|
|
|
Camping Activities Checkpoints
These checkpoints apply to all activities listed under the category “Camping
Activities”
The leader must review the Step 1 checkpoints and these Camping Activities checkpoints before reading the activity specific checkpoints that follow.
Planning and Supervision
The leader:
___ Uses the principles of minimal impact camping in Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting.
___ Obtains site permits, if needed, in advance
Equipment
The leader:
___ Uses flame resistant tents. Plastic tents are not used.
___ Uses portable cookstoves whenever possible to reduce the use of wood in backcountry areas.
Clothing
The leader:
___ Makes a complete checklist of group and personal equipment and distributes it to group members.
___ Makes sure soft-soled shoes, such as sneakers, are worn around the campsite to reduce environmental impact. Girls learn the proper care of their feet, such as treatment for blisters.
Site
Campsite Sanitation
The leader:
___ Stores garbage in an insect- and animal-proof container with a plastic inner lining, and covers it securely when there is a campsite garbage pickup service.
___ When there is no garbage pickup service, removes all garbage from the campsite in plastic bags and discards as appropriate, or recycles whenever possible. Does not bury food. Carries out grease and fuel canisters.
Primitive Campsites
The leader:
___ When primitive camping, chooses and sets up a campsite well before dark.
___ Uses a previously established campsite if available.
___ Makes sure the campsite is level and located at least 200 feet from all water sources and below tree- line.
___ Avoids fragile mountain meadows and areas of wet soil.
___ Avoids camping under dead tree limbs.
___ Uses existing fire rings if a fire is necessary.
___ If a latrine is not available, uses individual “cat holes” - at least 200 feet away from the trail and known water sources - to dispose of human waste.
___ Does dishwashing and personal bathing at least 200 feet away from water sources.
___ Stores food well away from tents and out of the reach of animals. Where necessary, hang food at least 10 feet high from a rope stretched between two trees. If the site is in bear country, check with local authorities on precautions to take.
___ Sees that garbage, tampons, sanitary supplies, and toilet paper are carried out.
Emergency Procedures
The leader:
___ Posts telephone numbers for all emergency care and council contacts where appropriate or the adult in charge carries them, and knows the location of the telephone.
___ Writes, reviews, and practices evacuation and emergency plans for severe weather with girls and posts the plan.
Backpacking Specific Checkpoints
Planning and Supervision
The leader:
___ Takes council-approved training in backpacking.
___ Plans and conducts a series of conditioning hikes before the back packing trip.
___ Determines the length of the trip by the backpackers’ ages, their level of experience, their physical condition, the nature of the terrain, the weight of the load to be carried, the season and weather conditions, the water quantity and quality, and activities planned along the way.
___ Ensures that the backpacking party consists of a minimum of four people, including two adults. One adult is in the lead and the other is at the rear of each group of back packers. Ratios of girls to adults are consistent with the ratios for camping in Program Standard 13. (See page 69.)
___ Ensures that backpackers have a comprehensive understanding of the trip. Group members are trained to be observant of the route, the surroundings, and the fatigue of individuals. Instruction is given on the safety rules for back packing, such as staying together in a group, recognizing poisonous plants and biting or stinging insects and ticks, respecting wild animals, and behaving effectively in emergencies. Training is given in map reading, compass use, route navigation, and estimating distance.
___ Ensures that a land management or similar agency is contacted during the trip planning stage to determine available routes and campsites, recommended group size, water quantity and quality, and permits needed.
___ Checks that each girl carries at least one quart of water. There are adequate rest periods with time to replenish fluids and to eat high- energy foods.
___ Develops guidelines for dealing with problems that may arise with other groups of backpackers.
Equipment
___ Girls are given instruction on choosing backpacks, adjusting them, and taking them on and off.
___ Backpacks and all equipment, food, and water being carried weigh no more than 20 percent of each person’s ideal body weight.
___ The foods taken are nutritious, nonperishable, high-energy, and easily digestible. Foods are pack aged so as to reduce the number of containers and the amount of trash.
___ Water purification supplies are carried. Water from all natural sources is considered potentially contaminated and is purified before drinking. Water filters designed to remove Giardia lamia from water are used. (See “Outdoor Cooking,” pages 89—91.)
Site
___ The route is known to one of the adult leaders or a report is obtained in advance to assess potential hazards. The route chosen is within the ability of every girl in the group; the pace accomodates the slowest hiker.
___ Hiking off-trail and after dusk is not permitted. The group hikes away from the edges of waterfalls, rock ledges, and slopes with loose rocks.
Emergency Procedures and First Aid
___ A first-aider, level 2, is present.
___ Methods of communication with sources of emergency care, such as police, hospitals, and park and fire officials, are known and arranged in advance.
These pages are for check-list purposes only. Please refer to
your Safety-Wise book to make sure the checklist information is current and
accurate.
These pages are not endorsed by Girl Scouts of the USA. 'Girl Scouts' and
'Girl Scouts of the USA' are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Girl
Scouts of the USA.