Safety Activity Checkpoints
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The Safety Activity Checkpoints is a resource that guides volunteers to keep girls safe as they experience various activities. Each Safety Activity Checkpoint includes basic safety and qualifying information, specific steps to help you prepare for the activity, web links and activity specific jargon.

The Safety Activity Checkpoints are only available as an electronic resource. This format allows you or the girls to download and print the checkpoints specific to the activities the girl’s are interested in and can easily be shared by email with parents/guardians as needed. It also helps us to maintain our commitment to the environment by using our resources wisely!

If a Safety Activity Checkpoint does not exist for an activity you and the girls are interested in, check with council before making any definite plans with the girls. A few activities are allowed only with written council pre-approval and only for girls 12 and over, while some are off-limits completely.

When preparing for any activity with girls, always begin with the Safety Activity Checkpoints written specifically for that particular activity. The checkpoints are formatted as checklists, so that you, your co-volunteers, and the girls can check off each step that has been accomplished.

Provided below is an overview of the format within each activity.

Know where to do the activity. Quick list of the most common places girls carry out the activity

Include girls with disabilities. Tips and special websites for information on including girls with disabilities

Gear
Basic Gear includes clothing and equipment girls are likely to already have in their possession. Specialized Gear includes clothing and equipment girls may need to purchase, rent, or borrow.

Prepare for the Activity
These checkpoints discuss steps to take in advance of the activity. Not every category is listed here, and not every activity includes these categories.

Communicate with council and parents. Tips for following council guidelines and keeping parents informed
Ensure prerequisites. Ranges from an ability to swim to knowledge of primitive camping
Arrange for transportation and adult supervision. Recommended adult-to-girl ratios for this activity
Verify instructor knowledge and experience. Ensuring the volunteers or on-site instructors possess the proper skill set, knowledge, experience, and/or training/certification
Select a safe site. A game plan for ensuring the safest experience possible
Compile key contacts. Information on itineraries, phone trees, and other contact information
Respect the environment. Tips for ensuring environmental responsibility
Prepare for emergencies. First-aider requirements and other emergency precautions

On the Day of the Activity
These checkpoints include important final reminders on the day of the activity. Not every category is listed here, and not every activity includes these categories.

Get a weather report. Ways to monitor the weather for any outdoor activity and/or activity requiring transportation
Review rescue tips. Activity-specific rescue tips
Use the buddy system. The best way to ensure no one is separated from the group or unable to get help
Be prepared in the event of a storm with lightning. Special details for outdoor warm-weather activities

Links guide you to the best-known and best-respected Web sites.

Know-How for Girls offers games, mini-lessons, and other fun ways to expand girls’ knowledge.

Jargon helps you and the girls master activity-specific terminology.

What happened to Safety-Wise?
Volunteer Essentials and the Safety Activity Checkpoints replace the former GSUSA Safety-Wise publication. The basic guidelines for working with girls can be found in Volunteer Essentials and the guidelines for specific activities can be found in the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Please recycle your outdated Safety-Wise books!

Be safe and have fun!

Locate a specific Safety Activity Checkpoint by clicking on the name of an activity below.

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