Backpacking Interest Group (BIG) for Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts in the Northern California Council

Love hiking and camping and want something more challenging? Try backpacking with other Girl Scouts! You'll learn new outdoor and team skills, meet girls with interests like yours, and enjoy the beauty of the out of doors.

BIG welcomes both independent scouts or members of a regular troop.

Members need not attend all events: once you're trained (attend one evening training and then attend a Beginner trip) you can go on as many trips as you want. Girls should be capable of carrying a backpack and hiking 3-5 miles for the beginner trips.

Resources for Leaders: Here are some tips (including the weekend packing list) that we've developed over the years.

 

 

2022-2023 Backpacking Group Events

BIG is excited to announce it's planned calendar of activities for the 2022-2023 GS year. Please note that plans are subject to change according to state law and GS guidelines with regard to Covid, and that overnight trip participants are required to be vaccinated against Covid.

While all meetings are held in Palo Alto on Wednesday evenings unless stated, this season we hope to be able to offer trainings, pack inspections/trip planning meetings also in San Francisco as needed, and are offering one weekend Beginner Training.

For sign-up information, or to be added to our email list, email us at leaders@girlscoutbackpacking.net

Last updated Feb. 16, 2023

 

September 2022

14

7:00-8:00pm

Zoom

Info Night

21

7:00-8:30pm

Palo Alto/SF

Training for New Members

October 2022

12

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Palo Alto

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for Weekend Trip

15-16

Montebello OSP

 

Weekend Beginner trip

22

2:00pm-3:30pm

Saturday

Sports Basement

Training for New Members

November 2022

2

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for Weekend Trip

5-6

Portola Redwoods

 

Weekend Beginner trip

December 2022

7

7:00-8:30pm

Fremont/SF

Training for New Members

January 2023

11

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for 2-Night Trip

14-16

Henry Coe State Park

2-nights

2-Night Intermediate trip

February 2023

8

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for Weekend Trip

11-12

Henry Coe State Park

 

Weekend Beginner trip

18-19

Coyote Hill

 

Weekend Beginner trip

March 2023

8

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for Weekend Trip

11-12

Sunol

 

Weekend Intermediate trip

April 2023

TBD

TBD

TBD

TBD

May 2023

24

7:00-8:00pm
Pack Inspection at 6:30pm

Wednesday Night Pack Inspection/Planning meeting for 2-Night Trip

27-29

Pt Reyes

Memorial Weekend

2-Night Intermediate trip

June -Aug 2023

 

Last Week in June

(Tentative)

Destination TBD

Advanced 7-Night trip

Planning Meetings start earlier for girls who need a a Pack Inspection (your first 3 trips with BIG).

2008-2010 BIG event photos

2005-2009 BIG event photos

Check out our pictures at pbase.com/big_santaclara and our wildflower gallery.

2004-2005 BIG event photos

2003-2004 BIG event photos

2002-2003 B.I.G. event photos

2001-2002 B.I.G. events (links & pictures)