Girls plan the activity
Keeping their grade-level abilities in mind, encourage girls to take proactive leadership roles in organizing details of the activity.
Travel safely
When transporting girls to planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities that are outside the normal time and place, every driver must be an approved adult volunteer and have a good driving record, a valid license and a registered/insured vehicle. Insist that everyone is in a legal seat and wears her seat belt at all times, and adhere to state laws regarding booster seats and requirements for children in rear seats. See Transporting Girls.
Be prepared for emergencies
Work with girls and other adults to establish and practice procedures for emergencies related to weather, fire, lost girls/adults and site security. Always keep handy a well-stocked first-aid kit, girl health histories and contact information for girls’ families. GSEWNI expects a first aider to be available for all troop meetings and outings. See Preparing for Emergencies.
Get a weather report
On the morning of the activity, check weather.com or other reliable weather sources to determine if conditions are appropriate. If severe weather conditions prevent the activity, be prepared with a backup plan or alternate activity, or postpone the activity. Practice evacuation and emergency plans for severe weather with girls.
Ensure safe overnight outings
Prepare girls to be away from home by involving them in planning, so they know what to expect. men should not sleep in the same space as girls and women. During family or parent-daughter overnights, one family unit may sleep in the same sleeping quarters in program areas. When parents are staffing events, daughters should remain in quarters with other girls rather than in staff areas.
Promote online safety
Instruct girls never to put their full names or contact information online, engage in virtual conversation with strangers, or arrange in-person meetings with online contacts. On group websites, publish girls’ first names only and never divulge their contact information. Teach girls the Girl Scout Internet Safety Pledge and have them commit to it. See details in Online Safety.
Keep girls safe during money-earning activities
Girl Scout cookies and other council-sponsored product sales are an integral part of the program. During Girl Scout product sales, you are responsible for the safety of girls, money and products. In addition, a wide variety of organizations, causes and fundraisers may appeal to Girl Scouts to be their labor force. When representing Girl Scouts, girls cannot participate in money- earning activities that represent partisan politics or are not Girl Scout–approved product sales and efforts. For details, see Product Sales Safety and the Money Earning Activity Application.