Trip and Camp Readiness: Prepare for Overnight Trips and Camping Events

1. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan Trip and Camp Readiness

2. Welcome Welcome to Trip and Camp Readiness. This module will prepare you for simple overnight trips and camping events. The module will take about 90 minutes to complete. If you don’t have time to finish it in one sitting, that’s okay. Just make note of the last page you accessed (page numbers are on the bottom right of each slide) and continue from there. To move to the next slide, click the mouse, press “enter” or the space bar on your keyboard, or right click on the mouse and press “next” when the menu appears; To move to the previous slide, press backspace or right click on the mouse and press “previous” when the menu appears. 2

3. Welcome (cont’d) • During this home study course, you will need access • to the following documents: • Safety Activity Checkpoints:  Group Camping (pp 109-112) and Outdoor Cooking (pp 119-123). http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/all_safety_activity_checkpoints_2011.pdf • Volunteer Essentials, Part 2: The Program (Traveling with Girls section). http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/The%20Girl%20Scout%20Leadership%20Experience%20sept%201%202013.pdf • Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety. http://www.gssemhub.org/sites/default/files/document/Safety%20Guidelines%20sept%201%202013.pdf • Please be patient when downloading files; it may take a few minutes. 3

4. Welcome You will be asked to complete a learning log as you move through this module. Please refer back to your “course confirmation email” for the link to access your Learning Log. Either save it on your computer or print it and complete it by hand. Learning log questions will be identified with this graphic: 4

5. Welcome Complete the learning log and forward it to: GSSEM Attn: Adult Learning 3011 West Grand Blvd 500 Fisher Bldg Detroit, MI 48202 or you can fax to 313-870-2600 or email to agunderson@gssem.org To receive credit for this course, you must submit your completed Learning Log. 5

6. Course Objectives • By the end of this course, participants will be able to: • Determine the readiness of individual girls and the group. • Use the components of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience to plan and execute a one day trip, overnight experience or extended experience. • Direct the girls in the planning of an overnight experience following the guidelines in Safety Activity Checkpoints and Volunteer Essentials, Part III: Safety. • Explain the development and use of kaper charts. • Teach girls safe kitchen skills including healthy meal planning, food • handling, the use of knives and other kitchen tools and sanitary • clean-up. • Instruct the girls on going “green”. • Describe how to handle unique situations such as encountering • animals and poisonous plants, a separated girl, or homesickness. 6

7. Introduction Trips are important in Girl Scouting. They give the girls an opportunity to take the skills they’re learning into the real world. In other words, trips and camping are the Girl Scout experience moved to a new environment, out of the home, school or other meeting place. Within the GSSEM jurisdiction, there is a wide variety of local trips worth checking out. Our Council and Communities also provide program opportunities for all grade levels. You can find information on these activities on the Calendar of Events on our website (www.gssem.org). 7

8. Introduction Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! See Volunteer Essentials, Part 2: The Program (Traveling with Girls section) for information & guidelines for taking trips with girls. 8

9. Introduction While camping isn’t a required activity in Girl Scouting, it’s a great opportunity for girls to gain confidence, develop character, learn new skills, and explore new ways to make the world a better place. The various types of camping experiences available for girls can be found at: http://www.gssem.org/content/camp How else might a trip be of value to girls? (Record the answer on your learning log.) 9

10. Title Goes Here Your Responsibilities after Completing this Course • Prepare girls to successfully and safely experience a trip or camping event • Ensure troop/groups are emotionally ready to travel or go camping • Ensure event is the right length, and is appropriate for the grade level of the girls, to be of benefit 10

11. Your Responsibilities after Completing this Course • Ensure troop/group has had to time to work on planning and that plans comply with Volunteer Essentials and Safety Activity Checkpoints • Ensure that some of the activities selected by the girls enable them to develop values associated with their impact on the environment • Ensure that trips and camping events are inclusive – that all girls have the same opportunity to participate in all the activities 11

12. Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) The focus of the program (creating girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place) is fueled by 15 short-term and intermediate outcomes. It is ignited by three keys – Discover, Connect and Take Action – and it runs on three processes – Girl-led, Cooperative Learning and Learn by Doing. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is the driving force - THE ENGINE – for everything we do. 12

13. It’s What We Do! It’s simple. Everythingwe do with the girls starts with the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Everyactivity should: • involve at least one of the three keys (discover, connect, take action) - and • incorporate the processes (girl-led, learning by doing, cooperative learning). On the following pages, you will explore how camping experiences can incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. 13

14. Girl Scout Leadership Experienceon Trips (1) Introduction (cont’d) • GIRLS DISCOVER What is something a girl could Discover for herself while participating in an overnight trip? Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! • Plan and Measure Discover • Fill in at least 3 rows on the Discover Outcomes chart. 14 8

15. Girl Scout Leadership Experienceon Trips (2) Introduction (cont’d) • GIRLS CONNECT How can girls Connect during an overnight trip? Plan and Measure Connect Fill in at least 3 rows on the Connect Outcomes chart. Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 14 8

16. Girl Scout Leadership Experience on Trips (3) Introduction (cont’d) • GIRLS TAKE ACTION How can girls Take Actionon an overnight trip? Plan and Measure Take Action Fill in at least 3 rows on the Take Action Outcomes chart. Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 16 8

17. Don’t forget the processes! Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Girl-led • Cooperative learning • Learning by doing 17 8

18. The girls benefit from doing the work themselves. So, let them (girl-led) work together (cooperative learning) to learn (learn by doing) about how to take care of themselves in the out-of-doors. They may make some mistakes along the way --- but the lessons will be valuable and provide the best benefit to the girls! Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 18 8

19. An important point to remember… Anything you can do in a troop/group meeting can, with advanced planning, be done on a trip or at camp in a one-day, an overnight, or an extended trip experience. 19

20. Trip Readiness Progression – List one item from the checklist above that really stands out to you. 20

21. Progression Transitioning from Adult-Led to Girl-Led Adult-Led Adult-Planned Adult Responsibilities It begins with the first experience away from the troop meeting place and progresses to more advanced camping and trips. The responsible adult must take the training appropriate for the planned experience. Allow enough time to teach new skills to the girls prior to the activity. Outdoor education emphasizes teaching the girls the skills they need to have a positive outdoor experience. Girl-Led Girl-Planned Girl Responsibilities Daisy Junior Cadette Brownie Senior Ambassador 21

22. (Progression) It starts slowly… 22

23. (Progression)…and then it soars! 23

24. Progression at GSSEM Camps Council Sponsored Summer Camp This is an outdoor experience for an individual girl. A girl chooses activities planned and delivered by GSSEM camp staff and eats meals in the dining hall. Facility Rental Camp activities are planned and delivered by the troop/group. The troop/group cooks all their own meals. Community Sponsored Weekend Camp Activities are planned by a Community (older girls & adults). At Camp Hawthorn Hollow & Innisfree, meals are provided in dining halls. At Playfair community volunteers & girls cook their meals. Council Sponsored Weekend Camp Activities are planned and delivered by GSSEM camp staff. Meals provided in dining halls. 24

25. Trip & Camp Readiness Introduction (cont’d) Ask yourself and the girls: • Are the girls ready for trip camping? • Are you ready? • Have you given yourself enough time to prepare/plan? • Do you have a checklist? • What is your mode of transportation? Have you practiced yet? • Are you including your parents/guardians in the planning? • What advance preparation needs to be done to • prepare the girls for the activity planned? How long • will that take? Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 25 8

26. Planning the Experience: Girl-led Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Planning involves the entire troop/group. Girls make the decisions – where to go, what to do, what to eat, who will accompany them, when they will go, what type of experience it will be, what they will get out of it. 26 8

27. Speaking of Girl-Led,How about a Kaper Chart? Girls work cooperatively to complete tasks. Adults supervise and answer questions. Rotate tasks throughout the trip through use of a Kaper chart. Modify it as necessary for the group’s size and activities. (See sample types of Kapers on the next slide.) 27

28. Sample Kapers for the Camp, Trip or Travel Setting • Hostesses • Clear, wash, and set table for meals • Place dunk bags randomly at the table • Add napkins, beverages, salt and pepper, and other • condiments to the table • Cooks • Review menu and recipes • Gather/prepare food and set it up for easy access and cooking • Cook food according to recipe (girls should share responsibilities equally) • Dishwashers • Prepare dish line • Call groups to dish line • Wash dishes and hand them to owner 28

29. Planning the Experience -Keeping It Safe Introduction (cont’d) Review Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety for the trip as well as the activities planned. You are responsible for keeping the girls safe. Certain trips/activities may require personnel with documented certifications to be present. When planning trips/activities you must review and follow the guidelines as stated in the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Make sure he/she is up to-date on all trainings prior to departure date and is emotionally ready to handle the types of emergencies that could occur at the planned event. Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! List one item from Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety or the Safety Activity Checkpoints that was new information to you. 29 8

30. First Aid Kit Each group should carry a first aid kit adapted to the kinds of activities that will take place during the trip. The contents of the kit will vary according to its intended use and the size of the group. Adhesive tape & bandages Oral thermometer Alcohol wipes Personal care products (sanitary napkins/tampons) Band-Aids, assorted Plastic bags Bottle of distilled water Single-use pocket face mask or face shield Drinking cups Gauze pads & Roller gauze bandages First aid book Safety pins Flashlight Scissors Instant chemical ice pack Anti-bacterial soap Disposable gloves Splints List of emergency phone numbers Triangular bandages Needle Tweezers How many girls and adults are going? Do you have enough supplies? Share safety knowledge freely with the girls. Even the youngest Girl Scout can be taught basic first aid. What items should be in your first aid kit? How will you involve the girls? What first aid skills are important for your girls to learn? 30

31. Involve the girls in the use of Safety Activity Checkpoints Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Involve the girls in the use of Safety Activity Checkpoints. (Print only the pages needed for the particular activities planned.) When working with Daisies and Brownies, read the information to the girls. Juniors will look at it with you. For example, they might say, “Can we go….” and your response is, “Let’s check the Safety Activity Checkpoints.” Cadettes, Seniors, & Ambassadors should be able to review the Safety Activity Checkpoints with their advisors. 31 8

32. Safety Planning with Girls Introduction (cont’d) Make sure they know the obvious – don’t assume: • Who is the first aider for this trip? • Is one required for the trip? • What does the first aider do for us? • What to look for in an emergency • How to summon help in an emergency • How to treat basic injuries until help is available • Where the first aid kit is kept, during transit and at destination. Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 32 8

33. Medications & Safety Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! • Refer to Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety • ALL medications should be in original containers and prescribed doses should be given by a responsible adult (usually the first aider) based on written permission of a parent or guardian • Inhalers and other self-administered medications can remain with the girls with the leader’s advance knowledge • This applies to ingested or topical medications – do not give prescription or over-the-counter remedies to girls without parent permission. 33 8

34. General Safety Rules – ALL Trips! Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! • The buddy system (girls always have “a buddy” to pair up with) should be in effect at ALL times. • Even better (in case of emergency), travel in groups of three or four. • All the girls should know your count-off system and, if appropriate, remember their numbers. • Remind them to watch out for each other and alert an adult if there is a concern! 34 8

35. Additional Notes for You and Your First Aider Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Be aware of girl health issues • Special needs (physical, dietary, emotional) • Allergies • Triggers • Reactions • Treatment Be aware of the energy level of the girls and balance the activities: • Too much stimulation leads to fatigue - leads to injury • Too little stimulation leads to boredom - leads to injury 35 8

36. Travel by Automobile Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Most likely, your trip will involve travel by automobile. Review Volunteer Essentials, Part 3: Safety and the ICE Toolkit Pay close attention to guidelines and policies related to transporting girls and Girl Scout Activity Insurance. What can you, as a leader, do to help create a safe travel space for the girls? 36 8

37. Safety Basics Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! • For example: • How to wash • their hands • OR • Stop, drop and roll (fire) • Check out Grade Level materials for opportunities to teach safety in troop meetings & on trips! 37 8

38. More Safety Basics Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! • If Lost - Hug a tree • Stay by a tree – don’t wander looking for group • (The troop/group will be looking for the girl!) • Yell – use a whistle – make loud noises • (Animals are more afraid of us than we are of them.) • If you give each girl a garbage bag at the beginning of the hike it can be used protect the girl from the elements . 38 8

39. Safety in the City or Country! Hiking/Walking Dress for the weather and environment Use etiquette and cross-walks Know the requirements from the Safety Activity Checkpoints Walk slowly and carefully through high grass and wooded trails Avoid beehives above and in the ground 39

40. Safety in the City or Country! Stray animals • Avoid if possible • If unavoidable, stay perfectly still • Make no sudden movements “Oh, look at that cute kitty!” 40

41. Plants, animals and insects • Poisonous plants and insects • Poison ivy • Learn to recognize it • “Leaves of three, let it be” • Become familiar with the native species • Visit http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/ and click on the wildlife and habitat selection on the left side of the screen to see pictures of species found in Michigan 41

42. A Word about Ticks Ticks are known to transmit infection from animals to people and person to person, such as Lyme Disease. They burrow under the skin and are often difficult to see unless you’re looking for the tell-tale signs. Instruct the girls on how to check for ticks and have them inspect themselves when they return from a hike in the woods. As protection against ticks, 1. Stay on paths when hiking 2. Wear long sleeves that are close to the wrist 3. Tuck pant/jean legs into socks 42

43. Planning the Experience – SafetyEmergency Preparedness during Fires,Storms and Tornadoes Ensure girls are aware of “stop, drop and roll.” Hold fire drills during meetings and on arrival at site. Pack a battery-powered radio that’s tuned to a local station that broadcasts weather and extra batteries. Pack a battery-powered flashlight, extra batteries and an extra bulb. Locate emergency exits and sheltered areas for safety from fire, storm and tornadoes. If you’re inside when a storm or tornado occur, stay away from windows. If outside, stay away from trees and metal objects. Don’t try to out-run a tornado. Move out of its path and seek low ground (a ditch). 43

44. Cooking: Start with the Basics Good nutrition and drinking plenty of fluids are essential to any outdoor activity. When anyone is working hard and becomes very tired, it is easy to forget to replenish fluid or eat properly. A well-nourished person is more likely to healthy, energetic, aware, and strong. A day hike, overnight, or extended trip will be enhanced if food selection and preparation are done thoughtfully and carefully. Sufficient food for each person is critical. Everyone going on the trip should take an active role in planning the menu. Considerations include: • The level of physical activity planned and the sizes of appetites • The kind of weather expected. • Sources of food – products purchased at a grocery store or freeze-dried products • Food preferences – likes and dislikes. • Method and space for transporting food. • Amount of space available for refrigeration • Nutritionally balanced menus • Amount of money to be spend on food • Facility for food preparation 44

45. Cooking(Indoors or Outdoors) Refer to the Outdoor Cooking Safety Activity Checkpoints for safe food preparation, storage and clean-up. Name 1-2 new things you learned while reviewing this Safety Activity Checkpoint. Plan with the girls, not for the girls. They’re more likely to eat what they select and they’ll probably eat more than they think they will. This is an opportunity for them to learn about nutrition and good eating habits. Take them shopping. They enjoy it and it’s a great opportunity for them to learn about nutrition, finances and decision-making. 45

46. A Word about Food Allergies A food allergy can develop at any time. The first exposure to a food (and it’s not always obvious when that occurs) causes the body to develop antibodies. Then the second or subsequent exposure triggers an attack. It’s very important that, if anyone with the troop has food allergies, the first aider and leaders are aware of what the allergy is and what the response is so the appropriate action can be taken immediately. 46

47. Cooking: Plan Ahead Introduction (cont’d) REMEMBER: KIS (Keep It Simple) First stage of progression in cooking: No-cook cooking • Sandwiches • Trail mix • Ants on a log (celery, cream cheese or peanut butter, raisins) One pot cooking • Girl Scout soup/stew (each girl contributes a can of similar based soup or a stew item) • Tacos • Spaghetti sauce Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! 47 8

48. Teaching Girls about Knife Safety Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Reminder: a dull cutting edge causes more harm than a sharp one because you put more force behind it. Don’t try to protect the girls by making sure you give them dull knives. Demonstrate good knife usage yourself at all times. You will set a good example and your actions will become automatic. Progress the girls; they’re never too young to learn! The first knife they use doesn’t have to be a machete; a vegetable peeler will do. Teach knife use in a safety circle (Each girl should have enough space around her to extend the knife in any direction and not come in contact with another girl) 48 8

49. Teaching Girls about Knife Safety Introduction (cont’d) Troops/Groups are also encouraged to explore the travel opportunities outside of GSSEM’s jurisdiction appropriate for their troop/group grade level. For older girls planning a trip, traveling throughout the US or even visiting other countries would be a great Girl Scout experience! Keep your thumb off back of knife to avoid injury; hold the handle Always cut or peel away from the body Use cutting boards. The thumb has better uses than stopping a knife when you’re slicing a cucumber. When passing a knife, the recipient should grasp the handle and say “thank you” so the passer can release it Note: More about knife safety will be covered in the Outdoor 1 course. How will you help your girls “progress” in the safe use of knives for food preparation/cooking? 49 8

50. Cooking OnceYou’re There Reminder – Allow plenty of time for meal preparation. It may take one person five minutes to make a sandwich. When you have five or more girls making sandwiches, the time expands exponentially. It’s smarter to allow too much time for meal preparation and have a back-up activity than to allow too little time and deal with hunger. You may save time by having the girls do a bit of preparation before the outing (veggie sticks, pre-cook ground hamburger, etc). Remember to store food safely. Refrigerate frozen, cooked or fresh meats. Girls should always eat freshly prepared meals that they made themselves. 50