Ensuring the health and safety of girls in Girl Scouting is a cornerstone of the Girl Scout Movement. This includes developing safety consciousness in both girls and adults, as well as training staff, volunteers, and girls to ensure proper supervision, planning to prevent accidents and incidents, and maintenance of program resources.

Safety-Wise is Girl Scouts of the USA's recommendation for safety and activity planning for all Girl Scouts. It includes Girl Scout program standards, basic safety guidelines, activity checkpoints, and information on planning trips with girls. It also addresses group money-earning and budgeting guidelines and special guidelines for camping. A copy is furnished to every volunteer, program activity volunteer, and professional staff member. It is updated periodically to reflect the latest in safety considerations and is an integral part of every volunteer and staff training, no matter what the level. Volunteers are encouraged to share it with girls, as they are involved in planning activities.

Background Checks

The Girl Scout program relies on the generosity and commitment of our volunteers. With that said, the safety of our girls is always a paramount concern. A criminal background check is done for all volunteers and adults who handle Girl Scout funds or who have the potential to be alone with girls, including drivers. In addition, a volunteer application, three references, and an interview are required for anyone in a leadership position.