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.
The Emergency Action Plan Card should be carried by volunteers at all times - that's why we've created a wallet sized card to easily access the Emergency Action Plan - Steps. The Emergency Action Plan - Steps is an interactive tool with links to important forms and documents you need before planning a troop outing. This document can be printed and stored in a trip binder or accessed digitally by scanning the QR code found on the Emergency Action Plan Card. Be sure to screenshot the Emergency Action Plan - Steps as well for a convenient copy in your smartphone's camera library!
Click to view interactive full screen version or to download and print
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.
When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints (SACs) written specifically for that activity.
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.
To be considered a Girl Scout trip/activity, the troop/group leader must provide parents/caregivers with written details (date, time, locations, and brief description) of the trip/activity prior to its occurrence. The trip/activity must meet all requirements in Safety Activity Checkpoints, and either the Annual Permission Form or Permission Form must be signed by the parent/caregiver and returned to the troop/group leader. The Annual Permission Form allows for troop trips/activities that are 1) located within one hour’s driving time of the regular meeting place, 2) not exceeding 6 hours and 3) not considered high risk activities as outlined in Safety Activity Checkpoints (ex: high ropes, zip line, equestrian). Trips/activities outside of these parameters require a separate Permission Form. Activity Consent, Hold Harmless and Release Agreements may be required, depending on the activity.
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:
Even though this form may be titled “Incident/Accident Report Form,” please keep in mind that it is NOT just for use when an injury occurs. Volunteers are to submit an Incident/Accident Report even if emergency care is not required.
Many different types of incidents should be reported to GSNEO for follow-up, including any conflict that occurs in a Girl Scout setting.
Some examples of situations that would merit a report being filed include:
The Emergency Action Plan card, health forms, and
permission slips should be on hand at all times.
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.
