Brownie Troop 20101 poses with Girls Outside Guides Kelly Sturner (green shirt, left) and Amiee Smith (green shirt, right), showing off the hiking backpack they packed together!

Girls Outside doesn’t just lead hikes, we can also help you get your troop or group prepared to get outside! This week Brownie Troop 20101 from Girl Scouts of the Southern Appalachians invited Girls Outside to come talk about hiking at their meeting. The girls are working on their Hiker Badge and plan to go on a hike together next month with their leaders!

The girls shared about what they were most looking forward to about their upcoming hike and played a game to learn about Leave No Trace outdoor ethics. Then, they picked out items to pack in a hiking backpack (first aid kit? healthy snacks? water? layers?) and what to leave behind (a bottle of soda pop? chips? a tablet computer?). The girls were a bit undecided about whether it was ok to bring a stuffed animal friend, some thought the added weight was not worth it, while others thought it might not hurt.

If you’re interested in having Girls Outside come talk to your girls about hiking and getting outdoors, please send us a request at knoxgirlsoutside@gmail.com.