Our History

The Beginning

On October 21, 2017, 23 Girl Scout backpacking leaders from across California gathered for the first California Girl Scout Backpackers (CAGS Backpackers) round table at the Girl Scouts San Diego Balboa Campus. This all-volunteer group represented council programs, interest groups, legacy troops, and a few individuals with nascent dreams of starting a program in their region. These women and men spent a weekend together presenting their programs, needs, frustrations, and aspirations.

All shared a passion not just for the outdoors, but a drive to help guide our scouts into the wilderness and help them emerge as leaders. Combining a backpacker's inherent camaraderie with Girl Scouts' passion for collaboration and action, each individual made a lasting contribution to CAGS Backpackers and helped define our mission and goals.

Our Logo

The CAGS Backpackers logo art is based on a hand-drawn design by long-time Girl Scout volunteer Ted Oyama, master trainer for Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles (GSGLA) and Girl Scouts of Orange County. Ted single-handedly kept GSGLA backpacking training afloat for many years and has received the Thanks Badge, Girl Scouts' highest volunteer honor.

The First CAGS Backpackers Summit

October 21, 2017 - San Diego, CA

Founding Member Groups

Girl Scouts San Diego Backpacking Trainers

Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Backpacking Trainers

NorCal BIG (Girl Scouts of Northern California Interest Group)

Shark Bait (Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles Troop)

IN ATTENDANCE
Girl Scouts of California's Central Coast