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​Adult Outdoor Program Conference is back by popular demand! 
This conference will inspire, empower, and engage you to deliver fun, exciting and creative programs that build confidence in girls and inspire them to make the world a better place!
​​​The more girls go outdoors with their troops, the happier they are with their Girl Scout experience. Spending time outdoors is worth the effort—80% of girls say they love doing outdoor activities with their troop! Importantly, how often girls do outdoor activities matters. Girls whose troops do three or more outdoor activities a year get more enjoyment out of the outdoor activities they do and are more excited about being a Girl Scout than girls whose troops do two or less outdoor activities a year. 
When girls participate in Girl Scouts’ outdoor programming, they benefit in important ways:

Outdoor Competence:  Girls learn to engage safely and responsibly in a range of outdoor activities.

Outdoor Interest:   Girls develop a love of nature and an interest in the natural world.

​Outdoor Confidence:   Girls gain confidence in their ability to take on new challenges and learn from and succeed in them.

Environmental Stewardship:   Girls come to understand how their behaviors impact the environment and what they can do to protect the natural world.

 - Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors, 2019 Girl Scout Research Institute
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The Adult Outdoor Program Conference is a learning and development signature conference and exposition, specially designed to benefit adult staff and volunteers who want to build skills and become more effective leaders with girls, troops, council and the community.
YOU WILL HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY TO:
  • Network with staff and volunteers from across the council 
  • Expand your knowledge and gain professional development in the outdoors
  • Learn from experts from other agencies/organizations
  • Great instructors. Great workshops. Great use of time!
DATES:  April 26-27, 2025

COST PER PERSON:

Saturday Day Only (No Overnight): $65

Saturday & Sunday with Overnight:
  • $75 Bring your own tent
  • $85 Permatent
  • $100 DeWitt Lodge or Owl's Nest
  • $110 California Trail Center or Oregon Trail Center

Optional Friday (April 25) Overnight (for those already camping Saturday):  
  • Add $10 site fee to your total for camping fees (same camping option as Saturday/Sunday) ***No Friday night activities, Friday Dinner, or Saturday breakfast provided***

Optional Adventure Challenge: add $21 per activity

Optional Certification Courses: add $21 for First Aid/CPR
Certification; add $21 for Blended Learning Camping 102
Certification

PAYMENT: Registration and payment for this conference are offered online only. Debit cards, major credit cards, Google & Apple Pay accepted. Use of Troop Funds are permitted for this leadership training opportunity - please pay with troop debit/credit card (troop transfer is not available). ***Please note - your invoice/receipt will come from Square***

REGISTERED GIRL SCOUTS: All conference participants must be members of Girl Scouts with a current Girl Scout Background check. If you are not registered, use this link to purchase your membership and initiate your background check.
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MEDICAL CONCERNS: If you have a medical concern or allergy you would like to discuss with the health team, contact our camp nurse at [email protected]. All information discussed will be held confidential.

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: Lunch served by the AOPC Committee (or pack your own sack lunch from home).  Cost of lunch and snacks are included in registration (no discounts will be given if you choose to bring your own meals and snacks).  Please indicate special dietary needs in your registration. 
​​GETTING TO CAMP:  See Map below.  Parking on property is limited.  Please carpool if possible.

​WEATHER: April in Kansas City can include warm days and cool nights. For your comfort, dress in layers so that you can adjust for daytime temperatures in the 60s or 70s and overnight temperatures in the 40s or 50s.  Dress for the weather.  Be prepared!  
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​CONFERENCE ATTIRE: Camp clothing and closed toe shoes are required at this conference.   Bring: refillable water bottle, any medications you'll need to take during the conference, hat, sunscreen, bug spray, sit upon or folding camp chair that is easy to carry, small notepad and pen/pencil.  Just remember, you have to carry what you bring to camp. 

OVERNIGHT CAMPERS:  Please bring everything listed under Conference Attire (above).  If you are tent camping, bring your own tent and equipment, including sleeping mat and sleeping bag.  For those sleeping in permatents or cabins, a sleeping mat is furnished - bring your sleeping bag.  Make sure you have toiletries, any medication, flashlight, sleeping attire, change of clothes, and, additional items, if any, necessary for your selected skill building workshops.

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SWAPS:  Girl Scouts love SWAPs - a longtime camp tradition.  We're creating a SWAP Banner to give away to one lucky winner during our Saturday Closing Ceremony.  For 2023 we are anticipating 200 participants and recommend you have a SWAP to add to the banner and 40-50 more to SWAP with others during the Saturday Opening Ceremony, but of course you can always make more!​​​

Conference Schedule 

​FRIDAY (Optional/On-Your-Own for Saturday Overnight Campers Only)
6 pm - 8 pm Check In

​Camp Out - Cabin, Permatent, Tent
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​SATURDAY
​8 am Check In

9-9:30 am Opening  (40 SWAPs)

Morning Workshops & Adventure

Lunch

Afternoon Workshops & Adventure

Dinner

7 pm Closing, Drawings & Flag

7:30 pm Saturday Day Only Attendees Depart Camp

​​Campfire evening general session 

​Camp Out - Cabin, Permatent, Tent
SUNDAY
7:30 am Breakfast and coffee
 additional workshops and adventure activities. 

​Noon - Camp Closes
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Camp Location:

Camp Prairie Schooner
15300 Ess Road, KCMO 64136

More Information:

FAQ 2025 Adult Outdoor Program​
What time does camp begin and end?
Camp check in will begin at 8 am on Saturday April 26, followed by an opening ceremony at 9 am and then sessions throughout the day, with time for meals, a closing ceremony and lights out at 10 pm.  Sunday morning, breakfast and coffee will be served at 7:30 am, followed by additional workshops and adventure activities.  Camp will conclude at noon.

Can I spend the Night on Friday Night Before Camp Begins?
Yes, for an additional $10.00.  If you decide to stay overnight on Friday, your sleeping/overnight location will be the same on Saturday night.  NO programming and NO evening meal or snacks will be provided.  NO breakfast will be provided on Saturday morning.  If you choose to cook over the campfire, you are responsible for all safety requirements and you or someone in your group must have completed Camping 102 prior to arrival.

If I choose to spend the night on Friday night what time can I come to camp?
You may arrive at camp between 6:00 and 8:00 pm and check in with the Staff at Neal Lodge. 

What do I need to bring to the camp?
Hat, jacket, bug spray, sleeping bag, pillow, and/or blankets, toiletries, flashlight, phone charger, closed toe shoes, (no flip flops).    

What is the cancellation policy?
COVID-19 cancellations:  We will make every attempt to hold our outdoor conference following safe COVID-19 guidelines. Should we have to cancel based on the environment at the time, we may look for a reschedule date or provide as close to a 100% refund as possible. Note that we may have vendors who require a down payment that is non-refundable and if this occurs, we will have to pass a portion onto registrants. Again, we will make every attempt not to cancel. 
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Personal change of circumstances:  Except for circumstances related to COVID-19 as described above which would require postponement or cancellation of the entire conference, the conference will be held - rain or shine.  Refunds will not be given due to a change in personal circumstance like scheduling conflicts, illness, or other conflict which may make it difficult or impossible for you to attend.  

If I sign up for an Adventure Challenge and it is cancelled due to weather will I be refunded?  
Adventure challenge activities cancelled due to inclement weather will be refunded if the activity cannot be rescheduled.  This is a decision made by camp staff at the conference.  If an adventure challenge activity is canceled, participants will be moved to a workshop during that time.

If I already have First Aid/CPR or Camping 101 or 102 certification, do I meet the workshop prerequisite requirement to attend certain workshops?  
Yes, if you hold a current First Aid/CPR certification or you've completed Camping 101 (on-line course) or Camping 102 training, you have met the prerequisite requirement for the course.   

If I pay and can’t make it to camp, can I have another adult volunteer attend in my place? 
Yes, send an email to [email protected] to notify the planning group of the person who will be attending in your place.  The replacement will attend the workshops that were selected by the person who is not attending and must also be a registered Girl Scout member who has passed the Girl Scout background check.  

Is there an option to attend both Saturday and Sunday conference programming without spending the night? 
No, we would like to limit the amount of trips into and out of camp as well as encourage a unified feeling around a night at camp!​  If you have special restrictions please email [email protected] and we will contact you to discuss your specific needs and concerns.

Do I have to wear a face mask?
Participants will follow the established guidelines of the Girl Scouts and local authorities on the wearing of face masks.

What type of meals will be served at camp?
Meals and snacks are included with registration.  Meals will be provided by 2 Guys and a Grill. 
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Do I need a mess kit for the outdoor cooking session?  
If you are taking the Blended Learning Camping 102 training on Sunday, yes, you will need to bring a mess kit. 

For any workshops on Saturday, no, you will not need a mess kit; dishware will be provided.  Remember to bring your water bottle. 

Will there be Gluten free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian meal options available? 
Yes, please note allergies and dietary restrictions with your registration and our Food Truck will be prepared to accommodate your needs.   You are also welcome to bring your own food and snacks.  

Can I bring my own food?
Meals and snacks are provided.  If you have special dietary restrictions please email [email protected] and we will contact you to discuss your specific needs and concerns.   Food should never be consumed or stored in permatents or tents - think ants and raccoons, just to name a few camp critters who might take particular interest in whatever snacks you bring from home.   No discount will be given for those who choose to bring their own meals and snacks.

Will there be a location to store medication that needs to be kept cool?
There will be a health station at camp and they will assist in keeping medication cool.

How will cabin/sleeping assignments be made?
Sleeping arrangements will be on a first come first serve basis as participants register.   We are asking for buddy requests and will make every effort to assign you to a cabin or permatent with your buddy.

If I share a tent with a buddy do we each/all pay the full fee?  
Yes, the tent camping fee is per person and covers costs of programming, food, etc.  There is no discount for sharing a tent.

Can I sign up for more than one Adventure Challenge?  
Yes, just remember that each Adventure Challenge activity takes 2 hours, so that will limit the number of workshops you will be able to attend.

Can I smoke on the property?
No. Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes or use of tobacco products on Girl Scout properties is strictly prohibited.
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Can I bring alcohol to camp?
No.  Possession and consumption of alcohol on Girl Scout property is strictly prohibited.

Are there other policies I should be aware of?
Possession and consumption of cannabis or illicit drugs on Girl Scout property is strictly prohibited.

Where will I park?
There will be designated areas for parking at camp. Parking is limited and participants are encouraged to carpool as much as possible.  If shuttling arrangements need to be made due to the number of attendees that will be communicated to attendees prior to the event.

What are  SWAPs?
SWAP - is Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned, or Share With A Pal, or Sharing With A Purpose.  It is an inexpensive, handmade, creative small item to trade at camp.  

How many SWAPs should I bring to camp?
If you want to participate in our camp SWAP exchange, we recommend that you bring 40.  One SWAP per participant will be added to a SWAP banner to be given away at camp. 

Do any Workshops have "pre-work" or prerequisites? 
Yes some of the workshops do have “pre-work”  Check the course descriptions listed on the "Workshops" page of this website for any pre-work or prerequisites.

Can male volunteers attend and spend the night?
Yes.  All registered Girl Scout volunteers are invited and encouraged to attend the conference.  Bathrooms and sleeping arrangements will be made in accordance with the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints for male volunteers.

What if bad weather should occur during the conference?
Prairie Schooner has emergency weather procedures in place.   Emergency procedures will be covered with the entire group during Opening, Flag & Announcements on Saturday morning. 

Will I have to help clean up at the event?
You will be responsible for cleaning up the area where you sleep.  You will also be expected to assist with cleaning the latrines, picking up trash throughout camp and cleaning out the fire pits.  Don't forget, Girl Scouts always leave a place better than they found it! 

Do I have to be a registered Girl Scout member to attend?
Yes.  Participants will all need to be 2022/23 registered Girl Scouts.  If you are not registered, use this link to purchase your membership.

​Do I need to pass a Girl Scout background check to attend?
Yes. Background checks may include, but are not limited to: county, state, and federal criminal records; driving violations; and state and federal sex offender registries.  GSKSMO maintains confidentiality of all criminal background check information.   


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"For over 100 years, girls have discovered, explored, and strengthened their outdoor skills and commitment to environmental stewardship through Girl Scouting.  Guided by supportive adults and peers, Girl Scouts discover the wonders of nature, experience the thrill of adventure, and challenge themselves and one another to reach new heights!"  
​Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors  - 2019 Report from the Girl Scout Research Institute 

​GSKSMO Adult Outdoor Program Conference  - Copyright 2022