Outdoor Trainings

When exploring the outdoors, having the proper skills and safety knowledge is key for having fun outdoor Girl Scout experiences. Girl Scouts Heart of Central California offers adult and girl trainings throughout the year to teach or refresh the skills you need for your adventures.

For Girl Scouts

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Girl Scouts who are Cadettes or older have the opportunity to use their outdoor skills to take charge and lead younger girls as Outdoor Program Aides. This training empowers girls with basic outdoor skills and teaching practice so that they can take on leadership experiences in an outdoor setting.

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Our Counselor in Training (CIT) and Wrangler in Training (WIT) programs are specifically designed as progressive learning experiences for girls to learn and grow their leadership skill set. Communication, problem-solving group facilitation, and program planning are just some of the many skills participants will learn and put into practice. With the guidance of Camp Menzies’ leadership mentor staff, CIT/WIT campers will work their way through the three-step program to be able to plan and lead their fellow campers in day-to-day camp activities. Camp Menzies is a safe and supportive environment in which campers can try new things and fail, only to improve and one day get their dream job. Who knows? Maybe they may even end up working at camp. Check out the Camp Menzies brochure for more info!

Older Girls and Adults

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Backpacking 101 gives Girl Scouts and leaders the skills they need to have a successful back country backpacking trip. This practical course teaches essentials like how to pack a backpack efficiently, proper waste storage and disposal, backpacking menu planning and more.

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Wilderness First Aid teaches the skills needed to respond to medical emergencies when in remote settings with limited access to emergency medical services. Taught over the course of two days, this training is a scenario-based class where older Girl Scouts and adult volunteers learn how to deal with situations with minimal support and limited supplies. This training is required for groups planning any Girl Scout activities taking place more than 45 minutes from Emergency Medical Services (EMS), including international trips. (Note: can be replaced by other Level 2 First Responder trainings for international trips in non-wilderness areas.) This training expires two years after taking it and will need to be renewed.

Check out GSHCC’s Activity Calendar for upcoming trainings or arrange your own with one of our First Aid program partners.

For Adults

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Adult volunteers can become Archery Instructors, who train volunteers how to successfully run a basic archery program for Brownies through adults. This course has both lecture and practical components covering a wide range of skills and knowledge, including safety procedures, training tips and basic equipment repair. This training expires three years after taking it and will need to be renewed.

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Adult volunteers have the opportunity to expand their experience in mentorship by becoming Troop Camp Certified. The Troop Camp Certification teaches volunteers how to camp the “Girl Scout way,” giving them the skills and knowledge they need to lead and support outdoor adventures.

Troop Camp Certification has two parts: part one starts with a virtual course on the procedures and philosophy behind girl-led camping, and part two is an in-person course teaching and assessing common outdoor skills. (Note: experienced campers can bypass the skills assessment by filling out a challenge form here or both courses by challenging the requirements here.)

Check out GSHCC’s Activity Calendar for upcoming trainings.