Preparing for Troop Camping

Who is a Troop Camper?

A troop camp certified adult must be present on all Girl Scout troop camping events. This individual should also assist the troop in preparing for the trip (Safety-Wise, p. 118). To serve as a troop camper for an overnight in Patriots' Trail you must have completed Basic Troop Camping Introduction, Basic Troop Camping Planning Session, and Basic Troop Camping Overnight.

Since camping procedures may vary, Patriots' Trail does not automatically accept troop camping training received in other councils. Those with significant camping experience may, however, apply for Troop Camping Equivalency [application form: (MS Word) (PDF)] which can result in being exempted from one or more of the Basic Troop Camp training sessions. For more information, call the Training Manager at 781-893-6113.

Basic Troop Camping

Basic Troop Camping is a three part course which provides leaders with the skills to prepare girls to plan and carry out an adventure in troop camping. The concepts of minimum impact camping and girl planning and decision-making are incorporated into all sessions.

Basic Troop Camping Introduction covers camp craft skills including: dressing for the weather, safety and risk management, reserving and caring for Patriots' Trail Council camp sites, knots, knives, fire building, outdoor menu planning, outdoor cooking, and outdoor housekeeping.

Basic Troop Camping Planning Session is a planning session for Basic Troop Camping Overnight. Therefore, Planning and Overnight must always be taken together. Basic Troop Camping Overnight is an overnight camping experience that allows you to put into practice the skills and principles you have learned.

Transportation

Specific guidelines for rental or chartering of vehicles are available at the Forms Library. The written agreement specifying all of the arrangements is a legal contract, and must be signed by the Chief Operations Officer of Girl Scouts, Patriots' Trail Council, Inc.

Activity Checkpoints

Leaders should refer to Safety-Wise for minimum requirements for specific activities. For activities for which there are no checkpoints, the "Activity Considerations" section must be followed.