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.

 

 

2012/2013 Backpacking Group Events

2-22-123 NOTE: March/April Dates Updated

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
19

6:00-8:00pm; presentation at 6:30

Kathryn
Information Night @ Sports Basement, 1177 Kern Avenue, Sunnyvale, CA
26
7:00-8:30pm
Marie, Kathryn
Training for New Members
October
10

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

Marie

Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip

13-14 TBD Marie Beginner Trip
24
7:00-8:30pm
tbd
Training for New Members
November
7 7:00-8:00pm tbd Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
10-11 TBD tbd Beginner Trip
December
5 7:00-8:00pm tbd (not Kathryn) Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
8-9 TBD tbd (not Kathryn) Beginner car-camping trip with 10 mile day hike and skills practice
January
9 7:00-8:00pm tbd (not Marie) Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
12-13 TBD tbd (not Marie) Advanced Beginner Trip

23

7:00-8:30pm Marie Training for New Members
February
6 7:00-8:00pm Marie Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
9-10 TBD Marie Beginner Trip
27 7:00-8:30pm Kathryn, Marie SUMMER MILER MEETING!!!!
March
6 7:00-8:00pm Kathryn Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
9-10 TBD Kathryn Advanced Beginner
April
17 7:00-8:00pm Kathryn Pack Inspection/Planning for Weekend Trip
20-21 TBD Kathryn Service Trip to Northern Bay Area
May 25-27: Long 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)

Changes can occur especially considering the possible closure of State Parks in so please contact us in advance if you are interested in a trip. Email us at the address shown below.

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

Planning Meetings Last Longer if a Pack Inspection is Needed.

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)