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A detailed itinerary, including specific activities involved, mode of travel, and all dates and times
Location and type of premises to be used
Numbers of girls who will be participating (parental permissions must be obtained)
Names and contact information for the adults participating
Any other groups, organizations, consultants, or resource people who will be involved
Participants’ skill levels, if applicable (language skills, backpacking or camping experience, and so on)
Any specialized equipment that will be used, if applicable
Required agreements or contracts (for example, hiring a bus, use of premises)

From the Birth of Girl Scouting to the World Centers

The Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is a fantastic place for Girl Scout Juniors and older to visit. Reservations and council approval are required to take a group of girls to visit the birthplace, and most educational opportunities are booked at least a year in advance, so book early! Families and individuals, however, do not need to reserve a tour in advance.

In addition, four lodges are available in England, Mexico, Switzerland, and India for use by Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, each with hostel- or dormitory-style accommodations. The world centers are operated by WAGGGS (World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts) and offer low-cost accommodations and special programs. They are also a great way to meet Girl Guides and Girl Scouts from around the world.

Closer to home, check with your council to see whether council-owned camps and other facilities can be rented out to the group of girls with which you’re working.

Involving Chaperones

To determine how many volunteer chaperones the girls will need with them on the trip, see the adult-to-girl ratios. As you ask for chaperones, be sure to look for ones who are committed to:

Being a positive role model
Respecting all girls and adults equally, with no preferential treatment
Creating a safe space for girls
Prioritizing the safety of all girls
Supporting and reinforcing a group agreement
Handling pressure and stress by modeling flexibility and a sense of humor
· Creating an experience for and with girls
· Getting fit (appropriate to the trip)

Be sure every chaperone reviews and follows the 12 Girl Scout Safety Guidelines, available both in the Quick-Start Guide to this handbook and in the “Safety-First” chapter.

Transporting Girls

How parents decide to transport girls between their homes and Girl Scout meeting places is each parent’s decision and responsibility.

For planned Girl Scout field trips and other activities—outside the normal time and place—in which a group will be transported in private vehicles:

Every driver must be an approved adult* volunteer and have a good driving record, a valid license, and a registered/insured vehicle.
Girls never drive other girls.
If a group is traveling in one vehicle, there must be at least two unrelated, approved adult volunteers in the vehicle, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer Essentials must be followed.
If a group is traveling in more than one vehicle, the entire group must consist of at least two unrelated, approved adult volunteers, one of whom is female, and the girl-volunteer ratios in Volunteer Essentials must be followed. Care should be taken so that a single car (with a single adult driver) is not separated from the group for an extended length of time.

*“Adult” is defined by the age of majority in each state.

Click here for more about driving.