The Badge Archive

2011 – Cabin Camper – Basic Meeting Plan

Basic Meeting Plans are designed to have minimal supplies and still hit the GSUSA Requirements. Most meetings can be done in a 90 minute time frame.

NOTE – CABIN CAMPER REQUIRES CAMPING AND CANNOT BE COMPLETELY DONE AT A NORMAL TROOP MEETING. However, a meeting before camping is essential for first time campers. That is what this basic meeting plan is for.

Items Needed:

  • Troop leader with cabin camping experience
  • Paper and pencil for each scout
  • A camping bag with camp gear to unpack and repack
    • Sleeping bag (rolled or compressed) – not in the backpack.
    • Flashlight
    • Water bottle
    • Pajamas
    • Change of clothes
    • Socks
    • Jacket or sweatshirt
    • Toothbrush and travel-sized toothpaste
    • Small towel
    • Bug spray
    • Sunscreen
    • Small toy or book
    • Camp mug or cup
    • Snack container (empty or filled with pretend snacks)
    • Hand wipes or mini sanitizer
    • Bandana
    • Poncho or raincoat
    • Whistle
  • Table, floor space, or tarp to spread gear out
  • (Optional) Printed “Individual Packing List” and “Troop Supply List” for scouts and families to take home
  • Rope (one length per scout)
  • Small post, stick, or chair leg (one per scout)
  • (Optional) Tie a Clove Hitch Knot by GSUSA
  • (Optional) printed cards or pictures showing canned ingredients
  • (Optional) Bring canned foods for examples:
    • Beans (black, kidney, baked)
    • Corn
    • Diced tomatoes
    • Mixed vegetables
    • Potatoes
    • Canned chicken or beef
    • Canned chili
    • Canned soup or pasta
  • Printed map of the planned campground or hiking area
  • (Optional) Types of Hikes page on The Badge Archive

Meeting Outline

Full instructions for each activity are found on the connected links. This outline shows the recommended order of activities for a nice flow from one activity to the next.

Meeting Start

Always plan for 5-10 minutes to allow scouts to arrive and your troop’s opening routines.

Time Expected*: 5 minutes

Activity 1 – Help plan your camping trip

(Requirement 1 Earned)

Action Needed: Troop Leader Camp Plan

Time Expected*: 10 minutes

Activity 2 – Learn about camping gear

(Requirement 2 Earned)

Fun Activity: Pack it Up Gear Practice

Time Expected*: 20 minutes

Activity 3 – Learn a new camping skill

(Requirement 4 Earned)

Fun Activity: Tie a Clove Hitch Knot

Time Expected*: 30 minutes

Activity 4 – Prepare a camp meal

(Requirement 3 partially Earned)

Action Needed: Hobo Stew Creation (Only planning, not taste-testing)

Time Expected*: 10 minutes

Activity 5 – Go camping!

(Requirement 5 partially Earned)

Action Needed: Plan a Camp Hike

Time Expected*: 10 minutes

Meeting End

Always plan for 5-10 minutes for clean up and Closing Routines

Scouts can explore other Types of Hikes until it’s time to go home.

Time Expected*: 5 minutes

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Total Time Expected*: 90 minutes
Note – The Troop still needs to go on the campout and do the meal and hike planned to complete the requirements for Cabin Camper.

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General Notes

  • The Basic Plans from The Badge Archive are designed to earn one official GSUSA badge per level per meeting to remain budget-friendly.
  • Some badges require two meetings to complete. This allows scouts to fully enjoy the activities while keeping costs low by only needing one GSUSA badge for every two meetings.
  • For troops that wish to give scouts a badge or patch for every meeting, a fun patch can be awarded during one of the two sessions. Scouts attending only one meeting can earn the fun patch, while those attending both will receive both the fun patch and the GSUSA badge.

*Time Expected*

  • The time estimates provided by The Badge Archive are based on the writer’s personal experience and are meant as a guideline.
  • Troops may take more or less time depending on their scouts’ abilities and interests. Plan your meetings accordingly to suit your troop’s unique needs.

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For pre-planned meeting plans by others – see the Cabin Camper page.
To choose your own activities – see the Cabin Camper Activity List.

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For More Fun Ideas and Plans

for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Scouts

Join the Girl Scout Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Leader Help Facebook Group
(Not an official GSUSA Group)

This is a supportive Facebook community for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scout leaders. Whether you’re seeking advice, fresh ideas, or meeting plans, you’re in the right place! Let’s inspire each other, share our experiences, and make every troop meeting a memorable adventure.

Find out how you can support The Badge Archive!

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Tia Kennard