Leader's Guide

1. Safety means walking on sidewalks, crossing with the light, walk facing traffic when there are no sidewalks, crossing together as a group--not all strung out. Do not obstruct the sidewalk. Girls should walk with a buddy. It is a good idea to have the girls count-off and keep the same number for a hike, then it is easy to check the girls when you leave and arrive at each rest or lunch stop. Always keep yourself very visible; wear bright colors by day, white by night. It is also best to carry a light at night, but do not aim it at drivers eyes which blinds them; keep the light aimed below driver's line of vision. Have whole troop get up and take a walk to practice some of the things discussed above.

2. Dress in several layers of clothing. As the day warms it is easy to peel off a layer or two and add them back on in the evening. The layers also serve to trap body heat and are often warmer than one heavy garment. Always take a hat for sun protection and heat retention. Girls might want to have a "fashion show" using the layering technique.

3. Review the square knot from level one and add the clove hitch. Clove hitch is used to put up a clothesline, tie the end of a rope around a pole or tree, and to start lashing.

4. Clean a knife by washing with water and drying with a soft cloth. Never clean a knife in the dirt or sand. To sharpen a knife, use a sharpening stone which has been lubricated with oil or water before using. Always keep blade pointed away from body. Practice with a buddy.

5. Talk with girls about preventing cuts and burns. Cuts should be washed well with soap and water, and covered. Minor burns should be put in cold water quickly. More severe burns should be treated by a doctor immediately. Girls should practice what to do if someone's clothing catches fire ("stop, drop, and roll"). American Red Cross offers basic aid training.

6. Safety equipment for fires consists of a bucket of water, a bucket of sand, and a shovel. It's a good idea to have a box of baking soda near by. The A-frame foundation is to hold the kindling off the ground so air can circulate. Teach the girls about the three sizes of wood used in fire building.

7. One pot meal can be your favorite casserole cooked outdoors. Some other Girl Scout favorites to try are Brownie stew, fractured tacos, casualty (a huge omelet with bacon and potatoes cooked in), campfire stew, tuna casserole, and/or macaroni and cheese with diced hot dogs.

8. The girls should now be ready for a walk, a cook out or a backyard overnight. Find out more about ways to protect the natural world and choose a project to include in your next outdoor activity.