In Girl Scouting, the emotional and physical safety and well-being of girls is our top priority. Safety Activity Checkpoints outlines the safety standards and guidelines used in Girl Scouting, which apply to all Girl Scout activities.
Safety Activity Checkpoints (SAC) is a resource that provides safety standards and guidelines for Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) approved activities.
Please consider Safety Activity Checkpoints a companion piece to Volunteer Essentials, particularly around risk management and safety issues pertinent to both regular troop meetings AND specific activities outside of troop meetings.
Section I of Safety Activity Checkpoints must be reviewed and referenced for ALL Girl Scout activities: troop meetings, troop activities, Service Unit events, as well as specific trips and adventures that include higher risk activities.
Section II is a grid outlining specific activities and is an “at a glance” reference to determine whether prior Council approval is required for a specific activity.
Section III is the actual Safety Activity Checkpoints which must be reviewed while planning for specific Girl Scout activities.
GSUSA, local councils, and other units holding a credential – including USA Girl Scouts Overseas (USAGSO) – shall be responsible for seeing that all activities are planned and carried out in a manner that considers the health, safety, and general well-being of all participants in accordance with these guidelines.
Access the Safety Activity Checkpoints »
Access the Safety Activity Checkpoints for Virtual Meeting »
Access the Safety Training on the Learning Portal »
In Safety Activity Checkpoints, you’ll find:
- Girl Scout Activity safety standards and guidelines with requirements for adult supervision, permission slips, preparation, field trips and overnight trips, and other vital information
- Activities that are not permitted by GSUSA, and actions that girls and volunteers should not take
- Policies surrounding chartered aircraft trips and aviation
- First-aid and overall health information you’ll need from the girls
- Standards for well-being and inclusivity, including working with girls with disabilities and ensuring emotional safety
- Details about which activities require prior council approval. For any activities which require council approval, the trip leader must complete a Trip and Travel application.
Following the safety standards and guidelines is an activity chart that details two critical points to keep in mind:
- Age-appropriate activities and participation by grade level
- Whether prior approval from your council is required before girls participate in a specific activity
