CALIFORNIA GIRL SCOUT BACKPACKERS
MEMBER GROUPS
CAGS Backpackers member groups consist of volunteer-run organizations, primarily based in California, that support Girl Scouts (youth and adults) in developing backpacking skills through trainings, resident camps, events, trips, and troop-based programs. Want to learn more or join one of our member groups? Reach out to our members directly to get started!
Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast
Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles
GSGLA Adult Educators
Council Trainers
Through GSGLA’s formal volunteer training progression, we prepare adult Girl Scouts to confidently lead their troops on backpacking trips, helping girls build independence, resilience, and outdoor skills as they safely explore the wilderness.
Contact: Gwendolyn Dreyer, Master Trainer
Outdoor Leadership Council
Interest Group
Rooted in the Santa Monica Bay service unit, the Outdoor Leadership Council builds outdoor skills and leadership for girls in grades 6–12 through hiking and backpacking. Experienced older girls lead the program with guidance from adult advisors.
Contact: Susan Stahl, Adult Advisor
Shark Bait
Troop
Shark Bait is a legacy troop of around 100 scouts in grades 6–12. We have a robust outdoor program including participation in Tambu (backpacking competition) and backpacking progression from beginner to advanced with a summer long-term.
Contact: Renee Jensen, Anchor (Co-leader)
Girl Scouts of Northern California
Camp Butano Creek
Resident Camp
Volunteer-run Butano Creek sits in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains. Due to ongoing fire recovery in Big Basin State Park, our backpacking unit, Pacific Packers, is currently on hiatus with plans to relaunch as soon as possible.
Contact: Linda "Cookie" Coensgen, Camp Director
Two Sentinels Girl Scout Camp
Resident Camp
Founded in 1936, Two Sentinels is a volunteer-run summer camp focused on backpacking and rustic experiences. We offer a graduated backpacking program emphasizing skill development and mastery, with trips in the Sierras ranging from 2–10 nights.
Contact: Kathy Gallagher, Backpacking Coordinator
NorCal BIG
Interest Group
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, NorCal BIG teaches hiking and backpacking skills to girls (grades 6–12) and adults of all levels. We offer beginner through advanced backpacking trips through two chapters based in the East Bay and South Bay.
Contact: Christine Fawcett and Lin Yang, Leaders
Girl Scouts of Oregon and Southwest Washington
GSOSW High Adventure Mentors
Interest Group
High Adventure Mentors offers wilderness hiking courses, backpacking programs, and paddling adventures for seniors, ambassadors, and volunteers, along with mentorship to empower troop leaders to confidently lead their own adventures.
Contact: Dawn Galli and Michele Kohler, High Adventure Mentors
Girl Scouts San Diego
GSSD Backpacking Trainers
Council Trainers
We serve 300–400 girls and adults (grade 6 and up) in our hiking, backpacking, and advanced backpacking progression, leading trips in Southern California and the High Sierras. Our girls in our highly developed youth leader program lead right alongside us.
Contact: Valerie Ross, Trainer