Nothing is more important than ensuring the health and safety of girls, whether they’re engaged in a real-world activity or exploring online.
At Girl Scouts, we work hard to build safety consciousness in adults, training staff, volunteers, and girls on all safety protocols so that we can ensure proper supervision, prevent accidents and incidents, and maintain program resources.
When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) written specifically for that activity.
>>Safety Activity Checkpoints (2019) - Updated April 2020
Every adult in Girl Scouting is responsible for the physical and emotional safety of girls, and we all demonstrate that by agreeing to follow the guidelines listed below.
>>Girl Scout Safety Guidelines
This health history form is used for troop meetings, overnight trips, or other programs not exceeding 72 hours. This form should be kept in a confidential file for easy reference and is typically filled out by a parent, guardian or adult participant annually.
>>Personal Health and Medical Report Form
The Permission Form is required whenever a troop outing takes place anywhere outside of the normal meeting place. Including, but not limited to: outside of regular meeting place, resident camp, extended travel.
>>Resident Camp & 3+ Day Travel Health History Form
The Activity Consent, Hold Harmless and Release Agreement Form should be completed by a parent, guardian or adult participant whenever the event, program or activity includes one of the following high risk activities:
>>Activity Consent, Hold Harmless and Release Agreement
GSNEO no longer requires a specific permission or release form to participate in equine activities. Follow Safety Activity Checkpoints and indicate the activity on Activity Consent Hold Harmless and Release Agreement.
The Emergency Action Plan Card should be carried by volunteers at all times. The card contains information about what to do in case of emergency and important contact details.
Although you hope the worst never happens, you must observe Council procedures for handling accidents. At the scene of an accident, first provide all possible care for the sick or injured person. Follow established Council procedures for obtaining medical assistance and immediately report the emergency. To do this you must always have on hand the Green Emergency Action Plan Card, health forms and permission slips.
After receiving a report of an accident, Council staff will immediately arrange for additional assistance at the scene, if needed, and will notify parents/guardians, as appropriate. If a child needs emergency medical care as the result of an accident or injury, first contact emergency medical services, and then follow Council procedures for accidents and incidents. Your adherence to these procedures is critical, especially with regard to notifying parents or guardians. If the media is involved, let Council-designated staff discuss the incident with these representatives.
As the troop leader/service unit leader, you are required to submit an Incident/Accident Report even if emergency care is not required. This form is filled out digitally and transmitted to the Council when you click the "submit" button. Do not forget to include the Parental Permission slip or Activity Release, Hold Harmless & Consent Form when submitting your Incident/Accident report.
