What's New

Safety Updates
May 2019

Check out new Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) for Pocket Knife and Jack Knife Safety, and Tools and Power Tools. A number of existing SACs have been updated. Most notable is that new accommodation guidelines are listed in the Travel SACs. The standards now permit Airbnb and other vacation rentals. Good news for many troops! Updated SACs include new guidance from GSUSA regarding which activities require activity consultant approval. Check the SAC Matrix to see what does and doesn't need approval.

Insurance for Out-of-Council Trips
May 2019

Effective Tuesday, May 14, 2019, troops and groups leaving San Diego and Imperial Counties no longer need to enroll in Plan 3P Activity (aka Accident) Insurance for trips less than three nights. Plan 1 (insurance provided automatically with membership) or Plan 2 (insurance purchased for non-members) is sufficient for these trips. Activity consultant approval is no longer needed for day trips outside council territory.  Exception: day trips to Mexico still require enrollment in Plan 3PI. Use our helpful flow chart to determine what insurance is needed.

Summer Troop Adventure Weekends
May 2019

For the first time ever, we're offering Adventure Weekends for troops during the summer! First-time campers experience a well-rounded sampler including arts and crafts, teambuilding, outdoor skill, nature and science activities. We’ll provide meals, activity supplies, and modern lodging. You meet new friends and experience the joy of the outdoors. 

Girl Scout Training
April 2019

Learning options abound at Girl Scouts San Diego! Visit our new training page to discover how learning more opens up opportunities for you and your troop like camping, archery, backpacking, travel, highest awards, and other enrichment activities.

Bridging Guide
March 2019

Find tips for planning a bridging ceremony at the troop or service unit level, and learn to make it a truly girl-led event by using the three processes of Girl Scouting on our new online Bridging Guide.

Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award Resources
February 2019

Learn about highest awards for Girl Scout Juniors and Cadettes on the new Bronze and Silver Award web pages. You'll find info on award prerequisites, award steps, and frequently asked questions to help you guide girls.

Large Event and Encampment Director Training
January 2019

Calling all new and experienced event and encampment directors. Check out the new Large Event and Encampment Director training online. This 20-minute course covers first aid, safety, registration, budgeting, marketing, and more. Plus, you’ll learn about the new large event and encampment approval process and resources just for directors. Training must be retaken every three years. Contact training@sdgirlscouts.org to sign up.

Storing and Locking Prescription Medications
January 2019

Prescription medications used by adults or girls must be kept locked away during overnights on Girl Scout sites. It’s an American Camp Association standard. Camping at Winacka or Whispering Oaks? You’ll find lock boxes in each cabin and refrigerator. Use the locking packs in the refrigerators for meds that need to remain cool or when taking meds on a hike or other location away from the site. Camping at Balboa or Escondido? Bring a combo lock and your own box or backpack where meds can be locked away. A TSA lock works just fine. Locking prescription meds is a good practice at non-Girl Scout sites too and may be required.

Rescue medicines. It’s important to know that rescue medicines, like epi-pens for allergies, asthma inhalers, and diabetes medication, must be immediately available. Do not lock these. Girls may carry rescue medicines themselves if approved by a parent and physician.

Over-the-counter medicines. It’s optional to lock up over-the-counter medicines like first aid cream, Advil, etc.

Safety Management Plans for Encampments
October 2018

Troop leaders whose troops attend an encampment do not need to complete their own safety management plan. The trained encampment director will complete a plan to share with all troops and volunteers. Be sure to ask for the plan and review it before attending.

Approvals for Encampments
October 2018

Troop leaders whose troops attend an encampment do not need to submit their own approval request as long as the encampment director who planned the event has:

• Taken training in the last three years.
• Requested and received approval from the service unit activity consultant.
• Completed a safety management plan and shared it with attending adults.

Note: Troop leaders must still obtain parent permission for girls attending encampments.