Girl Scout backpacking groups have monthly weekend trips from October to April and sometimes organize a summer trip. Backpacking groups are a great way for novice backpackers to gain skills by learning from experienced backpackers, and it’s an excellent way for both experienced and novice backpackers to meet more people who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Don’t have all the necessary backpack equipment for group weekend trips? No worries. Arrangements can be made to rent equipment at the Girl Scout Center through a backpacking group coordinator. Don’t worry if you might be the only girl in your troop or a Juliette who might be interested in backpacking. You won’t be the only one! Sign up for an orientation and join the fun! For more backpacking information contact at Deban Becker 713-292-0203 or dbecker@sjgs.org.

Girls and adults will master the basics of backpacking in this orientation. The course covers equipment needed, what to bring, how to pack, how to cook on the trail, and backpack and tent usage. Participants will learn to: gather information to prepare for the trip, pitch a tent, tie a sleeping bag to a backpack, and cook on a sterno stove. Each participant will pack their own backpack and go on a short hike, then pitch their council tent for spending the night under the stars. This course prepares girls to backpack with a Council group or with a troop. Adults must complete the Adult Backpack Training course to be certified to take girls backpacking outside of a Council-sponsored backpack group. The fee covers equipment rental (both backpack and tent), backpack manual, and nylon rope. A packing list and more information will be sent with your confirmation.

Date: February 28 - 29
Time: Saturday 9:30 a.m. – Sunday noon
Place: Camp Camwood, Hockley
Fee: $10, due two weeks prior to event
Event Code: 10-56-05-6240
Register: Use Program Registration Form

Adult Backpack Training

All riding programs are staffed with volunteer adults and older girls who have had Council training in safe handling of horses and riders.The appropriate ratio of troop adults according to Safety-Wise including the troop’s certified first aider must accompany all riders to the riding area and remain in the area while their girls are riding. Riders should be at the Boot and Helmet Room in the barn at Camp Misty Meadows at least 30 minutes before their scheduled ride times. Late arrivals will result in a shortened ride.

Riders must wear long pants and suitable camp attire. Helmets and boots are available. Girls bringing their own helmets must show a SEI certification label; boots must be smooth-soled with at least a 1/2" heel.

Registration deadlines must be met for participants to be placed. The deadline for all riding events is three weeks prior to the event. Troops camping in Camp Misty Meadows have priority placement for riding slots. All riding programs have maximum capacities listed; these limits are strictly followed. Girls have priority over adults for riding slots.

The equitation program needs registered Girl Scout adults to volunteer in two distinct areas of equitation.

Riding Staff: If you care to work with horses, GSSJC needs riding staff to learn and then teach proper safety, horse care, and riding skills to the Girl Scouts taking part in the program. Formal instruction is provided as Saturday day training: one is held in October and another session is in February. There may also be adult training held on different weekends throughout the year as the need arises.

Dorm Staff: The equitation program also welcomes all registered adults who may enjoy a weekend at camp with Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts, yet prefer not to work with horses. Every troop camping weekend during the year, the SPURS girls need two adult unit leaders as dorm staff, one of whom must be a currently certified First Aider.
Contact George Ann Barrett, 713-292-0313 or www.gssjc.org for an information packet.