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Episode 5 – Campfires and Cookouts

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Building fires and cooking over them is one of the most exciting parts of any outing. In this episode, we’ll be covering safety practices for fires, fire building basics, and suggested kaper roles for a cookout.

Remember, your council may require specialized training before taking your girls camping or doing fire building activities. Contact your council or check their Safety Activity Checkpoints to be sure you are following their guidelines.

Safety Practices

As they say, safety first!  It’s important to go over the safety rules for the campfire area prior to building the fire.

  • Have a water bucket.
  • Build the fire in the designated area that has been cleared of debris.
  • Check the weather and local fire danger ratings.
  • Remove loose clothing and tie back long hair.
  • Don’t reach, walk, or jump over the fire.
  • Use potholders when needed.
  • Do not put garbage into the fire.
  • Never leave the fire unattended. – While you might have girls responsible for tending the fire, an adult should always be present.
  • Lightly sprinkle water from your hands until the fire is completely out.

Prepare for Emergencies

  • Review stop, drop and roll.
  • Let girls know, if they get injured, like a burn, to let an adult know right away.

Fire Building Basics

There are many types of fires, but these are the most popular.

  • A frame, the logs of the fire are shaped like an A, used for cooking
  • Log cabin or box fire, where logs are placed in a square, used for cooking
  • Teepee fires, where logs are propped up in tent shape, best for light

Types of Wood

Tinder is tiny. This is the stuff we light. Wood shavings, cat tail fluff, and birch bark make excellent tinder. If you are collecting twigs, they should be about as long as your fingers and narrower than your pinky finger.

Kindling is the middle sized sticks. It is used to feed the fire until the larger logs catch. They shouldn’t be longer than your forearm and the diameter ranges between your fingers and your wrist.

Fuel is your logs, large pieces of wood, as thick as your wrist or larger. This is what keeps your fire going.

When you ask girls to collect these difference supplies, follow this rule, dead, down, and dry. The branch should be dead, not connected to a standing tree or bush, and ideally dry.



Suggested Cookout Kapers

If you have a big troop and a big campout coming up, you might want to consider kapers, or chores, specifically for cookouts. Each meal, you can rotate them.

Firebuilders

  • Clear the fire circle and safety circle.
  • Fill buckets of water.
  • Collect tinder, kindling, and fuel.
  • Build and tend the fire.
  • Put out the fire.

Cooks

  • Prepare the food.
  • Set up assembly line if girls are making their own meal.
  • Set up serving line.
  • Pack up food after the meal.

Hostesses

  • Set up the eating area. They might put out a table cloth or make natural centerpieces.
  • Set up hand-washing station.
  • Select and lead a grace.

Clean up

  • Set up a garbage can.
  • Set up the dish-washing station.
  • Wipe tables.
  • Wash communal dishes. Each girl washes her own plate, but the cleaning crew washes pots, pans, and serving utensils.
  • Take trash to a dumpster or designated area.
Outdoor

Use Girl-Planning to Create a Menu

Spring and summer are the perfect seasons for field trips, camping trips, and other special events. Here are some things to keep in mind when it comes to the logistics of food and guiding girl planning:

Plan for picky eaters.

Every girl is different in her level of comfort in trying new foods. Encourage all girls to at least try each food on the menu. If you are roasting hot dogs for dinner, let each girl roast her own and give it a try. If she doesn’t like it, have some peanut butter and jelly on hand, or something else she might like. She’s more likely to give something new a shot if she knows she won’t go hungry. It alleviates some pressure. Always celebrate when girls try something new, even if they decide they don’t enjoy it.

Plan for dietary restrictions.

You’re probably already aware of dietary restrictions for the girls in your troop, but be sure to check in with any parents attending as well. Make substitutions or avoid that food where you can. Ideally, girls with dietary restrictions can eat the same or equivalent foods to their friends. For example, if you’re serving chicken nuggets, also find chicken nuggets with gluten-free breading for girls who need it. Don’t be afraid to talk to families. They can help you make choices and often will provide or suggest substitutes if they know what you need.

Plan for a balanced meal.

This even helps girls make more choices. Girls can select a main course, a side, fruits and veggies, and a drink. Think about all the pieces of nutrition they’ll need and let them decide. You  can even connect this concept to a food-related badge!

Changing leadership as girls age.

For our younger girls, we recommend the leaders choose a few options and let the girls narrow it down from there. As they age, they can brainstorm their own choices, then decide. If you notice your girls getting stuck, or going back to the same meals every time, find some recipe books and challenge them to something new. Sometimes they need help finding new ideas.

Plan for the girls to be chefs.

Girls love a chance to be hands-on, and that includes preparing their meals. When selecting options for the girls, or after the girls have brainstormed and made decisions, take some time to think about what parts of the meal girls can prepare themselves (with supervision of course). While it might be worthwhile for you to prepare some items before your trip, others can wait until your team of girls can tackle it themselves.

Featured

Troop Camping -or- Summer Camp

Summer will be here before you know it (despite what the weather that our Northern sisters are getting right now), so you might be starting to think about camping opportunities for your troop. Most Girl Scouts who go camping participate in either Troop Camping or Summer Camp (or both).  

Both experiences can be AMAZING, but there are some big differences between the two. So what does each experience have to offer?

What is Troop Camping?

You guessed it! It is when a troop plans an outdoor outing. “Camping” typically implies an overnight, maybe in a tent or cabin, but it is important to remember that Girl Scouts recommends leaders follow the Outdoor Progression. That way girls’ experiences in the outdoors lengthen and expand over time to prepare for overnights.

What is Summer Camp?

When we discuss Summer Camp in this comparison, we are generally talking about a council-sponsored camp experience with counselors and staff members leading girls through their day or overnight experiences. These often vary from week-long day-only experiences, to half week, full week, or even more-than-a-week experiences. The length and type of programs vary from camp to camp and council to council.

Who are her fellow campers?

In troop camping, her campmates will be other girls from the troop she’s in, girls she is familiar with and likely already has bonds with.

At summer camp, she might sign up with a buddy, but there will be lots of girls that she won’t know.

Your girl likely has a preference. If she is less comfortable in the outdoors, she might prefer starting with troop camping, finding comfort in her friendships. On the other hand, she might not mind arriving on her own, knowing that she will make lots of new friends in her cabin, tent, or unit group.

Who are her adult role models and guides?

In troop camping, it will probably be her troop leaders and other adult volunteers she knows. Not all troop leaders LOVE to camp. And that’s ok. Other adults in your troop might be interested and can complete the training and guide the experience instead.

At summer camp, her adults are typically paid staff or trained volunteer staff that the camp has organized to be there. Many camps offer a few programs where girls can attend with their favorite adults, but the bulk of programs are for the camp kids only.

How does the planning work?

In troop camping, she’ll plan a lot. Troops make decisions about where they are going, what they are eating, and what they will be doing. Troop leaders will also do planning, and this balance changes as girls grow in the program, with girls taking on more and more of the responsibility as they grow. Troop camping offers the most customization and direct planning opportunities for girls.

At summer camp, planning looks different. Girls typically perform very little planning prior to camp, apart from packing their bags. Once at camp, they might have some choices about activities or meals. These opportunities vary from program to program.

Are the benefits different?

These two types of camping share a lot of benefits. Girls get to spend time outdoors, play with their peers, and develop independence and practice nights away from their home.

Girls participating in troop camp will get a stronger focus on girl-planning and strengthen the bond of friendship in their troop.

Girls participating in summer camp will practice making new friendships and experience a different type of independence because they are away from their families and troop leaders.

New research from the Girl Scout Research Institute and the American Camp Association gives us a look into even more benefits for girls.

Both camping experience are wonderful for girls. There are lots of camping opportunities in between, like service unit/community camporees and weekend programs for troops or families at camp properties. Each has its own specialty and rewarding qualities.

What is your girl’s favorite way to camp?

Badges and Patches

New Journeys and Badges added

Heading into the new Girl Scout year means new exciting badges, journeys, and opportunities for Girl Scouts of all ages! With the update of the Volunteer Toolkit brings an array of new content from Daisy to Ambassador and every girl in between. We are thrilled to announce the following badge and Journey resources have officially been released and you can start planning your new Girl Scout year as early as today in the Volunteer Toolkit online!

Daisies:

  • Space Science Explorer
  • Eco Learner
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator

Brownies:

  • Space Science Adventurer
  • Eco Friend
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator
  • *Brownie Quest Journey

Juniors:

  • Space Science Investigator
  • Progressive Cybersecurity badges:
    1. Cybersecurity Basics
    2. Cybersecurity Safeguards
    3. Cybersecurity Investigator
  • Mechanical Engineering badges:
    1. Balloon Car Design Challenge
    2. Crane Design Challenge
    3. Paddle Boat Design Challenge
  • *Agent of Change Journey

Cadettes:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • Leader in Action
  • Eco Trekker

Seniors:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • Eco Explorer

Ambassadors:

  • Think Like an Engineer Journey
  • Think Like a Programmer Journey
  • Progressive Robotics badges:
    1. Programming Robots
    2. Designing Robots
    3. Showcasing Robots
  • College Knowledge
  • Eco Advocate

*Brownie Quest and Junior Agent of Change are part of the It’s Your World – Change It! series, not new content but now available in digital format on the Volunteer Toolkit.

Progressive badges are suggested to be earned in the order they are listed for the best experience.

Remember that even though 2017-2018 content was archived on June 30, you have access to view it to see where you need to start your new year!

To ensure you have access to this amazing new content, renew your membership and troop leader status for 2019. If you are having trouble seeing specific content, try clearing your cookies and cache before reaching out to customercare@citrus-gs.org (or your local council) for support.

Happy planning!

Outdoor

Summer Camp Series: Everything I Need to Know, I…

We learn oh-so-many things at summer camp: how to roll a sleeping bag or bedroll, how to start a fire and cook a s’more, how to make a sit-upon, and how to protect our natural environment. But there are lessons learned that go way beyond practicing an outdoor skill – like sparking lifelong friendships, admitting you messed up, surviving your first friendship fight, stepping outside your comfort zone, and even surprising yourself.

When Girl Scouts enjoy a camp experience outdoors, they:

  • Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
  • Become team players and care more about protecting our environment

When girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our research shows that girls who attend camp experience two types of fun: “hard fun” (overcoming challenges) and “people fun” (building strong relationships). “Hard fun” provides opportunities for challenge, mastery, and feelings of accomplishment. It involves goals, strategies, and obstacles. “People fun,” on the other hand, provides opportunities to build and strengthen social bonds and to hang out with friends. In this sort of fun, girls cooperate, communicate, and compete. Learn more about how outdoor experiences positively impact girls’ lives.

——————————-

We rounded up just a few of our favorite life lessons from Girl Scout camp, shared directly from alumnae and staff:

Camp life is like Florida weather: it changes often during the day. Just be ready.
-Cookie

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Independence. Being away from my usual routine and the people I normally rely on in everyday life was a huge step towards figuring out how to do things for myself. And not only just how to be self-sufficient, but also how rewarding it can be to be independent and be able to do things and figure things out for myself. Asking mom and dad for help is always 100% ok, but sometimes it’s really cool to be able to prove to them, and yourself, that you are capable.

Camp friends are lifelong friends. Friendships made at camp are so much stronger than friendships made anywhere else. Camp is a place where you can be yourself 100%, so the people you meet at camp know you for your true self. They love and accept you for who you are, which makes your bond so much stronger. Camp friends really are the best.
-Firefly

—————————

Camp taught me that I can always be myself no matter what. With all the counselors wearing wacky clothes and being so confident in them, it taught me that I can do the same. It taught me that there is nothing I cannot do. I was terrified of the ropes course when I first starting going to camp and eventually I did the course for the first time and fell in love. Eventually, I became a certified instructor. Camp helps you overcome your fears!

Ahhh this makes me miss Camp so much!
-Scooby

Outdoor

Make the Most Out of Your Summer

Summertime is the BEST time to be a Girl Scout! (Ok ok, really, anytime is the best time to be a Girl Scout, but summer brings new kinds of fun!) We’re celebrating the season, soaking in the sunshine, keeping cool, exploring nature, and so much more! Here are a few ways to make the most of summer:

  • See you at Summer Camp! Whether it’s overnight resident camp, day camp, or just a one-day outdoor adventure, summer camp is where it’s at. Not only are we exploring nature, and building friendships to last a lifetime. At camp, girls practice independence and decision-making, which builds confidence. We want to see your summer camp pics! Post on Instagram with #gsoutdoors. 
  • Earn a Badge. Summer is the perfect time to explore something new. Earning badges with your troop is super fun, but you can also achieve badge success on your own, by exploring the topics that are you uniquely interesting to you. Stay tuned through the month of July, because BRAND NEW badges are coming soon. For now, check out the badge explorer, for activity topics you’ll love.
  • Attend an Event. Spend a day going beyond your usual routine. Round up a few friends from your troop or just go on your own to meet new Girl Scout sisters. Browse the calendar of events here. 
  • Invite a Friend. Don’t keep your Girl Scout fun a secret. Invite a friend to join the summer fun, or to join your troop when the school year starts. We’ve already got a worldwide sisterhood. Let’s not leave anyone out. Within the next week, tell a friend about how much fun you’ve had in Girl Scouts and invite her to join you. Bonus fun: write it in a letter, as if you’re pen pals! 
  • Renew Now. If you haven’t done so already, be sure to renew your membership for next year. Troop leaders and parents can do this in your MyGS account. Make sure your membership doesn’t lapse. Renew today.
National

#gsoutdoors challenge!

Show us how you take the lead outside by accepting the #gsoutdoors challenge! 

Each week in June, Girl Scouts of the USA will present a unique challenge that will push you to explore the great outdoors in exciting, new ways—not to mention inspire you to keep the adventure going all summer long! At the end of each challenge, Girl Scouts will randomly select one lucky winner (four total) to receive an awesome prize from The North Face.

Your Challenges (Should You Choose to Accept):
June 1-8: Go the Distance
June 9-15: Rock the Lifestyle
June 16-22: Embrace Adventure
June 23-30: Nurture Nature

How to enter:
1. Head to Instagram and follow @girlscouts.
2. Post a photo tagged with #gsoutdoors that shows how you’re taking on Girl Scouts’ outdoor challenges.
3. Wait for a confirmation from @girlscouts that we’ve received your entry. Once you get the message, claim your post to complete your entry.

Participants can enter once a day, so get creative and join Girl Scouts all month long to increase your chances—and, most importantly, get outside! (Psst . . . you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to participate. You just have to lead like one.)

The sweepstakes will be open from June 1 to June 30, 2018, and one winner will be selected weekly starting June 11. Check the Official Sweepstakes Rules and FAQs.

To power the next generation of women who push boundaries and move mountains, The North Face has recently teamed up with Girl Scouts of the USA to inspire girls to challenge themselves, learn about the natural world, and continue the Girl Scout tradition of having life-changing outdoor experiences. Through our multiyear collaboration, The North Face will support the development of 12 new Outdoor Adventure badges, with programming ranging from mountaineering and climbing to backpacking, hiking, and trail running. These 12 new Girl Scout badges, which will roll out over the next two years, will teach girls in virtually every U.S. zip code about the benefits of outdoor exploration. Learn more about this exciting collaboration.

Outdoor

Pack Your Bags! It’s Camp Time!

It’s almost time to pack the bags for summer camp! We’ve still got some time, but the Girl Scout motto is to “Be Prepared,” so now is the time to make sure you have everything she’ll need for her camp session. As you’re spring cleaning, you might find items to set aside for camp, or realize it’s time for a shopping spree because her “outside” sneakers have a hole in the toe…

For Day Camp:

  • Non-refrigerated lunch
  • 2 bandannas
  • A water bottle on lanyard and labeled
  • Sun screen/bug repellent (non-aerosol)
  • Day Bag

For Resident Camp:

Clothing & Activity Accessories

  • T-shirts (No Tank, Halter or Spaghetti Strap Tops)
  • Shorts, jeans, long pants
  • Warm sweatshirt or lightweight jacket
  • Rain gear (poncho)
  • Bathing suits (one-two for pool and one for waterfront activities) – One piece or tankini; no bikinis
  • 2-3 Towels for pool/shower
  • Sturdy, closed toe/closed heel shoes for walking around camp (no Crocs or flip flops)
  • Shower shoes (these can be flip flops or Crocs)
  • Water shoes or old sneakers for waterfront activities. They will get wet (no Crocs or flip flops).
  • Undergarments
  • Pajamas
  • Socks (worn at all times)
  • A hat or bandana
  • Laundry bag (for dirty clothes)
  • Plastic bag for wet clothes

 

Personal Care Items

  • Toothbrush & toothpaste
  • Soap/Deodorant
  • Hairbrush or comb
  • Shampoo/conditioner
  • Insect repellant (non-aerosol)
  • Sunscreen (non-aerosol)

 

Day/Evening Gear

  • Flashlight and extra batteries
  • Small backpack/nap sack-(day bag)
  • Refillable water bottle with name

 

Overnight Gear 

  • Sleeping bag or blanket and sheets. Note: Bring a single top sheet if you are using a sleeping bag. (twin size)
  • Pillow
  • (Optional) Comfort items: stuff animal, books, coloring pages, journal, pictures

 

What not to pack

There are a few things you shouldn’t bring along to camp. Some are for safety purposes (like keeping critters away from your stuff), but others are just to make the camp experience more enjoyable. Plus, you won’t have much room left in your bag anyway! Don’t bring this stuff:

  • Soda, energy drinks, candy, gum, and coffee type drinks
  • Fruity smelling deodorant or toothpaste
  • Body sprays or perfumes
  • Aerosol containers of any kind
  • Permanent markers
  • Any expensive or irreplaceable items
  • Valuable jewelry
  • Electronics – iPods, iPads, MP3’s, digital cameras or any other electronic devices
  • Cell phones
Outdoor

Travel & Activity Reminders

As the Girl Scout year winds down in May, many girls are looking to see what they can spend their troop funds on. They’ve worked hard during cookie season and fall product season, so they’ve looked forward to reaping the benefits. They may have decided on a trip/activity and set it as a goal.

Hopefully as a troop co-leader you’ve guided and advised them on what kind of trips/activities they can apply their troop funds to. As a troop co-leader it is important to remember to do your due diligence and submit the appropriate paperwork for all travel/adventure/activities.

Below are a few resources from the Girl Scouts of Citrus Website (Please keep in mind that these are updated yearly, always refer to the website for the most current information):

Remember that safety is our number one priority, so please review the guidelines when advising the girls on their choices and before scheduling any activities to ensure that there is ample time to process paperwork and to confirm that they are approved locations.