Outdoor Leadership

Outdoor Leadership courses are open to everyone who meets prerequisites, although they will be most relevant for a troop leader or outdoor specialist.

Outdoor Leadership Series

Before taking girls on outdoor trips, troop leaders, advisors, and outdoor specialists are required to begin the outdoor leadership series. The courses in the pathway are sequential and must be taken in order. Required courses should be completed six to eight weeks before an outdoor trip with girls.

Before begining the outdoor leadership series:

• Troop leaders and advisors take Getting Started and the appropriate Troop Leadership course.
• Outdoor specialists take Fundamentals of Girl Scouts by independent learning packet.

Outdoor 1: Introduction to Outdoor Education/Stepping Out - no fee

Learn how to plan and implement outdoor program based on age specific progression, needs, desires and skills of the girls in their troop as well as the administrative steps needed to take an outdoor field trip. 3 hours. May also be taken by independent learning packet.

Qualifies participants to take girls on an outdoor day (not overnight) trip of 4 or more hours.

Outdoor 2: Troop Camp Training I/Camping In - $6

Learn to prepare and plan for an overnight event with girls. 5-6 hours.

Qualifies participants to take girls on an overnight of 2 nights or less where food will not be cooked outside, whether at an encampment or an indoor facility with a kitchen and bathroom.

Outdooor 3: Troop Camp Training II/Camping Out - $20

Outdoor 3 is held overnight in a camp setting. Volunteers will learn or review their outdoor skills and how to effectively teach these skills to girls. Overnight - 15 hours.

Qualifies participants to take girls on an overnight experience of 2 nights or less where the girls will be sleeping at any appropriate outdoor or indoor location, and where the girls will be using outdoor cooking and other outdoor skills.

A $7.00 equivalency test is available for individuals who have taken Outdoor 1 and 2 and have prior outdoor experience. Questions? Contact the Outdoor Training Manager.

Check the calendar for Outdoor 2 & 3, a combined overnight course.

Additional Outdoor Skills and Experiences

These courses are for adults and girls ages 14+. Participants must have taken Outdoor 1, 2, and 3 or have significant camping experience.

Advanced Camping Skills - $35

Develop your outdoor skills beyond the basics. Utilize minimum impact principles as you learn lashing, fire building, knots, and tarp shelters. Practice beginning map and compass techniques, axe, hatchet, and bow saw use. Explore multiple advanced cooking methods such as planking and tripod roasting. Create several pieces of equipment to take home. Overnight - 20 hours.

Trip Training

Backpacking - $35
Experience a backpacking trip of 3 miles or more on a council property while learning how to prepare yourself and your girls for your first backpacking trip together. Adults and girls must be in good health/conditioning. Overnight - 18 hours.

Sea Kayaking - $50
Learn how to prepare yourself and your troop for taking trips in sea kayaks. We'll cover basic trip planning and packing of a sea kayak. Adults and girls must be in good health/conditioning and have some kayaking experience. Overnight - 15 hours.

Outdoor Cooking

Dutch Oven and Box Oven Cookery - $18
Have fun and eat well! Learn more about recipes and these outdoor cooking techniques. 6 hours.

Just Cookin' Dutch - $35
In-depth dutch oven techniques. 8 hours.