Volunteer Essentials 2014-15 | Page 148

*This high-risk activity involves special council executive team approval, as it requires the council to purchase additional liability insurance. Please review the High-Risk Activity Operating Procedure for details and requirements.  A Trip & High-Risk Activity Application is not needed for council-sponsored events, i.e., events listed in the S’MORE Fun section of S’MORE magazine and/or the online registration section on our website.  Verify that a Certificate of Insurance is on file with the council if you plan to use a transportation provider or participate in a high-risk activity. Check the GSWPA Web site, Volunteer section, “Places To Go” already on file before requesting a certificate from a company. See Certificates of Insurance Procedure.  If a Certificate of Insurance is not on file for a provider you want to use, one must be requested. You can find a request letter on the GSWPA Web site, Volunteer section, “Places To Go” with all necessary details included.  International Trip Requirements:  International Trips require an Intent to Travel form submitted two (2) years prior to trip, with the exception of Canada. Trips to Canada require six (6) months notice.  Contact GSWPA for information. The International trip specialist on council staff at [email protected] will provide an international travel packet and is responsible for trip approval.  Do not contact Girl Guide/Girl Scout association office in other countries for help with planning.  Forward the completed Trip & High-Risk Activity Application and any additional required paperwork (i.e., Additional Insurance Request Form with payment or any Certificates of Insurance) to your membership staff person for approval and signature at least eight (8) weeks in advance of the trip. Membership staff will notify the troop/group leader of the application status via email or mail within two (2) weeks of receipt in the council office.  If the trip involves a camping overnight at a non-council owned site, you must have your site preapproved by contacting the outdoor program director. Then you may forward the completed Trip & High-Risk Activity Application and any additional required paperwork (i.e., Additional Insurance Request Form with payment or any Certificates of Insurance) to your membership staff person for approval and signature at least eight (8) weeks in advance of the trip. Membership staff will notify the troop/group leader of the application status via email or mail within two (2) weeks of receipt in the council office.  Membership staff will forward all Additional Insurance Request Forms with payments to GSWPA, Additional Insurance Request, 30 Isabella Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15212 after approving (if applicable) the Trip & High-Risk Activity Application.  Please note that after activity/trip approval you will need to make your own reservations etc., for any campsites and activities.  For service units planning trips/activities: The Trip & High-Risk Activity Application can be submitted by the service unit for membership staff approval. The individual troops attending the service unit trip/activity do not need to fill out their own Trip & High-Risk Activity Application. 144