The leader:

Keeps the Girl Scout council and parents and guardians informed about the activities of the girls.

Obtains council approval for any activity that involves overnight travel, covers subjects of a sensitive or controversial nature, involves special equipment, or a money- earning project.

Consults the council if uncertain whether a planned activity is in this category. Clearly describe the nature of the activity and, for activities that involve travel or special equipment, outline all the preparation, training, and safety precautions that are planned. Program Standard 15, on page 70, details the information that you need to give the council when seeking its approval.

Discusses the activity with parents or guardians before including it in the group’s plans.

Gets council approval for specific activities, such as money-earning projects, certain types of service projects, and collaborations with other organizations.

The leader:

  Reviews Program Standard 3. (See page 64.)

  Makes sure an annual health history is done for participation in physically demanding activities such as water sports, horseback riding, or skiing.

  Makes sure a health examination has been done within the preceding 24 months to participate in resident camping, in a trip of more than three nights, or in organized competitive sports. See page 39 for information on reducing the financial burden of a health examination.

The leader:

  Makes sure instructors have certification from a recognized organization or equivalent certification, or have documented experience in the activity and meet any state or national qualification/certification requirements. See page 31 for information on documented experience.

  Ensures the appropriate girl—adult ratio and provides adequate and appropriate supervision.

The leader:

  Ensures that a girl isn’t pushed beyond her capabilities. A girl’s participation depends on her readiness: her level of maturity, physical conditioning, and level of training.

  Instructs or has girls instructed in basic and advanced skills as necessary.

  Provides adequate instruction with proper progression of skills.

  Reviews and practices safety rules.

Has a ratio of adult supervisors to girls adequate for the degree of risk and the level of skill involved in the activity.

  Involves all participants in evaluating the activity.

  Is aware of each girl’s ability. Schedules lessons and practice sessions for beginners that are conducted by qualified instructors.

The leader:

  Provides appropriate clothing, supplies, tools, and other equipment depending on the location and the specific activity. Communicates with parents and guardians of girls about the need for particular clothing or equipment for the activity.

The leader:

  Is sure equipment is appropriate to the activity. Equipment suits a girl’s age, size, maturity, experience, and ability and is comfortable for her.

  Is sure equipment is in good working order and properly adjusted for each participant. Repairs or disposes of equipment that appears defective. Conducts a safety check of equipment prior to the activity.

  Uses safety equipment such as ropes, throw bags, and fire extinguishers that are appropriate to the activity. Makes sure it is easily accessible.

  Inspects rented or borrowed equipment carefully before using it. Rented or borrowed equipment, such as backpacks, skis, skates, and bicycles, should be selected, tested, and properly adjusted to suit each girl’s size and ability.

  Ensures that protective eye safety equipment such as shatterproof lenses, eyeglass guards, or goggles are worn when appropriate in sports, arts and crafts, and science- related activities.

  Uses appropriate protective devices, such as safety helmets, in sports activities that require them. Safety helmets are designed to prevent injuries for a particular activity.

  Ensures that equipment regulated by legal standards meets the specified requirements. For example, all PFDs must be U.S. Coast Guard- approved, and all horseback riding helmets must meet the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) standards.

  Reads and observes the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use and care of equipment before use and keeps the instructions readily avail able. Safely stores all tools, equipment, and supplies (for example, power tools, paints, cleaning sup plies, liquid fuels, and instruments with sharp edges) when not in use.

  Makes sure improperly equipped girls do not participate in the activity.

The leader:

  Anticipates potential weather conditions and is prepared. Makes sure clothing and supplies protect against environmental hazards such as sunburn, heatstroke, and hypothermia. A protective lip balm will prevent chapped lips in all weather conditions. In sunny, hot weather, sunblocks and clothing covering shoulders and back will protect against sunburn. A number of thin layers provide better protection against cold than one heavy layer. A hat helps to retain body heat in the cold and protects against the sun in the heat. Wool clothing insulates well even when wet. Cotton breathes and absorbs moisture from the skin in hot weather but is not useful in cold, wet weather.

  Takes into account such factors as poisonous snakes and plants, bothersome insects and ticks.

  Suggests that uniforms are worn to provide identification for Girl Scouts traveling in groups, when appropriate.

  Suggests that loose-fitting clothing is worn to allow for freedom of movement during strenuous activity.

  Ensures that proper shoes and socks are worn to prevent fatigue, blisters, or general discomfort. Sturdy boots with thick soles protect feet on rugged, rocky terrain and protect against bites from poisonous snakes.

  Is careful of dangling or flapping clothing that can be hazardous especially around playground equipment, bicycles, machinery with moving parts, or fires.

Uses waterproof gear if there is a chance of getting wet, especially on cooler days when hypothermia is a concern.

The leader:

   Makes arrangements in advance for all transportation and confirms plans before departure.

The leader:

  Obtains council guidance and approval in selecting a site.

  Makes sure that a certificate of insurance for the facility is on file at the council office, if necessary.

  Is sure the facility is appropriate for the skills and ability levels of the girls.

  Is sure safety rules related to the specific activity are written, posted, understood, and practiced by all.

  Demonstrates respect for the environment.

  Monitors weather conditions.

  Inspects the site to be sure it is free of potential hazards.

The leader:

  Ensures that an adult with current first-aid training is present when required.

  Makes available first-aid equipment and supplies appropriate to the activity.

  Understands and practices first-aid procedures appropriate to the activity.

  Makes sure emergency medical care is accessible.

  Leaves an itinerary with a contact person at home. Calls the contact person upon departure and return.

  Writes and posts or carries a list of emergency telephone numbers.

  Reviews and is sure the group understands specialized safety and rescue procedures appropriate to the activity.

  Establishes security plans and procedures prior to activity participation. The leader, assisted by the girls, develops a security plan for the meeting place or activity area. Include procedures for determining the number of girls and their whereabouts at all times.

  Conducts a head count before and after every activity.

  Is sure every girl knows where to go and how to act when con fronted by strangers or intruders and is able to sound an agreed- upon alarm.