Back by popular demand, AOPC 2025!

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!

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​​​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​

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, and community partners
• Great instructors. Great workshops. Great use of time!

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DETAILS:

​CONFERENCE DATES:  April 26-27, 2025


PAYMENT: Registration and payment for this conference are offered online only. Debit cards, major credit cards, Google & Apple Pay accepted. Use of troop funds is 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.***

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REGISTERED GIRL SCOUTS: All conference participants must be registered members of Girl Scouts with a current Girl Scout Background check. If you are not registered, visit www.gsksmo.org to register and initiate your background check.

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PRICING FOR CAMP:

Day Camper	Tent Camper	Permatent Camper	Cabin Camper	Glamper
65	75	85	100	110
per person	per person	per person	per person	per person
Day Camp	Tent	Permatent	Cabin	Trail Center
Saturday Day Only	Bring Your Own Tent	Permatent	Owl's Nest  ​or  DeWitt Lodge	Oregon Trail Center or California Trail Center
- 7 workshops Saturday	- 7 workshops Saturday - 3 workshops Sunday	- 7 workshops Saturday - 3 workshops Sunday	- 7 workshops Saturday - 3 workshops Sunday	- 7 workshops Saturday - 3 workshops Sunday
Coffee, Hot Tea, & Hot Cocoa Saturday Morning	Coffee, Hot Tea, & Hot Cocoa Saturday Morning	Coffee, Hot Tea, & Hot Cocoa Saturday Morning	Coffee, Hot Tea, & Hot Cocoa Saturday Morning	Coffee, Hot Tea, & Hot Cocoa Saturday Morning
Lunch, Dinner, & Snacks Saturday	Lunch, Dinner, & Snacks Saturday	Lunch, Dinner, & Snacks Saturday	Lunch, Dinner, & Snacks Saturday	Lunch, Dinner, & Snacks Saturday
	Extra Networking Time	Extra Networking Time	Extra Networking Time	Extra Networking Time
	Evening Activity	Evening Activity	Evening Activity	Evening Activity
	Breakfast Sunday	Breakfast Sunday	Breakfast Sunday	Breakfast Sunday

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ADDITIONAL DETAILS:

​​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 very 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 - AOPC takes place rain or shine!

​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].  Our camp nurse will work with our hospitality team on food allergies, but all other discussions will be kept confidential.

SPECIAL DIETARY NEEDS: Lunch will be 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 and we will do the best we can to accommodate your needs. 
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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:  A Girl Scout SWAP (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) is a small, handmade token that Girl Scouts exchange with one another at events, camps, and gatherings. Each SWAP is like a tiny piece of art—usually crafted to reflect something about the scout’s personality, hometown, troop, or the event they’re attending.  Girl Scouts love SWAPs - a longtime camp tradition.  We will be creating a SWAP Banner to give away to one lucky winner during our Saturday Closing Ceremony!  For 2025 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!​​​​

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Camp Location:

Camp Prairie Schooner
15300 Ess Road, KCMO 64136

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FAQs:  2025 ADULT OUTDOOR PROGRAM

What time does camp begin and end?

Camp check in will begin at 7:30 am on Saturday April 26, followed by an opening ceremony at 8:30 am and then workshops & adventure activities throughout the day, with time for meals, a closing ceremony and lights out at 10:00 pm.  Sunday morning, breakfast and coffee will be served at 7:30 am, followed by additional workshops and adventure activities.  Closing Ceremony will be at noon.

Can I spend the Night on Friday Night Before Camp Begins?

Yes, for an additional $10 site fee, you can check in on Friday night between 6:00-8:00 PM.  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.  Coffee, Hot Tea, and Hot Cocoa will be provided on Saturday morning for you!  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). 

If you are camping, don't forget your tent gear and all your equipment!​

What is the cancellation policy?

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.  You can transfer your registration to another adult by contacting the AOPC committee at [email protected].​

If I sign up for an Adventure Challenge and it is canceled due to weather will I be refunded?  ​

Adventure challenge activities canceled 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 certification 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.

What type of meals will be served at camp?

Meals and snacks are included with registration.  ​

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. 

If you sign up for outdoor cooking classes on Saturday, we recommend bringing a mess kit.  

Will there be Gluten free, Dairy Free and Vegetarian meal options available? ​

Yes, please note allergies and dietary restrictions with your registration and our Hospitality Team will be prepared to accommodate your needs to the best of their ability.   You are also welcome to bring your own food and snacks as well.

​Can I bring my own food?

Meals and snacks are provided.  If you have special dietary restrictions please email the AOPC committee at [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 our camp nurse will make sure your medication is refrigerated if needed.  We recommend you email our nurse at [email protected] prior to camp so our nurse knows to expect your medication.

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.

Due to limited cabin accommodations, we recommend registering early as we do anticipate indoor trail centers and cabins to sell out!

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, each camper may sign up for up to two Adventure activities.  **Please remember that each Adventure Challenge activity takes two hours, reducing your total number of workshops by two workshops per one Adventure Challenge.**

Can I smoke on the property?

No. Smoking, vaping, e-cigarettes or use of tobacco products on Girl Scout properties is strictly prohibited.

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.

​What if bad weather should occur during the conference?

Camp takes place rain or shine, so please plan accordingly. 

​Prairie Schooner has emergency weather procedures in place.  Emergency procedures will be covered with the entire group during Opening Flag & Announcements on Saturday morning. ​

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 - stands for "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.  ​

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.  If pre-work is required, it will come from Council a few weeks prior to camp to allow you time to complete before you get to camp.

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.

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 all need to be 2024-2025 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.  ​

Girl Scout REsources for Outdoors

Four Ways Girl Scouts Builds Girl Leaders in the Outdoors
Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors - 2019 Girl Scout Research Institute
From Girl Scout Camp to Real-World Champ!
​GSUSA Outdoor Resources
Girl Scout Outdoor Progression Chart
GSKSMO Outdoor Experiences Catalog

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