High Adventure

Often as troops grow older, the interests of the girls change. It becomes harder for a troop (and a troop leader!) to keep up with the changes. The High Adventure Girl Scouts are a council sponsored group for:

girls who want adventures outside of their regular troop activities
girls who are "lone ranger" scouts and not currently active in a troop.

The High Adventure Interest Group is for girls in 5th through 8th grades. It is designed to provide girls with opportunities to increase their confidence in learning outdoor skills, and practice sound problem solving in a safe, fun and supportive environment. Girls in older grades may attend the events in a leadership role.

How do I join?

Come to a meeting. (See our future events page for details.)

At the meeting, you will need to register as a lone ranger Girl Scout if you are not already part of a troop. GS registration has a $10 fee payable once per year. Girls in troops will pay this with the troop; lone rangers can pay this at a High Adventure meeting.

How do I get on/off your e-mail mailing list?

The mailing list typically duplicates the information handed out at meetings. We don't want to leave out any girls who don't have access to e-mail. We may use the list to remind people of what happened at one of the meetings, but we will never distribute information on the list only.

NOTE: The instructions below no longer work due to a technical difficulty. To get on/off the list, send e-mail to strawberry@highadventuregirlscouts.org and your request will be processed by hand.

The name of the program that maintains the list of who is on the list is called majordomo. In order to subscribe or unsubscribe from the high_adventure list, you need to send e-mail to:
majordomo@highadventuregirlscouts.org

To subscribe yourself to the high_adventure list, in the body (not the subject) of the message, put the following subscribe line:

        subscribe high_adventure

To subscribe a specific address to the high_adventure list in the body of the message put the e-mail address as well as the high_adventure list name.

        subscribe high_adventure myEmail@address.com

To unsubscribe from the high_adventure list, in the body of the message, put an unsubscribe line like this:

       unsubscribe high_adventure

How is an event put together?

Basically a High Adventure event works like this:

Meeting 1: Girls brainstorm events and vote to narrow the events down to 4 possible choices. We get volunteers to research the 4 choices and report their results at the next meeting.

Meeting 2: The girls who did the research report the results to the group. The group votes on which of the four events to do.

Between meetings: The High Adventure leaders take the research results and come up concrete details for the event, such as a price.

Meeting 3: Permission slips for the event are handed out.

Meeting 4: Permission slips for the event are due. For girls who carpool with a friend to the meetings, we accept permission slips up until 3 days after the meeting at which the forms were due. This gives girls a chance to take the forms home and have a parent sign & mail them. Preliminary equipment lists are handed out at this meeting.

Between meetings: Any other sign-ups after the Friday deadline are put on the waiting list. We usually get some cancellations and last minute illnesses.

Meeting 5: This meeting is mandatory for girls & adults coming on the trip. We try to make this the Tuesday a week and a half before the trip. Final equipment lists are handed out and questions about the trip are answered.

Because we do 6 trips per year, each meeting usually covers several of the phases. This is not a rigid structure. We know that very few people are present for all 5 stages of going on a high adventure event. Anyone who gets their forms in on time and attends the meeting right before an event may come on the event (space permitting).

What responsibilities do I have as a girl?

Ask questions when things are unclear
Be able to sleep in a tent with other girls away from parents.
Be willing to learn "group living" skills and share the group fun and work.
Be willing to learn to plan and pack for an adventure by yourself.
Be willing to go with necessary changes in plans with good humor.
Be willing to learn a lot make new friends, and do things you didn't know you could do.
Follow directions
Drink 16 oz. or more of non-caffinated drinks at every meal. A High Adventure slogan is "Drink your water!"

How do I get organized for an event?

Get out a calendar and mark on it the following things.

Date of the event
Date to send in the event forms & fees (atleast 7 days before due)
Date by which you need to buy equipment/supplies. (shoes must be "broken in" by wearing 5-6 times for several hours, new tents set up 3 times for practice, tarp cut to tent size, etc.)
Date you will inspect your old equipment (7 days prior to event). Make sure sleeping bag is clean, tent in good repair, tarp available, rain gear still waterproof, flashlight works, new batteries and spares, etc. Use the equipment list to know what gear to check.
Decide 7 days ahead of the event what day you will pack, what things you need to do the night before the event and what time to set the alarm for, so you can get to the event on time.

Signing up for an event

How do I sign up for an event?

The easiest way is to attend one of our meetings. See the future events page for times. If you are unable to attend due to school or other functions (band, gymnastics, etc.), you may send a friend to the meeting to get the paperwork for you. You must mail it in by the deadline.

Events are filled on a first come, first served basis. Typically volunteer helpers are given the first opportunity to sign up.

What paperwork is necessary to attend an event?

Too much! Each event typically requires 3 types of permission slips:

the standard one with emergency contact info
the council high-risk activity release (on the back of the standard one)
a company liability release

In addition, for the first event of the year, everyone needs to fill out a health history form and give us a copy of your health insurance card.

Do you accept event credits? (What is an event credit?)

Yes we accept event credits. An event credit is a council credit given to a girl in recognition of the girl's results in product sales (cookies or nuts). To redeem your credit, write a check for the event fee minus the amount of the event credit you have earned, and tell the person taking signups that you have an event credit amount for the remainder. We will need the name and troop number.

Girls may pay for themselves or for other girls with event credits. A girl may not pay for other adults with event credits. If a girl gives her credit to another girl, the original parents need to sign a note saying that this is ok with them. If your friend drops out of scouting, she can give her unused, un-expired event credits to you along with a note from her parents saying it is ok. We need her name and troop number.

How do I get financial aid?

You just need to ask for it. We have a short form to fill out.

Who is eligible for financial aid?

These events can get expensive. If the only reason you choose not to attend is because of the money, you are eligible for financial aid. Typically we ask the parents for a contribution to the cost of the event ($20) and we ask that the girl raise some of the money herself ($20) through babysitting, recycling, etc. High Adventure Girl Scouts will pay for the rest. In extreme circumstances, such as the girl already has a job to help pay family expenses, we will pay for the entire trip.

THERE IS MONEY AVAILABLE! Sometimes a more well-off girl will get sick at the last minute after we have already cashed her check, and the parents will tell us to put it in the financial aid pool. In the past few years, there have been more people doing that than requesting aid.

What is our refund policy?

Our refund policy is that every check is cashed. We will refund any money we did not spend, less $20. If you need a refund, you must send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to our treasurer, and she will send you a refund check. Contact strawberry@highadventuregirlscouts.org for the address of the treasurer.

When does the group leave? When does it return?

This information will be available on the equipment list at the meeting prior to an event. The rough times are listed in the paragraph at the top of the permission slip.

Attending an event

Do I have to go to the meeting prior to an event?

Yes. The meeting just before an event is mandatory. At this meeting we hand out the equipment list and answer questions relating to the event. Usually we sign up for kapers (camp chores) as well. Sometimes exceptions are made on a case by case basis. You must send someone else to the meeting in your place, and that person must be able to accurately report to you information we went over at the meeting (for example, if there is an omission on the equipment list, and we talk about it during the meeting, you are still responsible for bringing the item.) Calling Strawberry and asking "what did I miss?" is not an option! Calling me before I wake up in the morning (I work late) is a very bad idea.

Do I really need to pack everything on the equipment list?

Yes. Unless an item is listed as optional, it is required. Some items like bandanas seem unnecessary, but everything serves a purpose. For example bandanas are used to tie your hair back while cooking and fire-tending, and they are also very useful for first aid. You may not need it on every trip, but you can't know in advance!

Eventually this web site will contain frequently asked questions about every piece of equipment we regularly take, but those answers have not yet been written. If a girl would like to take on this task (service leadership hours!) please contact strawberry@highadventuregirlscouts.org.

What is an event like?

Typically we leave early Saturday morning, drive somewhere, do something fun, eat lunch, and go to our campsite. At camp we put up tents, cook dinner, have a campfire and go to bed. At every meal, everyone is required to drink 16oz. or more of water or other liquid without caffine.

Depending on the number of people on the event, each person signs up for 2-3 kapers. Examples are: fire tending, meal hostess, cook a meal, and cleanup

On Sunday we take down the tents, clean up camp, and either tour the area or do a service project, eat lunch, have a Scout's Own Ceremony and drive home.

Sunday traffic is very unpredictable. Although we try our best to return at the stated time, we may be late or early.

Can someone wake my daughter up in the middle of the night to remind her to go to the bathroom so she doesn't wet the bed?

No. Your daughter may bring an alarm clock to wake herself up, but in order to come on a high adventure event a girl should be able to sleep away from home without help. (There may be similar "is my daughter ready for this questions." Basically the girl must be able to take responsibility for herself on the event.)

My daughter is allergic to XYZ. How do I make sure she doesn't eat XYZ on the event?

Please tell the food coordinator (Mrs. Byshenk) of the allergy at the meeting prior to the trip. She will make every effort to ensure that alternative food is available, but it is your daughter's responsibility to avoid food she shouldn't eat. If the girl is allergic to so many foods that alternatives are not feasible, the details will be worked out on a case by case basis.

Can I come late? Can I leave early? Can I leave directly from the event?

The first 3 or so events of the year tend to be very large. It is not possible to come late or leave early from those events. In the spring the events are smaller and we are more flexible, but it is still discouraged.

Leaving directly from an event is discouraged for different reasons. We try hard to let the girls meet other new girls on the trip, and we mix up who is in which car. If a driver wants to leave early with just his/her family, it reduces some of the bonding time for the girls. Also, we need to get the dog tags and driver information packets back after the event is over. It is easiest to collect them all at the meeting place.

T-shirts

Do I need a T-shirt?

Yes. Everyone needs to wear a High Adventure Girl Scout T-shirt while attending High Adventure events.

How much do the T-shirts cost?

The shirts cost $8. If the amount presents a financial hardship, loaner shirts are available. You must contact the event coordinator prior to the event so that they bring a loaner shirt for you.

I'm an adult. Do I need a T-shirt too?

Yes, even adults must wear matching T-shirts during the events.

Why did we get a new shirt?

The High Adventure Girl Scouts change T-shirts every 3-4 years to reflect the changing tastes and styles of the girls involved in High Adventure.

Dog Tags

What are the dog tags for?

It is a council policy that girls and adults wear identifying dog tags while on events. We wear them at all times unless the safety of the activity is compromised because of it. (For example, we do not wear them while rock climbing because the tag could get caught.)

We have paper dog tags available at each event if you do not wish to purchase one. Most girls find that it itches and they prefer the metal dog tags with the black silencer (rubber rim around the tag) that we sell.

Do I need to buy a dog tag?

No, dog tags are optional. We will give you a paper one at the event if you do not buy one.

When will I get the dog tags?

If you order one at this meeting, it will be available for pick-up at the next meeting. We do not call you when the tags come in. You are responsible for picking up your tag.

How much do they cost?

The dog tags cost $7 each. The first one must include your name and the standard council contact information. The second one is even more optional and can have anything you want on it.

How many people get a second tag?

It varies year-to-year, but about 10-25% of the people who order one order two.

What should I put on the second tag?

You can put whatever you want on the second tag. Common things to put on the second tag are the parents' phone numbers or any allergies. Sometimes people put fun things like "I love horses" on their second tag.

Where does High Adventure Girls Scouts get the tags?

We order from Majestic International, also known as Army Dog Tags. They can be found at http://www.armydogtags.com. We have received superior service from this company in the past. If your troop needs tags, try contacting them.

Patches

Do I need a patch?

No, they are optional, but they are fun to wear.

How much do the patches cost?

The center patch costs $2.50.

How do I get rocker patches?

Included in the price of each event is the rocker patch for that event. You can only get a rocker by coming on an event, and only for events in the 2000-2001 school year and later. Previous years did not have patches.

Health History and Insurance

I don't know the date of my last shots, what should I do?

If the shots are up to date, you should write "up to date" across the space. You should write the year of the last tetanus shot. If you don't remember about the tetanus shot, you need to call your doctor to find out.

If your shots are not up to date you need to get them up to date before coming on girl scout events.

What are the implications of checking "yes" or "no" for the photo release?

Digital photos are usually taken at each event. We can only put photos on the web site of people who have checked "yes" on the photo release. The girls in the photos are never identified by name. The council may use the photos for other publicity purposes.

If even one person coming on an event checks "no" on the photo release, the photos usually never go up on the site because I am too busy. It is easy to put all of them up, but it takes to long to go through each photo and figure out who is in it.

What if I'm in the middle of changing insurance?

Copy the card of your current insurance and give us a copy of the new one once you have it.

What if I don't have my insurance card at the meeting?

Please make a photocopy and mail it to:

        Beth Leonard (Strawberry)
        1264 Albion Lane
        Sunnyvale, CA 94087

Strawberry must have it by the meeting before the event.

What if I don't have insurance?

If you have no medical insurance, the girl scout insurance will cover you or your daughter, but we need to know about it before the event. The Girl Scout insurance has minimal benefits.

I don't know the name and number of my dentist, what should I do?

You should e-mail or call Strawberry with this information before the next event.

Adult involvement with High Adventure

I am an adult, I would like to attend, what do I need to do?

Adults on High Adventure trips must fill out two additional pieces of information:

the council volunteer application package, available at any of our meetings and,
the driver information form.

Typically we expect that adults coming on an event will drive for the event, or have some other useful skill (such as being a lifeguard). Men are allowed to volunteer, but the council has some fairly strict guidelines about never leaving a man alone with girls other than his daughter.

This is the age where girls should start making friends with other adults outside of their family structure. Other adult role models serve as a positive role model for the girls in Girl Scouting.

The adults on High Adventure trips are needed to drive and to supervise camp kapers. In the process they should model good behavior and take an interest in the girls on the trip.

I would like to have a mother-daughter bonding experience. Can I come on one of your trips?

No. Not for that purpose. If you would like to have a mother-daughter bonding experience, go somewhere fun with your daughter outside of the context of this group. On a High Adventure trip, behave as if there are no family connections. Do not remind your daughter to clean her dinner dishes, unless you are reminding all of the other girls at the table as well. If you really think she needs a reminder, ask another adult on the trip to do it.

What is expected of adults while on the trip?

Girls and adults do not sleep together, even mother-daughter pairs.

Adults pay the same fees as girls.

Adults participate fully in the event or activity unless stated otherwise on the permission slip. For example some swimming events require land watchers, in which case the adult pays the reduced fee. Some events require a certain adult-child ratio, and we count on all adults who signed up to participate.

On the trip adults supervise 2-4 camp kapers. The adult does not do the kaper, the adult finds the girls and the girls do the kaper. We expect adults to already have basic cooking, cleaning, and camping skills. If this is not the case, we recommend the "basic troop camping" course from the council office. Call the office at (408) 287-4170 for more information. We have written up step-by-step directions for most kapers.

If you have already taken the basic troop camping course, but have never been camping before, it is ok to attend High Adventure events. You can see how these skills are put into action with other experienced adults around for advice.

I'd like to help with High Adventure, but I can't attend the events.

Great! There are numerous High Adventure opportunities outside of attending the events themselves. We almost always need help at meetings taking event sigh ups, selling T-shirts, etc. We also can use help researching events and finding service projects. Contact strawberry@highadventuregirlscouts.org to find out what our current most pressing need is.

General Questions

Who do I make checks out to?

"HAGS" or "High Adventure Girl Scouts"

Can I pay for the T-shirt and dog tag on one check?

Only if it is your last check. It really makes things easier to pay for each separately.

Can I include my shirt or tag purchase when I pay for the event?

We strongly prefer that you pay for the event and the other items separately. While it is technically possible for us to handle this situation, life is a lot easier if you can write separate checks, or pay cash for the shirt and dog-tag.