Why do I have to call the vendor to
request the Certificate of Insurance (COI)?
Vendors are more likely to respond quickly to the request for a
Certificate of Insurance from a person who wants to pay them for their services.
My vendor is already on the list. Do I need to do anything else
before the event?
First, make sure that the expiration date on their insurance is
after your activity date. If that is true, remember that you need
special permission from parents and guardians.
The vendor says they've never been asked for a COI before by a Girl
Scout group–why do we need one? We have used this vendor before, why
haven’t we had to do this?
If they have never been asked for a COI before, that means that
other leaders may not have been aware of these guidelines. By
providing the COI, the vendor is making it easier for troops to find
their information and use their services in the future. If an activity
is high adventure, in order for a troop to participate, the COI needs
to be on file with the council.
Why has my high adventure vendor disappeared from the list?
Certificates of Insurance generally expire after 1 year. If your
vendor was listed a few weeks ago, and is not listed now, it is most
likely due to expiration. Occasionally, we will remove a vendor from
the list due to leader complaints about safety procedures. If the COI
has expired, you should contact the vendor and ask them to send a new
certificate to GSCNC. If you have a specific vendor you want to check
on, you can contact the camping team at highadventure@gscnc.org.
How long does it take to get a high adventure vendor on the list?
Please allow at least four weeks before your proposed event date to
ensure that your vendor is added to the high adventure list. GSCNC
updates the list once a week. However, it may take your vendor some
time to get the certificate sent to GSCNC by their insurance company.
Do I need to get a COI for Kings Dominion/Busch Gardens, etc.?
Large amusement parks like Kings Dominion, Busch Gardens and Six
Flags America carry very high insurance. We do not require that you
send us a COI from such facilities.
Do I need a COI for a state- or county-owned facility?
If a vendor is operated by a federal, state, or local government
agency they are automatically approved by GSCNC. They do not need to
appear on the vendor list; you troop is free to use them.
Do I need a COI to take girls on the Metro or a Metro-bus?
Because Metro is public transportation, you do not need a COI.
My troop is flying somewhere on a trip. Do we need a COI for the airline?
You do not need a COI from an airline, because their safety and
insurance requirements are strictly regulated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
Do I need to provide a certificate of insurance for my troop to
swim in a private backyard pool?
If you are planning a Pool Party in a private home’s backyard, a
copy of the homeowner’s insurance must be submitted for special approval.
My troop is travelling internationally and we want to do a high
adventure activity while abroad. Do we need a COI?
If the vendor is able to provide you with one, yes. If the vendor is
unable to provide you with a COI, it is the troop leader’s
responsibility to make the sure the vendor you are using adheres to
all Safety Activity Checkpoints rules and guidelines. Note: This is
only the case for international high adventure; all vendors within the
United States must provide a COI to be approved.
