Tough Cookie Challenge

Are you ready to lace up, level up, and take on the Tough Cookie Challenge at Camp Whip Poor Will?

This outdoor trail adventure is all about exploring, getting a little messy, and celebrating the strength, spirit, and sisterhood of Girl Scouting. Bring your troop, your friends, or your family and get ready for a day full of fun and adventure.

Navigate water obstacles at Four Winds Lake, slip through the bubble tunnel, and crawl your way through the spider’s web challenge. Choose your path with a one-mile course for younger Girl Scouts at 10 a.m. or take on the full two-mile challenge at 11 a.m.. However you adventure, you’ll be building confidence, making memories, and proving you’re one Tough Cookie.

Every participant, youth and adult, will receive a special patch, and snacks will be provided.

Join the fun: Sunday, July 26, 2026 at Camp Whip Poor Will

Registration: Wave 1

Wave One: 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. | 1-mile course | Check-in begins at 9:30 a.m.

Registration: Wave 2

Wave Two: 11 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. | 2-mile course | Check-in begins at 10:30 a.m.

Registration: Volunteer

Volunteer as check-in, snack support, or a course guide, helping participants navigate trails and build confidence—orientation starts at 8:30 a.m.

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For questions about registration?
Contact Customer Care at 888.350.5090 or via email.

Where can I find the consent form?
All participants are required to submit a completed consent form at check-in. Consent forms are MANDATORY. Anyone who fails to provide a consent form will be unable to participate. Download the consent form.

Can this program accommodate tagalongs or switches?
Tagalongs/Add-Ons/Switches: This program cannot accommodate tagalongs (children younger than 5) outside of the viewing areas. We will be unable to add in attendees on the day of the event or accommodate switches. Please be sure that every attendee is registered and paid prior to the event.

What if I want to volunteer? Visit Tough Cookie Challenge - Volunteer to sign up as an event volunteer.

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What are the check-in procedures?
Send your group leader to the check-in line at your check-in time. The group leader will present your group’s consent forms and pick up everyone’s wristbands.

What if I don’t want my photo taken?
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio will be taking promotional photos at the program. If you wish to opt out, please visit the registration table during your check-in to sign an opt-out form and receive an opt-out wristband.

What if an adult can’t participate but wants to watch?
Adults are NOT permitted on the course unless they have paid to participate. There are designated public viewing points by the pond and at the finish line for those who are not participating.

Practice good sportsmanship!
The Tough Cookie Challenge is NOT a race. Each participant and buddy group should feel free to go at their own pace and have fun. Please be patient and respectful of all groups on the course.

Will I be able to change after the program?
The only building open during the event will be the shower house, which will serve as the restroom. A changing tent will be provided outside for participant use.

Will I be able to shower after the program?
No showers will be available. You will be able to rinse off in the pond at the finish line, which works well for removing big chunks of mud and cleaning your shoes.

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Footwear: Dress for the weather and be prepared to get muddy and wet! Closed-toe shoes that can be securely fastened to your feet are required. Most participants wear an old pair of sneakers. Rubber rain boots are NOT permitted because they get stuck in the mud. Crocs and flip flops are also NOT permitted.

Change of clothes pro-tip: bring a change of clothes to wear for the drive home, and trash bags for dirty, muddy gear. There are plenty of opportunities to get muddy, wet, and sweaty during this event, and participants will have access to changing areas in the bathrooms. Showers will not be available.

Hair: Long hair should be securely tied back.

Will there be water provided? There will be several water stations for participants throughout the course and again at the finish line. There will also be a small snack at the end of the course to help replenish energy!

Electronic devices: Do not bring any type of electronic device to the course. Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Jewelry: Do not wear any loose jewelry that can get caught easily on a course obstacle. Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is not responsible for any lost or damaged items.

Towels: Please bring plenty of towels as they will not be provided.

Can I bring my pet to the program? Pets are not permitted on Camp Whip Poor Will property.

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First aid: certified adult volunteers and GSWO staff members will be stationed at various points along the course and at the finish line.

Lifeguards: certified adult volunteers and GSWO staff members will be stationed along pond elements.

Course Guidance: Volunteers will be stationed at most elements throughout the course. Please go to the course guides if you have any questions or concerns while in the course.

Have a buddy!
All participants must remain with at least one other person on the course.  Buddies should be chosen by ability and the pace of the participants. Course guides who see a lone participant will ask where their buddy is, and if necessary, will ask challenge participants to wait for their buddy to catch up before going forward.

What will I get as a souvenir?
A Tough Cookie Challenge patch will be given to all who participate. All participants will be expected to fill out an evaluation form in order to receive their patch.

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What if it is raining?
This is a rain-or-shine event. In the event of extreme weather conditions, staff will contact registered attendees at least 2 hours prior to the program start time with cancellation details.

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Challenge by choice for course elements!
Each course element can and should be assessed by each individual completing the course. If you feel unable or unwilling to complete an element, go around it.

Come prepared for uneven ground!
The course will wind through various terrains, including grass, gravel, dirt, mud, and more. You will encounter steep hills, slick surfaces, and other uneven surfaces during the course. Some stations will require you to climb over or under objects, crawl on the ground, balance while crossing an object, or participate in other similar tasks.

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Megan Ramey, Girl Experience Manager, email.

Tori Hinojosa-Houck, Senior Manager of Outdoor Program, email.