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Before most trips, you and the girls will need to obtain council permission specifically for overnight trips (not at the leader’s home) or trips lasting longer. Check the council website for specifics and also see specific forms that must be filled out before traveling. Troop Trip Applications are available in the “Forms” section of the council website.

Encourage the girls to submit much of the information themselves, including the following:

• 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). All contracts or agreements MUST be signed by the Council CEO

• Application to participate in high risk activities (if trip involves high risk activities)

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 twelve Girl Scout Safety Guidelines.

Staying Safe During the Trip

Also be sure to discuss the following items with the girls and their parents before you leave on any trip (you may also want to put this information in writing and have girls sign it):

• Who her buddy is—and how the buddy system works

• What to do if she is separated from the group, whether by accident or because of a crime

• What to do if she loses something significant: money, passport, luggage

• How to report a crime

• What to do if emergency help is needed

• How to perform basic first-aid procedures

• How to deal with a large crowd (if applicable)

• What to do in the event of a crime

• What behaviors you expect—and what consequences exist for not living up to those behaviors

Travel Security and Safety Tips

Share these safety tips with girls before you leave on any trip that involves a stay at a hotel, motel, hostel, or dormitory:

• Always lock the door behind you, using the deadbolt and the chain or anchor.

• Do not open the door for strangers; if hotel staff claims to be at the door, call the front desk to confirm.

• Don’t shout out or display your room number when in the presence of strangers.

• Never leave jewelry, cameras, electronics, cash, or credit cards in your room.

• Never leave luggage unattended in the hotel lobby (or in an airport or train or bus station).

• When arriving at the hotel, locate emergency exits.

• Keep a small flashlight on your bedside table, along with a small bag with your room key, wallet, passport, and cell phone. Take the flashlight and bag with you if you have to leave the room in an emergency.

• If a fire alarm goes off, get out as quickly as possible. Don’t stop to pack your suitcase.

• Before leaving your room, feel the door: If it is warm, do not open it. Stay in your room and stuff towels around the door. Call the hotel operator immediately. If the door is cool, proceed slowly out the door, looking for flames or smoke. Repeat these instructions for any door you encounter.

• Contact the front desk to make sure girls’ rooms are cleared of any minibars or refrigerators in girls’ rooms. Also be sure the hotel doesn’t provide access to inappropriate movies on TVs and does not allow long-distance calls. Alert the hotel management that underage girls are staying in the hotel, and ask them to contact you if any girls are seen out of their rooms after bedtime.

Tips for Girls Traveling Alone

If a Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador will be traveling alone during any part of a trip, use the opportunity to help her feel comfortable with and capable of being on her own. Always talk first with her parents to assess her maturity and ability to handle herself, and have them complete an emergency form. If she is flying, also discuss the possibility of booking a nonstop flight to make her trip that much less stressful, and ask parents to contact the airline, which will make special arrangements for any unaccompanied minor. With the girl herself, develop a trip plan, discuss hotel security and safety, and talk about avoiding excess communication with strangers, not wearing a nametag, and avoiding exposing money or other items (such as smartphones, iPads, and iPods) that are attractive to pickpockets.