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Activities I - L
Welcome to the Activities I - L 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.
Indoor Skydiving
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
D |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
Feel the rush of skydiving—without a plane or parachute! A vertical wind tunnel keeps you floating a few feet above a trampoline-type net.
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 Indoor Skydiving
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
☐ Select a safe site.
- Look for a facility designed for recreational and training use; only vertical wind tunnels are permitted by Girl Scouts.
- Instructors are adults who hold certification from the International Bodyflight Association or who have documented experience and skill in coaching/supervising indoor skydiving.
- Ensure that instructors lead fliers to the wind tunnel, spot them during the entire flight experience, and lead them out of the chamber.
☐ Ask about physical requirements.
- Ask the facility’s manager what conditions may prevent or limit participation. Possible constraints include:
- History of heart trouble
- History of back issues; arching the back with hips forward is required in this activity
- History of shoulder dislocation
- Range-of-motion limitations
- Pregnancy
- Height and weight restrictions, which may vary by location
- Discomfort with being touched by the instructor; touch is required to adjust positioning
- Any other serious health issues; these participants should be cleared by a physician prior to flying
- Other mobility or ability needs
- Talk with group members and caregivers to confirm their ability to join in; consider alternative plans if everyone can’t participate.
Planning and Preparation Phase
- Arrange for first aid. Confirm that someone trained in first aid is on hand.
- Remind participants about what to wear.
- Closed-toed, athletic shoes, securely tied
- No dangling jewelry that could become entangled
- Hair secured
Day of the Activity
- Learn safe flight practices. Ensure participants:
- Learn how to wear and adjust gear (see Gear for Indoor Skydiving below)
- Learn how to float and move in the wind tunnel
- Practice body positions before entering the tunnel
- Stow your stuff. Put valuables into a locker or leave them with someone in the group; nothing should be brought into the tunnel.
Gear for Indoor Skydiving
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a successful outing.
Essential equipment
- Helmet (full face or open face), approved by the facility, properly fastened
- Goggles; ask facility about goggles for people who wear glasses or contacts.
- Flight suit
- Ear protection
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Indoor Trampolines
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
B |
J |
C |
S |
A |
No |
No |
*Girl Scouts must be at least six years old to participate.
Bounce into fun while enhancing strength, balance, and coordination. Indoor trampoline parks and gyms offer a variety of apparatus in a contained environment.
Note: Home trampoline use is not permitted for Girl Scouts of any age.
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 Indoor Trampolines
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
☐ Select a safe site. Trampolines are associated with a high risk of injury. Outdoor trampolines and personally owned trampolines are not permitted. Look for an indoor facility that:
Staffs each area with trained personnel who actively monitor jumpers and enforce rules
- Separates participants by size
- Regularly cleans and sanitizes equipment
- Has padded covers over all springs
- Has a system of nets below the trampolines
- Has a trampoline under any foam pits Provides a safety and rules briefing
- Provides instruction on how to safely use the equipment
- Has clearly posted rules
☐ Make plans for access.
- Ask the manager what conditions may prevent or limit participation, such as past injury or pre-existing conditions.
- Talk with group members and caregivers to confirm ability to join in; consider alternative plans if everyone can’t participate.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Arrange for first aid. Confirm that someone trained in first aid is on hand.
☐ Remind participants about what to wear.
- Socks with non-slip surface on soles—sometimes provided by the trampoline park
- No hard or sharp items, such as belt buckles
- No dangling jewelry
- Hair secured
- Comfortable, stretchy, close-fitting clothing, such as yoga pants or leggings
Day of the Activity
☐ Check facility and equipment. Look for general condition of equipment and ensure staffing is in place as promised.
☐ Ensure participants receive instruction and a safety briefing.
☐ Ensure participants understand and follow the rules.
- To avoid injury or loss, leave keys, phones, and other objects in a locker or with someone not jumping. Keep pockets empty and avoid loose or dangling clothing.
- Nothing in the mouth (gum, candy, or other objects) while jumping.
- Maintain control: Jump safely and stay aware of your movements.
- Follow designated areas: Stay within sections assigned by size, age, or ability.
- Be mindful of others: Give priority to slower or smaller jumpers.
- No roughhousing: Avoid pushing, running, racing, or horseplay.
- No double bouncing: Do not land close to another jumper landing at the same time.
- Rest off the court: No sitting or lying on the trampoline; exit the area to take breaks.
- No grabbing or hanging on the top pad.
Gear for Indoor Trampolines
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!
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Inflatable Activities
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
* |
J |
C |
S |
A |
Yes if aquatic |
Yes if aquatic |
*Some activities are limited; see below.
Bounce, slide, and climb your way to adventure! Take on challenges on land or splash through fun on the water.
See also: Amusement and Water Parks and Swimming SACs.
This guidance applies to the following apparatus found in public facilities or privately rented:
Aquatic inflatables—Includes climbing walls, slides, obstacle courses, or bounce platforms; “blobs” in deep pools, lakes, or bays; and log rolling, where participants try to balance on synthetic logs anchored in a lake or pool. Equipment may be filled with air or foam. *Daisies may not participate in aquatic bounce houses. Daisies and Brownies may not participate in aquatic climbing walls.
Bounce houses and land inflatables—Includes closed inflatable trampolines, bouncy castles, moon bouncers, moonwalks, jumpers, obstacle courses, and other temporary inflatable structures for recreational use. *Daisies may participate in bounce houses that are specifically designed for young children.
Bubble soccer or similar games—Players wear inflatable bubble suits while running, kicking, and scoring with teammates. *Daisies and Brownies may not participate in bubble soccer.
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 Inflatables
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
☐ Select a safe site.
- Look for well-regulated, established parks or long-standing host organizations. Find a location that:
- Limits the number of participants allowed, following manufacturer recommendations
- Has age requirements for activities; limits ages participating together
- Has a secure zone around the activity area
- Inspects all apparatus daily
- Has inflatables that are well anchored and properly inflated, free of nearby hazards
- For aquatic inflatables, also confirm the site:
- Has adequate, specially trained lifeguards with a clear view and active supervision of all areas
- Limits the amount of swimming time to avoid fatigue
- Operates during daylight only
- Inspects water depth daily and checks for underwater hazards
- Provides life jackets
- For log rolling, also confirm:
- Has adequate lifeguards with a clear view and active supervision of all areas
- The activity takes place in water at least 2 feet deep
- Logs are aligned perpendicular (as a T) to a dock, pool edge, or hard object
- Logs are anchored so that long edges are at least 10 feet from any obstructions, such as a pool edge, rocks, trees, beach, etc.
- Attendants are available to hold the log while beginners climb on, and/or training fins are attached to the log to slow rotations
- Non-swimmers wear life jackets if water is above the knee
- For bubble soccer, also confirm:
- The site is flat, free of obstacles such as trees, rocks, pillars, and roots, and is away from streets and roads
- Playing surface is grass, astroturf, or gym floor
- Bubble balls are fitted with shoulder straps that position the ball at least 8 inches above the head, to protect the head
- Bubble balls are clear to allow visibility
- Check with your state’s regulatory agency for safety records and standards compliance. (Inflatable facilities may be listed under amusement parks.)
☐ When renting an inflatable, choose a reputable vendor. Check with the governing agency for permits needed in public spaces.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Arrange for first aid. In some settings, such as aquatic parks, first aid support is easy to access. If not, recruit least one adult with First Aid/CPR/AED training. Bring a first aid kit.
☐ Remind participants about what to wear.
- For non-aquatic inflatables:
- Clothing that is comfortable and offers sun protection, layered to adjust through the day
- Socks
- When allowed, closed-toed, securely tied footwear
- No jewelry
- No eyeglasses; ask about prescription goggles that might be suitable.
- No sharp objects, phones, or other items in pockets
- Hair secured
- For aquatic inflatables:
- Swimsuit
- Rash guard
- Water shoes for shore and, if permitted, on inflatable
- For bubble soccer:
- Shin guards and knee pads (recommended)
☐ Arrange for a swim assessment for aquatic parks/inflatables. Aquatic inflatables require strong swimming ability or use of a life jacket.
- Advance swim assessments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Same-day assessments may be conducted if necessary.
- If swim assessments are not feasible, assume all participants are non-swimmers.
Day of the Activity
☐ Arrange for “water watchers.” Ensure adult watchers are present for supervision, especially for scattered groups. Use a ratio of 1:6 for Daisies and 1:10 for older participants. Watchers must actively monitor participants, providing undivided attention.
- Designate a rotating watcher and inform children about who is on duty at all times.
- Watchers are not a substitute for lifeguards.
☐ Evaluate conditions.
- Refer to the “Select a Safe Site” section (above) to confirm area is set up appropriately. Because inflatables are moveable, locations and conditions can change.
- Look for full inflation.
- If an element looks questionable or an operator does not appear to be mindful of safety, don’t allow your group to use that element.
☐ Review basics with participants.
- For all inflatable activities:
- Enter an inflatable only when an attendant is on duty.
- Follow attendants’ and posted instructions.
- On slides and obstacle courses, take turns and wait for the person ahead to exit before starting.
- Jump only with others of similar size.
- No tumbling, flipping, wrestling, chasing, or horseplay.
- Stick with your buddy.
- Know where to go for help or if you’re separated from your group.
- For aquatic parks:
- Wear a life jacket if instructed.
- Swim and play in designated areas only.
- For bubble soccer:
- Only one person is allowed in a ball at a time.
- No rolling down hills while wearing a ball.
- Run and bump at slow or moderate speed only.
- Do not bump others from behind.
- Allow other players to get up before being bounced again.
- Use sides of the ball for bouncing against others—never the top.
- Lift the ball by the handles only to get up after falling.
☐ Point out landmarks. Landmarks include restrooms, water bottle filling sites, first aid stations, and where you will meet if someone gets separated from the group.
Gear for Inflatables
See the Planning and Preparation notes about what to wear. Other equipment is generally provided. Just show up and have fun!
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
Kayaking
Daisy |
Brownie |
Junior |
Cadette |
Senior |
Ambassador |
Is Prior Council |
Is Activity Training, Certification, or Experience Required? |
* |
** |
C |
S |
A |
Yes |
Yes |
*Brownies may paddle only on flat water and must stay within swimming distance of shore.
**Juniors may paddle only on flat water within swimming distance of shore, or on sections of river rated Class I.
Kayaking is fun and easy to learn! Whether you’re splashing around with friends, touring on a peaceful river, or tackling thrilling whitewater rapids, it’s an adventure for all skill levels—and a sport you can enjoy for life.
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 Kayaking
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 kayak.
- Nearly any body of water is suitable for kayaking with the right instruction, equipment, and experience. Start on flat water with little to no current. Progress to more advanced conditions like whitewater or surf.
- Paddling.com and American Whitewater have interactive maps of paddling locations.
- Kayaking is not permitted in whitewater above Class III.
☐ Identify an expert.
- Arrange for instruction by an adult with experience teaching and supervising kayaking for the ages involved.
- Engage a certified instructor with training suited to your location and conditions:
- American Canoe Association (ACA)—various certification levels
- Girl Scouts Small Craft Safety Course (with kayak module)
- American Red Cross Lifeguarding with Waterfront Module (for flat water, near shore only)
- Documented experience per your council’s guidelines
- Maintain proper instructor–student ratio, per the instructor’s certification, with a maximum of five learners per instructor. An ACA instructor with a qualified assistant may supervise up to ten learners.
- Ensure instructors have firsthand knowledge of the hazards and conditions at the kayaking location.
Planning and Preparation Phase
☐ Be clear on gear.
- Review Gear for Kayaking at the end of this section.
- Ask your instructor or outfitter what items are provided.
- Communicate early with participants and families about what the group leader or outfitter will supply and what individuals need to bring.
☐ 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.
☐ Assess swimming ability. Strong swimming skills are important for paddlers’ safety and confidence. A swim assessment is highly recommended to evaluate participant readiness.
- Advance swim assessments are recommended to avoid disappointment.
- Same-day assessments may be conducted if necessary.
- If swim assessments are not feasible, assume all participants are non-swimmers.
Day of the Activity
☐ Check the weather.
- Consult your instructor; postpone or cancel if conditions are unsuitable for your group’s skill level.
- Never kayak during a storm.
- Monitor river or wave conditions, as they change daily. Use resources like Wannasurf.com and Surfline.com for live updates, or local river conditions resources.
- Check water quality reports on Surfrider’s interactive map, especially after rainfall.
☐ Check boats for condition. Ensure plugs are in place and any air bags are functioning and secure.
☐ Inspect the area upon arrival.
- Point out and avoid hazards such as strainers, sieves, hydraulics, waterfalls, bridges, dams, fences, and low power lines.
- Surf zones, rapids, and standing waves must be avoided unless part of a planned whitewater experience.
☐ Verify instructors or lifeguards are well-positioned for supervision.
- Supervision from shore is only allowed on flat water near shore.
- Instructors must accompany the group if paddling away from shore or on moving rivers.
☐ Ensure everyone learns and practices the basics.
- Proper body position and balance
- Kayak entry, launching, and landing techniques
- Propelling and steering the kayak with effective strokes
- Maneuvering through waves and wakes
- Self-rescue techniques in case of capsize
- Signaling for help
☐ Consider special conditions.
- Before padding with decked kayaks, paddlers must learn and successfully practice “wet exits” (escaping the boat if upside down). Practice with spray skirts, if used.
- In surf, learn and practice navigating around the break, as well as recognizing and managing rip currents.
- In whitewater kayaking, learn and practice how to read and manage rapids and how to float through if separated from the kayak.
- Understand and follow any site-specific instructions.
☐ Follow kayaking right-of-way rules.
- Yield to swimmers and less maneuverable watercraft, such as paddleboards.
- Expect powered watercraft and sailboats to yield, but stay alert and paddle defensively to prevent accidents.
- Stay clear of large vessels (motorboats, ships, ferries) that cannot easily change course.
- Ask your instructor to demonstrate other right-of-way rules.
- Be aware of others in surf zones or whitewater.
- Control your kayak to prevent collisions.
☐ Prepare for emergencies.
- Discuss emergency action plans with your instructor.
- Know who to contact and how to call for help.
- Be aware of your location to communicate effectively with authorities.
Kayak Trips: Additional Considerations
Kayak trips are longer day or overnight excursions. Plan kayaking trips only after progressive skill-building experiences. Follow these additional tips for a safe and satisfying experience.
☐ Ensure basic skills. Make sure that participants:
- Have the skill and stamina to finish the trip, even if headwinds or other challenges arise
- Learn how to cross busy channels, if necessary (generally, by crossing at a 90-degree angle to channel traffic)
- Learn universal signals
☐ File a float plan for any trip.
- Provide a reliable adult with information about your boats) and the people aboard.
- This fillable Coast Guard Float Plan includes steps for your contact to take if they are concerned about your safety.
☐ Use a professional guide with the additional training needed for the trip type. Guiding on river, whitewater, coastal, touring, and open water (ocean) trips are advanced certifications.
☐ See the additional gear needed for trips under Gear for Kayaking. Consult your guide about what else may be needed.
☐ Do not exceed capacity or overload boats with gear.
☐ Keep boats close enough together so that a group decision can be made if wind or water conditions change.
☐ Be aware of possible changes in water level due to tides or dam releases, and how these may impact your route.
Gear for Kayaking
Make sure Girl Scouts have everything they need for a successful outing.
Individual and group essentials
Essential equipment
- Kayak suited to participants’ skill level and water conditions
- Beginners: stable, easy-to-paddle, sit-on-top kayak
- Intermediate: decked kayak, built for surf or whitewater
- Advanced: decked kayak with spray skirt for more challenging conditions
- Properly sized, double-bladed paddle
- Bailing scoop to remove water from hull (not needed for self-bailing boats)
Safety gear
- Coast Guard–approved life jacket, properly sized nd fitted for each person (required)
- Rescue whistle
- Throwable personal flotation device (Type IV cushion, ring buoy, or equivalent) available for each group on the water
- Tow line, throw bag, and/or other rescue gear (carried by the instructor)
- Helmets (required in Class II or higher rapids, or if going in or near sea caves)
- Kayaking at night requires additional gear; contact your outfitter.
Clothing and footwear
- Layered, non-cotton clothing; rash guards and board shorts are ideal.
- Water shoes, neoprene booties, or non-slip sport sandals with a heel strap (no flip-flops)
- Wetsuit or neoprene top and shorts if the water temperature is below 65°F
- Paddling gloves for comfort and grip
Gear for trips
For trips, critical gear should be secured to the kayak. Consult your expert about what to bring in addition to the gear listed above. They may recommend items such as:
- Navigation items, such as GPS or compass
- Communication equipment such as two-way, satellite, or weather/VHF radios
- Dry bags (and a way to secure them) to carry food, extra clothing, first aid kit, etc.
- Repair kit: duct tape, tools, spare plugs, etc.
- Spare paddle(s)
- Emergency equipment, such as signaling mirror, tarp, space blanket, extra clothing and food, matches, flashlight, etc.
Download the checkpoints for this activity as a PDF.
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