Travel | Girl Scouts

Girl Scout travel is a lifelong journey that builds skills, memories, and friendships.

Trips and Travel with Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

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Email Alyssa at akervran@girlscoutssoaz.org with any questions.

Girl Scout Destinations

Destinations Dash—The Ultimate Adventure Program toggle arrow

Girl Scouts ages 11 and older are invited to participate in Girl Scout Destinations. With a ton of different trips to apply for every year—from surfing camp on the east coast and breathtaking hikes out west, to the crazy-cool wonder of new cultures abroad—there’s something amazing for everyone to experience.

Make friends from all over the country as you travel with Girl Scouts from different states, see and learn new things, and pack your bags full of inspiring, life-changing experiences and memories. Find your trip today!

Destinations Dates toggle arrow

By dates:

August 1—New trips are posted every year and applications open.
November 15—Deadline for early applications.
December 15—First round of notifications are sent.

After November 15, most Destinations will still have spaces remaining. Applications will remain open on a rolling basis (first come, first served) until the trip is listed as “FULL” on the website and application link. Applicants who apply after November 15 should expect a decision from the Destination host within three weeks of applying.

Troop Trips and Travel

Troop Travel Resources: 3 Available

Safety Activity Checkpoints

Safety guidelines for approved Girl Scout activities.

Preview | Download
Volunteer Essentials

Details and info for busy, on-the-go troop volunteers.

Download
Troop Travel Guidelines

A look at each of the requirements for troop travel.

Download

Have questions or need assistance? Contact us at travel@girlscoutssoaz.org.

Field Trips & Day Trips toggle arrow

A field trip and day trip are trips that take place outside your normal troop meeting time and/or place nearby and could occur during a meeting inside the county where the troop meets. It does NOT include overnights or activities classified as "high risk" or requiring prior council approval according to Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Ready to get going? Follow the steps below:

Talk to the Girl Scouts in your troop to begin planning the trip!
Please consult the Troop Travel Guide, Safety Activity Checkpoints, and Volunteer Essentials to ensure the trip aligns with council policies and procedures.
Have fun!

Field Trip/Day Trip + High-Risk toggle arrow

A field trip/day trip that takes place outside of your normal meeting place and either involves high-risk activity requiring council approval according to Safety Activity Checkpoints or is an activity outside the county of your meeting place.

Note that field/day trips and/or high-risk activities hosted by GSSOAZ staff as part of GSSOAZ programming do NOT require prior council approval 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 a Field/Day Trip and/or High-Risk Approval Form no later than 2 weeks before the desired activity/trip date.
Troops will receive an automated email upon successful submission of a Troop Quick Trip/High Adventure Approval Form. Council staff will review your submission. Within one week, you will receive an email with one of three outcomes:
- Activity/Trip is approved: No further action is required. You may proceed with the activity/trip.
- 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.
Have fun!

Overnight or Short Trip (1-3 nights) toggle arrow

A single overnight takes place locally, usually within the county of the troop meeting. A short overnight trip takes place outside of your county and lasts 1 to 3 nights. It does not include travel to locations outside of the continental United States. High-risk activities may be included as part of an overnight or short overnight trip.

Overnight and short overnight trips require prior approval from the council.

Please note that overnight and short overnight trips taking place on GSSOAZ camp property (with proper reservations) and/or as part of a GSSOAZ staff-hosted program do not require an approval form 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 Overnight or Short Trip (1-3 nights) Approval Form no later than 4 weeks before the desired activity/trip date.
Troops will receive an automated email upon successful submission of your form. Council staff will review your submission. Within two weeks you will receive an email with one of three outcomes:
- Activity/Trip is approved: No further action is required. You may proceed with the trip.
- 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.
Have fun!

Extended Overnights (4+ nights) toggle arrow

An extended overnight is an overnight activity/trip that lasts 4 or more nights and takes place within the continental 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 continental 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 months before the 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 Overnight 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 an Extended/International Trip Approval Form no later than 2 months prior to the desired trip start date.
Proceed accordingly, based on the activity/trip approval status and guidance from the council.
Have fun!

International Trips toggle arrow

An international trip is a trip that involves travel to any location outside of the 50 United States, regardless of the total duration of the trip. This includes all trips involving cruises, which must also follow GSSOAZ international trip guidelines.

Because international travel involves additional considerations and requirements, planning should begin as far in advance as possible, ideally at least 1 year in advance.

International trips require prior council approval.

International travel that is hosted by GSSOAZ staff as part of council programming does 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 1 year before the desired trip start date. This form tells the council about your intention to plan an international 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 an Extended/International Trip Approval form no later than 6 months before the trip start date. Note that additional information will be required closer to the trip – council staff will let you know what is required and when.
Proceed accordingly, based on the activity/trip approval status and guidance from the council.
Submit an International Travel – Final Check-In Form 2 months prior to the trip start date.
Have fun!

Travel Scholarships toggle arrow

Please note that travel scholarships are only available for Destinations and council trips.

Travel Scholarships for Destinations

Every year, our council secures funding for scholarships that must be used for Destinations trips. These funds are usually allocated to first-round applicants so be sure to apply early—apply by November 15 to be eligible for scholarship funding!

Fairy Godsister Scholarship

Each year at least one special Fairy Godsister full scholarship will be awarded to a Girl Scout who is attending either a GSUSA Destination trip or a GSSOAZ Council-sponsored trip. For more information, read the brochure here.

Contact Timalee at tnevels@girlscoutssoaz.org for more information.

girl scouts looking at a map at a summit

Girl Scout Destinations

Push past your comfort zone by applying for a trip on your own, and make friends from all over!

TAKE ME THERE

Group Travel

Traveling with your family, your troop, or on your own with a group? Girl Scout resources are available to you.

Travel is for Every Girl Scout

Access unique opportunities through our travel scholarships. Email Timalee for more information.