Leader's Guide

1. The buddy system is having a partner to help you. If a girl gets into difficulty in a pool, or on a hike, there is someone to call the leader. The buddy system helps to keep a girl from wandering off and getting lost. The triple buddy system is excellent for trips or backpacking adventure because if one of the three is injured, there is one to go for help, and one to stay to give first aid to the injured party, or to keep her company.

2. When your troop plans a hike, determine what equipment will be needed. The troop needs a well stocked first-aid kit, map of hiking area, flashlights and water proof matches. The girls should have sturdy shoes, a bandanna or sun hat, sun screen and chap stick, canteen full of water, a whistle, and food. As the complexity of your hike increases add additional items such as extra socks, rain poncho, compass, and a jack knife. Plan clothing accordingly.

3. Review square knot and clove hitch. Teach how to tie a bowline knot which is used in life saving and rescue work; or, to make a loop in the end of a rope that will not slip or change size.

4. Review knife safety. Consider carving a potato, balsa wood, apple heads for dolls, or a walking stick.

5. Practice tying a triangle bandage for an arm sling. Triangular bandages may be cut from unbleached muslin or old sheets. Discuss other uses for a triangle bandage.

6. Teach how to light a charcoal fire. Charcoal may be lit with fire starters. Remember to allow about thirty (30) minutes from the time you start the charcoal until the time you need to have the fire ready for cooking. Place fire-starters on the bottom and charcoal on the top. Never use liquid type starters, they are extremely dangerous. This fire is used for foil cooking.

7. A foil packet may be placed directly on the coals. Use heavy duty foil or two layers of the lighter weight to form foil packages. Seal well on all edges. You will need a pair of long handled tongs for turning packets and removing them from the fire. The packets can contain a complete meal or a side dish. Some examples are potatoes and onion with a pat of butter. Fish, hamburger patty, or chicken leg with sliced vegetables. Sliced ham or spam with pineapple and sweet potatoes. Slice vegetables thin so they will cook through. Core an apple and fill with cinnamon, raisins, and brown sugar, bake in foil. Time depends on kind of food, heat of fire, and size of package. Use outdoor cookbooks for reference or experiment a bit. Open one packet to test for doneness. If it is not cooked enough, seal it up and put it back for longer cooking.

8. Share with girls activities that will improve their outdoor site. Let the girls think up ways to put their ideas into action. Remain flexible to new ideas when you arrive at the activity site.