Troop and Family Led Outdoor Programs

Troop and Family-Led Outdoor Programs

Another great way to get outdoors are through our programs for families and troops! These are on your schedule and help you design your outdoor experience.

Off-Site Camping

Looking to take your girls camping offsite (not on our four GSWNY camp properties)? No problem!

Outdoor Badges and Patches

Outdoor adventures are an epic way to earn new Girl Scout badges and patches. Explore nature, discover what interests you, learn new skills—and show the world what you can accomplish.

GSUSA Outdoor Badges toggle arrow

Using the badge finder you’ll be able to explore the wide variety of outdoor badges that Girl Scouts has to offer. You can even filter your view by choosing “outdoor” in the topic option

GSUSA Tree Promise toggle arrow

Join our mission to protect the planet from the effects of climate change. With the Elliott Wildlife Values Project and American Forests GSUSA is launching a bold tree planting and conservation initiative. Girl Scouts is setting out to plant five million trees across the country in five years, and to protect and honor new and existing trees. Not only is this great for wildlife, it will also help ease the effects of climate change. Girls can earn a patch for their participation. Click here for more information!

GSWNY Mileage Patches toggle arrow

GSWNY highly encourages our girls to go out and take a hike! It doesn’t require much gear and there are tons of green spaces throughout the Western New York area to explore. Keep track of your mileage and then order your patches. There are 5, 10, 50 and 100 mileage patches. Other mileages may be available upon request. Use this handy mileage tracker form to record your progress!

Western New York Hiking Challenge toggle arrow

Outside Chronicles has developed a robust Hiking Challenge. The challenge helps Western New Yorkers explore a wide range of outdoor spaces. GSWNY has teamed up with Outside Chronicles to provides girls with a special rate. Click here for more information!

We have a special Hiking Challenge Rocker Patch you can earn, in addition to this patch! Learn more in the dropdown below.

GSWNY’s WNY Hiking Challenge Rider Patch toggle arrow

Take it to the next level and add a rocker patch. Once you’ve completed the WNY Hiking Challenge, use the reflection below for your Girl Scout level/grade level to think about this challenge.

Email your name, grade level, and answers to outdoor@gswny.org. Once you have received confirmation of completion from the Outdoor Department, you can use this verification to purchase the rocker patch from our GSWNY shops. Rocker patches are .96 cents each.

Download Reflection Questions

I Camped, I Conquered Patch toggle arrow

Click here to view patch details

Other Resources

Equipment Rentals toggle arrow

Equipment Rental Form

Ropes Course Adventures toggle arrow

Readiness Quizzes toggle arrow

Letterboxing and Orienteering Maps toggle arrow

Piperwood Orienteering Map

Piperwood Geocache Map

Camp Piperwood Letterboxing

Camp Seven Hills Lakeside Letterboxing Map

Timbercrest Letterboxing Map

Windy Meadows Letterboxing Map

Outdoor Skill Building Videos

Are you new to hiking and camping? Maybe a little nervous about taking girls on an outdoor journey for the first time? Don't worry! These videos from GSUSA will help you prepare for a fun, safe adventure with your girls. (And be sure to read our Safety Checkpoints for specific safety guidelines on everything from archery to whitewater rafting.)

Step by Step: Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls toggle arrow

Step by Step- Developing Outdoor Skills in Girls from GirlScoutsUSA on Vimeo.

Taking the Journeys Outside toggle arrow

Taking the Journeys Outside from GirlScoutsUSA on Vimeo.

Planning Your Troop's First Campout toggle arrow

Planning Your Troop’s First Campout from GirlScoutsUSA on Vimeo.

Sample Packing List for Weekend-Long Program

Please pack for comfort and weather. All events are rain or shine and will include time spent outside. Please keep in mind that all you bring you have to carry. More stuff = heavier bag. Click here to download this list as a PDF.

T-Shirts/long sleeve shirts (non-cotton in winter)
Pants/shorts (waterproof/snow pants in winter)
Sweatshirts (sweater/fleece in winter)
Socks & underwear (wool socks in winter)
Hat with a rim/ball cap/sunglasses
Pajamas
Jacket (light layers in warm seasons, waterproof, down and fleece jackets in cold)
Warm hat/gloves (especially important in winter, but even in spring and fall evenings are chilly)
Rain gear
Sneakers/hiking boots - NO FLIP FLOPS or open-toe SANDALS. In winter waterproof shoes/winter boots are required.
Indoor footwear (to prevent wearing muddy boots inside)
Small towel/washcloth
Roll of toilet paper per person
Toiletries (suggested items: hair ties, sunscreen, bug spray, toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, chap stick, feminine hygiene items, deodorant, glasses/contacts, hand sanitizer or soap)
Sleeping gear (warm sleeping bag for outdoors, pillow, blankets, etc.). Sleeping accommodations may include tents, platform tents, or cabins/lodges, depending on the program and season.
Flashlight with extra batteries
REUSABLE Water bottle/covered mug for hot drinks
Medication (must be in its original container and have your name on the prescription. This applies to both girls and adults.)
Personal First Aid Kit - in addition, it is good practice for each troop or group to bring an additional full first aid kit to all activities.
Girl Scout Health Form (All attendees - Girls and Adults). The Health Forms will not be returned to the participants.