies is the responsibility of the adult volunteers planning the outdoor experience. Girl Scout established camp units usually have: • picnic tables and benches. • fire circles. • brooms/rakes/shovels/metal fire buckets. • cooking pots/cooking utensils. • pie irons and hot dog forks. • tubs for dishwashing. Some sites may have permanent charcoal grills. Other sites may have additional equipment that you can borrow or rent from GSWPA (like Dutch ovens or small group activity boxes). Contact the specific campsite ranger or outdoor program manager for more details on what equipment is available to borrow or rent. Remember, you can also check with other Troop Leaders or Service Unit Volunteers if you need to borrow camping equipment. If you have additional questions, please email [email protected].

Ranger Help with GSWPA Property Use If you have any concerns or questions about a GSWPA site, conta . Some examples of questions you may have are: • Are there any restrictions, such as a fire ban for a dry season? • Where should I put ? • Where is the equipment I would like to borrow located? • What are the cleaning expectations for the kitchen and bathrooms, floors, cooking equipment, indoor fireplaces, and fire pits? • Where should I return the equipment I use? Camp rangers know the answers to these questions and more! They are a wealth of knowledge, especially when it comes to GSWPA sites.

INVOLVING GIRLS IN THE PLANNING PROCESS Starting to Plan Girls should be involved with the planning of any outdoor excursions. Whether the trip is a day hike or a cross-country trek, basic steps of trip planning are essentially the same. Planning every outdoor experience starts by asking the following of your troop so that the girls lead the process: • What do we hope to experience? • Where are we interested in going? • When are we all available to go? • Will everyone in our group be able to go? • Are there physical barriers that cannot be accommodated? • What are our options for getting there? • • What can we do now to get ourselves ready? • How will we earn the money? • • Where is emergency help available? • What safety factors must we consider? • What will we do when we get there? As girls answer these questions, they begin the trip-planning process. Younger girls may not be capable to be as intimately involved in details. However, as the girls grow older, their responsibility levels should increase. When starting out, work in partnership with the girls to set up a plan for success. You may need to guide the girls in selecting the best solution to

Tips for Planning with Girls As girls gain experience, they can do more, and the outdoor-certified adult should do less. Here are some tips to help guide you through the planning process: • Recognize the amount of time needed for planning. • Take into account the maturity level of the girls in your group as you guide decision-making. • Be sure that all girls get a chance to be part of the planning. • Plan extra activities for down times. • A theme for the outing helps. • Organize the group with the jobs to be done by using a kaper chart. • Make and use an equipment list for items needed, included personal care items. • Review health and safety procedures ahead of time (buddy system, fire safety, etc.).

Practice makes perfect and prepares everyone for new experiences. • Learn and practice the 8 basic camping skills. • Start small with short hikes and simple outdoor activities. • Talk about and/or make equipment at troop meetings for use on outings (water bottles, sunscreen, sit-upons, mess kits). • Discuss the use of a first aid kit and assemble one.

Personal Equipment and Packing Personal clothing and equipment will be needed by each girl based on planned outdoor activities and anticipated changes in the weather. The outdoor-certified adult should provide a list of needed items for each girl to take home to her family well in advance of the date of the activity. This list can be used as a checklist when packing. , and experience. Newer or less-experienced troops may want to consider borrowing some equipment to help reduce costs. Whether owned or borrowed, equipment should be in good condition, fit properly, and be comfortable. Girls should learn how to pack and practice before their first overnight. While they need ample clothing for the time they ar. Girls should be expected to carry their own gear. Girls should do all packing themselves (with adult help for beginners), so they know what they brought and where everything is located.

Sample Personal Packing List Below is a sample personal packing list for girls. This list will vary depending on the activities you have planned.  One suitcase or duffle bag, preferably Extras: non-rolling  Money  One backpack  Camera  Sheets and blanket/sleeping bag  Cell phone  Pillow  Electronics  One set of clothes for each day  Book  Underwear for each day, plus one extra  Journal  Socks for each day, plus one extra pair  Pajamas DO NOT BRING:  Sweater or jacket  Aerosol sprays  Rain gear  Jewelry  Bandanna, hat, and hair ties  Purse  Comfortable closed toe shoes  Snacks  Hiking boots  Glass containers  Flip flops for the shower  Scented items  Swim suit  Two plastic bags, one for wet clothes and one for laundry  Towel, washcloth, soap  Toiletries  Medications  Sit-upon  Flashlight and extra batteries  Plastic or aluminum mess kit (bowl, plate, cup, spoon, fork, knife NOT disposable)  Pocket knife 36

Kaper Groups, Program Groups, and Patrols In a camp environment, sound organization helps to create a positive outdoor experience. Group planning helps girls to carry out program activities, to accomplish essential housekeeping tasks, and to have fun. Kaper Groups Kaper is another word for a chore. You can organize tasks that need to be done in a kaper chart and set up a rotation schedule. Remember, kapers should be assigned as a progression, but even Daisies can clean up after themselves! To make a kaper chart, write down the jobs to be done and a brief description of what each job includes. Divide the girls into their kaper groups, then have girls make a chart and assign kapers. Use of a Kaper chart for housekeeping tasks at camp help the girls become independent and reduces the need for adults to give directions. Remember, the girls do the kapers, not the adults! Adults can help with the kapers, but the girls must make an effort.

Example Kaper Chart

Program Groups The troop is divided (in half, thirds, or fourths) to participate in a particular program or activity. For example, a troop might split into program groups to go canoeing. Patrols A subgroup of the troop that usually includes no more than 8 girls. Often, one girl is identified as the patrol leader. This system is often used for decision-making. Girls in leadership roles delegate and keep track of the activities of the group. Patrols can be used to manage almost any troop business. For example, you could split into patrols to plan an outdoor activity. One patrol could plan the meals while another plans the schedule. 37

Camp Service Projects Having the girls at camp is a wonderful experience. Help it to be more memorable by giving back and participating in a camp service project. The rangers at the camps do a great job, but they appreciate little helpful things that we can do.

Camp service projects can count towards earning a Bronze Award (for Juniors), Community Service Bar (for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors), or Service to Girl Scouting Bar (for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors). They cannot count towards Silver or Gold Awards (for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors).

During one of your planning meetings with the girls, have them brainstorm other ways they can give back by providing a service while they are at camp, or while at camp have them explore and look for things that your troop can do to improve the site. Some ideas might be: • raking/sweeping leaves away from doorways or from patios and shelters. • wiping windowsills and cleaning windows. • wiping baseboards, door and window top edges, and wiping down shelving. • sorting through kitchen cupboards and drawers to be sure they are orderly. • taking some extra time on the stove top or oven cleaning. • clearing out-of-date information pieces-- . • looking at the woodpiles and determining if too many newspapers are left behind or if more kindling should be left or just sorted better. • outdoors, looking to see if water is being blocked from flowing properly through the natural pathway by fallen branches and leaves and clearing any blockages. • noticing things that the Ranger should be aware of and leaving a list for him. They can only fix things they know about. • completing other larger projects, like building a table in an area where you wish there was one. Offer to buy the supplies to make the table and perhaps assemble . • buying a new mop and bucket if you see the ones there are older. • donating a new bucket for the fire circle if the current ones are rusting through. • planting flowers. • helping with trail maintenance.

Before you visit camp, contact the camp ra contact the camp ranger for any suggestions of projects that need done. Give them an idea of how much time you have to give to a project. Remember, if there are expenses involved in the camp service project, the girls may need to work it into the troop budget.

PLANNING TIME FRAMES Planning outdoor activities ahead of time makes the difference between a hectic hodge-podge and living comfortably for a day in the outdoors. Remember, r girls, you can start making your plans. Planning cannot happen overnight.

6 months from the • Decide what kinds of places and activities interest the girls, then decide outdoor experience on a trip. • Make site reservations. • Submit necessary trip forms and fees to GSWPA. 5 months from the • Review the buddy system. outdoor experience • Learn and practice knot tying and pocket knife skills. • Plan budget. • Alert girls • Ask for adult volunteers for shopping, driving, chaperones, and emergency contact. 4 months from the • Practice simple first aid and build a kit. outdoor experience • Practice fire building skills and learn simple songs to sing around the campfire. • Send parent/guardian permission forms home with girls with details of the trip. 3 months from the • Plan menu. outdoor experience • Practice cooking on a stove, using a kitchen peeler, and other cutting utensils. • Permission forms due from parents/guardians and money needed to pay for trip. 2 months from the • Discuss what to wear. outdoor experience • Demonstrate packing, including how to pack sleeping bags and bedrolls. • Divide group into patrols and pick patrol names. • Make copies and send equipment list home. • Set up transportation system for trip. • Call on volunteers willing to take girls shopping for food and packing for trip. 1 months from the • Discuss expectations and behavior. outdoor experience • Make a kaper chart. • Review plans for the trip with everyone. • Answer all questions. • Check arrangements with drivers, shoppers, and chaperones. • Get ready and enjoy!

On pages 59-68 of the Outdoor Resource Guide, u in the planning process, including a sample budget planning chart, example packing lists, activity ideas, and more.

BEFORE TAKING GIRLS OUTDOORS Before your first outdoor experience, ask yourself these questions: Who will be going? • Have you met the required girl/adult ratio as per Safety Activity Checkpoints? • Have you secured the proper parental/guardian permission slips? • Has everyone completed required trainings? • Are all adults attending registered and approved volunteers? • Will men be accompanying the troop? Where and when will you go, and where will the activities take place? • GSWPA has many sites for your use. • Plan well in advance for site reservations. • Submit the appropriate forms and fees for the planned activity. Why were these activities planned? • Were your girls involved with this decision? • Does it tie in with requirements for Journeys and badges? • Is it a service project? • Is it a service unit event? • Is your trip just for fun? You can review all of these questions and find their answers in this Participant Guide.

LAST MINUTE TIPS FOR A GREAT OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE Hints about outdoor activities: • • Leave time for just running, playing, and discovering. • Avoid spending too much time cooking and cleaning up. • Make the first outing fun and educational, not just another meeting. Secrets to outdoor success: • Leaders should visit site in advance of planned outing. • Take extra adults. It gives added security to girls, parents, and troop leaders. • Ask an experienced older girl or leader to go along on your outing to help with songs, games, and outdoor skills. • Use various Girl Scout publications and resource to help plan your trip.

• require participation in any activity or force girls to eat everything. • go with unprepared or unknowledgeable girls. • yell at the girls. • , too!

General Rules of Thumb • Get plenty of rest. Throughout the day, there should be a balance between active and quiet activities. Living in the out-of-doors is more strenuous than at home, so girls need more rest and sleep. Girls should get at least 8 hours of sleep every night. The optimal time for resting time is after lunch. This time may be spent reading, writing, sleeping, or very quietly talking, but not running or being physically active. • Eat healthy foods. Make sure to plan nutritious meals for girls. Having a healthy and well-rounded diet will give girls the energy they need to do more strenuous outdoor activities. b polite b good ways to encourage variety. • Drink plenty of water. The number 1 cause of headaches and a factor in injury potential is dehydration. Everyone should take water breaks at least once every 2 hours (depending on the weather). • Maintain regular bathroom habits. Be alert to the fact that some campers may be afraid to use outdoor toilets or to go in the woods. Reassure the bathroom outdoors. • Beware of sunburns. Encourage girls and other volunteers to wear sunscreen and sun-blocking clothing (hats, loose and reflective clothing). Any sun exposure increases the risk of skin cancer, so you should protect yourselves at all times. • Wear clean and proper clothing. Girls should wear appropriate clothing for any given outdoor activity. They should wear clothing to protect from the sun, ticks, mosquitos, and scratches. Socks should be worn with all close-toed shoes. Sandals do not provide enough protection for people walking around camp. • Walk Running results in injuries. When you see girls running, tell them,

• Use the buddy system. No one goes anywhere alone!

Our Girl Scout properties are used by many groups, and we need to leave them ready for the next group. You need to complete and submit the Campsite Departure Form to GSWPA immediately upon completion of your camping event. The form includes the checklist below of clean-up that should be done before leaving camp: ⃞ Leave the site better than it was found ⃞ Return any borrowed items to their ⃞ Clean refrigerator - remove all food original location ⃞ Clean kitchen sink ⃞ Clean fireplace and outside fire circle ⃞ Clean stove and oven ⃞ Dispose of ashes properly ⃞ Clean counters and tables ⃞ Leave firewood for the next group ⃞ Wipe mattresses ⃞ Pick up litter inside & outside ⃞ Clean toilets and bathroom sinks (adults ⃞ Dispose of garbage properly only) ⃞ Recycle, if available, or take recyclables ⃞ Clean shower home ⃞ Sweep building and/or shelter floors ⃞ If accessible, turn thermostat to 55 ⃞ Sweep tent, yurt, or cabin floors (during heating season) before you leave ⃞ Close and tie all tent flaps site ⃞ Mop building floors with water only ⃞ Turn off lights and spigots ⃞ Vacuum carpeted floors ⃞ Close all doors ⃞ Remove all troop and personal supplies ⃞ Shut and lock windows Depending on where you stay at camp, not all of these are applicable. For exampl

and equipment you used. I -GSWPA owned property, site clean-up is still important. As a Girl Scout member, you are representing our organization. The list above is a good set of guidelines for cleaning up after any overnight trip. Remember, a Girl Scout always leaves a place cleaner then they found it!

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