OUTDOOR EDUCATION LEVEL 1 - Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles

Section 7 – Basic Safety & Sanitation Rules for the Kitchen
Do not assume your girls know how to function in a kitchen or have actually ever peeled a potato or rinsed
fruit or chicken or turned on a stove. While a few may have, create some fun games to “practice” these skills
at a meeting prior to your overnight adventure, if you are planning to do any cooking.
Girl Readiness:
Ability to follow instructions
Physical ability to handle equipment
Interest in learning
Cleanliness:
Clean area where food is to be prepared
Wash hands before handling food
Wash vegetables & fruit before preparing them
If preparing raw meat, be sure to bring a separate cutting board for it
Double bag meat for sanitation
Clean area after food has been prepared
General Safety:
Explain safety features of all utensils and equipment before using
No horseplay!
Hair tied back
No loose or nylon clothing
Use “arc of safety” when using sharp utensils
Keep fire extinguisher and/or baking soda available to put out any grease fires.
Sharp Utensils:
Hold utensil with fingers away from sharp edge
Cut, peel, or grate away from body
Cut, peel, or grate small items with extra care
Pass sharp objects by setting down
Always wash sharp objects separately
Store sharp utensils separate from other utensils
Stoves and Ovens:
Discuss difference between gas and electric stoves
Limit number of girls using stove at one time
Turn pot and pan handles away from edge of stove
Use hot pads
Do not leave utensils in pots or pans
Do not leave stove unattended
Keep flammable foods away from open flames and hot surfaces
Be careful of hot surfaces on stove and in oven – including knobs
Make sure stove and oven are turned OFF before eating or leaving kitchen
Clean stoves and ovens after they have cooled
If needed, teach girls to light matches by striking away from body
Adults should light pilots if necessary.
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