Leader's Guide

1. Discuss with girls that good manners mean caring for the feelings of others. Respect other campers boundaries and always "ask permission" to enter their camp. Leaving your litter behind is not considerate. A Scout always leaves her campsite better than she found it.

2. Have girls explain how they should dress for different situations, like a day at the beach, a rain hike, a windy bike ride, a summer picnic, etc. Keep health and safety in mind when discussing sleeves to prevent sunburn, pants to protect legs and proper shoes.

3. A square knot is used for tying two ends together when both ropes are of about the same thickness. Practice tying and releasing the knot until the girls can do it fairly fast. Knots are shown in Brownie and Junior Handbooks. Try a knot tying relay (i.e. closing flaps on tent, tying a bandanna.) One of our favorite ways to teach knots is to use the long string licorice, when they get the knot right, they get to eat it.

4. Keep safety in mind when using a knife of any kind. Give every girl a chance to open, close and pass a knife safely. Brownies may not all be strong enough to open a knife themselves, but they should learn to handle them correctly because they will need to use knives in simple cooking. Have them practice with a buddy, ensuring girls are far enough apart so their arms do not reach each other. Good descriptions are in Brownie and Junior Handbooks.

5. Always stress the importance of preventing accidents, if instance,running may lead to skinned knees or disturbing bees may lead to being stung. Learn first aid for a skinned knee and a bee sting. You can make a customized "stinger remover" with shrink-a-dink.

6. Choose a safe spot to build a fire. Fires burn upward. Don't ever build one under low or overhanging branches. Make sure the ground area is clear of things like leaves, dry grass, twigs, etc. The best place for fires is in designated fire rings or park stove. Long hair should be in braids or tied back to keep it from catching fire. (this is also good to do to keep the hair out of the food when the girls cook.) See Safety Wise for more tips.

7. Prepare a meal that needs no fire. Her are some ideas to get you started - Friendship salad made of cut fruit and a sack of mini marshmallows; celery sticks stuffed with peanut butter, cream cheese or cheese spreads; sandwiches - think of different kinds of bread, rolls, buns, bagles or even open face: raw vegetables; desserts like graham crackers spread with frosting made from mix or a can, or fill cones with instant pudding or homemade ice cream; mix up some punch to top it off.

8. Discuss with the girls how trees and plants help us. Ideas - shade, food, furniture, beauty, animal homes, paper, fuel, toothpicks, flood control, oxygen, building material, toys, smog absorber. As an outdoor activity, choose a community area (park center, recreation area) in which to plant a tree or shrub.