Last update:
09/18/09
This is a pre-course assignment to be
completed
before coming to the Let’s Tent! class.
 You must read through the materials and complete any forms,
activities or assignments.
 The entire pre-course can be completed in 1-2 hours.
Please bring the Outdoor Training Notebook you received in
Let’s Camp! along with the completed pre-course work to class.
Packing List for Class

Sack Dinner

Toiletries

Clothes for overnight

Sleeping Bag

Sleeping Pad/extra blanket

Tent (if you have one)

Groundcover (for under tent)

Flashlight

Water Bottle

Personal medication (if applicable)

Sunday breakfast will be provided
 There will be a quick review of
the pre-course materials in
class.
 Bring specific questions to class
if there is something that is not
clear to you.
 This is not a correspondence
course. This information is part
of the Let’s Tent! class
curriculum and must be
completed.
CC:LW:FS:LS
TRX1608-. 9/18/09
-1-
The purpose of this pre-course assignment is to introduce you to some of the skills you
will use in teaching your troop tenting skills. Once you have concluded this course you
can train your troop on the skills you have learned; you will have completed the outdoor
training series and be able to take your troop tent camping in many sites throughout the
county.
Course Objective
After completing this pre-course assignment you should be able to:
Define proper camping etiquette
Compile a list of personal equipment needed including substitute items
Describe “Low Impact/Leave No Trace” camping techniques
Understand how to teach girls how to keep from getting lost in the outdoors
Equipment
As you have learned in previous courses, equipment covers a broad range of items
needed for a successful fun camping experience. Many times girls new to the camping
experience will not have some of the items thought of as traditional camping equipment.
Most items the average person has on hand will work well with a few modifications. Be
sure to go over the ideas on the Tips on Personal Equipment page in your packet with
your troop or come up with your own. Using the activity below included will help your
troop to visualize what items are appropriate to include on a camping trip. Feel free to
make copies to use while teaching these skills to girls.
Activity: Prepare a duffel bag containing items needed on a camping trip and
include extra items that are not allowed. Include items for all types of weather and for
day and evening ware. You might also include small games, books and a day pack. The
day pack might have in addition to the items on the handout Ten things to Take Hiking
located in your Outdoor Activity Packet, a flashlight & extra batteries, rain gear (trash
bag), pocket knife, small camera, small notebook and pencil, (if needed) toilet paper,
and a baggie to carry the dirty toilet paper out. Have items laid out on a table. Divide
girls into small groups or as buddies; have them pack the duffel with the appropriate
items. This can be done in a relay with more than one duffel bag. This activity can also
be used for packing troop equipment. Have girls determine what is needed for the trip
they are planning and select the appropriate items to pack.
-2-
Camping Etiquette
It’s often challenging when teaching girls from various backgrounds proper behavior in the many
excursions we take them on during their Girl Scout experience. That’s why each time we
venture out we need to be sure to go over proper, expected behavior for each individual trip.
We’ve included some tips to include in the Camping Etiquette document in this packet. Take a
few minutes to review this document and review the expectations with your troop each time you
are preparing take them somewhere. Have the girls be a part of the process by asking them for
their ideas on appropriate behavior. By including them in the process and not just telling them
what to do they will have ownership of the rules and be better able to remember the
expectations.
Food
When planning the menu for any camping trip the girls should do the planning. By this point in
your training you should have had a few opportunities to plan and cook with the troop. Now is
the time to become a bit more adventurous and try something new and different. Take this
opportunity to suggest a new method of cooking or a new main course that’s a bit more involved
for one of the meals. Remember, girls don’t mind a little help when planning menus, but don’t
get carried away and do all the planning. Allow the troop to try new things and include
something that’s familiar or an old favorite. This is an opportunity for growth for the troop, and to
show the girls they can be creative and still have a great meal while trying something new.
We’ve included Suggested Foods in this packet; take a few minutes to review this information.
Come up with some suggestions of your own, by now you know what the troop prefers. When
planning menus with the troop it’s still your responsibility to ensure the meals are balanced. If
left on their own, girls will frequently forget to include such items as fruits and vegetables. Don’t
be surprised if it becomes your responsibility to suggest these items be included and to help
with suggestions that will compliment their choice of main dish.
First Aid
Now that you have advanced to tenting you’ll want to insure the safety of the troop by making
sure you have taught the troop proper precautions. Review Safety-Wise to insure you have the
latest information on safety and first aid while camping. The location you choose for your tenting
experience will determine what type of first aider you will need to have on hand. Teach the troop
how to look up information in Safety-Wise and help them stay in the habit of reviewing SafetyWise prior to any outing.
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Low Impact Camping
As Girl Scouts we strive to practice minimal impact camping or “Leave No Trace”. This method
of camping means when you leave your campsite you shouldn’t be able to tell you were ever
there. By being aware of where we set up our campsite and how we impact the environment.
Review the Low Impact/Leave no Trace document in this packet for more details. By teaching
girls to appreciate nature and the environment we will be able to enjoy our surroundings for
many generations to come.
Staying Found
When we take girls away from their rural environment someone getting lost often crosses our
minds. To minimize this possibility it’s always a good idea to review some essential tips with the
troop before you venture out. This packet contains some of these tips in the How to Keep from
Getting Lost in the Outdoors document. Please take a few minutes to review this document and
review these tips and any others you may have with your troop.
As you can see, preparation and pre-planning are essential to ensuring any successful camping
trip. By taking the time to pass these skills on to your troop, you are helping to create a positive
nurturing environment for them and assuring everyone has a great time. Remember, we are
teaching girls skills they will have for a lifetime.
-4-
Tips on Personal Equipment
Put your sleeping bag inside of a large trash bag. This will keep the bag dry if it rains,
and the trash bag can be converted to a rain poncho. To use the bag as a rain poncho,
cut a hole in the bottom of the bag large enough to stick your head through and cut two
holes (one on each side) for the arms. The open end will hang down around your knees.
A ground cloth is essential, whether you’re sleeping indoors or out. A ground cloth may
be an old shower curtain, an air mattress, or a piece of plastic. The best ground cloth is
waterproof and prevents moisture from damping the bag. It also acts as insulation
(newspaper underneath the sleeping bag can also act as insulation).
Old grocery bags/gallon “Zip Lock” bags are good for packing clothing. Put
underwear and socks inside of a bag: shirts, etc. in another bag. This prevents the
clothing from absorbing moisture in rainy weather. It also gives you some plastic bags
for packing soiled or wet clothing or to put over shoes for instant galoshes (use yarn or
string to tie them around the ankle). This technique makes it easy to find your clothing in
the bottom of your duffel bag.
Layering means that you wear lighter clothing underneath and layer on heavier
clothing. If it warms up during the day, you can remove layers of clothing to make
yourself more comfortable. If it turns cold, you can put the layers back on. You will need
less bulky clothing if you use layers because each layer traps air that helps insulate the
body, therefore you can have several lighter layers instead of one bulky item.
At bedtime, be sure that everyone puts on a change of clothing and dry socks.
Clothing worn during the day will absorb moisture from the body. As the outdoor
temperature goes down, the moisture is cooled and makes the body colder. Be sure
that the girls do not put on night clothes until it is actually time for bed because if they
change early in the evening and play games or move around, the night clothes will
become damp and they will be cold when they get in their sleeping bags. It’s a good
idea to have several pairs of socks so that you can be guaranteed a dry pair for
bedtime.
Girl Activity
Using the “Tia and Her Equipment” sheet, have the girls decide what she needs to take
on her camping trip and what she needs to leave at home. Cross out the items she does
not need to take with her.
CC:LW
TRX1514-. 6/10/05
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Tia and Her Equipment
CC:njs
TRX1515-. 6/10/05*
-6-
Camping Etiquette
Values or ethics determine how you behave when no one else is watching you. Also
remember that our actions in public represent Girl Scouts. If you want to change behavior,
give them or show them an easier way or different way to do it.
These are general rules and each campground may have specific requirements.
Stay on established trails not social trails or short cuts to toilet, water, etc.
Don’t cross or walk through another’s camp site.
Quiet time is usually 10:00 pm -- 7:00 am - finish loud games and campfire programs early
and try to limit noise from slamming doors (cars, bathrooms.)
Use the obviously established cooking and tenting sites instead of new ones.
Clean up other’s trash, leave it cleaner than you found it.
Avoid crafts with glitter, sequins or feathers.
Keep the animals natural, Do not feed them! Don’t leave food
on tables or throw apple cores, orange peels, corn cobs, etc.
into the bushes. These will attract birds, mice, squirrels,
skunks, raccoons, and they will become pests.
Use whistles for emergencies only.
At night, keep flashlights aimed at the ground, not at other campsites or in someone's eyes.
If a campfire is not permissible, try using a candle or dim lantern.
Keep fires small by using wood wrist size or smaller. Always check to see if a fire permit is
necessary.
Use existing fire rings.
Don’t try to burn garbage, it won’t burn completely and you will have to pick out the
unburned portions
Burn wood completely to ashes; put out carefully and generally leave the ashes in the fire
pit.
Don’t dispose of garbage in the toilets. It clogs them or fills them quickly.
-7-
Use garbage cans, if none are available or they are full, take your garbage home.
To wash yourself: Don’t use water spigot at campsite, use sinks in restroom or a basin at
the campsite.
Washing dishes: Use three (3) buckets at your own site (not bathroom sinks or water
faucet!)
Always dispose of waste water properly. Strain food out of grey water and if allowed
scatter the water away from campsites.
Be aware of restrictions against tying ropes to trees.
CC:njs
TRX1509-. 6/10/05*
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Suggested Foods
Non-Perishable Foods – (not requiring refrigeration)
Canned Goods:
ravioli, spaghetti, stew, tuna, chicken, beef, ham, vegetables,
beans, sauces, soups
Dry Goods:
fast cooking rice, flavored rice, potatoes-mashed & scalloped (just
add meat and veggies for one-pot meals), pasta, sauces, gravies,
breakfast cereals, biscuit mix, baking mixes, pancake mix,
powdered eggs, powdered milk, hot chocolate
Dried Foods:
fruits, nuts, trail mix, hummus, tabouli, falafel
Meats/Cheeses:
jerky, meat sticks, hard salami, some cheeses
Condiments:
mustard, salt, pepper, butter buds, soy sauce, taco sauce,
Worcestershire sauce, bacon bits, oil, vinegar, dried seasonings,
ketchup
Fresh Foods which keep well
Fruits and Veggies:
apples, oranges, potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, jicama, celery,
melons
Breads:
tortillas, pita, rolls, dark breads, crackers, tortilla chips, bagels
Hints

Repackage foods at home to cut down on bulky boxes and trash.

Package all meal ingredients together with instructions.

Use your imagination and work with the girls to come up with other ideas.
CC
TRX1508-. 7/14/05
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Duties and Responsibilities of the Troop Leader and Troop First Aider
and Other Safety Factors in Outdoor Activities
I.
Duties of the Troop Leader
Preparation of the troop for a safe outdoor experience. The leader
should have prepared the girls and adults as follows.
A.
Keep alert for hazards and correct or avoid them.
B.
In transporting the troop, a seat must be provided for every
girl and adult with no vehicle's use exceeding the licensed
capacity of the vehicle. Each girl and adult is to use a seat
belt. No one is to ride in the back of a truck or in the back of
a station wagon without seats or where gear is stored and no
seat is available.
C.
At camp cars should park facing out, so that in an emergency, drivers can get out easily. Girls
will be on the outside of the parking area when loading and unloading rather than in the
middle as would happen if parked facing in.
D.
A handwash unit set up is at every cooking area and at every chemical toilet.
E.
Fire Safety
1.
Long hair and floppy clothing are tied back when around the fire or stove.
2.
Girls should place fire buckets at every fire site used. This water is to be used for fire
only.
3.
Liquid fire starter may be used only to start charcoal fires. Do not use once fire has
started.
4.
A wood lot is established if there will be any chopping, heavy sawing or splitting of wood
at least 10’ from fire area. Only one person is to chop or split in this area but an adult
should be close at hand.
5.
Do not allow anyone to break fire wood over their knee or thigh.
6.
There should be an arc of safety where a knife, bow saw or hatchet is to be used.
7.
Tools should be stored safely--hatchets in sheaths or in wood saw off ground, pocket
knives closed.
F.
If anyone leaves the group she must have a buddy and have permission before she leaves.
G.
No group of less than four persons should go on extended hikes or side trips away from the
total troop/group. When a group does leave the larger group, destination and return time
should be given. The group, if leaving campsite to take a hike must have at least 2 adults.
H.
Decide on and practice (at least once) an emergency signal for the troop (3 whistle blasts,
cowbell ringing, car horn, or use your imagination) and a designated meeting place. If several
troops are camping together leaders should coordinate the "practice".
I.
Progression in activities is a definite preventative. Doing simple things first, then progressing
to more complicated ones as skill increases is one of the best ways to prevent accidents.
- 10 -
II.
Duties of the Troop First Aider
Be familiar with the San Diego-Imperial Council's emergency procedure pages in Pathways to
Leadership and be knowledgeable of Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Safety-Wise. Help leader prepare Safety
Management Plan. This should be written, discussed, understood and applied.
Consider:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
A.
Keep care of the troop first aid kit(s).
1.
2.
3.
B.
C.
Who to notify first in case of accident.
Who will take charge if the leader is injured?
Who will accompany an ill or injured camper to doctor or hospital, if she is able to travel?
What to do if the group becomes separated.
Who will complete Accident Report form and turn it in?
See that it is adequately equipped before each trip.
Replace insurance forms used.
Keep phone money, calling card or usable cell phone with first aid kit.
Render first aid in case of injury or sudden illness.
1.
Keep a record of all first aid rendered.
2.
Be prepared to cope with the first menstrual period.
3.
Notify parents if condition is more than you can cope with and have to seek more expert
medical help or take person to emergency room.
4.
If medical attention has to be sought, be sure that a troop insurance form goes with the victim.
Administration of Medications:
1.
2.
3.
Check permission slips to see what potential problems there might be, and to see who is on
medication and when it is to be taken.
Do not give or allow campers to take prescribed or over-the-counter medications unless you
have written and signed permission. This may be included on the permission slip.
Keep campers' and adults' medicines and supervise the taking of medicines. In case of
medicines such as those for heart conditions or extreme allergy to insects, the first aider
should be sure that the person keeps some of their medication (including inhalers) on their
person in addition to that with the first aid kit.
D.
Check in with the ranger whenever you visit a resource whether for camping, picnicking or hiking,
so in case of an emergency he'll know you are on the premises.
E.
Correct any unsafe conditions or activities that may develop. If a camper does not stop repeated
unsafe acts when asked to, call parents and send her home.
Safety is good program: Dramatize it. Discuss it. Never let the safety program degenerate into
nagging instructions. The emphasis should be on enjoyment, common sense, and good manners.
CC:FS
TRX0349-. 7/14/05
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Low Impact / Leave No Trace
Attitude and Awareness
A positive attitude and a Leave No Trace awareness are probably the best tools to have along on your
troop’s trip. By approaching each new outdoor situation with a good attitude - actually wanting to
minimize your troop’s impact - and by increasing your awareness about the impact your troop’s
activities could cause you can avoid causing that impact. Use your judgment and go light on the land.
Practice Leave No Trace skills from backyard to backcountry!
Girl Scouts of the USA have a video “From Backyard to Backcountry” that can be checked out from
the resource center to show at troop meetings.
Seven Principles of “Leave No Trace”
1. Plan ahead and prepare.
2. Camp and travel on durable surfaces.
3. Pack it in, pack it out.
4. Properly dispose of what you cannot pack out.
5. Leave what you find.
6. Minimize use and impact of fires.
7. Minimize noise and visual intrusion.
Examples of what you can do:
1. Take what you need; Be prepared.
2. Stay on path or trail; Camp in designated area.
3. Use minimum packaging; Create minimum trash.
4. Strain and sprinkle grey water.
5. Leave the flowers for the bees, birds, butterflies, and seeds.
6. Build fire only as large as needed; or use a propane stove.
7. No loud music, shrieks, etc. Which would disturb the wildlife and other campers.
- 12 -
Minimum Impact Techniques
Use some of these ideas for activities to help youth understand Leave No Trace concepts
and some of the values of wilderness.
1. Create an “outdoor manners” book.
2. Do minimum impact problem solving.
3. Visit a sand box or a bare dirt slope. Create a hill with a trail and switchbacks. Water
with a sprinkling can or hose. Repeat after cuts have been made in the switchbacks.
Discuss the results, or observe signs of erosion on a hike and discuss what may have
caused it and what can be done.
4. Participate in wetlands or meadow restoration project.
5. Do a council service project on a trail.
6. Using a map that has contours, scale, vegetation, waters sources and trails, design
your own campsite. Compare and discuss with others.
7. Adopt a trail.
8. Practice pitching and striking tents; discuss the impact the tent would have on
grass if the tent stayed in one place for a long time.
9. Take a field trip to an outdoor equipment store to look at equipment and dried food
choices.
10. Having a tasting party. Compare prices and tastes between supermarket and dried
food choices.
11. Learn how to use a portable cook stove safely.
12. Create a book of games and activities that will have minimum impact.
13. Learn how to dehydrate foods.
14. Make a minimum-impact board game.
15. Make a video.
CC:njs
TRX1549-. 6/10/05*
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How to Keep From Getting Lost in the Outdoors
Preparation for Day Hiking
Each hiker should have a day pack which contains:
 a jacket and head covering
 sunglasses
 sunscreen
 First Aid kit
 map
 extra food, such as a protein bar, sandwich, etc.
 a bottle of water
 a whistle
 a large plastic trash bag
(make a hole in the bag for face, cover body
with bag to keep person dry and warm)
One adult member of the group (leader or first-aider) should additionally carry all of the ten
essentials: map, compass, flashlight, extra clothing, extra water and food, pocket knife, first-aid kit,
candle, and waterproof matches.
How to Keep From Getting Lost
Recommended minimum number of people for a hiking group is four (4). In an emergency, two
(2) can seek help, and one (1) can stay with a victim.
Make the ranger of the area aware of your general plans (proposed time of return, routes,
destinations, etc.)
Use the buddy system. The group leaders must maintain contact with and keep constant
count on all group members. If you are with a group, stay with the group.
Leave word with friends or relatives about where you plan to go and when you expect to return.
Have a map of the area and know where you are heading.
Stay on the trails, and obey the posted signs.
Observe landmarks, such as ridges, peaks, canyons, and streams, and keep them in mind.
Guard against hiking in huge circles.
- over -
14
What to Do in Case You Get Lost
The greatest danger in getting lost is panic within yourself. Sit down, rest, think and stay calm.
Remember...you will be found. Searching parties will look for you until you are found.
Stay near those places where searchers are likely to look for you  along a trail or road
 near the place where you said you were going
 out in the open where visibility is good
 select a tree, rock or bush as a "friend" and stay with it until you are found
Don't try to take shortcuts  through thick chaparral (you will exhaust yourself)
 over or along steep cliffs or high rocks (you may slip and injure yourself)
If the surrounding country is wild and rough  do not try to hike in the dark, or fog, or in a bad storm
 pick an open spot and establish a marker that can be seen from the air
 prepare a shelter nearby against the weather; shade in the summer and protection from the cold
and wind in the winter; dig a hole and line it with dry leaves and cover yourself with more dry
leaves and dirt.
 try to locate water nearby
If the fire hazard is high, do not build a fire - you may be committing suicide. If the fire hazard is not
high, prepare a clearing and build a small fire. Add to it until smoke can be seen. Green wood and
brush will provide more smoke. At night build a blaze that can be seen as a signal.
A series of three (3) whistles, three (3) shouts, or three (3) shots or flashes are signals of
distress - use them for distress signals only.
Keep calm. You will be found!
Do You Know How to Find Directions by Your Watch?
Hold your watch level and point the hour hand to the point on the horizon directly below the sun.
Halfway between the hour hand and the numeral 12 will be south.
Preparing the Girls
In addition to reviewing the points above with the troops, discuss with the girls the following:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Adults will not be angry with you should you become lost. Children have avoided
searchers because they were afraid of punishment.
It's okay to talk to "strangers" - they are helpful searchers.
If you hear a noise, yell - it may be someone looking for you.
Make yourself big! If you hear helicopters, try to get into a small clearing and lie down
with your brightest-colored clothing on top.
The girls may have been introduced to the "Hug a Tree" philosophy at school.
Encourage them to share what they learned.
CC:FS:LW
TRX0350-. 7/14/05
15
Let’s Tent! Pre-Course Assignment
Name: _______________________________________________Class Date: ___________________
E-mail address __________________________________Service Unit _________________________
1. What is “Low Impact/Leave No Trace” camping?
2. What is the typical quiet time at a campsite?
3. What is the minimum number of people for any hiking group? __________ Why?
4. Describe the signal you should use if you become lost while camping.
5. Why should you put on fresh clean clothes before going to bed?
6. Is layering clothing a good idea? _________ Why, or why not?
7. What is a ground cloth and why should one be used?
8. If the provided garbage cans are full, what do you do with your trash?
9. What is the proper way to park at a campsite and why?
10.
What is “From Backyard to Backcountry” and where is it found?
CC:LW
TRX1609-. 7/06/05
16