Are your scouts ready for Camping?
If you ask a Girl Scout what she likes best about Girl Scouts she will almost
always answer with one word: camping.
Girl Scouts have gone camping since the very earliest days. Camping allows the
girls to grow in independence and self-reliance, to learn to work as a team and to
make plans and carry them out. When things don't go as planned (it rains or the
temperature drops, critters get into the food, the tent leaks, etc.), they learn to
deal with difficulty and overcome it. There is nothing that creates bonds within a
troop like camping together. However, the most important thing about camping is
that it is FUN!
Okay, you have taken your training and are ready for the next step.
The next question is: Are your girls ready to camp?
Girl Scout Camping Standards - Readiness Indicators
* emotional readiness
* is not afraid to be away from home or parents overnight (and parents are
prepared to let daughter go!)
* wants to go
* is willing to sleep, eat, play with all girls, not just with best friends
* can cope with unknowns
- strange places, including bathrooms
- darkness (no electricity)
- woods and night noises
- spiders, bugs and worms
* can manage with little or no privacy
* can function as a member of a group
* doesn't always have to have own way, can give in graciously
* physical readiness
* has stamina, does not tire easily
* strong enough to carry own suitcase, bed roll, bucket of water, pot of
food, arm load of wood, etc.
* has strength and coordination needed for planned activities; can sweep
and mop a floor, hike the mile, move tables and chairs, etc.
* has necessary knowledge and skills
* can plan a simple trip
* can read and follow a recipe or kaper chart
* can use kitchen implements: hand operated can opener, grater, peeler,
paring knife, etc.
* can wash dishes, clean up kitchen/cooking area, and store food properly
* can make a bed, clean a toilet
* can cut wood, build a fire, build a fireplace and/or can operate a
camp-stove
* knows how to operate a flashlight, camera, etc.
* has experience - proven ability
* has followed orders/instructions previously -- satisfactorily
* has been on a series of day trips, cookouts and/or has been to day or
resident camp
* has done all the camp jobs usually found on a kaper chart
* has demonstrated in troop meetings her ability to pack and repack a
suitcase, roll and tie a bedroll, etc.
Remember this is just a guideline! These standards are intended to ensure that
each girl will feel capable and comfortable while on the campout and will have an
enjoyable experience. Younger scouts in your troop may need more help from
the older scouts, parents, and leaders.
If you ask a Girl Scout what she likes best about Girl Scouts she will almost
always answer with one word: camping.
Girl Scouts have gone camping since the very earliest days. Camping allows the
girls to grow in independence and self-reliance, to learn to work as a team and to
make plans and carry them out. When things don't go as planned (it rains or the
temperature drops, critters get into the food, the tent leaks, etc.), they learn to
deal with difficulty and overcome it. There is nothing that creates bonds within a
troop like camping together. However, the most important thing about camping is
that it is FUN!
Okay, you have taken your training and are ready for the next step.
The next question is: Are your girls ready to camp?
Girl Scout Camping Standards - Readiness Indicators
* emotional readiness
* is not afraid to be away from home or parents overnight (and parents are
prepared to let daughter go!)
* wants to go
* is willing to sleep, eat, play with all girls, not just with best friends
* can cope with unknowns
- strange places, including bathrooms
- darkness (no electricity)
- woods and night noises
- spiders, bugs and worms
* can manage with little or no privacy
* can function as a member of a group
* doesn't always have to have own way, can give in graciously
* physical readiness
* has stamina, does not tire easily
* strong enough to carry own suitcase, bed roll, bucket of water, pot of
food, arm load of wood, etc.
* has strength and coordination needed for planned activities; can sweep
and mop a floor, hike the mile, move tables and chairs, etc.
* has necessary knowledge and skills
* can plan a simple trip
* can read and follow a recipe or kaper chart
* can use kitchen implements: hand operated can opener, grater, peeler,
paring knife, etc.
* can wash dishes, clean up kitchen/cooking area, and store food properly
* can make a bed, clean a toilet
* can cut wood, build a fire, build a fireplace and/or can operate a
camp-stove
* knows how to operate a flashlight, camera, etc.
* has experience - proven ability
* has followed orders/instructions previously -- satisfactorily
* has been on a series of day trips, cookouts and/or has been to day or
resident camp
* has done all the camp jobs usually found on a kaper chart
* has demonstrated in troop meetings her ability to pack and repack a
suitcase, roll and tie a bedroll, etc.
Remember this is just a guideline! These standards are intended to ensure that
each girl will feel capable and comfortable while on the campout and will have an
enjoyable experience. Younger scouts in your troop may need more help from
the older scouts, parents, and leaders.
