Brownie Trail Adventure: Step-by-Step

Earning the Brownie Trail Adventure badge is one of the most exciting ways to get your troop outdoors, building confidence, and exploring nature! But planning a troop hike can feel a little overwhelming if you don’t know where to start.

To make it easy, we’ve broken down the official badge requirements into 5 simple, step-by-step activities. From planning your route to practicing trail safety, this guide has everything you need—including fun printables and videos—to lead a successful and memorable hiking adventure with your Brownies!

Nature Scavenger Hunt

To help your Brownies get ready for their outdoor adventure, we’ve put together a fun Nature Scavenger Hunt! It’s the perfect way to get them observing the world around them while completing Step 4 (Train for your adventure) or Step 5 (Go on your outdoor adventure) of their badge requirements.

➡️ Download your freebie nature scavenger hunt.

Step 1: Choose your outdoor adventure

Before you lace up your boots, you need to pick the perfect destination. Look for trails that are rated ‘easy’ and are around 1 to 2 miles long—ideal for Brownie-aged feet! Make sure to check if the park has restrooms, picnic areas, or any specific rules for group visits.

➡️ Go to Recreation.gov

Step 2: Plan and prepare

Before hitting the trail, it’s important to get our bodies ready! Stretching helps prevent injury and keeps everyone feeling great during the hike. Have your girls practice a few simple yoga poses to warm up their muscles and focus their minds before they take their first steps.

➡️ Get a guide for yoga poses.

Step 3: Gather your gear

Lacing up your boots is only half the battle—you also need the right gear in your pack! Help your Brownies plan what to bring so they stay safe, hydrated, and ready for adventure. Check out the official recommendations below to make sure you didn’t miss anything.

➡️ See the recommendations from GirlScouts.org

Step 4: Train for your adventure

Before heading out on the trail, it’s important to train your brain! Outdoor safety is a huge part of preparing for an adventure. Take some time with your troop to talk about basic trail rules, how to handle unexpected weather, and what to do if they ever get separated from the group. Our Nature Safety printables make this step a fun, interactive game for the girls.

➡️ Get our Nature Safety Downloads

Step 5: Leave No Trace

Ranger Meghan shares a fun way to remember the most important ways of being safe and respectful in nature.

Add a craft!

A customized backpack is a wonderful keepsake from their Brownie Trail Adventure! For less than $2 a pack, this is an affordable, budget-friendly craft. Have the girls decorate their bags during Step 1 or Step 3. When the hike is over, they can use their personalized backpacks to carry their earned badges and outdoor treasures home.

➡️ Check out these backpacks from OTC.

And that’s it! By following these five steps, your girls won’t just earn a new badge—they’ll gain a lifelong love for the great outdoors and the confidence to explore it safely.

Before you head out, make sure to print your scavenger hunts, pack your daypacks, and double-check the weather. We’d love to hear how your troop’s adventure went! Leave a comment below and tell us about your favorite trail or the coolest thing your Brownies spotted on their scavenger hunt. Happy hiking!