Leader Essentials
We believe in sharing what works. Here, you’ll find manuals, checklists, worksheets, and forms created by our member groups to help plan, train, and inspire the next generation of backpackers. These materials are available for viewing and download, but please do not alter or distribute them without permission from the appropriate organization.
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
Council Trainers
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles offers a progression of outdoor volunteer trainings. After completing Indoor Overnight and Camping Skills, volunteers may take Backpacking Skills, a two-part course with a webinar (Part 1) and an overnight, on-trail training (Part 2), both required before leading girls on backpacking trips.
GSGLA Adult Educators
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A complete guide for trainers leading GSGLA’s Backpacking Skills, Part 2 . Includes planning tools, curriculum materials, and official forms and communications.
Girl Scouts of Northern California
Interest Group
NorCal BIG leads backpacking trips for all levels, from beginner to advanced. New participants start with an in-person evening meeting before joining a beginner trip. After that, they can continue signing up for more adventures.
NorCal BIG
Girl Scouts San Diego
Council Trainers
The Girl Scouts San Diego backpacking program builds through a progression of courses — Wilderness Hiking, Basic Backpacking, and Advanced Backpacking — combining classroom learning, trip preparation, and on-trail experience.
GSSD Backpacking Trainers
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Participant manual for GSSD’s Wilderness Hiking course.
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Lead Trainer manual for GSSD’s Wilderness Hiking course.
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Assistant Trainer manual for GSSD’s Wilderness Hiking course.
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Participant manual for GSSD’s backpacking program.
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Lead Trainer manual for GSSD’s Basic Backpacking course.
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A basic list of needed gear for beginning and intermediate backpacking trips. Included in Backpacking Nuts and Bolts.
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A list of needed gear for advanced backpacking trips.
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Timeline for organizing advanced backpacking trips.
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A system and chart used to analyze trips and determine their level of difficulty. Included in Backpacking Nuts and Bolts.
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A template to use when planning meals.
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A risk management form used to collect and distribute emergency information.
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For all participants to fill out and submit to the trip leader.
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For trip leaders to fill out and submit for approval.
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Information on bear safety and how to pack a bear canister.