Let's Go Camping Revised: August 2013 - Girl Scouts of Central Maryland 4806 Seton Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215 gscm.org
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Let’s Go Camping
Revised: August 2013
Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
4806 Seton Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21215
410.358.9711 gscm.org2 Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Table of Contents
Paperwork Checklist p. 5
Let’s Get Started p. 6
Camping Prep: Leader’s List p. 7
Planning and Prep p. 8-15
Planning p. 8
Helping Campers Feel at Ease p. 10
Keys to Dressing for Outdoors p. 11
Kaper Charts p. 15
Food Storage, Preparatio and Disposal p. 16-26
Make a Portable Handwashing Unit p. 16
Storage, Prep & Disposal p. 17
Knife & Kitchen Tool Safety p. 18
Build a Woodfire p. 19
Right Fire for Your Meal p. 20
Choose Wood for Fire p. 20
Fire Starters p. 21
Charcoal Fires p. 21-22
Box Ovens p. 23
Camp Stoves p. 24-25
Dishwashing p. 26
Tents and Night Accommodation p. 27-28
Latrines p. 29
Site Cleanup p. 30
Let's Go Camping Workbook 3Program Ideas p. 31-49 Hikes, Arts and Crafts p. 31-32 Knots p. 33 Games p. 34-37 Dressing for Outdoors Activities p. 38-40 Our Natural World p. 41-42 Equate! Relate! p. 43-48 Edible Fire p. 49 Recipes p. 50-59 Forms, Worksheets & Other Fillables p. 61-71 Planning a Trip Worksheet p. 62 Menu Planing Worksheet p. 63 Shopping Organizer Worksheet p. 64 Food Quantities & Equivalents p. 65-67 Equipment Checklist p. 68-69 Resource List p. 70 Patrol Planning Worksheet p. 71 Safety Activity Checkpoints p. 72-77 Leave No Trace p. 79 4 Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
Paperwork Checklist
Be sure to have a copy Required Paperwork
of the Council Crisis All forms can be downloaded from www.gscm.org or ordered from the Volunteer Resource
Plan with you. Center (VRC).
(#00-600 and
#00-600a/b) Camp Reservation Form (#07-118)
See Guide to Council Properties for timeline concerning dates. All fees must be paid at
least four weeks before your trip. You will need to have the name of the adult(s) certified
in First Aid/CPR and Troop Camping who will accompany your troop on the trip (these
cannot be the same person).
Application for Girl Scout Trip (approved by SU Manager)
You must submit this form at least 4 weeks prior to your trip.
Parent/Guardian Permission Form (#02-002)
Leader completes the top portion. Parents complete and return the bottom portion to
the leader. Take these with you on your overnight.
Girl Health History (#02-779)
The leader needs to keep a copy of this card with her wherever the troop goes. The
information on these forms is confidential.
Photo Release (#03-302)
This form is necessary if any of the photos taken will be used for publicity purposes.
Suggested Paperwork
Budget Worksheet (#02-1617)
Planning a Trip Worksheet
Meal Planning Worksheet(s)
Shopping List
Let's Go Camping Workbook 5Let’s Get Started
Progression
Progression is a unique and integral part of the Girl Scout program; girls acquire skills that they
need in order to move on to more difficult and complex activities. For example, Daisy Petals
lead to Brownie Badges which build to Junior Badges and continue on to badges for Cadettes,
Seniors, and Ambassadors. Progression is the key to opening the world of outdoors; you and
your girls will find excitement, challenge and wonder.
A girl who is interested in the outdoors might earn the Daisy Petal, Use Resources Wisely. The
Brownie badge Hiker could continue into the Junior badge Camper. By the time the girl is a
teenager, she is ready for Trailblazing and Adventurer. The grade level books in the Journey
series, It’s Your Planet – Love It! , also offer excellent progressive activities to explore our
environment.
Progression underlies all aspects of Girl Scouting, from age level handbooks to cooking, to Girl/
Adult planning, to use of tools, and to readiness of the girls and adults for trips.
In each aspect of outdoor activities, begin where the girls (and you) feel comfortable. Girls
new to your troop will catch on quickly if the more experienced ones share their skills and
knowledge. Girls teaching girls is an especially rewarding method for both new and experienced
troop members…and it lightens the load for you.
Readiness
Read the following statements to determine your troop’s readiness to go an overnight. The
answers can help you decide the kind of overnight your troop/group could handle. As the girls
practice and gain confidence, your trips can progress.
� The girls have expressed excitement and enthusiasm about an overnight trip.
� The girls have all had experiences sleeping over at a friend’s or have attended a
slumber party.
� The girls can manage with little or no privacy.
� The girls have used Kaper Charts.
� The girls have been given responsibilities in planning troop activities and events.
� The girls remember to bring items needed for troop activities when necessary.
� The girls take responsibility for their personal belongings.
� The girls have experience at home or in your troop preparing food and/or snacks.
� The girls will be able to wash dishes and clean up the cooking and eating areas (with
adult assistance of course).
6 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandCamping Preparation: Leader’s List
I have read the following in Volunteer Essentials (VE)
or the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC):
� Ratios/supervision (VE)
� Group camping (SAC)
� Emergency procedures (VE)
� Transportation/drivers/insurance (VE)
� Outdoor cooking (SAC)
� First Aid (VE)
I (or one of the adults accompanying our troop/group) have:
� Received the necessary outdoor training
� Taken care of the necessary transportation arrangements
� First Aid/CPR certification
� Reserved the campsite
� Completed any necessary paperwork (including additional insurance)
� Received permission slips & health history forms from each girl attending
� Arranged for a back-home emergency contact
� Gathered all of the necessary equipment
� Used girl/adult planning
Skills to be taught/reviewed with the girls prior to camping:
� Packing personal and troop/group equipment/supplies lists
� Creation of a budget for the trip
� Cooking skills: charcoal/wood/portable stove
� Kaper charts - how to use for camp
� Sanitation at camp
� Hand washing procedures
� Dishwashing and disposal of garbage and trash at camp
� Setting up camp
� Group living skills – teamwork and cooperation
� Minimal impact camping: ecology and recycling
� Outdoor etiquette and manners
� Dressing appropriately for outdoors and unexpected weather
� Simple knots
� Menu planning/creating shopping lists
� Practice emergency procedures (fire drills, stop/drop/roll, severe weather)
Let's Go Camping Workbook 7Planning and Preparation
Girl Scouts learn by Adult Planning
doing. To involve your Planning is a process that girls learn as they design and carry out troop activities. It is a skill that
girls in the planning they can use anywhere and at any time. In Girl Scouting, girls and adults work together to make
process, make the decisions and to carry out their planned activities.
planning times:
Special! Very few places or situations allow young girls to take control of any part of their lives. Girl Scouting
Fun! provides a means for girls to test their decision-making skills and ideas. They need to start early as
Exciting! Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies, so that by the time they reach the final year of Girl Scout Juniors,
Important! they have a feeling of ownership, of independence and self-reliance. Planning and controlling the
part of their lives that is Girl Scouting, provides a chance to practice leadership, organizational
and time management skills. If activities and trips are still being created, planned, and carried out
by leaders, the girls see little difference between Girl Scouting and the rest of their lives. (This lack
of involvement is often cited as a reason for girls dropping out of Girl Scouting.) Just as there is
progression in the outdoors, so is progression involved in Girl/Adult planning.
In Girl/Adult Planning:
• Girls learn to look at options and make decisions.
• Adults guide girls to think through their plans.
• Girls become involved in their activities because they have made the choices for their
projects and programs.
• Girls gain self-esteem, self-reliance, and responsibility. They feel a true sense of involvement
and accomplishment.
• Girls develop leadership skills and learn to work with others.
Planning also involves give and take, compromise, and flexibility. Use a variety of methods and
supplies to create active and hands-on planning sessions: post-it notes, colored index cards, big
sheets of paper, markers and crayons, stickers, charts, and lists.
Methods For Collecting Ideas From Girls:
• Have a brainstorming session. This gives the girls the feeling that anything is possible, and you
will soon have more ideas than you can do in a year.
• Use checklists – provide a list of possible activities that could be done. Let each girl check
the things that appeal to her. Leave space at the bottom for the girls to write in their own
suggestions.
• Offer “taster” activities.
• Keep an “Outdoor Fun” suggestion box.
• Begin to collect ideas and activities for outdoor program. Put each on a 3x5 index card. Give
these to the girls and let them pick out ones they would like to try. Remember to include
“Rainy Day” activities.
8 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandPlanning and Preparation
The Secret is Planning, Planning and More Planning
• Kaper Charts with jobs organized and divided among the girls
• Health and Safety procedures – buddy system, getting lost, staying safe, fire safety,
emergency procedures, etc.
• Be familiar with girls and any problems or health conditions
• Equipment for both individuals and the group
• Simple menus that require little preparation, cooking, clean-up and taking into consideration
any food allergies, religious beliefs, and girls’ preferences
• Activities that include both planned program and free time, sunny and rainy day possibilities
Practice Makes Perfect and Prepares Everyone
• Make sit-upons, dip/dunk bags, and fire starters
• Tie overhand, square, and clove-hitch knots
• Use paring knives, vegetable peelers, and other kitchen utensils to make meeting snacks
• Practice simple first aid and assemble a first aid kit
The Road to Success
• Visit the site beforehand to avoid surprises and potential problems
• Ask an older Girl Scout to teach songs, games, and/or skills
• Be sure that assisting adults are willing to help girls learn to do rather than taking over jobs
• Settle in before dark
• Encourage girls to get enough sleep; plan for a rest time
Hints on Arrival
• Make sure everyone knows who the first aider is and where he/she is
• Make sure each girl knows where the adults will be sleeping
• Go over rules/fire drill/emergency procedures
• Remind girls to use the buddy system
Let's Go Camping Workbook 9Planning and Preparation
Remember that you A Few More Things to Consider:
have the opportunity • Make sure the girls are ready to go on an overnight
to introduce girls to the
• Girls should participate freely in activities and not be forced to do something they are not
wonders of the natural
comfortable with (this includes not forcing girls to eat)
world and to increase
their self-confidence • Ghost stories are not a good idea!
through encouraging a • Have a good time – you should have as much fun as you want the girls to have
mastery of new skills and
• Camping with your girls shouldn’t be another slumber party
experiences.
• Be sure to evaluate the experience when you are finished. This is a great activity to do at the
meeting following a trip or overnight. Evaluations can be done individually or as a group; orally
or written, etc. Evaluations give the girls a chance to think about how their plans worked (or
didn’t), what they liked; what they might do differently next time, etc.
Helping Campers Feel at Ease
A camper’s first night away from home is an important one. We want you to make it a happy one
so that she will eagerly look forward to future camping activities. Below are tips to help you to
reduce the anxiety level of your campers and to make the most of your camping experience.
1. Assess your camper’s comfort level about the outdoors.
Psychologically, humans are most comfortable with what is familiar. Unfamiliar sound, sights, and
smells may produce some anxiety among children and adults. Understand that this is a natural
reaction for many first time campers. Think about the fears that a child may have about camping
10 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandPlanning and Preparation
Common Fears of First Time Campers
• Fear of snakes or insects
• Fear of bears, lions, tigers, alligators, sharks, etc.
• Fear of plants (itchy plants, plants with thorns)
• Fear of getting lost
• Fear of getting dirty
• Strangers, killers in the woods (from scary movies)
• Fear of using the latrine
• Fear of wetting the bed; being embarrassed in front of other girls
• Too quiet in the woods
• Fear of the dark
• Night noises
2. Practice prevention
Help relieve a girl’s fears by having fun and taking time to discuss what to expect on their first
campout.
What to do
• Be aware of fears; don’t discount a camper’s feelings.
• Explain about night sounds like frogs, insects, raccoons, etc.
• Explain where the leaders’ living area is and that you are available if a girl needs assistance in
the middle of the night.
• Explain the BUDDY SYSTEM and tell the girls always to take a flashlight when walking around at
night.
• Be sure they know where the unit latrine is located. Tell them there will be a light on near the
latrine at night. Remind them to take their BUDDY.
• Explain that gum, candy, and food is not allowed in the tents. It invites insects and critters. Any
food should be collected and stored by leaders.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 11Planning and Preparation
• Plan fun activities such as singing a peppy camp song or playing get acquainted games. Keep
it light, fun, and active. Discuss the fun activities that girls will be doing at camp. Each girl
should go to bed looking forward to a new day and special activities. Remember that the first
night sets the tone for the entire campout.
• Say good night to each girl individually. This is a time when a cheerful word and a friendly smile
mean the most. Always talk about the fun that you will have together.
3. Miscellaneous items to cover
• Sunburn – talk about prevention (sunscreen, hats, etc.)
• Shoes and socks should be worn at all times. They prevent minor injuries.
• Drink lots of water! Lack of water is often the reason for headaches and stomachaches.
• Litter – the camp belongs to you – keep it beautiful – leave no trace!
• Beware of poison ivy – leaves of 3 let it be!
• Go over precautions, such as waterfront, what to do if lost, etc.
4. Other
• If a girl is afraid of something, calmly take her away from the other girls to discuss it; fears are
contagious!
• Help each girl find a friend on the campout.
12 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandPlanning and Preparation
Keys to Dressing for the Outdoors
• Wear clothing that allows for freedom of movement, is comfortable and practical, and
which can (and probably will) get dirty.
• Dress in layers. Each layer must provide warmth and ventilation without hindering mobility.
Layering helps the body regulate temperature in warm or cold weather and can help
prevent hypothermia or heat exhaustion. Wind lowers the effective body temperature and
cools the body fast.
• Long pants and long sleeve shirts are better than shorts and sleeveless tops in the
outdoors. They protect arms and legs against sunburn, poison ivy, insects, ticks, bruises
and scrapes.
• Nylon & polyester type synthetic materials are cold in the winter & hot in the summer. They
can cause severe burns if worn too close to a fire.
• Wool insulates better than other fibers and provides warmth even when wet. Cotton is very
good for allowing air circulation and for staying cool.
• Loose fitting clothing (not clothing that is too big) is more comfortable and warmer in
cooler weather. Tight pants can chafe the legs and often restrict activity.
• Properly fitting, sturdy shoes with non-slip soles will protect feet on rugged, rocky terrain.
However, tennis shoes should be worn in the tent and camping area to lessen the impact.
• High heel, sandals, and extremely thick-soled shoes are unsafe in the woods. Generally
speaking, girls should be told NO SANDALS in a camping situation.
• In cold weather wear 2 pairs of socks. The inner sock should be cotton to absorb moisture;
the outer pair should be wool to maintain heat.
• Closing the openings in clothing keeps you much warmer when activity lessens. A scarf or
bandanna is good for the neck opening.
• In cold weather a hat helps to retain as much as 40% of body heat and in very sunny
weather it protects the head against the rays of the sun.
• Keeping the trunk area of the body (vital organs) warm helps your overall comfort. Use
sweaters and jackets that are long enough to come well below the waist.
• Gloves or mittens should be worn in cooler weather to keep hands warm.
• Long-johns are worth their weight in gold.
• Dangling or flapping clothing can be hazardous, especially around the campfire and stoves.
Do not wear flammable clothing (plastic raincoat or poncho) around the campfires or
stoves.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 13Planning and Preparation
• Always take rain gear along, such as a poncho or raincoat with head covering or a water-
repellant jacket and pants. Take precautions around fires and stoves. The poncho must fit
girls at the knees to avoid tripping.
• It is usually 10-15 degrees cooler in the woods than in town.
• A sit-upon keeps your seat from getting chilled and damp.
• It is always good to have pair of light work gloves in warmer weather for gathering wood and
for other tasks.
• In warmer weather, wear light clothing and in cooler weather wear dark clothing.
• Remember to tell the girls to bring lip balm and sunscreen, for sunny and windy days in any
season.
• Change clothes completely before going to bed.
Steps for Making Shopping and Equipment Lists with Girls
Menu planning involves more than choosing foods to be served. Part of the process involves
teaching girls to make accurate lists of ingredients and equipment needed for each recipe and
then compiling lists for shopping purposes. The process also involves teaching the girls to plan
what steps must be done when. As the girls practice, they will become more proficient.
Help the girls:
1. Choose the menu items.
2. Get a copy of the recipe and the ingredients.
3. Determine if the amounts listed on the recipe are sufficient for your group. If not, adjust.
4. List the ingredients, including the amount needed and the approximate cost.
5. Pretend you are cooking right now. Walk through each step of the recipe to see what must be
done first, next, or at the same time as something else. Write these steps.
6. Again, mentally walk through the steps. What equipment do you need?
7. Using the Shopping Organizer at the back of these handouts, list the ingredients by category.
This will make the shopping trip much faster and more efficient. When possible, combine
ingredients and buy in bulk, avoiding excess packaging. This will save money, take up less space in
the car, and make less trash.
8. Make an equipment list.
9. Your troop/group may wish to make a troop cookbook and make notes on what they liked or
didn’t like, what adjustments were made, etc.
14 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandPlanning and Preparation
Kaper Charts
Indoors or outdoors, kaper charts are the answer to getting the work done fairly. No one wants to
work all the time, but each girl has to do her fair share. A kaper is simply a job or task that must be
completed. Kaper Charts serve as a record of what has been decided and are a reminder of who
is to do each job. Without that record, after the fun begins, it is easy to forget who-agreed-to-do-
what work.
The charts can be simple and penciled or elaborate and colorful with drawings, pictures, or
stickers. Regardless of their form, the charts should be posted for all to see. Descriptions of
each job, posted on or next to the Kaper Chart, will make expectations clear and help the girls to
complete their agreed-upon responsibilities. Creating a kaper chart is a great activity for girls to
do.
Hints for Kapers:
� When assigning kapers, keep in mind the age and skill level of the girls.
� Kaper charts should have clear, specific written descriptions of job duties and girls should be
trained to do their jobs.
� Kaper charts should be posted so girls can easily determine their responsibilities – the girls
aren’t as tall as you are – charts should be clear and easy to read.
� Kaper charts for young girls can be made with pictures instead of words.
� If a kaper chart is going to be posted outdoors, be sure to weather-proof it.
� Encourage the girls to have fun; adults should try not to interfere with the girl kapers.
Example of a Kaper Chart
Saturday Kaper Chart Meal Preparation Table Setters Clean Up Dish Washers
Breakfast Roses Daisies Poppies Lilies
Lunch Lilies Roses Daisies Poppies
Dinner Poppies Lilies Roses Daisies
Roses Daisies Poppies Lilies
Dawn Monique Cathy Keisha
Julie Stephanie Leah Tiffany
Tamika Lanie Chabel Ebony
Let's Go Camping Workbook 15Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Make a Portable Handwash Unit
Materials Needed
� Plastic jug or other unbreakable container. Acceptable containers include bottled water,
juices, and fruit drink. Milk jugs are breeders of bacteria and they may not be used. Bleach
containers may also not be used.
� Medium size nail or ice pick to make holes.
� Soap –liquid soap pump.
� Nylon stocking
� 3-5 foot piece of rope
� Wooden dowel or twig
To Make
1. Wash container thoroughly, rinse, and air dry.
2. Puncture one hole in the center of the cap and one hole in the top of the handle off the seam.
3. Make a small hole near the bottom of the jug. Use the twig or dowel to plug up the hole once
you’ve put water in it (a golf tee also works) or poke holes in the lid and the girls can pour the
water.
4. Place a pump-style liquid soap in knee-high nylon stocking.
To Set Up:
1. Tie the nylon to the jug’s handle.
2. Fill the jug and plug the hole (if there is one).
3. Use established washstands where they are available. Make sure either portable handwash
units are within easy access of food preparation area, first aid location and latrines.
4. For easier handling by girls:
– Fill the jug only halfway
– Put a stick through handle for two girls to carry
5. Hang from a tree and tie with bowline or clove hitch with two half hitches. Place it at waist
height of girls or place on ground or rock.
6. Prepare drain for minimal impact. Ensure that water drips onto leaves, rocks, or pine needles
to prevent erosion and mud.
16 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandFood Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Food Storage
• Food must be stored in a manner that prevents spoilage and contamination. Hot foods
should be kept at 140 degrees.
• Perishables, such as creamed dishes, pudding, dairy products, poultry, meats, and salads
must be stored at or below 45 degrees in a refrigerator or insulated cooler with ice. If this
temperature cannot be maintained for food storage use powdered, dehydrated, freeze
dried, or canned goods.
• Food should be stored at least 6 inches off the ground/floor.
• Ice that is to be used in drinks should be separate from ice that is used to keep foods cold
and should be dispensed with scoops, tongs, etc., not by hand.
• Do not store food in tents or sleeping quarters. This attracts bugs, mice, and other
unwanted critters.
• Store ALL food in animal-proof containers.
• Use zipper seal bags to reduce packaging and weight.
Food Preparation
• There must be a safe drinking water supply for cooking, drinking, and personal use. Safe
drinking water is defined as water from tap that has been tested and approved by the local
health department. All other sources are considered potentially dangerous.
• Raw fruits and vegetables and poultry should be washed before preparation.
• Safe water must be used to reconstitute powdered, dehydrated, or freeze-dried food.
Once reconstituted, any perishable items should be eaten within one hour of refrigeration.
When necessary, some foods can be prepared in advance and frozen to keep fresh until
needed, for example, ground beef.
• Thoroughly clean surfaces on which meat has been prepared before preparing other foods
on the same surface. (Example – cutting boards and utensils)
Food Disposal
• DO NOT BURY FOOD!
• All grease must be carried out. Grease can be poured into an empty can. DO NOT put
grease down any drain.
• Food containers and cans should be rinsed before discarding.
Include in your equipment list containers and zipper seal bags for leftovers. Plan to
incorporate leftovers into your next or last meal. Use it up!
Let's Go Camping Workbook 17Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Make Outdoor Cooking a Success Story
Leaders need to remember that planning a menu is an excellent “girl planning” activity, but
that many girls are extremely conservative in their food likes. Girls should be encouraged to try
different foods and cooking methods.
• Some things to remember for a successful outdoor cooking experience:
• Charcoal is slow – allow 45 minutes.
• Heat enough dishwater. Put water on to heat any time the fire is not being used.
• Food cooks faster (and water boils faster) if the pan has a lid.
• Plan menus to fit the location and the weather.
• Try not to spend your whole campout cooking.
• Soaping the outside of a pan with soap or dish detergent will make clean-up much easier.
Food Tips:
• Make sure that meals are well balanced.
• Be aware of food allergies girls might have.
• Provide vegetarian options if needed.
• Keep in mind religious observances when planning menus.
• A jar of peanut butter and jelly and a loaf of bread are a must! (unless someone in the troop
has peanut allergies!)
Opening, closing, Knife and Kitchen Tool Safety
passing, and using • In food preparation, it is likely that your girls will need to use sharp knives and kitchen tools.
a paper jackknife is Here are some things the girls in your troop/group should know:
a manageable way
for most girls to start • When teaching girls the basic concepts of tool safety, keep in mind the importance of the
their personal knife “arc” or “bubble” of safety. This means there can be no one within an arm’s reach – around or
progression skills. up – in case a sharp tool slips.
• All sharp tools should be sheathed at all times when they aren’t in use.
• Use and teach a stroke that goes away from the body. Using a vegetable peeler with paraffin
or a used taper candle is a way to practice safety techniques.
• Never cut anything placed in your hand – use a cutting board or other proper surface.
• Keep your knife blades and tools clean.
18 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandFood Storage, Preparation and Disposal
5 Steps to Building a Woodfire
1. Use a safe and adequate space.
Find the established fire circle that has been provided at the site.
2. Gather materials only enough to serve your purpose.
Tinder is any material that catches fire from a match. Twigs, pine needles, pine cones, bark, fire
starters, etc.
Kindling is good dry sticks and twigs bigger than tinder and smaller around than your thumb.
Fuel is the real fire material. It is bigger around than your thumb.
3. Build a foundation fire.
Remember that a fire • You will need:
needs air and flames • a bucket of water
burn upward. • fire star ters
• a double handful of good tinder
• matches
• two double handfuls of kindling
• fuel (larger pieces of wood)
• rake or shovel
With your back to the wind, make a small rack in an “A” shape to hold the tinder off the ground.
Lightly pile a good bit of tinder off the ground, leaving a tunnel in the center bottom for the match.
Light the match and put it under the center of the tinder. As the tinder catches, put more tinder
on the flame until there is a brisk fire. Then begin to add pieces of kindling, one by one forming a
teepee shape. The larger pieces of wood (fuel) can then be added to maintain the fire.
4. Build into the kind of fire wanted.
Build a high, hot fire for boiling or quick cooking, a flat bed of coals for roasting, etc.
5. Put it out.
Let the fire die down as much as possible. Break up big pieces; Scatter the coals. Stir the coals
and sprinkle with water with your fingertips. Keep doing that until the fire is out. Hold your hand
4 inches above the fire for 10 seconds. If there is no heat–the fire is out. Leave the ashes in the
firecircle—property staff will dispose of excess ash as needed.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 19Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
The Right Firefor your Meal
Method of Cooking Kind of Fire Time to Allow Comments
Ash/Coals Log Cabin Wait about 40 Hard wood best,
minutes after fuel but takes longer to
starts to burn well. burn down. Food
requires careful
watching.
Foil Log Cabin Let fire die to hot Use double
coals (about ½ hour thickness of foil and
after fuel starts fold seams. Do not
burning) Ring coals place food in actual
with burning logs to flame.requires
keep the heat in. careful watching.
Grill Log Cabin Fire should burn to Food must be
coals. carefully watched.
One Pot Large Teepee Start cooking as soon Easy method, but
as fire has a good pot needs to be
start. high enough for
good ventilation.
Skillet Small Teepee Start cooking as soon Food cooks quickly.
as fire has a good If flames are too
start. high they will jump
the sides of the
skillet.
Choosing Wood for your Fire
Hard woods include oak, hickory, birch, maple, ash, eucalyptus, and mesquite.
Soft woods include pine, spruce, cedar, gray birch, and aspen.
Wet wood
Wet wood will have to be dried before it will burn and it smokes during the process. It is not good
to try to start a fire with it.
Green wood
Green wood bends, but doesn’t break. Avoid using green wood in your fire – it will not burn.
20 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandFood Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Fire Starters
• Tie a string around a pine cone and dip it into melted paraffin wax.
• Put saw dust, dryer lint, or pistachio shells in each section of a paper egg carton. Cover with
melted paraffin wax. Tear apart and use as needed.
• Take 100% cotton balls and thoroughly rub Vaseline into them. Keep in a Ziploc baggie.
• Cut newspaper into 3-4” wide strips. Roll up and tie with a string. Dip into melted paraffin.
• Use lint from your dryer.
• Use dried pine needles.
• Using a vegetable peeler, shave old candles onto a square of waxed paper. Roll into a
narrow tube and twist the ends like a piece of taffy.
Using Charcoal Fires
Sometimes it isn’t possible to use wood for the fire and charcoal will have to be used instead.
Using charcoal requires special care.
• Use tinder and twigs to start the fire. Fire starters can be used. Liquid charcoal fire starter
can be used if used with the Safety Activity Checkpoints, Outdoor Cooking, precautions.
"If using charcoal, fires are started with fuels explicitly labeled as 'charcoal starters'—never
use gasoline as a fire starter. In lieu of charcoal lighter fluid, the use of a charcoal chimney
is encouraged. Never add charcoal lighter fluid to a fire once it has started.”
Charcoal that has been pre-treated with lighter fluid, such as “Match Light” should not be
used.
• Keep the fire outdoors. Never bring a charcoal fire inside; the burning charcoal gives off
carbon monoxide, which is poisonous.
• Never use a refrigerator shelf as a barbecue grill. The metal contains cadmium, which can
cause food poisoning.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 21Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Tips for Cooking with Charcoal Fires:
1. Use small twigs, tiny candles, or strips of cardboard milk cartons for kindling. Place the
kindling on the bottom of the charcoal.
2. Place a portion of the charcoal briquettes on top.
3. Light the kindling. As the first briquettes catch, add a few more.
4. Blow on the base of the fire to help spread the fire to the new briquettes.
5. Add more briquettes. After the fire has spread to all of the briquettes, let it burn for 12-15
minutes. It should then be ready to use. *If using a charcoal starter chimney, place the
chimney in the fire circle, place briquettes and 2-3 fire starters inside, using the fire starter
as a wick. Remove hot charcoal with tongs when ready.
6. Charcoal is ready to use for cooking when it is grey-white in appearance.
7. Store briquettes in a dry place after use. Charcoal readily absorbs moisture from the air
and kindles slowly when damp.
How to Make a Charcoal Starter Chimney:
Supplies
• Large metal can (#10 or 3 lb. coffee can)
• Can punch
• Picture wire, mirror wire, or wire coat hanger
1. With can punch, place holes around the bottom edge – be careful of seam.
2. Make two holes near the top rim of can for handle; make handle from wire.
22 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandFood Storage, Preparation and Disposal
One briquette Box Ovens
= 40 degrees With a box oven, girls can bake goodies at their cooking fire much as they might at home.
Add or 1 or 2 extra for
Features
cold, wet, wind...etc.
Replenish every 30 • Easy to use; no need to preheat
minutes. • Versatile
• Inexpensive to make
• Bulky to store and carry
• For use in a fire site only
Materials
• Cardboard box (heavy duty, with partitions and lid) approximately 15-18” high
• Heavy-duty aluminum foil (foil tape is now available and works great on box ovens)
• 4 metal cans (about 3” high, 3” diameter), empty, with labels removed
• Oven rack
When ready to use, charcoal fire
1. Keep lid attached to heavy duty cardboard box.
2. Use the partitions or obtain 6 pieces of cardboard to line the box forming double walls and
a triple floor. Wrap each piece of cardboard with heavy-duty foil, shiny side out. Also line
the inside of the box, including the lid, with foil. Slide the foil wrapped lining into place. If
using 6 pieces, slide the ceiling in first.
3. Place box on level surface in fire site with hinge at top. If ground is very cold or wet, raise box
slightly off ground on small stones or wood, or place on a separate grate.
4. Place 4 metal cans in box to support rack or baking pan. Cans should all be the same
height. Allow sufficient air space around item to be baked.
5. Start charcoal fire in chimney or in a wood fire.
6. While the charcoal is getting started, prepare the food to be cooked.
7. Place glowing briquettes on oven floor. (You may wish to use small disposable foil pans to
hold the briquettes – the pan can be reused each time.)
8. Place baking pan on top of rack or on top of the four cans if you don’t have a rack. The pan
must be smaller than the inside of the box oven with room for heat to circulate. Baking time
will be similar to a home oven, but may take longer in wet or windy weather.
9. Close oven door leaving a small opening (about ½ inch) for oxygen supply so that the
charcoal does not go out.
10. When through baking, remove charcoal briquettes with tongs and add to existing fire or
extinguish properly in fire site.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 23Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Please Note: Two Burner Propane Campstove
White gas or gasoline 1. Below are general guidelines for operating a two-burner propane stove. As stoves differ,
stoves are not permitted please use the directions for the stove you are using.
on GSCM properties.
2. Place stove on a level surface or folding stand away from busy area.
3. Open lid and hook tab on each rear corner of windscreens into slats in lid.
4. Turn burner control knobs to “off” position.
5. Attach small end of hose to fitting on stove – or attach metal tube(s) to fitting(s) on stove.
Do not use pliers – hand tighten only.
6. Turn regulator control knob to “off” position.
7. Position regulator end of hose or tube over disposable propane fuel cylinder and screw
cylinder into regulator, using hand to tighten. Cylinder must remain in upright position.
8. Depress regulator control knob and turn to “on” position.
To Light: Hold a lighted match near the edge of a burner while slowly opening control knob
on front burner. Use care when positioning match to avoid burn injury when burner lights.
9. Adjust burner control knob for desired flame setting.
Maintenance of Two Burner Propane Campstoves
� Allow stove to cool before transporting.
� Clean with a damp, soapy cloth. Do not immerse in water.
� Blow any accumulated dust from valves before connecting hose or fuel cylinder.
� If liquid spills into mesh area of burner, turn control to “off”, remove grid when cool,
disconnect the fuel supply hose, and tilt stove on edge to drain burner.
24 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandFood Storage, Preparation and Disposal
The following factors influence stove efficiency
Pot Lid
Food cooks faster in a covered pot.
Amount of Fuel
A full tank works more efficiently than a tank that is almost empty.
Temperature
Below-freezing temperatures reduce the efficiency of butane stoves.
Wind
Wind can cool the cooking pot and blow the flame away from the pot, which increases cooking
time.
Type of Food
Foods that simply require the addition of hot water are faster to prepare and use less fuel than
foods that require long cooking. Large pieces of food take longer to cook than smaller pieces.
Distance Between the Flame and the Pot
The closer the flame to the pot, the faster the food will cook.
Size of Flame
The size of the flame should match the size of the pot.
Heat of Flame
The hotter the flame, the more rapidly the food will cook. A flame appears blue to white when it
is hottest and red when it is coolest.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 25Food Storage, Preparation and Disposal
Steps in Dishwashing
1. Scrape
2. Polish with Napkin
3. Wash in Warm Soapy Water
4. Rinse in Warm Water
5. Place in Dunk Bag
6. Dip in Sanitizing Solution*
7. Hang on the Line to Dry
If all kettles and buckets are soaped thoroughly on the outside before being put over the fire, the
dishwashing job will be fairly simple.
As soon as the fire is started, put on the dishwater. The cooks can set it off the fire if it is in their
way and then return it to the fire as soon as the food is cooked.
Used dishwater should be filtered to remove any food particles. Place the filtered food particles
in the garbage.
*Sanitizing Solution:
Put 1 capful of bleach to each gallon of water. Water can be hot or cold. Bleach does lose its
effectiveness with time; add another capful if dishwashing takes more than ½ hour.
26 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandTents and other Nightime Accommodations
Please Note: Pitching a Tent
Tent camping is covered
in Advanced Camping Pitching a tent will be a manageable task at the campsite if the troop has practiced pitching the
Training. tent several times before the trip. Someone familiar with setting up the type of tent the troop is
using could provide a valuable demonstration. Mark corresponding tent poles with tape to make
setup easier. Before unrolling the tent, carefully choose the tent site. Although tents usually come
with instructions for pitching, below are some particulars to remember.
• Avoid pitching a tent under dead trees. Limbs may fall on the tent.
• Pitch the tent on level ground, at least 200 feet away from water sources.
• Determine the general direction of prevailing winds. In stormy or cold weather, the tent
should be pitched so that the open end faces away from the wind. In hot weather, pitch the
tent so that the opening catches the breeze.
• When repacking, do not roll up a wet or damp tent, if possible. If you must, remember to hang
up the tent later to dry. Brush off the tent when rolling it up. Clean off the stakes and place
them in a separate bag. Be sure to store the tent in a waterproof sack.
Care of Tents
• Do not use heaters of any kind in tents.
• Avoid touching a tent when it is wet. Running a finger or foot along the fabric when it is wet will
cause it to leak.
• Do not use aerosol sprays inside a tent. They break down waterproofing.
• Do not light flames of any kind inside a tent.
• Keep mirror-like objects, including glasses, under cover. Sunlight reflected in a mirror can be
hot enough to burn fabric.
• Keep food out of tents. This includes gum and mints. Any food will attract wild creatures.
• When leaving the site during the day, always leave tents closed up.
• Fabric mildews quickly when wet. Unroll tent flaps and sidewalls periodically to dry out,
especially after morning dew or rain.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 27Tents and other Nightime Accommodations
Lit lanterns must never Lanterns
be taken into tents or
cabins! There are no kerosene lanterns available for your use at Girl Scouts of Central Maryland
campsites. You may choose to bring your own (remember – use of white gas is not permitted on
GSCM sites).
� Place lanterns of a table or a tree stump.
� Do not hang lanterns from tree limbs or rafters, or against walls where lanterns could scorch
or burn.
� To Fill
Always fill before using – do not add kerosene to a hot lantern. Remove cap and fill tank with
fuel, using a funnel; replace cap. Wipe base of lantern.
� To Light
Raise globe. Raise wick by turning knob clockwise until you can touch wick with a lighted
kitchen match, held under bottom edge of globe. Lower globe and control flame with knob.
� To Clean
Allow lantern to cool. Remove globe and clean by wiping with dry paper towel (or
newspaper). Raise wick and trim straight across.
Sleep Systems: A sleep system is made of 4 parts:
1. Waterproof ground cloth
An old shower curtain works fine. Under your sleeping bag or bed roll, a space blanket radiates
your body heat back to you.
2. Insulation
Extra blankets work well. Air mattresses, newspapers, cots, or closed cell pads also work.
3. Sleeping bag/bed roll
The cut of a sleeping bag affects its warmth – a rectangular bag with a large head opening will
not keep you as warm as a mummy-shaped bag. Look for a smoothly working zipper. Offset
quilting, or double quilting, produces a more uniform insulating layer.
4. Sleepwear
Try to go to bed before you become chilled. Change your clothing completely before going
to bed. If You have an extra blanket, put it inside your sleeping bag so it can’t fall off – it it both
under and over you.
28 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandLatrines
Sanitary napkins and Latrines
tampons are to be
wrapped and discarded Latrines should be cleaned regularly to maintain proper health standards. Clean the latrines upon
with the trash. DO NOT arrival, each morning and just before leaving.
put them in the latrine.
Cleaning should include:
• Picking up all paper
• Wiping down lids and seats with soapy water or disinfectant
• Sweeping the floor, walls and ceiling
• Checking paper supplies and replenishing as needed
Some Helpful Hints:
� Do not pour bleach or other disinfecting chemicals into the latrines.
These chemicals will kill the “good” enzymes and bacteria.
� Keep the toilet seat lid closed when not being used.
An open lid attracts flies. A closed lid will also keep down the odor.
� Throw only toilet paper in the latrines.
Latrine enzymes function in biodegrading human waste and toilet paper only.
� Many leaders bring solid air fresheners to place in each stall to make the latrine smell more
pleasant. Although a latrine may have no odor when you arrive, you may notice an odor after
the latrine has been used for a while. This is normal.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 29Site Cleanup
Check with the ranger at your specific camp to find out about keys; cleanup, etc. Also, consult Guide to Council Properties
Remember: Site Cleanup
A Girl Scout always
leaves a place cleaner __ Take all personal/troop equipment with you
than she found it!
__ Entire area clean and free of litter (look under cots and beds)
__ Empty and wipe out refrigerators and/or freezers; leave refrigerators on
__ Stoves and ovens cleaned; all burners and oven turned off; no plans left behind
__ Return site to its original condition (make sure all furniture, etc. is back in place)
__ Clean the latrines (remove all trash and rolls of toilet paper); close toilet lids
__ Floors swept and mopped (vacuumed if applicable)
__ Tent flaps down and tied
__ Take trash to dumpster
__ Turn off all lights
__ Fire circles and fireplaces cleaned
__ Firewood replenished
__ Close and lock all windows and doors
__ Any borrowed equipment cleaned and returned
__ Fill out the Campsite Report
__ Leave nothing (such as paper bags, cleaning supplies, etc.)
__ Return keys (according to the instructions you were given)/lock gate
Let's Go Camping Workbook 30Program Ideas
Remember: Hikes to Take
Take only photographs; Bird Hike
leave only footprints. Look for different birds – see if you know them by sight. You could look for nests – but don’t touch.
Sound Hike
Listen for all kinds of sounds in nature; close ones, far away sounds, soft, harsh, etc. (This is a good
quiet hike.)
Inch Hike
Find things that are only an inch long – no more – and still complete. Measure a piece of string or
yarn that is one inch in length and use it as a guide.
Insect Hike
Just look for and examine those you find.
Penny Hike
Walk until you reach a corner – flip the penny. Heads – turn left; tails – turn right. Proceed to the
next corner and repeat the process.
Four Senses Hike
Smell, see, touch, and hear. Find something with each sense. Teach girls not to taste as many
plants are poisonous.
Sealed Order Hike
Write several sets of orders based on where girls will be hiking. [Such as – walk ten paces and turn
right; go to the nearest oak tree and turn left; go 20 paces past the chicken coop] Teams set out
to follow their orders. All groups go in different directions to reach all points along the way. All end
at “Treasure”. Sometimes a skill can be practiced at the end of the trail.
Tracking and Trailing
One group lays a trail, another follows it.
Alphabet Snoop
Find and list a single object for each letter of the alphabet.
Variation – each girl lists all the objects she sees beginning with her initials.
Rainbow Hunt
Find and list as many different colors in nature as possible.
Variation – Find things that are all the same color. One group could look for reds, another yellow,
etc.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 31Program Ideas: Hikes, Arts and Crafts
Nature Bingo
Use a Bingo card format, fill in squares with names of things that might be found on a walk/hike.
Work in pairs. First team to “bingo” = wins.
Magic Circle
Teams see how many objects they can find within a string placed in the shape of a circle on the
ground.
Object Hike
Go along until you have counted 20 wild flowers (any number can be substituted). DO NOT PICK
THEM. Proceed until you have seen 5 insects. Name them, if you can. Advance 3 birds farther.
Identify or describe them. Walk until you find ___. (a specific plant or tree, etc.) Come back and tell
the group what you saw.
Take Arts (and Crafts) To the Outdoors
� Make plaster casts of footprints, animal tracks, nuts, seeds, or leaves.
� Make prints of leaves and plants. Try different methods: splatter paint, spray paint, crayon
prints, ink pad prints, stencils, sun prints, and rubbings; decorate posters, note cards, tee
shirts, book covers, stationery, place cards, and sweat shirts.
� Search for native clay and make small bowls or plates.
� Gather seeds and display them.
Label the methods of travel (wind, water, mammals, birds, etc.)
� Make collages, mosaics, miniature arrangements or mobiles using natural materials such as
seeds, pine cones, shells, or dried grass.
� Collect rocks. Wash and dry them. Paint them to look like animals.
� Print with potatoes, apples or carrots.
� Make imaginative and colorful sit-upons.
� Make dish gardens or terrariums.
Remember not to dig up plants in the wild.
� Make bird feeders and insect cages.
Research and make bird houses for different kinds of birds.
32 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandProgram Ideas: Knots
Did you know…? Knots
For instructions on how to tie knots, please refer to Outdoor Education in Girl Scouting pages 42-
It is believed that knots 45
have been used since
prehistoric times. Clove Hitch
A clove hitch is used to fasten one end of a rope around a tree or post, as for a clothesline. If kept
The square knot was taut, the knot will not slip.
a popular decoration
motif in Egyptian jewelry Overhand Knot
more than 5,000 years An overhand knot is used to keep a rope end from slipping out of a hole or to stop a rope end from
ago. slipping through the loop of another knot.
Many of our modern Bowline
knots were used by The bowline is used when you want a loop that will not slip, as over a peg or hook or for lifesaving.
Greeks and Romans.
Square Knot
In medieval times, The square knot is used to join two ropes of equal thickness; as to tie a package, mend a broken
witches and wizards sold rope, or tie a bandage in first aid.
charms made of knots.
Half Hitch
Before the invention The half hitch is a simple turn used to fasten the end of a rope after it has been looped around
of buttons, knots were something, such as a bedroll or post, or through a ring.
used to fasten clothing.
In the early days, the
knot that tied a sailor’s
neckerchief about his
throat was considered a
symbol of good luck.
Knots and How to Tie
Them (1964)
Let's Go Camping Workbook 33Program Ideas: Games
Games
Games are an important part of the Girl Scout Program. They help girls to cooperate willingly and
easily. They develop good sportsmanship, self-control, and muscular and emotional control.
They give an opportunity for the release of energy. Most importantly, games are FUN! Here are
some suggestions of games that are fun to play. You can find other games in the resource books
available to Girl Scout leaders. Your girls will have fun inventing or adapting games to fit the
situation.
Nature Drawing Game
Teams send one representative equipped with pencil and paper to the leader who assigns them,
in a whisper, the name of some object (squirrel, daisy, etc.) to be drawn. Representative runs back
to the team and draws the object. First team to guess object correctly wins a point. Then teams
send up another representative for assignment. Have as many assignments as girls on team.
Note: Good for rainy days and as review after hike.
Leaf Relay
Use pictures of as many different leaves as possible. All must be identified to begin with. Two lines
are seated facing each other – each line numbers off, starting at the opposite ends. Leader holds
up a leaf and calls a number; the two with that number name that leaf, the first correct answer
scores a point for her team. Twenty points is a game. To repeat, different leaves may be used, or
at least have the girls change places and take new numbers.
Staking Claims
Each group of 4 or 5 fences in with string a small area 2 square-ft. or less and count the variety of
items in it. One member acts as secretary. Descriptive names of unknown objects may be given.
Varieties of plants and animals - living or dead, evidence of animals, shadows, breeze, sunshine,
clouds, sounds, birds and insects passing through, or over, the claim can be counted. Can be
played competitively with a time limit or just see how much can be found in a small area.
Who Am I?
On the back of each player pin a piece of paper bearing the name of an animal, tree, flower, etc.
Each player must then guess who or what she is by asking questions that can be answered by YES
or NO from her companions. When she has guessed her identity she may pin the paper on front.
This is a quiet one for a mixer or a rainy day.
Bird’s Nest
Players sit in a circle. Leader whispers the name of a bird to each, taking care to have the same
number of each – four robins, four blue jays, etc. Player in the middle calls out the name of a bird.
All those with that name must exchange seats. Middle one tries to get seat. The player without a
seat is now in the middle. To make everyone change seats, call “Bird’s Nest”.
34 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandProgram Ideas: Games
Ducks Fly
The players stand in a line, with the one chosen to be the leader standing in front of them. The
leader starts off by saying “Ducks Fly” and flapping her arms like wings. All the other players must
immediately flap their arms too. The leader continues by saying “Cats Meow” and meowing. All
others copy her. Next may come “Horses Trot”, “Hens Cluck”, “Cows Moo”. Each time everyone
makes a sound and/or motion. After a few animals have been named the leader tries to trick the
others by making a false statement such as “Dogs Moo” and starts to moo. If any player starts to
moo after her she is out of the game and leaves the line. The game can keep going until all the
players are out.
Secret Leaves
The troop is divided into teams, each team numbered. On a signal, number ones run to the leader
who secretly shows them a leaf. They run back to their teams and describe it as accurately as
they can but do not name it. Depending on the age of the girls you may have them draw the leaf
instead. When the team has decided what the leaf is number one runs to the leader. The first
team to name the leaf correctly wins. For the next round, number twos look at a different leaf.
Fire in the Forest
All players form a double circle and face toward the center. The inside circle are trees and the
outside circle the forest rangers. One player stands in the center and shouts “fire in the forest”
and begins to clap her hands. As long as she claps, the rangers run around the outside of the circle
counter-clockwise. When she stops clapping, she steps in front of one of the “trees” and all of the
rangers do the same thing. The ranger who cannot find a “tree” takes the place in the center.
Sardines
While all the others cover their eyes and count to a given number, one player within a defined area
hides in a place big enough to hold all the players. The others separate and hunt for her, and only
when seen by other players, those who find her slip in and hide with her. This continues until the
last one finds the hiding place. The game is then repeated, the first one who found the place being
the new one to choose a place.
Streets and Alleys (A large area is needed for this game)
All but two players are lined up with as many players in each line as there are lines or as nearly
so as possible (i.e. 5 lines each with 5 players in it). Players then spread out at arm’s distance
from each other, both sideways, back, and frontways. The leader stands in one place and as the
lines face her, the players with their arms outstretched form the corridors between the lines
– STREETS. At her call of “ALLEYS”, players all turn one-quarter to the right and again stretch
their arms, this time forming corridors at right angles to those made at the call of “STREETS”. As
soon as these two changes are clear to all the players, the game begins. One of the two players
left outside being the runner, the other the chaser. The leader calls “STREETS” or “ALLEYS” as
often as necessary to keep the runner and the chaser active. If, after two minutes the runner isn’t
caught, she chooses another runner and chaser.
Let's Go Camping Workbook 35Program Ideas: Games
Rabbits in a Trap
Eight players form a fairly large circle and then two by two arches, which are the traps. The rest of
the players – the rabbits – run around the circle through the arches. At a signal, the arches bring
their arms down to form a trap. As rabbits are caught, they form more arches. Remaining rabbits
continue until all are caught.
Farmyard
Each team chooses the name of an animal that may be imitated by some noise. All players are
blindfolded and scattered around the room. On signal, animals make their noises to attract other
members of their team. For instance, the ducks start quacking. When two ducks meet, they join
hands and seek other ducks. The first team to gather all their members – wins.
Find the Possum
The leader hides the “possum” (any object can be the possum). Each patrol has one hunter and
the others are hounds. The hunters send their hounds to find the possum. Each patrol has a
distinctive call of its own. As soon as a hound has tracked the possum to its hiding place, she gives
her call. Immediately all the hunters and hounds run for the “tree”. All the hounds join the baying.
Only hunters may capture the possum. Ten points are given to the hound tracking the possum.
The other hounds score according to their arrival at the hiding place. The second hound scores
5 points, the third 4 points, and so forth. The hunter who captures the possum scores 5 points.
Patrol with the highest score – wins.
Nature Sounds
The group is given 5 minutes to see who can make the longest list of things heard in the woods
during that time.
Nature “Crows and Cranes”
Divide the group into two teams and line them up facing each other in two lines some 10-12
feet apart. Back of each line is the team’s base line. One team is known as “TRUE” and the other
is “FALSE”. Make nature statements that may or may not be true, such as “Birds have teeth”,
“Poison Ivy has 2 leaves”, etc. If the statement is true, the true side chases the false side to its base
line. Anyone caught enroute joins the true side. If the statement is false, the false side does the
pursuing. At the end, the side with most players – wins.
Matches
Leader collects a number of different pictures of leaves, weeds, seeds, etc. (Each picture needs
a match) Players are divided into equal teams. The leader shows the first in each line one picture
and they run off to match it. And so on until each player is searching for a specimen. The first
team to return with perfect matches – wins.
36 Girl Scouts of Central MarylandYou can also read
