Building leaders, one step at a time

See if your girl is ready for the outdoors and camp.

Girl Scouts offers many opportunities for girls to create their own outdoor adventures. Camp is a primary outlet where they gain leadership skills and confidence. Being ready to go to a dedicated resident camp or on a camping trip with one’s troop takes time, however—and it begins closer to home.

Progression Method

That’s why Girl Scouts developed an outdoor progression method, which has proven vital to girl development. Through it, girls practice “leave no trace” principles as they take on age-appropriate leadership roles, from learning to read trail markers to studying flora and fauna, and from cooking out with their troop to camping out for a night or two.

Most importantly, girls learn to appreciate and care for natural resources, and they gain independence and self-esteem through fun, memorable adventures. This systematic approach of learning outdoor skills helps girls master each level and builds their confidence along the way..

Look Out

Share past experiences in the outdoors.

Talk about favorite outdoor places and why they’re special.

Wonder what else can be seen in the outdoors.

Meet Out

Step outside to look, listen, feel, and smell.

Share what was observed.

Learn more about what was discovered.

Move Out

Plan and take a short walk outside.

Discuss being prepared for the weather.

Do activities to explore nature.

Plan and carry out an indoor sleepover.

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Plan and take a short and easy hike.

Discuss what to take in a day pack.

Dress for the weather.

Plan a healthy snack or lunch.

Learn how to stay safe in the outdoors.

Cook Out

Plan and cook a simple meal outdoors.

Make a list of gear and food supplies needed.

Learn and practice skills needed to cook a meal.

Review outdoor cooking safety.

Practice hand and dish sanitation.

Create a Kaper Chart for the cookout.

Sleep Out

Plan and carry out an overnight in a cabin/backyard.

Discuss what to pack for the sleep out.

Learn to use and care for camping gear.

Learn and practice new outdoor skills.

Plan a menu with a new cooking skill.

Discuss campsite organization.

Plan time for fun activities.

Camp Out

Plan and take a one- to two-night camping trip.

Take more responsibility for planning.

Learn and practice a new outdoor skill.

Learn a new outdoor cooking skill.

Plan a food budget, then buy and pack food.

Practice campsite set up.

Plan an agenda that includes fun activities.

Explore/protect the surrounding environment.

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Plan and take an outdoor trip for several days.

Learn and practice a new outdoor skill.

Learn a new outdoor cooking skill.

Develop first-aid skills and use safety check points.

Budget, schedule, and make arrangements.

Participate in an environmental service project.

Teach and inspire others about the outdoors.

Imagine new experiences to be had outdoors.

Practice all Leave No Trace principles.

Leave No Trace Principles

Plan ahead and prepare.

Leave what you find.

Respect wildlife.

Minimize impacts of campfires.

Travel and camp on durable surfaces.

Dispose of waste properly.

Be considerate of other visitors.

Camp Readiness

Don’t know where your girl is ready for camping? Take the quiz and let’s find out!

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Determine the answer and corresponding number that best describes how you and your camper feel, with 3 for “Yes,” 2 for “Maybe,” and 1 for “No.” Add the numbers up when you’re finished.

Be honest with your answers—this can help you decide if your Girl Scout is ready for camp.

Do you enjoy staying overnight at a friend’s house?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Have you ever camped before?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and sleeping in a tent?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Are you ready to sleep in a tent or cabin with a group of campers, knowing your counselors are in a nearby tent or cabin?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Can you take care of personal needs, such as shampooing and brushing your hair?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Can you go without TV, video games, a computer, and phone?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Do you like to meet new people and interact with others, not just your best friends?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Are you willing to try new foods that you haven’t before?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Can you make your own bed and keep track of your things?
No (1), Maybe (2), Yes (3)

Your outcome:

25+ points toggle arrow

You are an experienced camper who will thrive at overnight camp! Consider summer camp at Camp La Jita.

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You may want to try a weekend camp or a week at day camp!

Camp Metro is a great option for day camp.

Fewer than 18 points toggle arrow

Consider trying a weekend camp with a group or parents first, such as at Camp La Jita.

Summer Camp

Learn more about our camps, where girls get the chance to let their imaginations run free!

LEARN MORE

Council Finder

Camp Readiness and Outdoor Progression

Building leaders, one step at a time

See if your girl is ready for the outdoors and camp.

Progression Method

Leave No Trace Principles

Camp Readiness