Troop Field Trips | Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts (GSEMA)

Step Out Beyond a Troop Meeting: Going Places with Girl Scouts

Ready for some adventure? Camping, overnights, and excursions are some of the most memorable experiences in Girl Scouting. Check out the Going Places with Girl Scouts Overview which provides an overview of Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts travel and outdoor progression.

What Approvals Do I Need?

Use our Emergency Action Plan worksheet to help safely plan activities with Girl Scouts, including identifying, mitigating, and responding to emergencies.

For each Girl Scout attending an activity, volunteers should have an Annual Permission Form and an Activity Permission Form.

For the group, a GSEMA Safety Approval Form and/or a Certificate of Liability may be required. Review Safety Activity Checkpoints to see what the requirements are for your planned activities.

What Trainings Do I Need?

Many activities require additional safety or outdoor skills training in order to keep Girl Scouts safe and provide them with the best possible experiences. Details for required and enrichment safety courses are listed below.

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This comprehensive, 3-part series supports volunteers with progressing from local field trips to international travel with a group of Girl Scouts. It’s the starting point for all Girl Scout groups, who are ready to explore together, from Daisies visiting the local park to Juniors sleeping over at a museum to Ambassadors trekking internationally, and everything in between.

Complete this training online via gsLearn >>

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GSEMA volunteers needing first aid training may either take a GSEMA-hosted course or submit qualifying licensure/certifications for reciprocity.

GSEMA offers HSI Pediatric First Aid and CPR as a blended, two-part course: an online program, and a hands-on skills session with an instructor. Both portions must be completed for certification. Certification is valid for two years, and the course fee ($75) includes a take-home resource book, keychain CPR mask, and certification card. Volunteers whose certification is about to expire or has expired within 30 days of a listed session, may take a Recertification course. Training scholarships are available for all first aid training sessions with GSEMA.

If you are a medical professional or have other first aid and CPR certification from a certifying body outside of GSEMA, you may be able to submit your licensure or certification for reciprocity.

For first aid/CPR courses not hosted by GSEMA, we strongly recommend obtaining pre-approval by emailing us to ensure the courses meet our safety requirements. Courses must:

Be provided by an approved, accredited organization
Include basic first aid
Include CPR/AED training covering adult, child, and infant
Include live instruction, either:
As an in-person course, OR
As a live instructor-led online session that includes hands-on practice and evaluation using a manikin

Find a session and register >>

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Advanced First Aid
GSEMA accepts valid licensure as a Massachusetts physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, paramedic, military medic, athletic trainer, and emergency medical technician (EMT), as qualifying certification as these professions have a reasonable expectation of emergency care. Submit your valid license/registry number, including expiration date, to customercare@gsema.org.

Wilderness First Aid (offered each fall and spring)
Become a first aid volunteer who is capable of taking girls 30 minutes or more away from medical care with this 16-hour course. MEDIC First Aid/CPR or other first-aider qualifying training is required as a prerequisite for Wilderness First Aid. Full and partial financial assistance is available.

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For outdoor experiences and troop camping training requirements, see the Troop Camping page. Start your journey today with Outdoor Basics Online in gsLearn, then continue with cooking and camping in-person sessions.