Trip, Travel, and Camps

Ready to begin your adventure? Here’s how to get started…

Depending on your and the girls comfort and readiness, your troop can together plan outings and overnights. Always check with Volunteer Essentials, and Safety Activity Checkpoints when planning. Camping requires additional training, see GS Learn. All drivers must be girl scout registered and one adult member must be CPR/First Aid certified. 

Step One – Check the Safety Activity Checkpoints for the chosen activity. The link takes you to Volunteer Essentials, which gives you vital information about ratios, taking girls out of the meeting place, etc. Start there BEFORE you commit to a trip or outing to make sure it is allowed for your grade level and/or what special considerations may need to happen.

Step Two – If needed, submit your trip and travel application if the adventure is an overnight not on council property OR an extended National Trip 3 nights or more.

Step Three – Make sure you have the following:

  • Troop First Aid Kit
  • Girl or Adult Health History Cards: Drivers should have a copy of girls and adult health cards per vehicle.
  • Emergency Numbers
  • su402 Annual Permission Form: The council‘s permission slip must be filled out for each girl any time the troop meets at a location or time other than the normal scheduled meeting. This includes field trips, camping trips, fund-raisers, and any other outings. Our Service Unit has created an annual permission form that covers the entire year, plus council programs. 
  • If needed, Need to administer medications to a girl on an event? Have the Administering Medication to a Minor Form completed by the girl’s parent/guardian.
  • If needed, Additional Insurance: Only registered Girl Scouts (parents and girls) may go on field trips. If you are planning activities where non-registered members will attend, you will need additional insurance.

What type of trip/outing is good for your troop?

When you and your girls are ready to venture out from the meeting place, there are plenty of ideas to choose from for all levels. Just make sure to follow Volunteer Essentials for assistance.

There are many activities, programs, and events from council programs, Service Unit, Park District programs, or local companies and museums – see Trip & Outing Ideas. If you know a great outing, let us know and we will update our list.

Camps, Camporees, and Other Councils

There are many ways to camp from Day to Overnights. Click here to choose what fits best for your troop or individual stay.

Travel

There are many traveling opportunities for girls to see new places, meet new people and learn about different cultures and ideas. From Regional, National, International, and Independent Travel, choose your next adventure! Click here for more information.

Local, Park District, and other Scout Programs:

Planning on traveling or staying overnight in Chicago?
Consider a Hostel, check website for more information.

What is a Hostel?
A form of low-cost, short-term shared sociable lodging where guests can rent a bed, usually a bunk bed in a dormitory, with shared use of a lounge and sometimes a kitchen. Rooms can be mixed or single-sex and have private or shared bathrooms.

Troop Travel and Resource Guide: Thinking about a three or more night trip with your Troop? From local day trips to coast-to-coast treks, learn how to explore the country with Girl Scouts.

Volunteer Essentials: Provides all the information you need to be a successful Girl Scout volunteer (and we mean ALL—it’s quite a lengthy document, so we encourage you to skim through and become familiar with the different sections). This guide is filled with information about Girl Scouting such as traditions, responsibilities, and awards.

Safety Activity Checkpoints: A safety document that complements Volunteer Essentials, and outline policies and guidelines for specific Girl Scouting activities like swimming, hiking, horseback riding, hayrides, and more!