Arrange for proper adult supervision of girls. Your group must have at least two unrelated,
approved troop leaders present at all times, plus additional adult volunteers as necessary,
depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of girls. Adult volunteers must be at
least 18 years old (or the age of majority defined by the state, if it is older than 18) and must be
screened by your council before volunteering. One lead volunteer in every group must be female.
Get parent/guardian permission. When an activity takes place that is outside the normal time and
place, advise each parent/guardian of the details of the activity and obtain permission for girls to
participate.
Communicate with council and parents. Follow council procedures for activity approval,
certificates of insurance, and council guidelines about girls’ general health examinations. Make
arrangements in advance for all transportation and confirm plans before departure.
Be prepared for emergencies. Work with girls and other adults to establish and practice
procedures for emergencies related to weather, fire, lost girls/adults, and site security. Always
keep handy a well-stocked first-aid kit, girl health histories, and contact information for girls’
families.
Get a weather report. On the morning of the activity, check weather.com or other reliable
weather sources to determine if conditions are appropriate. If severe weather conditions prevent
the activity, be prepared with a backup plan or alternate activity, and/or postpone the activity.
Write, review, and practice evacuation and emergency plans for severe weather with girls. In the
event of a storm, take shelter away from tall objects (including trees, buildings, and electrical
poles). Find the lowest point in an open flat area. Squat low to the ground on the balls of the feet,
and place hands on knees with head between them.
Use the buddy system. Using the buddy system, girls are divided into teams of two. Each girl is
responsible for staying with her buddy at all times, warning her buddy of danger, giving her
buddy immediate assistance if safe to do so, and seeking help when the situation warrants it.
Girls are encouraged to stay near the group or buddy with another team of two, so in the event
someone is injured, one person cares for the patient while two others seek help.
3. Report abuse. Sexual advances, improper touching, and sexual activity of any kind with girl
members are forbidden. Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse of girls is also forbidden. Follow your
council’s guidelines for reporting concerns about abuse or neglect that may be occurring inside or
outside of Girl Scouting.
4. Travel safely. When transporting girls to planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities that are
outside the normal time and place, every driver must be an approved adult volunteer and have a
good driving record, a valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle. Insist that everyone is in a
legal seat and wears her seat belt at all times, and adhere to state laws regarding booster seats
and requirements for children in rear seats. Anyone driving a vehicle with more than 12 passengers
must have a CDL license. Transportation provided by bus lines must be preapproved, please check
the Volunteer Resources tab on the GSWPA website for a list of approved providers. If you do not
see a local bus company on this list you will see how to request a Certificate of Insurance to add
them to the list. Please refer to the Transportation Procedure for a complete list of details to help
you travel safely.
5. Ensure safe overnight outings. Prepare girls to be away from home by involving them in
planning, so they know what to expect. Avoid having men sleep in the same space as girls and
women. During family or parent-daughter overnights, one family unit may sleep in the same
sleeping quarters in program areas. When parents are staffing events, daughters should remain
in quarters with other girls rather than in staff areas. Volunteers planning overnight travel must
complete the Trip & High Risk Activity Application well in advance to insure a safe trip.