Troop Activities at WaBak

Before starting, here’s everything you wanted to know about WaBak if you’re looking for a map or info about the units! Make sure you have taken Cabin Camping training before a troop trip.  You can find scheduled trainings on the council website.

Here’s a list of activities if you need help brainstorming for a weekend at WaBak: 

Outdoor Badges

Daisy

Brownie

Junior

Cadette

Senior

Ambassador

Other councils have a variety of outdoor related badges and patches specific to their council, and in most cases, you can call to have their shipped to you or order them online: http://gsresources.dawgtoons.com/resource-links/links/councils-own

Patch Programs

• Discovering Nature patch program:  http://patchworkdesigns.net/DIS-nature.htm
• Wildlife in the Backyard:  http://www.patchworkdesigns.net/pdstore/item.aspx?sku=WILDLIFE-LANIE
• More camping/outdoor patch programs:  http://www.patchworkdesigns.net/pdstore/ItemList_Abstract.aspx?Category=Camping
• Vintage Outdoor Scouting Skills:  http://www.patchworkdesigns.net/VINTAGEskills.htm
• Let the Games Begin (has many outdoor requirements):  http://www.patchworkdesigns.net/GAMESBEGIN.htm

• 

  GSSC-MM has a charm patch where charms for outdoor skills can be added including:  Archery, outdoor cooking, firebuilding, s’mores, knots, cabin camping, and more (see picture to right).  Additional charms can be ordered from other councils via the GSUSA website.  (E-mail amy@dawgtoons.com for hiking, ziplining, and backpacking charms)  Available charms:  https://www.dropbox.com/s/3qnywb5q9olu3ie/gssc-mm%20outdoor%20skills%20patch.pdf?dl=0

• Outdoor camping patch set:  https://www.e-patchesandcrests.com/catalogue/sets/outdoor_camping_set.php
• Happy Camper – FREE patch program from Cabot Creameries! Learn to explore the great outdoors responsibly with the Happy Camper Patch! Cabot Creamery, REI Co-op, and Leave No Trace present Happy Camper, a patch program that teaches kids how to responsibly explore the great outdoors. This patch is centered around the seven Leave No Trace Principles for Outdoor Ethics, and is sure to inspire and educate explorers of all ages. Participants will learn about the principles, gain tips for utilizing them in everyday life, and complete fun activities geared towards getting outside and enjoying the natural landscape.

Activities at WaBak

• Here’s a scavenger hunt that will take you on a tour of WaBak!  WaBak History Scavenger Hunt  SU 639 members, please check with Amy about a patch for this activity.
• WaBak has an orienteering course (note: may be out of order) that starts at the fence in front of the dining hall.  Compasses can be checked out via council by contacting customercare@gssc-mm.org.  SU 639 members, we have an orienteering kit that can be checked out from our library.
• Geocaching – you can reserve the kit by sending an email to customercare@gssc-mm.org . Note that Juniors can earn the Geocaching badge. The kit contains a notebook with instructions and GPS devices. You will need to bring items to trade and bring an extra pen to sign the log. Please place the geocaches back with the lid on securely and turn off GPS devices after use.
  
• Letterboxing – the guidebook will be placed on the bookshelf in the Dining Hall next to the fireplace. The binder includes an overview of Letterboxing, clues and a camp map for the girls, and a leader guide with photos to help find the boxes if the girls have trouble. The pages are laminated to help them last, but you can also take pictures of the pages on your phone and leave everything in the Dining Hall. There are now seven boxes scattered around camp (six new and one old). Your troop will need to supply your own girl/troop stamps, an ink pad, a pen/pencil, and a book to log your finds. Each box contain a book and stamp. All we ask is that your girls be sure the boxes are closed tightly and put back exactly where they found them so that the boxes will be there for a while. Same goes with the guidebook, please.  Note that Brownies can earn the Letterboxing badge.
• Gaga ball pit located between the Dining Hall and the lake – there should be a ball there, but bring one just in case.
• ODT hike around lake and up to observatory deck (trailhead starts at the edge of the Archery field and comes out at the top of Gypsy hill)
• Short hike to WaBak Falls overlook starting from the amphitheater
• There is a stream hike to WaBak Falls that starts at the Rambler picnic shelter but it is usually roped off and not recommended for troops.  Someone who is a certified lifeguard is required to go on the hike.  The staircase down to the water is damaged and is NOT open.
• Big Boy hike – please note that this is an extremely strenuous hike.  You will need to let someone at the council know (ranger or camp director) that you will be hiking it or if you’re at an encampment, please notify someone that you are going and when to be expected back.  It’s suggested that you wear long pants and shoes with good traction. If it’s been raining or has rained a lot the day before, it’s not safe to hike due to the slippery rocks at the last part. Allow for at least 3 hours for the hike. Not suggested for little ones. The trailhead begins off the ODT trail.
• Archery and Canoeing – please contact the council and make sure you have a certified leader with you.
• Service projects – check with Lynn Arve at the council (larve@gssc-mm.org) to see if there are any small projects that your troop or SU can do during your visit.  Picking up limbs and large sticks and placing them in a pile and weeding flower beds are always appreciated.
• Activities and field trips near WaBak:  http://gsresources.dawgtoons.com/properties/near-camp-wabak.htm

Troop Activity Suggestions

• GSUSA’s Outdoor Progression Guide:  http://www.girlscouts.org/content/dam/girlscouts-gsusa/forms-and-documents/for-adults/volunteer/GSUSA_OutdoorProgression.pdf
• Leave No Trace activities (can tie with Eco badges):  http://www.people.vcu.edu/~albest/Training/LNT_Quick.pdf or https://lnt.org/
• Outdoor resource with good book of resources: http://www.discovertheforest.org/what-to-do/
• Nature scavenger hunts: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/s06p4volnnrk81s/AAD3pgLoQ6ZutanwKhgcCePsa?dl=0
• The GS of Maine has a great outdoor resource that accompanies their patch program:  http://www.girlscoutsofmaine.org/content/dam/girlscouts-girlscoutsofmaine/documents/Outdoor_Skills_Patch_Program.pdf
• Smokey the Bear Educators Materials:  https://smokeybear.com/en/for-educators
• 20+ Outdoor Activities for Girl Scouts:  https://trailhead.girlscoutsnorcal.org/20-outdoor-activities-for-girl-scouts/
• LOTS MORE IDEAS!!!! http://gsresources.dawgtoons.com/resource-links/links/outdoor-resources