Transporting Girls
How parents decide to transport girls between their homes and Girl Scout meeting places is each
parent’s decision and responsibility.
For planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities—outside the normal time and place—in which a
group will be transported in private vehicles:
Every driver must be an approved adult* troop committee volunteer or troop leader assigned to
a role with driving responsibilities with a good driving record, a valid license, and a
registered/insured vehicle.
Girls never drive other girls.
If a group is traveling in one vehicle, there must be at least two unrelated, approved adult
volunteers in the vehicle, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer
Essentials must be followed.
• If a group is traveling in more than one vehicle, the entire group must consist of at least two
unrelated, approved troop leaders, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in
Volunteer Essentials must be followed. Care should be taken so that a single car (with a single
adult driver) is not separated from the group for an extended length of time.
•
Male volunteers must be accompanied by an unrelated registered and approved female
volunteer.
*“Adult” is defined by the age of majority in each state.
For more about driving, see the “Transporting Girls” section of the “Safety-Wise” chapter of this
handbook.
Involving Chaperones
To determine how many volunteer chaperones the girls will need with them on the trip, see the
volunteer-to-girl ratios. As you ask for chaperones, be sure to look for ones who are committed to:
● Being a positive role model
● Respecting all girls and adults equally, with no preferential treatment
● Creating a safe space for girls
● Prioritizing the safety of all girls
● Supporting and reinforcing a group agreement
● Handling pressure and stress by modeling flexibility and a sense of humor
● Creating an experience for and with girls
● Getting fit (appropriate to the trip)
Be sure every chaperone reviews and follows the 12 Girl Scout Safety Guidelines, available both in the
Quick-Start Guide to this handbook and in the “Safety-Wise” chapter.
Seeking Council Permission
Before most trips, you and the girls will need to obtain council permission, although your council may not
require this information for trips of one day with no overnight stay. Check with your council for specifics,
and also see whether specific forms must be filled out before traveling.