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.

  

 

2013/2014 Backpacking Group Events

Last updated 10-16-13

Get started by attending any one of the trainings listed below then come on a weekend trip. Can't make any of those training dates? Email us!

We meet at a church near Foothill Expwy & Grant Road in Los Altos

September
25

7:00-8:30pm (you can shop with a discount afterwards)

Kathryn
Information Night @ Sports Basement, 1177 Kern Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA
11
7:00-8:30pm
 Christine, Meagan Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
14-15
7:00-8:30pm
 Christine, Meagan
Trip (for Returning Members Only)
October
2
7:00-8:30pm
 Marie
Training for New Members
9

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

 Christine, Marie

Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
12-13 TBD Christine, Marie Beginner Trip
November
6 7:00-8:00pm Christine Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
9-10 TBD Christine Beginner Trip
December
4
7:00-8:30pm
 Kathryn Training for New Members
11 7:00-8:00pm Kathryn, Rachel Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
14-15 TBD Kathryn, Rachel Beginner trip
January
8 7:00-8:00pm tbd Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
11-12 TBD tbd Advanced Beginner Trip

22

 7:00-8:30pm Marie Training for New Members
February
5 7:00-8:00pm tbd Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
8-9 TBD tbd Beginner Trip
tbd 7:00-8:30pm Kathryn, Marie SUMMER MILER MEETING
March
5 7:00-8:00pm Marie Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
8-9 TBD Marie Advanced Beginner
April
9 7:00-8:00pm Marie Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
12-13 TBD Marie Service Trip to Northern Bay Area
May 25-27: Back Country Trip over Memorial Weekend for Wilderness Training
June/July/August
June TBD tbd Year End Social
Schedule TBD Scouts and Families All Welcome! Wednesday night (7 miles) and Weekend (10 miles) Training Hikes for Summer Sierra Miler
July/Aug   Summer Miler Trip (30+ miles)

Stay informed by joining our mailing list (email us to be added)

Planning Meetings start earlier for girls who need a a Pack Inspection.

We can arrange trainings at troop meetings or come talk to your troop about backpacking.

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)