Outdoor Resources

Whether you’re a camping pro or just starting out, you can help girls of all ages have a positive experience in the great outdoors and develop a passion for nature. 

Thanks to a grant from the Elliott Wildlife Values Project, we’ve created eight outdoor skill-building videos especially for new Girl Scout volunteers and older Girl Scouts as they take younger girls outside. You’ll learn how to give girls a sense of empowerment in the outdoors, use natural resources wisely and respect wildlife, and help them become lifelong stewards of the land and our natural resources.

Step by Step: Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls
At Girl Scouts, we work to build girls’ outdoor skills and inspire girls to care for the environment as they grow. 

Taking the Journeys Outside
It’s easy to take a Girl Scout Journey outside. Each Journey is full of fun, interactive activities that can easily go outdoors and inspire girls to love and protect the planet. Watch this video to find out how!

Planning Your Troop’s First Campout 
In order to have a great campout, you need to plan ahead—and be prepared. This video will give you plenty to think about as you plan your next outdoor adventure with Girl Scouts.

Introduction to Campsite Set-Up 
A safe, efficient campsite is important when camping. Watch and learn how to set up a proper camp!

Introduction to Cooking Outdoors
Propane, charcoal, box ovens—there are so many choices when cooking outside. This video shares ideas about the delicious possibilities. Tasty!

How to Leave No Trace Outdoors
A Girl Scout always leaves an area better than she found it. Throughout this video, girls will learn the importance of caring for the land, and how to easily “Leave No Trace” when exploring and enjoying the outdoors.

Introduction to Fire Building
To ensure a fun campfire experience and help minimize impact on the environment, this video provides basic skills on Leave No Trace ethics, wood gathering, types of fire building methods, and how to start and extinguish a campfire.

Outdoors Songs and Games
This video provides fun tips on how to teach songs and games to girls to do in the outdoors, and resources available to learn more about Girl Scout songs and games. 

The Dos and Don’ts of Backpacking
This video features some great tips to help you start planning your next backpacking trip this troop year!

As with all Girl Scout activities, review the Safety Activity Checkpoints guidelines and take appropriate outdoor training before starting your next adventure! 

Keeping Outdoor Adventures Girl-Led

Engaging girls in the great outdoors is easier than you think with Venture Out! This interactive resource will boost your confidence in helping your younger girls connect with the outdoors and keeping activities girl-led. You’ll find: 

• Opportunities to practice decision making when leading outside activities 
• Tips for how to make the outdoor experience more girl-led 
• Practical knowledge and real-life stories from other volunteers about getting girls outdoors 
• Ideas for dealing with common outdoor challenges 
• The realization that outdoor experiences don’t have to be perfect