CALIFORNIA GIRL SCOUT BACKPACKERS
MEMBER GROUPS
CAGS Backpackers is made up of volunteer-led groups of backpacking enthusiasts, primarily based in California, all connected through Girl Scouts. 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 to 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
Located in the foothills of the Santa Cruz Mountains, volunteer-run Butano Creek offers three backpacking units for girls entering middle school through high school with one, two, or three night trips through Big Basin State Park.
Contact: Linda "Cookie" Coensgen, Camp Director
NorCal BIG
Interest Group
Located in the San Francisco Bay Area, we teach backpacking and wilderness hiking skills to girls (sixth grade and up) and adults - no prior experience required. We lead overnight trips, a two night trip, and an extended summer trip.
Contact: Christine Fawcett and Robin Johnson, Co-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 in our hiking, backpacking, and advanced backpacking progression leading trips from the High Sierras to Appalachia. Our girls in our highly developed Youth Leader program lead right alongside us.
Contact: Valerie Ross, Trainer