Outdoors

Celebrating the great outdoors has been a part of Girl Scouts since the very beginning. Many of the badges the first Girl Scouts earned were tied to learning and refining outdoor skills - and that hasn't changed in our 100+ year history.

Today's Girl Scouts learn these skills through our Outdoor Progression.

Progression allows girls to learn the skills they need to become competent in the outdoors, including how to plan and organize outdoor activities. Acknowledge a girl's mastery of an outdoor skill and invite her to challenge herself further by taking that next step up and out! Outdoor fun can be endless when girls lead.

Outdoor Skill-Building Videos

Are you new to hiking and camping? Maybe a little nervous about taking girls on an outdoor journey for the first time? Don't worry! These videos from GSUSA will help you prepare for a fun, safe adventure with your girls. (And be sure to read our Safety Activity Checkpoints for specific safety guidelines on everything from archery to whitewater rafting.)

Step by Step: Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls: At Girl Scouts, we work to build girls’ outdoor skills and inspire girls to care for the environment as they grow. The Girl Scout Outdoor Progression Chart is a tool you can use as you advance girls’ skills in an age-appropriate way.
Taking the Journeys Outside: It’s easy to take a Girl Scout Journey outside. Each Journey is full of fun, interactive activities that can easily go outdoors and inspire girls to love and protect the planet. Watch this video to find out how!
Planning Your Troop's First Campout: In order to have a great campout, you need to plan ahead—and be prepared. This video will give you plenty to think about as you plan your next outdoor adventure with Girl Scouts.
Introduction to Campsite Set-up: A safe, efficient campsite is important when camping. Watch and learn how to set up a proper camp!
Introduction to Cooking Outdoors: Propane, charcoal, box ovens—there are so many choices when cooking outside. This video shares ideas about the delicious possibilities. Tasty!
How to Leave No Trace Outdoors: A Girl Scout always leaves an area better than she found it. Throughout this video, girls will learn the importance of caring for the land, and how to easily “Leave No Trace” when exploring and enjoying the outdoors.
Introduction to Fire Building: To ensure a fun campfire experience and help minimize impact on the environment, this video provides basic skills on Leave No Trace ethics, wood gathering, types of fire building methods, and how to start and extinguish a campfire.
Outdoor Songs and Games: This video provides fun tips on how to teach songs and games to girls to do in the outdoors, and resources available to learn more about Girl Scout songs and games.