Here are some suggestions on how troop management might be addressed:
Many behavior expectations should be discussed and agreed upon in order for regular troop meetings to take place. Leave time during one of the meetings prior to the camping event to review these expectations.
Post graffiti sheets listing rules/expectations that the girls can indicate their agreement to follow. Make sure the list is posted early on in the planning and preparation. Girls should be aware of, and in agreement with, rules and expectations that are included in the list as well as leaving space for girls to add to it.
Questions such as “Should we use a buddy system while on our camping trip?” “Is 10:00 p.m. a reasonable time for lights out and 10:30 p.m. for all quiet”? or “If people are using jack knifes, their safety circles are to be respected” are good ones to include.
Provide role playing scenarios that girls can act out during meetings. Discuss ideas and concerns about how to avoid similar situations or how to deal with a situation should it occur. This type of activity meets several of the Girl Scout award requirements.
Design an agreement with the girls concerning the rules and procedures for the upcoming event. Send it home for parent review and input. Require that girls and their parents sign the agreement. Follow through on enforcing the rules once on the overnight/trip.
Upon arrival at the overnight location, practice safeties drills and clearly define meeting points in case anyone should be separated from the troop.
In the outdoor setting, it is reasonable to expect girls and adults to:
Use the buddy system.
Have predetermined meeting places and set times for regrouping.
Follow Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Respect people’s privacy.
Act in accordance to the Girl Scout Law and Promise.
To defer immediately to adults-in-charge during any emergency or crisis.