Q: Why did GSEM change the camp training courses?
A: Adults who completed the minimum required training, Camping Procedures in GSEM, reported that they did not feel prepared to take a troop camping. Many adults who troop camped after taking only Camping Procedures reported that they had difficulties due to lack of preparedness and that they would probably not camp again. Camp Supervisors reported that there were clear differences in the preparedness and success of Leaders who taken only Camping Procedures vs Leaders who had taken troop camp A or B.
Q: What kind of license or certification is available now?
A: All training will result in participants receiving a troop camp license.
Q: What about people who completed Camping Procedures in GSEM? Can they still be the camp-certified adult? Will they need to take additional training?
A: The change in required troop camp training does not affect those who previously completed Camping Procedures in GSEM. Individuals who completed Camping Procedures in GSEM may continue to be the camp-certified adult when camping on Council-owned property when a Camp Supervisor is present. Those who completed Camping Procedures in GSEM will not be required to take additional training to serve as the camp-certified adult when camping on Council-owned property when a Camp Supervisor is present.
Q: How is the new training delivered?
A: GSEM is taking a blended learning approach to troop camp training. Volunteers will be required to complete online prerequisites before attending a face-to-face learning opportunity.
Q: How will volunteers who have no Internet access be able to access the online training?
A: A CD of the new online courses will be available. Volunteers will be able to check out the CD from their district home study manager. They will receive written assessments which they will complete and return to their home study manager to receive a completion letter.
Q: What about volunteers who already have a great deal of camping knowledge? Do they need to take the same training that will be required of inexperienced campers?
A: Volunteers who feel they have equivalent knowledge of what is provided in the troop camp licensing courses will have the option to complete an application to waive troop camp training. Applicants for the waiver will be required to complete some online courses and successfully complete a face-to-face challenge, demonstrating their camping skills and knowledge.
Q: Will the same training be required regardless of whether the troop wishes to camp on or off Council-owned property?
A: No. Volunteers who wish to accompany troops camping only off Council-owned property may complete Troop Camping Fundamentals or apply for a Waiver of Troop Camp Training: Off Council-Owned Property. These options do not include training in areas that apply only to Council-owned property, such as how to check out of a camp unit.
Q: What is the new required training for camping on Council-owned property?
A: When overnight camping on Council-owned property, at least one adult accompanying a troop must meet one of the following requirements:
- Camping Procedures in GSEM completed prior to February 1, 2012
- Troop Camp A or Troop Camp B license earned prior to February 1, 2012*
- Troop Camp A-Z license or Troop Camp Fast Track License*
- Have successfully completed a Troop Camp Skills Challenge and have an approved Request for Waiver of Troop Camp Training: On Council-Owned Property*
- Be accompanied by a Troop Camp Mentor*
*Volunteers who meet these requirements are also qualified to camp off Council-owned property.
Q: What is the new required training for camping off Council-owned property?
A: Beginning February 1, 2012, at least one adult accompanying a troop camping off Council-owned property must meet one of the following requirements:
- Troop Camp A or Troop Camp B license earned prior to February 1, 2012
- Troop Camp Fundamentals, A-Z, or Fast Track license
- Have successfully completed a Troop Camp Skills Challenge and have an approved Request for Waiver of Troop Camp Training: Off Council-Owned Property
- Be accompanied by a Troop Camp Mentor
Q: Where can I find out about the course prerequisites and the links to the online courses?
A: Please contact Shari McCormick at 314.592.2348 or smccormick@girlscoutsem.org.