For Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Recommended for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors
Minimum age: Junior (with short trip experience in Girl Scouting)
Travel anywhere in the country on trips lasting four nights or more, or that take place more than a six-hour drive from home. Try to avoid trips girls might take with their families and consider those that offer some educational and/or community service/Take Action component—this can incorporate some incredible cities, historic sites, and museums around the country.
Girl Scouts of Utah requires that short trips, extended trips, and international trips are taken in sequential order to ensure adequate travel experience. This means that when a group/troop decides to take an international trip, they must have prior experience traveling as a group within the United States before their travel application will be approved by the council.
Required troop leader training/certification
- GSUSA Field Trips & Travel (found on gsLearn)
- GSU Trips & Travel Requirements (required 8 weeks in advance of travel with renewal every 2 years; found on gsLearn)
- Exploring the USA (required for all travelers, both youth and adult; 6-12 months prior to travel)
- Camping 101 (only required if camping)
- First Aid/CPR certification (online only is not accepted; must include an in-person skills check)
- Wilderness and Remote First Aid certification is required if more than 30 minutes from emergency services
Visit the Trips and Travel and Camping and the Outdoors dropdowns on the Volunteer Training page for more information.
Trainings for this type of trip must be completed at least six months prior to the trip.
Preparation
- Contact Service Unit Manager and inform them of the trip at least 2 weeks prior to departure date
- Review relevant Safety Activity Checkpoints
- Review Volunteer Policies (PDF) travel section
- Verify that all youth have a current Girl Scout membership
- Verify that all adults have a current Girl Scout membership, an eligible criminal background check on file, and are current on their youth protection training.
- Complete the Preparing For Travel in a COVID Environment Checklist and discuss with your troop
Required documents to submit to GSU
Check out Travel Resources for travel-specific items; use the document search for other items.
Due at least 2 months before departure date -
- Troop Trip/Camping Application
A GSU Program Specialist will reach out to confirm the application has been received. Please submit any additional documents directly to that Program Specialist in order for your trip to be approved.
- Activity Approval Form (if applicable; please review Safety Activity Checkpoints for activities requiring council approval)
Due 1 month before departure date -
- Driver form (required for trips of 2 nights or more for each driver)
- Proof of First Aid/CPR certification (online-only not accepted; must include in-person skills check)
- Certificates of Insurance (required for certain lodging and most high adventure activities)
- Trip Action Plan
Documents to be collected by troop leader and carried with them at all times during travel
Leave backup copies at home with a troop supporter:
- Parent/Guardian Permission Form
- Physical Exam Form (required for Girl Scouts and adults for any activity lasting 3 consecutive nights or more; must be completed within 24 months of travel)
- Health History and Consent Form (required for Girl Scouts and adults for any activity lasting 3 consecutive nights or more, must be completed within 12 months of travel)
- Medication Log
- Trip Action Plan
- Sensitive Issues Parent/Guardian Permission Request (if applicable)
- Accident Report Form (just in case)
- Emergency Information Card (just in case)