Get Girls Outdoors

Find out how to take the first steps to getting your troop outdoors this year! Here are some helpful resources that will help you introduce girls to hiking, camping, outdoor cooking and so much more.

The videos below can help volunteers give girls a sense of empowerment in the outdoors, show them how to use natural resources more wisely (including respecting our environment and wildlife), and help them become lifelong stewards of the land and our natural resources. Viewing them will also prepare you for GSMW Outdoor Training.

Advice for Outdoor Adventure During COVID-19 Stay-at-Home Guidelines

If you are sick, stay home. Adventure some other day.
Keep a social distance from others even in the outdoors.
Only go on adventures with people in your immediate household. You can tell your friends about your adventures over the phone or social media.
Avoid high-risk or remote activities. An injury at this time could overwhelm the busy healthcare system.
Announce your presence to others sharing the outdoor space.
Stay regional. “Regional” in Montana and Wyoming may mean that you don’t want to travel through another community to get to your adventure spot. Another thought is that you should do your best to fill your gas tank as little as possible, if at all, to go on an adventure. Now is a great time to explore your neighborhoods’ outdoor secrets.
Avoid times and places of high use. If you get to a spot, and there’s a lot of people there, find somewhere else to go.
Practice good hand hygiene. Participate in activities that do not require shared equipment. Try to avoid public rest areas. Staying close to home should help you avoid public places. Wash your hands, and use hand sanitizer. Do not touch your face.
Be kind, and say “hello” to the other adventurers you see.

Read the article below from High Country Magazine.
It elaborates on the issue of outdoor adventure in the Rocky Mountains during the COVID-19 crisis.

As Covid-19 spreads, how do you ethically get outdoors?

While we are responsibly distancing ourselves socially, the outdoors are still open! Try taking an “Urban Hike” with your household. This guide works even if you don’t live in an urban area. Enjoy the fresh air!

Urban Hiking Guide

Get Outside Videos

Step by Step:
Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls
At Girl Scouts, we work to build girls’ outdoor skills and inspire girls to care for the environment as they grow. The Girl Scout Outdoor Progression Chart (PDF) is a tool you can use as you advance girls’ skills in an age-appropriate way.
Taking the Journeys Outside
It’s easy to take a Girl Scout Journey outside. Each Journey is full of fun, interactive activities that can easily go outdoors and inspire girls to love and protect the planet. Watch this video to find out how!
Outdoor Songs and Games
Learn some catchy songs and interactive games that you can use with girls in the outdoors
Outdoors Songs and Games from GirlScoutsUSA on Vimeo.

Go Camping Videos

Camping is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether for a day, a week, or longer, Girl Scout camp gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults.

Planning Your Troop’s
First Campout
In order to have a great campout, you need to plan ahead—and be prepared. This video will give you plenty to think about as you plan your next outdoor adventure with Girl Scouts.
Introduction to
Campsite Setup
A safe, efficient campsite is important when camping. Watch and learn how to set up a proper camp!
Introduction to Fire Building
Ways to have a fun campfire experience and minimize the impact on the environment through basic skills, such as following Leave No Trace ethics, gathering wood, and starting and extinguishing a campfire.
Introduction to Fire Building from GirlScoutsUSA on Vimeo.
Introduction to
Cooking Outdoors
Propane, charcoal, box ovens—there are so many choices when cooking outside. This video shares ideas about the delicious possibilities. Tasty!
How to Leave
No Trace Outdoors
A Girl Scout always leaves an area better than she found it. Throughout this video, girls will learn the importance of caring for the land, and how to easily “Leave No Trace” when exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Girl Scout Trailblazer Program

The Girl Scout Trailblazer Program is designed for Girl Scouts in grades 8 through 12 who are looking for an opportunity to engage deeply in a variety of outdoor activities. Trailblazers develop skills in diverse hiking styles, camping, orienteering methods, outdoor preparedness, and high-adventure activities. There are no prerequisites for creating your Trailblazer troop other than an interest and willingness to complete the requirements of the pin within the first year of being part of the program.

Starting today, your troop can earn their Trailblazer Pins as well as their official status as a Trailblazer Troop! Once you read the summary, you will see that the steps required to earn the pin and status do not require any special training on the part of the troop leader or volunteer. It’s a great time to check-off these steps!

The program is intended to be run just like a troop. Girls are encouraged to participate in the full Girl Scout Program (earning badges, Product Program, Highest Awards, etc.), but all with an “outdoor” focus.

Find more information about the Trailblazer Troop program by looking at GSUSA’s Trailblazer Troop 21^st Century Guidelines, and for a simplified version of these guidelines see the Trailblazer Troop Guidelines GSMW Summary.

If you are a troop leader or volunteer with a troop interested in becoming a "Trailblazer Troop" now or in the future, please complete the online interest form, and GSMW will contact to help you navigate the process and requirements of the Trailblazer Troop program

Planning an overnight campout or hosting a cookout?

Leaders or volunteers MUST complete
GSMW’s Outdoor Training OR comparable training.