You are leaving girlscouts.org for a website opened by an external party. You will be subjected to the privacy and security policies of the website
Activities E - H
Welcome to the Activities E - H Safety Activity Checkpoints page, designed to help you prepare for your next Girl Scout adventure. To access specific guidelines and requirements, simply select your intended activity from the accordion list below. Once an activity is expanded, you will find the detailed Safety Activity Checkpoints and a downloadable PDF to ensure a safe and successful experience for your troop.
Fencing
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
*Daisies may learn about fencing games and rules but should only use foam swords.
Experience the exciting blend of skill and strategy that fencing offers. Use a foil, saber, or épée to outmaneuver your opponent and score touches while avoiding theirs. With proper protective gear and the right foil selection, fencing remains a safe and low-risk activity.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Learn More
Find out what these terms mean at USA Fencing:
- En garde!
- Prêts?
- Allez!
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Fencing
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to fence. Find a club or academy that offers instructional sessions with equipment. USA Fencing offers club listings by state as well as competitions to attend as spectators.
☐ Identify a qualified expert. Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience teaching and supervising fencing for the ages involved. Recognized certifications include:
- U.S. Fencing Coaches Association
- Equivalent certification or documented experience according to your council’s guidelines
☐ Make plans for access. Refer to USA Fencing’s Parafencing 101 and discuss needed accommodations with participants and coach to ensure compliance.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear. See Gear for Fencing at the end of this section. Discuss with participants and families well in advance what the group leader, club, or gym will provide and what each person should bring themselves.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- Ensure a first aid kit is readily available.
- Day of the Activity
☐ Dress appropriately. Make sure all participants follow these guidelines:
- Sneakers or fencing shoes
- Long socks that go to the knees; soccer socks work well.
- Hair or jewelry that could be caught is secured
☐ Make sure all fencers learn the basics.
- Listen to the coach and follow all instructions.
- Review rules and expectations for safe behavior.
Gear for Fencing
Ensure that equipment is in good condition. It should be clean and in good working order, with nothing broken, loose, or torn. Required items include:
Essential equipment
- Foil, saber, or épée, with handle in good repair
- Protective clothing and equipment:
- Mask with a sewn-in-bib; must pass 12K punch test
- Jacket
- Plastron (underarm protector worn on fencing arm)
- Knickers (fencing pants that cover knees)
- Chest protector
- Lame and cords for foil and sabre fencers
Clothing and footwear
- Clothing and shoes as mentioned above
Fishing and Ice Fishing
Daisy | Brownie | Junior | Cadette | Senior | Ambassador |
Is Prior Council | Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
D | B | J | C | S | A | No | No |
Fish in fresh or salt water anywhere in the world, whether from shore, dock, or boat. Fishing fosters a connection to nature while building patience and problem-solving skills. In colder climates, try ice fishing by cutting a hole in the ice to catch fish.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Fishing
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to fish.
- Work with your group to decide what type of fishing they want to do, from available choices in your area. Follow the guidance for Fishing Locations and Types found below.
- Browse Take Me Fishing’s interactive, crowd-sourced site, or ask a local bait or fishing supply shop for locations.
☐ Identify an expert.
- Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience teaching and supervising fishing.
- Never exceed ten participants per instructor.
☐ Be ready for rescues. Ensure someone with relevant rescue experience is on hand. At a minimum, ensure at least one adult per ten participants has completed the American Red Cross’s free online course Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers or has equivalent experience. See the Fishing Types section, below, for additional rescue training needed for certain conditions.
☐ Make plans for access. Make sure your location is accessible for everyone in your group. Plan for secure footing and be aware of sloping shorelines that pose a rolling hazard for wheelchair users.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Observe regulations. Determine fishing and environmental regulations for your location. Licenses, catch limits, and allowed type and size of fish vary. Determine the bait and fishing gear permitted.
☐ Be clear on gear. See Gear for Fishing and Ice Fishing at the end of this section. Discuss with participants and families well in advance what will be provided by the group leader, the outfitter or site (if used), or individuals.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit in a waterproof container. For ice fishing, include supplies to treat hypothermia.
☐ Arrange for “water watchers.”
- Ensure adult watchers are present for supervision, especially for scattered groups.
- Use a minimum watcher-to-participant ratio of 1:6 for Daisies and 1:10 for older participants.
- Watchers must actively monitor children, providing undivided attention.
- Designate watcher(s) and inform children about who is on duty.
- Watchers do not replace lifeguards, when lifeguards are required.
Day of the Activity
☐ Make sure all anglers learn safety basics.
- Areas to avoid, such as surf, slippery rocks, etc.
- How to behave and move about in the boat, if using one
- Rules for catch size and type, or if you are fishing catch and release
- How to safely cast a line
- Using the buddy system
- What to do if someone needs help
☐ Verify ice thickness when ice fishing.
- Ensure that ice is at least 4 inches thick—solid enough to support anglers’ weight. The Department of Natural Resources of the State of Minnesota offers these guidelines for ice thickness.
- Check ice thickness frequently—at least every 150 feet—as you move across a body of water, as thickness can vary significantly.
Additional Requirements for Fishing Locations and Types
From a dock or pier
- Ensure that a person with rescue training is on hand. Acceptable training includes lifeguard certification, water safety instructor, Basic Water Rescue, or Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers (a free online course) or the equivalent.
Wading in water that is above the knee, without waves or current
- Ensure that a person with rescue training is on hand. Acceptable training includes lifeguard certification, water safety instructor, Basic Water Rescue, or Water Safety for Parents and Caregivers (a free online course) or the equivalent.
- All participants wear a U.S. Coast Guard (USCG)–approved life jacket.
Wading in water that is below the knee, without waves or current
- A person with rescue training is encouraged. See above bullet for acceptable training.
- Ensure USCG-approved flotation devices or other water rescue equipment are readily available.
Fishing from small craft
- Ensure the small craft operator or group instructor has Girl Scout–approved training. See the Safety Activity Checkpoints for that type of vessel (e.g., canoe or rowboat).
- Follow USCG requirements for the vessel, including wearing life jackets. See details in Gear for Fishing and Ice Fishing, below.
- Have at least one USCG-approved throwable flotation device immediately available for each group on the water.
- Select appropriate boats for the water conditions and passengers. Do not overload.
- Arrange for additional watchers as the situation allows. Watchers may be on the boat, or on a near shore if using kayaks or canoes.
- File a float plan for extended boating trips. Provide a reliable adult with information about your boat(s) and the people aboard. This fillable Coast Guard Float Plan includes steps for your contact to take if they are concerned about your safety.
Gear for Fishing and Ice Fishing
Ensure that all equipment is in good condition. Needed items include:
Essential equipment
- Fishing tackle, including rods, reels, line, net, etc. for expected conditions
- Barbless hooks and lures
- Pliers to remove hooks and cut line
- Cooler with ice to keep fish from spoiling
- For ice fishing, add these items:
Safety gear
- Life jacket (PFD). If wading in water more than knee-deep, or fishing from a boat, wear a USCG-approved life jacket (Type II or III recommended) that fits according to weight and height specifications. Inspect for working buckles and zippers, and ensure that fabric has no tears.
- Rescue items appropriate for conditions, such as ring buoy, throw rope, throw cushion, pole, or chase boat. Check with your instructor and/or the facility you’ll use to see what’s on hand.
- Whistle for each person
- For ice fishing, add these items:
- Foam life jacket or flotation suit
- Ice picks for self-rescue; provide instruction on use.
- Flashlight/lantern
- Cell phone and personal locator beacon
- Rope to throw to someone who has fallen through the ice
- Throwable flotation device immediately available
Clothing and footwear
- Shoes with grippy soles to prevent slips
- Layered non-cotton clothing for sun protection and warmth
- Waterproof jacket and pants for ice fishing or other wet/cold conditions
- Hair, clothing, or jewelry secured if it could be caught in equipment
- Sunglasses, to protect from the sun and from hooks or lures
- Other items your expert suggests, such as waders for fly fishing
- For ice fishing, add these
items:
- Snowsuit, warm coat, hat, and mittens
- Lightweight rubber gloves or hunting/fishing gloves
- Waterproof, insulated boots with ice cleats or crampons
Geocaching
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
*Daisies may geocache when working with older girls and adults.
Hunt for hidden treasures, navigate with GPS, and solve clues in geocaching—where adventure and fun await! Geocaching is a GPS-powered treasure hunt, where map-reading and problem-solving lead you to hidden caches.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Learn More
Send a trackable on an adventure—and follow it! A trackable is an object that travels from cache to cache. Give one a mission and see the world through other geocachers’ logs and photos.
Find and follow other Girl Scouts’ trackables.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Geocaching
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Find a safe place to geocache. Anywhere humans go, there’s likely to be a geocache nearby.
- Look for caches well away from traffic, unstable or steep terrain, and other hazards.
- Cache postings include terrain and difficulty ratings from 1 to 5; start low.
☐ Learn to geocache. No certification or formal training is needed for geocaching, but it will help to review tutorials on the Geocaching website or mobile app.
☐ Make plans for access.
- Utilize accessible GPS devices, designed for blind and visually impaired users.
- Find route surface and obstruction information at Handicaching.com, a crowd-sourced site where users rate the accessibility of caches.
- Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear. See the list at the end of this section. Discuss with participants and families well in advance what the group leader will provide and what each person should bring themselves.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit.
Day of the Activity
☐ Dress appropriately. Make sure all participants are wearing:
- Sneakers or hiking boots
- Layered clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses)
- Whistle for emergencies
☐ Make sure all geocachers learn the basics.
- Use the buddy system.
- Be careful where you step; beware of traffic, bodies of water, other pedestrians, and uneven or steep terrain.
- Avoid reaching into unknown nooks, crannies, or vegetation.
- Watch for sharp edges, branches, insects, and poisonous plants.
- Follow geocaching etiquette:
- Follow CITO: cache in, trash out.
- Avoid tramping vegetation.
- Do not climb walls or fences.
- Do not damage property.
- Do not dig; geocaches are never buried.
- Be discreet in busy areas so curious onlookers don’t interfere with the cache.
- Do not leave candy or other food in a cache.
- Take a trackable only if you can help move it toward its goal.
Gear for Geocaching
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a safe and successful outing.
Essential equipment
- A smartphone or GPS device
- If possible, each person or pair should have a device. If devices are limited, make sure each person gets to try navigating.
- Cache coordinates downloaded if using a GPS device
- Reusable water bottle and snack in a daypack
- Pen for signing the log found in many caches
- Small SWAG (toy, keychain, sticker, etc.) or SWAPS to trade (optional) for items in the cache
Safety gear
- Map and compass as backup if going to an unknown or wilderness area
Go-Karting
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
|
|
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
Hop into a go-kart, buckle up, and take off around the track, feeling the rush of speed as you navigate every turn. It’s all about the joy of zooming, laughing, and soaking up the thrill of a ride you won’t forget!
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Go-Karting
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making and Planning Phases
☐ Find a safe place to drive.
- Use only concession-type go-karting establishments such as those found at amusement parks or other public facilities. Privately owned tracks and go-karts are not permitted.
- Check the track and kart features before making arrangements. Confirm conditions meet standards on arrival.
☐ Evaluate the track. Go-kart tracks must have:
- A fixed rail or a continuous containment system (e.g., curbs) around the entire track except for the pit entrance and exit
- Fire extinguishers easily accessible to the pit attendants and within 70 feet of any point on the track
- At minimum, extinguishers must be 10BC-rated, properly mounted, marked, and charged.
- A restricted perimeter to keep unauthorized persons from the track area
- Safety, warning, and instructional signage clearly visible
- At least two attendants on duty at all times
☐ Evaluate the karts. Karts must:
- Be built for one driver and no more than one passenger, side by side
- Be regularly maintained
- Have, in good condition:
- Passenger padding: seat bottom, seat back, steering wheel and column, and headrest
- A speed governor to limit speed to 25 mph
- Brake and gas controls that automatically return to their default positions when released
- Controls that are clearly labeled or color-coded to distinguish braking from acceleration
- Rollover protection
- Chain and/or belt guards
- Guarded or shielded hot or moving parts
- Gas caps and all components in place and in proper working condition
- Fuel tanks secured, with no leaks
- No fiberglass laceration hazards
☐ Verify that safety gear is available.
- Protective helmet with properly fitting safety harness that meets the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) F2416 or F1492 requirements, displaying the Safety Equipment Institute (SEI) seal
- See the Helmets section of the Safety Standards for more information.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- Verify that a first aid kit is readily available.
Day of the Activity
☐ Dress appropriately. Make sure all participants:
- Are wearing sneakers or other sturdy shoes
- Have secured hair, clothing, or jewelry that could be caught in equipment
☐ Make sure all drivers learn the basics.
- Braking, acceleration, and steering
- Track commands and signage
- Safe driving—no ramming or bumping into other go-karts
Gear for Go-Karting
As long as Girl Scouts are appropriately dressed, they shouldn’t need any other gear—the facility will supply whatever they need. Just show up and have fun!
Hayrides
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
D |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
Take a gentle ride through scenic farmland in a wagon filled with hay—sometimes called a hayrack ride—and enjoy a peaceful tradition with friends.
Note: While hayrides are usually safe and fun, overturning or veering off the road can lead to severe outcomes. Take safety precautions seriously and check the host or vendor’s qualifications beforehand.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Hayrides
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
☐ Find a safe place to go on a hayride. Before booking, confirm that farms or locations:
- Do not operate on or cross public roads or highways, or snowmobile tracks in winter
- Have routes with no steep grades
- Use only qualified, licensed drivers (at least 21 years old, 25 preferred) with training in towing wagons
- Inspect the wagon and tractor/truck before each use
- Never tow more than one wagon at a time
- You may want to ask about other safety details which you’ll confirm upon arrival. See the list in “Evaluate scene safety” below.
☐ Make plans for access. If accommodation is needed for a hayride, discuss with the farm how participants will enter the wagon and how any mobility devices, such as wheelchairs, can be securely accommodated. Communicate with participants and caregivers to ensure the arrangements meet their needs and preferences.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Make it girl-led. Engage participants by exploring Safe Agritourism’s interactive hayride safety page to learn what to look for.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit.
Day of the Activity
☐ Dress appropriately. Make sure all participants are wearing:
- Sneakers or other closed-toed shoes
- Layered clothing appropriate for the weather
- Sun protection (hat, sunglasses)
- Hair secured
- No dangling jewelry
☐ Evaluate scene safety (on the day of or during an advance trip) by checking the following details.
- Route/site:
- Located on sectioned-off property, such as fields, with clear, unobstructed paths
- Free of other traffic, including visitor parking areas
- Wagon:
- Sturdy steps and handrails for loading and unloading
- Sturdy side walls with railings, and entry gates that are secured while moving
- Adequate seating for all riders, with no standing allowed
- Hay or straw securely stacked to prevent slipping
- License plate or permit as required in your area
- Rear running/brake lights
- Safety chain attached to the towing tractor or truck
- Not overloaded with passengers
- Tractor/truck:
- Weighs more than the gross weight of the loaded wagon for traction and braking
- Attached to the wagon during passenger loading
- Passengers not allowed to sit with driver
☐ Review rules and expectations for safe behavior.
- Remain seated.
- Keep arms and legs inside the wagon.
- Do not hang over the side walls/railings.
- Do not ride on or in the towing tractor or truck.
- Adults ride with youth, following ratios for their program grade level.
Gear for Hayrides
As long as Girl Scouts are appropriately dressed, they shouldn’t need any other gear—the facility will supply whatever they need. Just show up and have fun!
Hiking
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
D |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
Go on an adventure and take a hike anywhere! Whether it’s for a few minutes or a few hours, enjoy the fresh air, explore nature, and have fun with friends.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for essential supervision, transportation, first aid, and emergency plans, as well as inclusion and accessibility considerations.
Learn More
- Check out Environmental Volunteers’ list of fun activities for nature hikes.
- Find trails, guides, and maps on the AllTrails app.
- Hike gently with Leave No Trace tips.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Hiking
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of hike planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Note: These checkpoints refer to day hikes. Follow the Backpacking SAC for hikes with an overnight component.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Consider readiness and interest. Start short and slow, with a brief walk in the neighborhood. Build endurance toward more challenging or remote hikes if the group is interested.
☐ Make plans for access. If ability is a factor, find navigable trails in your area at the Trail Access Project, or search local reviews online.
☐ Check out Melanin Base Camp and Diversify Outdoors for tips on making the experience familiar for all.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Make it girl-led. Encourage the group to plan their destination and identify things they'd like to see along the way. Help participants understand distance, terrain features like hills, and other factors to ensure everyone is on the same page.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit. Be sure to include blister treatment supplies.
☐ Find out about the hiking area and how to stay safe.
- Talk to a park ranger or local hiking expert or do online research about rules and potential hazards such as poisonous plants, animals, cliffs and drop-offs, etc.
- Apply for a permit, if required.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Postpone if conditions are unsuitable for the group’s skill level.
- Review procedures for sudden storms.
- Never hike when lightning threatens.
☐ Review trip specifics with all participants. Go over:
- Route and hiking plans
- Expected weather
- Possible flora and fauna—and what to do if trekkers encounter it
- Awareness of fatigue, “hot spots” on the feet, and other health matters
- Emergency action plan—roles for each person
- Leave No Trace principles, including toileting specifics for the territory you’ll visit
- Key safety rules:
- Follow the buddy system.
- Stay on trails unless directed by an expert.
- Stay away from the edges of waterfalls, rock ledges, and slopes with loose rocks.
☐ Confirm gear is ready. Double-check that critical items—water bottles, snacks, sunscreen, etc.—are on hand.
☐ Proceed safely.
- Determine hiking buddies.
- Position an experienced adult with route knowledge at the front of the group.
- Position a “sweep” person at the end to collect any stragglers who might pause.
- Set a pace that everyone can keep; when stopping for a break, make sure to rest long enough for those who arrive last.
- Stop at any trail junctions or places where direction is unclear. Make sure every buddy pair knows it is their responsibility to ensure the following buddy pair sees what direction to go.
- Hike during daylight hours.
Gear for Hiking
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a successful day.
Individual essentials, carried by each person
- Daypack to carry belongings
- Water bottle or hydration pack
- Individual food/snacks: high-energy, lightweight foods such as nuts and dried fruits
- Whistle
- Toileting supplies (toilet paper, garbage bag, menstrual supplies, trowel for cat hole, hand sanitizer), as appropriate for the area you’ll visit
Clothing and footwear
- Lightweight, layered clothing and outerwear appropriate for the weather conditions
- Sturdy hiking/trail footwear
- Socks designed for hiking, with either wicking technology or a liner/thicker sock combination
- Hat, bandana, and/or sunglasses for sun protection
“Ten Essentials” emergency survival kit (optional)
While not needed for short day hikes in the neighborhood, you can use the Ten Essentials to build self-sufficiency and skills for distance hiking. Use your good judgment on when to introduce these items:
- Flashlight or headlamp
- Personal first aid kit
- Extra clothing (including a waterproof jacket)
- Snacks
- Tablets for purifying water and/or extra water
- Emergency shelter
- Matches in a waterproof container
- Knife
- Map
- Compass or GPS
Group gear
- A working cell phone, InReach, or similar communication device
- Other gear appropriate for your location
Horseback Riding
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
Yes |
Yes |
*Daisies may participate in hand-led pony or horseback walks only.
Learn responsibility, patience, and empathy through horseback riding, building confidence and respect for horses while understanding human-animal communication.
General Checkpoints
Refer to the Safety Standards for general standards about supervision, transportation, first aid, emergency action plans, and more, as well as reminders about inclusion and accessibility.
Activity-Specific Checkpoints for Horseback Riding
Follow these basic reminders for each phase of planning. Check off items as you complete them, making sure to consider each sub-bullet.
Decision-Making Phase
☐ Assess readiness. Riders must:
- Have sufficient physical coordination and balance for riding
- Be mature enough to understand and practice safety procedures, use good judgment in reacting to situations, and take responsibility for themselves and their horses
☐ Find a safe stable.
- Check with your council staff to see if an approved vendor list is offered. If so, use one of those vendors.
- For other locations, inquire about accreditation by or membership of the Certified Horsemanship Association or a similar organization. While this certification is not required, it’s a sign of safe, quality operations.
- Visit in person if possible. Look for conditions listed under “Evaluate scene safety” in the “Day of the Activity” phase below.
☐ Identify an expert.
- Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience in teaching and supervising riding for the ages involved. Assistant instructors must be 16 or older.
- Engage a certified riding instructor. Instructors must be certified by an accredited horsemanship instructor training organization or have approved alternative credentials, such as:
- Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA)
- American Riding Instructors Association (ARIA)
- Documented proof of a minimum of three years’ experience successfully instructing in a general horseback riding program
- Documented experience per your council’s guidelines
☐ Make plans for access.
- Many riding facilities can accommodate people with different needs, if arranged in advance. Discuss with the staff how a rider will mount, lead their horse, and dismount. Communicate with participants and caregivers to ensure the arrangements meet their needs and preferences.
- For rider and horse safety, there are rider weight limits. Ask the stable about their policies before booking.
- Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear.
- Review Gear for Horseback Riding at the end of this section.
- Communicate early with participants and families about what the group leader or outfitter will supply and what individuals need to bring.
- Helmets, long pants, and footwear are required.
☐ Line up first aid.
- Ensure that at least one adult has First Aid/CPR/AED training.
- For locations more than 30 minutes from emergency medical services, recruit a Wilderness First Aider or Wilderness First Responder. Identify the closest emergency transport and facilities.
- Bring a first aid kit.
Day of the Activity
☐ Evaluate scene safety. Look for or ask about these items during the decision-making phase. Double-check on arrival.
- Are the horses properly cared for?
- Is the riding area away from traffic and outside distractions?
- Is the riding area free of debris, exposed barbed wire fencing, and other hazards?
- Are the instructional arenas, corrals, paddocks, and stables clean and uncluttered?
- Do the instructional arenas, corrals, paddocks, and stables have clearly posted rules and regulations?
- Does the ring have good footing for the horses?
- Is the ring fencing at least 42 inches high, easily visible, and well maintained?
- Are the gates to the ring shut when the ring is in use?
- Is the tack (e.g., saddles, bridles, stirrups, girth) clean and in good condition?
☐ Ensure riders learn and follow safety basics.
- Learn how to mount, dismount, start, stop, steer, and maintain balance.
- Learn how to ask the instructor for help.
- Only one rider is permitted per horse at one time.
- Eating or drinking are not permitted while riding.
- Dismount before going through small gates.
- Do not adjust clothing, such as by putting on a jacket, while on the horse. Ask to dismount to make any clothing adjustments.
- For arena rides, non-riding adults stay nearby. On trail rides, adults ride with the group, following ratios for their program grade level.
- Horses displaying uncomfortable or unexpected behavior should be dismounted and checked for injuries and ill-fitting equipment. They may need to be walked back to the stable on foot.
- If a horse gets loose, do not chase it; an adult should calmly attempt to retrieve the horse.
☐ Respect trail-riding standards.
- Riders should learn horse control (how to start, stop, steer, and adjust speed to maintain distance between horses) with an arena ride before taking a trail ride.
- Trails should be marked, mapped, and regularly inspected/maintained.
- Avoid trails that cross or follow a road. If a group must cross a road, the instructor should halt the group in a line well before the road, check for traffic, and then signal the group to cross. At the signal, all horses are to be turned to face the highway and all cross at the same time.
- Choose trails with good footing, free of low-hanging branches or other dangerous obstructions.
- Avoid overly muddy or frozen ground.
- Base the length of the ride and the gait (speed) of the horses on the ability of the least experienced rider.
- Ride single file, one full horse length apart, with instructors at the head and rear of the group.
- Horses are walked up and down hills, not ridden fast, and should be walked for the final ten minutes of any riding period to cool down.
Gear for Horseback Riding
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a successful day.
Essential equipment
- Saddle, appropriately sized for each rider. Cinches must be checked for tightness, twigs, folds, and bends.
- Stirrups, adjusted so the rider can raise their behind off the saddle about one hand’s depth.
- Tapaderos (leather stirrup covers) to protect the rider’s feet and prevent slipping in the stirrup. Tapaderos are used when boots or shoes with a heel under 1 inch are worn.
- Saddlebag for lengthy trail rides, to carry water bottles, clothing layers, and lunch
Safety gear
- Helmet—protective headgear designed for equestrian use, with a fitted safety harness (look for the SEI seal)
- Extra halter and lead ropes, carried by the instructor during trail rides
- Cell phone or walkie-talkies in case of emergency
Clothing and footwear
- Riding boots or closed-toed shoes with a smooth sole and at least a half-inch heel, to prevent feet from sliding through the stirrups
- Well-fitting gloves to protect hands from blisters, rope burns, and cuts
- Long pants and clothing appropriate for the weather
- Hair secured
- No dangling jewelry
- No backpacks, daypacks, cross-body bags, or other bags while riding
© Copyright 2009–2026 Girl Scouts of the United States of America. All rights reserved. All information and material contained in Girl Scouts’ Volunteer Essentials guide (“Material”) is provided by Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and is intended to be educational material solely to be used by Girl Scout volunteers and council staff. Reproduction, distribution, compiling, or creating derivative works of any portion of the Material or any use other than noncommercial uses as permitted by copyright law is prohibited, unless explicit, prior authorization by GSUSA in writing was granted. GSUSA reserves its exclusive right in its sole discretion to alter, limit, or discontinue the Material at any time without notice.
