An extended overnight is an overnight activity/trip that lasts 3 or more nights and takes place within the United States*. High risk activities may be included as part of an extended overnight activity/trip.
If your troop is traveling anywhere outside of the 50 United States, regardless of total trip length, please see the “International Trips” section on the Travel page.
Planning for an extended trip should take place no later than 4-6 months prior to desired travel dates. Depending on your troop’s travel experience, intended destination, and length of trip, planning may have to begin much earlier. This provides adequate time for Girl Scouts to engage in hands on, cooperative learning as part of girl-led planning.
Extended overnights require prior council approval.
Extended overnights at GSSOAZ camp properties (with proper reservations) and/or hosted by GSSOAZ council staff as part of council programming do not require prior council approval or trip approval forms unless otherwise specified.
Ready to get going? Follow the steps below:
- Talk to the Girl Scouts in your troop to begin planning the activity or trip.
- Be sure to consult the Troop Travel Guide, Safety Activity Checkpoints, and Volunteer Essentials to ensure the trip aligns with council policies and procedures.
- Submit an Intent to Plan an Extended or International Trip form no later than 4 months prior to the desired trip start date. This form tells the council about your intention to plan an extended trip before plans have been finalized.
- Troops will receive an automated email upon successful submission of their form. Council staff will review your submission. Within two weeks you will receive an email with one of two outcomes:
- Activity/Trip is tentatively approved: The activity/trip is tentatively approved, pending additional information, documents, and/or requirements. The email will describe what additional information is needed for the activity/trip to be approved.
- Activity/Trip is not approved: The email will describe the reason(s) why the activity/ trip is not approved.
- Proceed accordingly, based on the activity/trip approval status and guidance from the council.
- Submit a Final Extended Trip/International Trip Approval form no later than 2 months. Prior to the trip start date.
- Proceed accordingly, based on the activity/trip approval status and guidance from the council.
- Have fun!