Outdoor Resources

Outdoor Adventure Starts Here

From hiking forest trails and cooking over a campfire to sleeping under the stars, outdoor adventures give girls the chance to build skills, try new things, and discover the world around them.

Find the resources and training you need to help your girls get outside and make their next adventure happen. Getting started is simple.

First, make sure at least one adult volunteer in your troop has completed the Outdoor Training sequence in gsLearn.

Explore the drop-downs below to help your troop build outdoor skills with confidence. Find ideas and guidance for hiking, camping, outdoor cooking, and more.

To the right, you’ll find a Girl Scout activity book and lively planning resources for volunteers. Start with the Outdoor Basics Skills Guide, which covers the essential skills every troop needs for outdoor adventures.

Not sure what your troop is ready for? Check out the Outdoor Progression Chart to learn more.

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Go Outside Videos

Videos to help volunteers build girls’ outdoor skills, confidence, and connection to nature.

Step by Step: Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls

Learn how to build girls’ outdoor skills step by step using the Girl Scout Outdoor Progression Chart.

Outdoor Songs and Games

Get ideas for fun songs and games to use with girls outdoors.

Go Camping Videos

Videos to help volunteers plan safe, fun, and responsible camping experiences.

Planning Your Troop’s First Campout

Learn what to consider when planning your troop’s first campout.

Introduction to Campsite Setup

Learn how to set up a safe and organized campsite.

Introduction to Fire Building

Learn basic fire-building skills, including gathering wood, starting a fire, putting it out, and following Leave No Trace practices.

Introduction to Cooking Outdoors

Explore different ways to cook outdoors, including propane stoves, charcoal, and box ovens.

How to Leave No Trace Outdoors

Learn simple ways to care for the land and leave outdoor spaces better than you found them.

Before You Go Camping

Planning a backyard cookout or an overnight campout? Volunteers must complete both the online Outdoor Training and Outdoor Cookout Training before leading these activities.

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Preparation Documents

Safety Documents

Girl Scout Trailblazer Troops toggle arrow

The Girl Scout Trailblazer Program is for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors who enjoy nature and want to build skills through outdoor adventure. Juniors can begin work toward their Trailblazer status and earn the pin when they are old enough.

There are no prerequisites to become a Trailblazer Troop other than an interest in nature and the outdoors and a commitment to completing the requirements for Trailblazer status.

Trailblazer Troops operate like other Girl Scout troops and enjoy the full Girl Scout experience. They earn badges and participate in Product Program, Highest Awards, and other activities, with an emphasis on the outdoors.

For complete requirements, see the GSUSA Trailblazer Troop 21st Century Guidelines. For a simpler overview, see the Trailblazer Troop Guidelines GSMW Summary.

Is your troop interested?  

Complete the online interest form, and GSMW will
contact you to help you understand the process.

Montana and Wyoming Resources & Opportunities toggle arrow

Whether you are a Girl Scout raised in Wyoming or Montana, or whether you are visiting us from another state, at GSMW, we encourage you to get outdoors and active all across our great council.

Outdoor Opportunities Map

Check out the map below to find new places to visit where you can hike, climb, camp, raft, ski, and so much more. This map includes state and national parks, guide companies, trailheads, campgrounds, and outdoor recreation hot-beds. Get your troop together to plan your next outdoor adventure road trip!

Zoom-in on the map to get a clearer view of the opportunities within specific regions of our council.

Public Land Recreation Links

For information on hundreds more campgrounds, trailheads, and special sites, follow:

GSMW Website Links

If you have an awesome outdoor activity site or company you think belongs on this map, please send the name of the site/company along with a web link to resources for the site to customercare@gsmw.org.

Outdoor Training

If your troop plans to hike, cook outdoors, or camp overnight, one adult volunteer must complete GSMW’s Outdoor Training.

The training has two parts:

Online Outdoor Training through gsLearn prepares volunteers to lead day hikes and other short outdoor activities.

Outdoor Cookout Training is an in-person training that allows troops to camp, cook outdoors, and have campfires.

All outdoor trips require an adult trained in First Aid and CPR. Trips more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services require an adult trained in Wilderness First Aid and CPR.

All overnight trips require completion of GSMW's Troop Travel Training. All water-related activities require more extensive training. Review the Safety Activity Checkpoints and our Troop Trips & Field Trips web page for more information.

Take time to review our Outdoor Training Manual. This guide supports trip leaders in
planning safe, meaningful outdoor activities.

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Click the button to the right to access your gsLearn training portal. Once logged in, search for the learning path “GSMW Outdoor Training” and begin your training!

Complete the training every three years to maintain your status and learn about new policies and procedures.

Having trouble accessing gsLearn?
View My Account Tip Sheet: gsLearn
for more information.

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GSMW offers in-person Outdoor Cookout Trainings each year, usually in the spring. After completing the in-person cookout training, return to the online Outdoor Training in gsLearn to complete the final module and record your certification.

Renew your Outdoor Trainings every three years to keep skills and knowledge current.

Interested in outdoor cookout training?

Your regional Member Experience Manager (MEM) may offer training in April, May, or June. Complete the Outdoor Cookout Training Request, and your MEM will contact you with options. GSMW requires a minimum of six volunteers in attendance.

Need to renew your cookout training?

Complete the Outdoor Cookout Training Renewal Form.
To qualify for renewal, you must have completed the in-person training at least once and continued using the skills. GSMW will review your form and contact you about your renewal.

Are you interested in being an Outdoor Cookout Trainer?

Please contact customercare@gsmw.org and list your qualifications, location, and contact information.

GSMW Properties

Did you know that you can rent one of our GSMW properties for your troop or an event?

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Outdoor Adventure Starts Here