Winter unit activities and camping tips

Adventure activities for autumn-winter

Camp skills builder activities

Did you know our Camp skills builder is the second most popular skills builder across every section? GO Outdoors sponsors all 6 stages to help give girls the confidence to have adventures and step into a brave space.

Here are some activities in our Camp skills builder you can do with your unit:

• Rainbows – caring campers (stage 1), can you see in the dark? (stage 2) and get packing! (stage 2).
• Brownies – all pitch in (stage 3), invent a gadget (stage 3) and night under the stars (stage 3). 
• Guides – campfire playlist (stage 4), camp cafe (stage 4), and fireside feast (stage 4). 
• Rangers – healthy camp, happy camp! (stage 5), tent doctor (stage 5) and wild cooking (stage 5). 

Unit meeting activities

• Rainbows – birdie builder (UMA pack 3), campfire singsong (UMA pack 11), and binocular bingo (UMA pack 9). 
• Brownies - find my friend and nature noises (UMA pack 11), night sky observers (UMA pack 4). 
• Guides – adventure sounds (UMA pack 11), easy breezy (Girlguiding magazine), and warm in the wild (pack 1). 
• Rangers – campfire cookout (pack 2), light my fire (Girlguiding magazine), and winter feast-ival (pack 9). 

Interest badges

• Rainbows – nature and agility.
• Brownies – archeology, aviation and space.
• Guides – backwoods cooking, geocaching, navigator, and whittling.
• Rangers – bushcraft and travel.

5 winter camping tips

Got a camp organised for the autumn or winter months? Here are 5 tips to prepare you for staying safe and warm.

To support all of your outdoor adventures, Girlguiding members can save at least 10% at GO Outdoors online and in-store.

Look for GO Outdoors member benefits area of GO, our membership system and start saving today.

1. Set up camp while it’s still light

Not only is it easier to see, but the temperature is a little warmer so setting up will be more enjoyable. Then you can reward yourself with a mug of hot chocolate when the evening temperature drops. Top tip! Don't forget to pick up your lanterns and head or handheld torches.

2. Keep warm from the ground up!

The ground will be much colder than it is in the summer. Stay insulated by doubling the blankets or layers beneath you. Or buy mats, sleeping bags and beds specifically designed for the colder months.

3. Ventilate your tent

It might feel counterproductive opening your tent vents when it’s chilly. But ventilating your space properly will help to keep condensation away. If the air is dry and your things are free from moisture, you’ll be much warmer.

4. Buy a camping heater

This time of year can be a bit too wet and damp to light your own campfire. Instead, you can buy a reasonably priced portable camping heater (like these ones from GO Outdoors) and take it with you.

5. Take suitable footwear and keep them inside

Winter camping can involve lots of mud, snow, rain or even ice. Avoid wet and cold feet by bringing warm and waterproof socks and suitable footwear that keep your feet dry and comfortable. Extra tip: keep your shoes inside the tent to prevent them from freezing and getting damp.

Did you know you can organise a kit talk with a member of the GO Outdoors team? You can get advice from experts in store about your camping kit. Simply contact your local store to arrange it. Kit talks are the perfect way to plan something free and adventurous for your unit. You can even do it on a rainy day.