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Trailblazers Hiking Group
Become a Trailblazer and join this flexible year-long hiking and
backpacking program for Girl Scout Cadettes-Ambassadors who love
spending time outdoors. Experienced leaders will teach you outdoor
skills such as reading trail markers, properly dressing & packing
for a hike, fire building, and more. Attend hikes and events as your
schedule allows. Girl Scouts, you can attend on your own, with a parent,
or with your troop. A one-time fee of $25 per person will be collected
for the entire year, giving you access to a full calendar of events.
Your registration is not complete until a health and permission slip is
returned. All hikes and backpacking trips are included as part of your
registration fee. GSNNJ offers a gear loaner program for members of this
group. For more information, email Laura Ammaturo at lammaturo@gsnnj.org
Orientation
Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024 from 7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at Lake Rickabear Camp Beach Lodge
This orientation is for anyone new who is interested in learning about our group, and returning hikers. You will learn about the Trailblazers group and meet our volunteer leaders.
Hikers will explore the woodland trails of New Jersey while building their strength and endurance.
The number of miles we hike depends on the terrain and averages 3 to 5 miles. We stop for lunch for about an hour, so girls have time to cook using their backpacking stoves and learn other related skills.
Adult chaperones are welcome, but not required. Any adults who will be hiking with the group must register.
There are always at least two adult hike leaders and at least one First Aider on each hike.
Hikers will learn about map reading, following trails, Leave No Trace principles, hiking equipment and nutrition.
A typical day hike begins between 8 & 9 am and lasts 5-6 hours.
Hikes take place on Saturdays during fall, winter, & spring. There is a weekend camping trip at the end of April. Overnight backpacking trips take place in May. See back for dates.
Participants do not have to attend every hike. Come to as many as you can. For those who wish to go backpacking, a minimum of 4 day hikes are required along with some additional equipment.
GSNNJ has limited quantities of the following items available for borrowing: Backpacks, Stoves, Pots, Sleep Mats, Stuff Sacks.
How to Dress for a Day Hike
Wear hiking boots that go over the ankle, have a rugged sole, are waterproofed, and have been broken in; no sneakers or fashion boots.
Wear socks make sure they are comfortable with your boots. Many hikers wear two pairs, a thin synthetic one and then a regular one over that to prevent rubbing and wick away moisture.
Dress in thin, light, layers of synthetic materials.
No 100% cotton and no jeans.
Wear a hat and gloves in chilly weather.
Things to Bring on a Day Hike
Small pack to carry your stuff. School type “backpacks” are fine for day hikes.
Lunch and snacks: Put everything in a plastic or “zip” type bag.
At least 1 liter per person. No glass. Bring extra if cooking at lunchtime.
Backpacking stove, fuel, and pot with lid if you will be cooking at lunchtime. Approved stoves for girls are Sterno, Esbit, or alcohol type.
Toilet tissue and hand sanitizer
Rain jacket or poncho
Personal first aid kit
Personal medications
Sunscreen, insect repellent
Bandana
Mask (optional)
Registration
In order to be ready to attend your first hike, you need to complete the following steps. Both adults and Girl Scouts must complete all steps.
Complete your Girl Scout membership online for the 2024-2025 Girl Scout year.
Register for the Trailblazers Hiking Group-Yearlong Series (this is a $25 fee).
Complete and submit the Health History/PermissionSlip.
Once you have completed these three steps, you will receive an email from GSNNJ describing the full hike details and how to register for individual hikes.
After that, you will receive full hike information about 1 week before each hike, along with online registration instructions.