Inspired by all the possibilities, Girl Scouts of Greater New York planned a winter ski weekend in mid-January and made some incredible memories together. Through the experience, the girls learned to prepare effectively, embrace the cold, stay positive, and have fun in the chilliest of conditions. Now it’s your turn! Plan your own winter wonderland adventure using these five tips:
1. Get inspired—the best way to start is to explore your options and do some research. You might talk to an experienced skier or snowboarder or watch videos and read up on different female winter campers and athletes. Then check out online guides that give you background and tips on your chosen winter sport or camping adventure, including any specific technical terms you need to know. Decide what you like best and pitch why you selected it to your family or Girl Scout friends.
“My favorite part about earning the Snow Adventure badge was going on the ski lift, because I liked the view.” —Giselle, Cadette
2. Plan and prepare—it’s time to make your snow adventure happen! Pick your destination and create a budget. The more you know about your destination, the better your trip will be. Make a list of all the expenses, including food, travel, and gear. You and your troop may decide to use Girl Scout Cookie earnings, especially if you need to travel far. Don’t forget to pack a few essentials, such as a sunscreen (ideally 30+), a lip balm, and a water bottle. You can still get sunburned or dehydrated in the winter!
“We went skiing! Our favorite part was when we got to go down the hills by ourselves without a teacher.” —Leah and Abby, Juniors
3. Dress for success—one of the keys to staying warm in winter is layers, layers, and more layers. To stay dry and warm, choose clothing that wicks moisture and dries quickly. Dressing in layers means having 1) a base layer (underwear and undershirt), 2) a middle layer (sweatpants and a fleece), and 3) an outer layer (waterproof and breathable jacket and pants).
4. Capture the memories—create an action portfolio or keep an adventure journal. Have a friend or family member take action photos or videos of you from your training sessions and on your adventure. While you’re on your adventure, try out something new, like talking to a ski instructor about when they first learned how to ski.
5. Keep it positive—this trip could be the start of a lifetime of great outdoor adventures. Don’t worry if you’re new to winter sports and experiences. Even the best winter athletes started by mastering the basics. Consider your trip a learning opportunity where you get to try something new and have fun with your Girl Scout sisters.
Ready to earn your Outdoor High-Adventure badge? Check out Girl Scouts' official online store for details. We can’t wait to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation using #gsOutdoors!
A HUGE shoutout to our friends at The North Face for supporting the next generation of Girl Scout trailblazers. Learn more about our partnership.
5. Keep it positive—this trip could be the start of a lifetime of great outdoor adventures. Don’t worry if you’re new to winter sports and experiences. Even the best winter athletes started by mastering the basics. Consider your trip a learning opportunity where you get to try something new and have fun with your Girl Scout sisters.
“My favorite part about this trip was going down the slope and going really fast” —Leah, Cadette
Ready to earn your Outdoor High-Adventure badge? Check out Girl Scouts' official online store for details. We can’t wait to hear from you! Follow us on Instagram, and join the conversation using #gsOutdoors!
A HUGE shoutout to our friends at The North Face for supporting the next generation of Girl Scout trailblazers. Learn more about our partnership.