Outdoor Programs & Resources

Whether you're a beginner or a pro, your next great adventure will help you develop outdoor skills, leadership skills, and a passion for nature!

Outdoor Programs

Discover the excitement, challenge, and wonder of the outdoors through Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Programs! Whether it’s hiking through scenic trails, stargazing under the night sky, or mastering campfire cooking, these programs help Girl Scouts of all ages build courage, confidence, and character in the natural world.

From beginner-friendly adventures to advanced outdoor skills, each experience encourages curiosity, teamwork, and a lifelong love of the outdoors. Explore the options below to find the perfect way to get outside and grow.

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Outdoor Adventure programs invite Girl Scouts to explore the world beyond the trailhead through hands-on discovery and movement-based fun. From scenic hikes to creative nature games and scavenger hunts, Girl Scouts will build confidence and curiosity while connecting with the outdoors.

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Outdoor Skills programs teach Girl Scouts the essential know-how for thriving in the great outdoors. Through hands-on activities in outdoor cooking, knots and ropes, fire and knife safety, navigation, first aid, and Leave No Trace ethics, girls will learn to lead with confidence and care for the environmen

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Nature Discovery programs turn the outdoors into a living classroom where curiosity leads the way. Girl Scouts investigate ecosystems, wildlife, and weather while conducting real science in nature—think animal tracking, pond studies, or stargazing. These programs spark curiosity, creativity, and environmental stewardship by showing that every leaf, footprint, and ripple tells a story worth exploring.

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Overnight programs give Girl Scouts the full camp experience - from pitching tents and cooking over the fire to late-night stories under the stars. Whether it’s a one-night campout or a weekend retreat, girls will practice outdoor skills, explore nature, and build friendships that last far beyond the campfire. Each overnight is designed to foster independence, teamwork, and a lifelong love for the outdoors.

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S’monthly Campfires are cheerful, come-as-you-are campfire meetups held simultaneously at three locations across the state so every Girl Scout has a nearby option. Each month features a fresh, seasonally themed mini-program—think Winter Wonderland, Rainy Day Fun, Backyard BBQ Bash, Spooky Tales, and more. Events are open to Daisies through Ambassadors, and run rain or shine with simple weather-wise adjustments.

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A Daisy Dayz event is a joyful introduction to Girl Scouts and outdoor fun for our youngest members in Kindergarten and first grade. Daisies and their families enjoy hands-on crafts, songs, simple STEM, and outdoor play while learning what Girl Scouts is all about. Every event features new themes and activities, so families can attend multiple Daisy Dayz events throughout the year.

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Outdoor Sports programs invite Girl Scouts to move, play, and build new skills through active recreation in the outdoors. From archery and canoeing to snowshoeing and team challenges, girls learn safety, sportsmanship, and confidence while embracing the thrill of adventure. Each session encourages physical activity, perseverance, and the joy of trying something new in a supportive environment.

Outdoor Resources for Troop Leaders

It's easier than ever for Girl Scout volunteers to explore to the wonders of hiking and camping. Whether you're a camping pro, or just starting out, you can have a positive experience in the great outdoors.

Taking girls outside can be a fun time for everyone as girls develop outdoor skills and a passion for nature.

Select a topic below to view the resources!

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Campfire Recipes

Grab your ingredients and gather round the campfire (or kitchen) for a play by play of how to make some delicious campfire meals and sweet treats.

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Equipment

Pie irons (enough for your troop)
Kitchen probe thermometer
Skillet

Ingredients

Butter
1 lb hamburger (or vegan alternative)
1 pkg tortillas
Lettuce
Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Taco seasoning
1 pkg tostada shells
Black beans or refried beans (there are vegan refried beans)
Salsa
Onion
Bell pepper
Tomato

Instructions

1. Cook ground beef either in a skillet over hot coals or on a camp stove until it reaches a safe internal temperature of at least 160 degrees Fahrenheit (you can add your taco seasoning to the ground beef)

2. Butter your pie irons on both internal sides (prevent your crunchwrap from sticking)

3. Place a flour tortilla on one side of the pie iron

4. Have Girl Scouts add the fillings of their choice to the tortilla, including the crunchy tostada. PRO TIP: Important that the pie iron can be closed, keep portions small

5. Fold the tortillas until the pie iron can be closed (you may have to get pretty crunchy!)

6. Close the pie iron, bring it over to the fire, and set it in the hot coals

7. Cook for several minutes with at least one rotation (so that both sides cook evenly)

8. Enjoy your crunchwrap!

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Equipment

Aluminum foil
Knife
Spoons
Mixing Spoon
Campfire grate, ring, or grill

Ingredients

Oranges (one per Girl Scout)
Cake mix (you can use pre-made cake mix or make your own from scratch)
Other ingredients required by your cake mix (water, oil, eggs, etc.)

Instructions

2. Butter your pie irons on both internal sides (prevent your crunchwrap from sticking)

3. Place a flour tortilla on one side of the pie iron

4. Have Girl Scouts add the fillings of their choice to the tortilla, including the crunchy tostada. PRO TIP: Important that the pie iron can be closed, keep portions small

5. Fold the tortillas until the pie iron can be closed (you may have to get pretty crunchy!)

6. Close the pie iron, bring it over to the fire, and set it in the hot coals

7. Cook for several minutes with at least one rotation (so that both sides cook evenly)

8. Enjoy your crunchwrap!

DIY Gorp

Gorp is (traditionally) a mixture of nuts, dried fruit, and chocolate used as fuel for camping or hiking.

Equipment

Bowls
Ziplock Bags

Ingredients

Nuts
Almonds, pistachios, peanuts, cashews, walnuts, pecans, macadamia nuts, or hazelnuts
Dried fruit
Raisins, prunes, apricots, banana chips, dried pineapple, figs, or any freeze-dried fruit
Chocolate (or candy)
M&M’s, Reese’s Pieces, mini peanut butter cups, white chocolate chips, butterscotch chips, mini marshmallows, or Sour Patch Kids
Other: Shredded coconut, sunflower or pumpkin seeds, puffed rice, cereal, Goldfish, pretzels, parmesan crisps, freeze-dried veggies, vanilla wafers, or even Fritos!

Instructions

NOTE: Consider dietary limitations your Girl Scouts may have. It is important to communicate with parents when numerous allergens are present.

1. Set out bowls of each ingredient buffet style

2. Give each Girl Scout an appropriate size ziploc bag

3. Are you planning a day hike (sandwich size), or a full weekend of camping (gallon size)?

4. Have Girl Scouts fill their bags with foods of their choosing

5. Discuss the benefits of fueling your body with carbs, proteins, and healthy fats for your activities.

6. Enjoy your gorp out on the trails!

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Explore the Outdoor Skills events that will help teach the finer points of things like using knives, building fires, archery, and more!

Hikes

No adventure is complete without exploring the outdoors. Join us as we take you through the trails of our camps—with a twist! Each hike we’ll share some activities you can do on your own, wherever you are.

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An "Alphabet hike" is an outdoor activity where participants look for things that correspond to each letter of the alphabet, either by creating a scavenger hunt list or playing a game. It can be done on a nature walk to find items like plants and animals, or it can be adapted to a more urban environment to find letters in buildings, signs, and other objects. The goal is to make hiking a learning and interactive experience for both children and adults.

How to Play:

Create a list: Before you start, prepare a paper with the letters of the alphabet written on it. You can also create a scavenger hunt list with items to find for each letter.

Start with A: Begin with the letter A and look for something outside that starts with that letter.

Go through the alphabet: Move through the alphabet in order, from B to Z, finding an item for each letter.

Be creative: Items don't have to be found in nature. You can look for letters in man-made objects, such as signs, buildings, and even clouds.

Take notes: Document what you find by writing it down or taking pictures.

Make it a game: For a more challenging or competitive version, you can play the "Alphabet Game" where players take turns naming an item for each letter. Players who stumble or hesitate are out.

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A "paint chip hike" is a game where participants use paint chips to find and match colors in nature. The color-matching game is a fun way to engage with the outdoors.

How it works:

Give each person a paint chip or a strip of chips. The goal is to find something in nature that matches each color on the chip.

How to play:

Get paint chips from a local hardware store.

Encourage participants to look under logs and behind leaves to find unique matches.

Take photos of the items found to document the findings.

Avoid touching dangerous plants or animals.

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SWAPS

Girl Scout SWAPS are "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere," which are small, handcrafted tokens exchanged between Girl Scouts as a keepsake or memento of a special event, friend, or memory. They are a tradition dating back to the 1950s and are often attached to camp hats or worn on ribbons and are a great way for Girl Scouts to meet new people and learn about each other's regions.

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Handcrafted tokens: SWAPS are small, often handmade items, like pins, keychains, or other crafts.
Mementos of an event: They serve as a reminder of a special time, like a campout, a national event, or a new friendship.
For sharing and friendship: Swapping is a way for Girl Scouts to interact with new people and share something about their troop, town, or interests.
Tradition: The tradition of swapping started at large gatherings and has grown to include exchanges at smaller events like service unit meetings and even at summer camp.

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Personalize them: SWAPS often have a tag that includes the maker's name, troop number, and the location or theme of the event, but should not include excessive personal information like a home address or phone number.
Attach them: They can be attached to a hat, vest, or a ribbon necklace with a safety pin.

Examples

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Guidelines The flag should be raised and lowered by hand:

Do not raise the flag while it is still folded, or partially folded.
When raising the flag, move it quickly to the top of the flag pole.
When lowering the flag, move it slowly and with dignity.
If other flags are to be flown, the American flag is the first one raised and the last one to be lowered, so that it is always in the highest position.
If carried in an open (unfolded) position, the flag should never be carried flat or horizontally, but always aloft and free.
Whenever possible, the flag is always raised and lowered from the leeward side of the flagstaff (on, or toward, the side sheltered from the wind or toward which the wind is blowing; downwind.) This helps keep the flag from wrapping itself around the pole!
The two Color Guards attaching the flag to the halyards (the ropes used to raise and lower a flag on a mast or pole), stand facing the flag pole, to hoist the flag without entangling the halyards.
The Color Bearer continues to hold the edge of the flag until it is hoisted clear of her grasp, taking particular care that no portion of the flag touches the ground. When the flag is clear and being raised, the Color Guards step back and stand at attention but do not salute. The Color Guard
Members of the color guard stand quietly at attention when they are not actively preparing the flag for raising or lowering. They do not say the Pledge of Allegiance or give a salute during the Pledge, nor do they sing along with any songs that might be used in the ceremony. They may give a brief salute in unison immediately after the flag has been raised and secured, and just before the halyard is loosened to begin the lowering of the flag.
If members of the color guard wear red sashes (optional) the Flag Bearer(s) wear the sash over the right shoulder, and tied in a square knot at the waist on the left side. The Guards and Caller may wear red sashes tied around the waist, with a square knot on the left side.
At the flag ceremony, the Flag Bearer enters and exits first, followed by the Guards.
The first two members of the color guard help to hold the flag while the Flag Bearer fastens it to the halyard, and are responsible for seeing that the flag does not become entangled as it is fastened to the halyard, and that it does not touch the ground.
Once the flag is attached to both halyards and is free of the ground, the Color Bearer steps back and the first two Guards raise the flag.
The entire color guard is responsible for unfolding and folding the flag

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Adult Training

Girl Scouts of Connecticut is dedicated to equipping volunteers with the knowledge and certifications needed to lead engaging, safe, and enriching experiences for Girl Scouts. From first aid and outdoor skills to adventure-based certifications, these training offerings ensure you're prepared to guide your troop through a variety of exciting activities. Whether you're planning a wilderness adventure, teaching archery basics, or helping Girl Scouts master outdoor cooking, there's a training designed just for you.

Download this handy chart of Adult Trainings to help you stay on track

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Out and About

This module will prepare you to take girls on local field trips or day trips and is a prerequisite to all other trip and outdoor courses. Learn about the importance of trips and outdoor experiences, progression, readiness, how to plan and budget for trips with girls, trip safety, and group management.

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Ready Set Camp

Learn how to guide girls through planning and carrying out a camping trip using the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). This training covers outdoor cooking methods, campfire programming, nighttime activities, and risk management for overnight trips.

Volunteers will gain the skills and confidence to teach girls how to:
Plan and prepare for an overnight camping experience
Build and safely manage campfires
Begin their outdoor cooking adventures
Camp overnight in established campgrounds (Girl Scout properties, state parks, or other approved sites)

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Archery Training

Become a USA Archery Level 1 instructor. Learn to set-up and operate a safe archery program. Learn to teach new archers, maintain equipment, and identify and correct common shooting errors. Upon course completion, you will be certified to teach archery as a Level 1 instructor. As a certified instructor you have another way to offer Girl Scouts new and exciting experiences.

The course consists of two parts. The first part is an online course that is approximately 4 hours long and can be completed at your own pace. After the online course is completed, you will participate in an in-person practical, hands-on experience. Upon completion of the online course and the in-person practical, you will be certified as an USAA Archery Level 1 instructor for 3 years.

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Boating Training

This training will prepare you to facilitate kayaking and canoeing for your troop and service unit. You'll learn kayaking and canoeing skills, safety practices, how to facilitate boating with large groups, and basic water rescue skills. Participants are not required to have extensive boating experience, but should be comfortable being in and around water. Completing this course allows Girl Scout volunteers to run boating activities at GSOFCT camp properties.

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Advanced Outdoor Cooking

Ready to take your outdoor cooking skills to the next level? Join us for Adult Training: Advanced Outdoor Cooking, where you'll learn the arts of cast iron, box ovens, buddy burners, and more! This workshop will equip you with the skills and confidence to teach more advanced outdoor cooking skills to your troop.

Camporee

A camporee is when multiple troops camp at the same time and participate in the same programming or activities, at either council-owned camps or other locations. Camporees are often based around a theme, with older teens (or troops) leading activities done in rotations for the younger campers. This training qualifies adults to facilitate a Service Unit camporee.

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Winter Camping

Discover the skills and confidence you need to lead successful cold-weather camping adventures! This hands-on training covers how to stay warm and dry, set up winter shelters, and manage food and gear in freezing temperatures. Perfect for adult volunteers ready to expand their outdoor leadership and guide their troop through memorable winter experiences.

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Primitive Camping

Running alongside the youth experience, adults can participate in a hands-on Primitive Camping Training designed to help volunteers confidently guide girls through future off-the-grid adventures.

This training focuses on practical skills and outdoor leadership essentials:

Learn to teach girls shelter-building, outdoor cooking, and fire safety
Practice risk management and “Leave No Trace” camping methods
Build confidence in leading primitive or low-impact camping trips
Gain experience that qualifies you to guide Girl Scouts on future primitive overnights
Whether you’re supporting your troop’s outdoor progression or looking to expand your own skills, this training equips you to help girls push their boundaries — safely and successfully.

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Wilderness First Aid

This is an American Red Cross course and certification. This course must be taken every two years to be considered up to date. This course teaches advanced skills to be used in emergencies when help from professional first responders may be far away. Based on the Boy Scouts of America Wilderness First Aid Curriculum and Doctrine Guidelines, this course aligns with OSHA’s Best Practices for Workplace First Aid Training Programs.

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Equipment Rentals

The Girl Scouts of Connecticut offers a wide variety of high-quality rental items for all your Troop’s outdoor activities and adventures. Rental equipment like tents, camp cook kits, hammocks and flag sets can be borrowed and used anywhere you’d like. Going to a state park with your troop? Rent a Birding kit. Camping in the Adirondacks? Borrow a Jetboil. Simply fill out the rental request form at least 4 weeks in advance and choose your pickup location. Girl Scouts may pick up rental gear at our properties in North Haven, Oxford, Manchester, Weston, Lebanon and Stamford. For a full list of rental items and program kit descriptions, check out our rental request form.

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Camping Equipment

We have a variety of camping gear like camp cook kits, Jetboils, water filters and more!

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Hiking Equipment

Internal frame backpack designed to carry all your gear while backpacking. Adult and youth sizes available.

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Program Kits

Perfect for your next trop meeting our outing, borrow a Terrific Trees, Yoga or Animal Tracks kit.

Tents

Two and Four person tents with a rainfly, footprint and assembly instructions. All our high-quality tents have two zippered entrances and internal pockets for storage.

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Outdoor Skill Kits

Practice bird identification, using a compass, or wood whittling with our Birding, Orienteering and Jackknives kits

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Troop Camping

Troop Camping gives Girl Scouts and their leaders the chance to plan their own outdoor adventure together! Whether it’s pitching tents, cooking over the campfire, or exploring nature trails, troop camping builds teamwork, independence, and outdoor skills in a fun, supportive setting.

Camp Rocky Craig

Camp Rocky Craig is...

Camp Laurel

Camp Laurel is a beautiful outdoor destination nestled along the shores of Stiles Pond. Enjoy activities like archery, boating, and paddle-boarding.

GSOFCT Summer Camps

We operate five day camps & one overnight summer camp.

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