Travel with Girl Scouts | Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay

Girl Scouts are explorers!

Whether it’s a walk to a local museum, a weekend camping trip, or a journey to another country, Girl Scout travel builds courage, confidence, and character. Girl Scouts who experience new places are empowered to take the lead in planning adventures, develop essential life skills, and explore the world around them.

Through teamwork, budgeting, goal setting, and decision-making, Girl Scouts gain independence and leadership skills, making every trip a meaningful part of their Girl Scout journey. This page has everything troops and caregivers need to plan safe, fun, and enriching travel experiences.

We encourage anyone thinking about planning a Girl Scout travel experience to review the GSCB Travel Guidelines. These guidelines accompany both GSUSA's travel guides and provide information regarding safety, required forms, travel planning, and more. These guides can be used as tools for planning a safe and successful experience. Keep in mind that Girl Scouts should participate in trip planning in a way that is appropriate for their program level.

Your Adventure Starts Here:

Travel Guidelines

The GSCB Travel Guidelines are available to download and complement the 200: Travel course found in gsLearn, as well as both GSUSA's travel guides.

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Travel Planning Resources

From safety guidelines to travel ideas, these resources will help you organize local outings or big adventures.

Required Forms & Insurance

Find out what's needed for different types of trips and activities, including high risk and international travel.

Travel Types & Suggested Timelines

Not all trips are the same - here's the breakdown from simple day trips to international adventures.

Connection to Girl Scout Program

Travel is more than just a fun trip, it's a powerful part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.

Travel Planning Resources

Guides and Planning Tools toggle arrow

Travel Progression Chart- This chart outlines the travel progression. “Progression” in Girl Scout travel language means that girls participate in shorter trips to gain skills and experience in preparation for the longer, more distant, or more culturally challenging trips.

GSCB Program Guide and Event Calendar- Find council-sponsored events on our Events Calendar or the GSCB program guide.

GSUSA’s Girl Scout Guide to U.S. Travel- This resource is designed for Juniors and older Girl Scouts who want to take extended trips—that is, longer than a weekend—but also features tips and tools for budding explorers who are just getting started with field trips and overnights.

GSUSA’s Girl Scout Guide to Global Travel- Once girls have mastered planning trips in the United States, they might be ready for a global travel adventure! Global trips usually take a few years to plan, and the Girl Scout Global Travel Toolkit can walk you through the entire process.

Birthplace Bound Troop Travel Planner- This planner can be found on the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace Museum website. It is your one-stop resource for streamlining trip planning, ensuring a fun Savannah experience, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Group Travel and Getaways- Getaways or ready-made experiences can be found on the GSUSA website under Group Travel. These are curated events hosted by Girl Scout Councils and partners.

Adult Volunteer-to-Youth Ratios- Chaperones are key to a successful trip! All adults must be registered and background-checked Girl Scout members. Use the charts below to ensure you meet the minimum safety requirements for supervision.

Interested in becoming a chaperone?

Become a registered member, then complete your background checks.

Where to Go and Stay toggle arrow

GSCB Property Reservations- Visit the Reserve a property page on the GSCB website to learn about our camps and make a reservation through CampSpot.

WAGGGS Travel Centers- Visit the WAGGGS World Centers. These five incredible destinations—created just for Girl Scouts —are fun, affordable, and safe places to stay. Girl Scout members, troops, volunteers, and families are invited to the centers, located in Mexico, Switzerland, England, India, and across the African continent.

Girl Scout Destinations- Are you ready for the ultimate adventure? Girl Scout Destinations are the ultimate adventure for individual Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts. Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over the country as you travel with new Girl Scout friends. There’s a unique, life-changing experience for everyone.

Getaways- Ready-made experiences and curated events hosted by Girl Scout councils and partners.

The Girl Scout Ranger Program- The National Park Service and Girl Scouts of the United States of America have partnered to create the Girl Scout Ranger Program. Girl Scouts are invited to participate in a variety of existing, organized educational or service projects at national park sites, or design their own experience or project to align with Journey work, badge activities, or a Take Action or Highest Award project.

Take a road trip- and stay with Girl Scouts- There are so many places to explore across the U.S. Use this interactive map to explore Girl Scout properties.

Safety and Financial Guidance toggle arrow

GSCB Safety and Activity Checkpoints- Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) provide the standard safety guidelines for Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and Girl Scouts of the Chesapeake Bay-approved activities. Leaders should review the Safety and Activity Checkpoints to ensure they are meeting requirements for the activities they plan throughout the year.

GSCB Money Earning Activity Policy and Guidance- The GSCB Money Earning Activity Policy and Guidance outlines rules for Girl Scout troops and members in the Chesapeake Bay Council to earn extra funds beyond council-sponsored programs. It covers eligibility, approved activities, safety guidelines, and the approval process for fundraising efforts.

Requires Forms and Insurance

Travel and Activity Application toggle arrow

This form is not required for any day or overnight trips to GSCB properties.

This form is required for activities that must receive GSCB approval, these include:

Overnight trips
High-risk activities as defined by the GSCB Safety Activity Checkpoints
Air travel
International travel
Girl, Troop, or Service Unit is partaking in a trip organized by another council or by GSUSA
Local or Domestic Travel must be submitted 90 days in advance of the trip.
International Travel must be submitted at least 12 months in advance of the scheduled trip.

Note: If a trip does not follow the Travel Progression chart, is not girl-led, or does not adhere to the Safety Activity Checkpoints, the trip will be rejected and must be amended and resubmitted. For these reasons, reservations should not be made prior to receiving approval. 

Certificate of Insurance toggle arrow

This form is not required for any day or overnight rentals of GSCB properties.

This form is required for any of the following reasons:

High Risk Activities

Third Party Rental and/or when a usage agreement is in place

Facility rental/usage, equipment, etc.

Chartering a motorized vehicle.

Whenever possible GSCB should be listed as the additional insured.

Companies should have a minimum of $1,000,000 liability coverage to be considered as the location for your activity.

Note: a company/organization may in turn request that you provide a COI from GSCB that names the organization as an additional insured. Volunteers can view all current COIs that GSCB has on file, both collected from vendors as well as provided to vendors.

Activity Accident Insurance toggle arrow

Girl Scouts provides Activity Accident Insurance underwritten by Mutual of Omaha to support Girl Scouts participating in Girl Scout approved and supervised activities and events. Activity Accident insurance is automatic upon membership registration and applies to all adult and youth members who may become injured during a Girl Scout approved and supervised activity. This coverage works like supplemental medical/health coverage and is intended to help with out-of-pocket medical expenses that may not be covered by personal insurance.

Activity Accident insurance extends to non-members who are invited to participate in a Girl Scout approved and supervised activity, whether an adult volunteer for the day, or a friend of a Girl Scout who is joining along to try out scouting.

Activity Accident coverage applies to day events, overnight trips (including camp), and international travel. A summary of these coverage types for each category can be found here.

Need proof of insurance? Click here to download.

Health History Form for Youth and Adults toggle arrow

This form is required to be completed at the beginning of the Girl Scout year. for Youth and Adult participants in order to attend troop meetings and for domestic travel.

For international travel, participants must complete the GSCB International Travel Health History form.
The Troop leader must retain a copy of the GSCB Health History Form for each troop member and keep ALL information CONFIDENTIAL.
Participants will not be able to attend without this completed form.
Adults completing this form may sign for themselves on the Parent/Guardian signature line.

Medical Form toggle arrow

This form is to be completed by a caregiver for Girl Scouts to attend overnight, national, and international trips if they are not accompanied by their parent or caregiver.

Please note: In the state of Maryland, a physician is required to sign this form stating that the participant can be given the over-the-counter medications. If you are in a troop based in Maryland, please have a physician sign this form.

Permission Waiver Form for Activities and Trips toggle arrow

This form is required for all participating youth and adult members for high-risk activities, field trips/day trips, and travel.

Permission, by a parent or guardian, must be given for each Girl Scout to participate in the activity.
Participants without permission/waiver may not be transported from the departure location and may not participate in the activity.
In addition to this form, the participant must have a GSCB Health History Form for Youth and Adults on file.

For international travel, this form must accompany the GSCB International Travel Health History Form and the GSCB Permission to Travel for Minors.

Permission to Travel Internationally for Minors toggle arrow

This form is required for international travel. Minors under the age of 18 traveling to a foreign country, when not accompanied on the trip by a legal guardian(s), must have a notarized affidavit from the legal guardian(s) not accompanying the child that:

The child is traveling out of the United States with the permission of the legal guardian(s).
That the non-traveling legal guardian(s) is aware that the child is leaving on the departure dates.
The name(s) of the person(s) accompanying the child are provided on the affidavit.

If the minor child is leaving the country without either of their legal guardian(s), both legal guardian(s) must sign and notarize the affidavit. If a single parent/guardian has custody, attach documentation stating that the minor is in the sole custody of the signer of the forms.

International Travel Health History Form toggle arrow

This form is required to be completed for Girl Scouts and Adult participants for international travel.

The Troop leader must retain a copy of the GSCB International Travel Health History Form for each troop member and keep ALL information CONFIDENTIAL.
PARTICIPANTS WILL NOT BE ABLE TO ATTEND WITHOUT THIS COMPLETED FORM.
Adults completing this form may sign for themselves on the Parent/Guardian signature line.

This form will need to be notarized.

Trip/Activity Code of Conduct Agreement toggle arrow

We suggest having a code of conduct agreement to go over with participants prior to any trips and activities. We have created one that allows each troop to add on any additional rules and regulations.

Travel Roster toggle arrow

We suggest using a travel roster to keep track of youths and adults attending, tracking background checks, registration, and form completion. We have created one for you that can be edited.

Travel Types and Suggested Timelines

Day Trips with No High Risk Activities

National Trips

Day Trips with High Risk Activities

International Trips

Overnight Trips

Individual Trips

Extended Overnight Trips (3+ Nights)

Girl Scout Connections and Travel Tips

Tie Travel to the Girl Scout Program toggle arrow

Encourage girls to use their Journeys and badges to inspire trip ideas and themes.

For example:

A Sow What? Journey might lead to a trip focused on sustainable agriculture and food tasting.
Earning the Senior Traveler badge builds confidence in planning and budgeting.
Other great badge connections include Eco Camper, New Cuisines, Photography, and financial literacy badges to support money-earning efforts.

Celebrate Traditions & Global Sisterhood

Incorporate Girl Scout heritage into your trips by visiting meaningful destinations like the Juliette Gordon Low Birthplace in Savannah, Georgia. Want to connect globally? Explore one of the five WAGGGS World Centers for an unforgettable international experience that builds global awareness and friendships.

Let Girls Lead

Support girls as they take the lead in trip planning. Your role as a volunteer is to facilitate—ask thoughtful questions, share ideas, and provide structure without taking over. Leadership development happens best when girls make the decisions themselves.

Planing Tips for a Smooth Trips toggle arrow

Start early and involve girls at every stage! These core travel planning elements will help ensure a successful experience:

Timing
Consider school calendars, weather, and peak tourist seasons.

Budgeting & Costs
Discuss how much the group is willing to spend, what type of experience they want (e.g., hotel vs. campground), and identify key costs.

Financing
Plan how the group will pay for the trip—include opportunities for Girl-led money-earning activities.

Transportation
Determine transportation methods and whether contracts or insurance certificates are needed.

Itinerary
Decide on travel dates, daily activities, and how you’ll communicate the plan with caregivers.

Participants & Requirements
Know how many adults and girls are attending, and review what forms, permissions, and qualifications are required.

Whether you’re visiting a museum down the road or traveling across the world, good planning ensures Girl Scouts have a safe, fun, and empowering adventure!

Safe Travels!

We can’t wait to see where your Girl Scout adventure takes you! Be sure to share your journey by submitting a Girls in Action Form. Your stories, photos, and highlights help inspire others and show the power of Girl Scouting in action.

Remember to always follow the GSCB Emergency Procedures when traveling.

Questions? Reach out to your Volunteer Support Specialist or contact us at MemberCare@cbgsc.org or 800-341-4007.

Council Finder

Travel Support and Resources

Girl Scouts are explorers!

Your Adventure Starts Here:

Travel Planning Resources

Requires Forms and Insurance

Travel Types and Suggested Timelines

Girl Scout Connections and Travel Tips

Safe Travels!