Results tagged “Resident Camp” from GSSA Leader Blog: The Virtual Volunteer

Those of us who work with cookies up close and personal are always thinking ahead.   Cookie season is chaotic, so as we keep moving cookies around, our minds turn to spring and then summer.   Those of us who work at the council office love summer because it is our opportunity to get out of the office and enjoy some fun with the girls.   We do a lot of planning for summer camp now, while the cookie program is in progress.   And that planning is a fun thing, working on programs girls love and thinking of new ones that will attract girls. 

 In an effort to save money, we will have only one camp staff this year.   Our camp numbers are decreasing, and it doesn't make financial sense to have two summer camp staffs.   We will have one staff who will do the first three weeks at Camp Scoutshire Woods and then the last two weeks at Kamp Kiwanis.   We will also have the Mariners sailing program at Kamp Kiwanis near the end of the regular sessions.

Each year I have a parent say their daughter would attend camp, but the weeklong session is a lot for the first time out.   We do have a three-day camp session for Brownies and Juniors, which is offered at both resident camps.   It is aimed at the first-time camper and affords them the opportunity to try out camp activities such as cooking over a fire, singing camp songs, swimming, and canoeing.  We do hope you will consider this.   It is a great way to get a girl interested in camp without being gone all weeklong.

We are planning some STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) programs at camp this year.   If that sounds too much like school, it isn't.  Girls will use the technology of fingerprinting during the CSI Detective program, learn about geography during the Letterboxing and Geocaching treasure hunt sessions, or use simulated space travel to explore the cosmos with our Astronomy program.  So you can learn about science painlessly while having lots of fun in the woods.

There are two canoe trips planned, the first one being on the Okatoma River during the first week of Camp Scoutshire and the second one on the Tallapoosa during the first week on Kamp Kiwanis.   This is an opportunity for older girls to test themselves on faster water than Echo Lake or Lake Martin.   Those sessions require that you be a proficient swimmer and have experience in a canoe or kayak.   These usually fill up quickly.

Another new session is Camp Theatre!  Girls will open up their creativity by learning performance skills such as stage movement, improvisation, voice lessons, clown and mime.  Girls will showcase their talents for their parents at the end of camp.

Those girls who sell more than 600 boxes of cookies receive 175 program credits toward a reduced camp rate.   Applications for camp are due March25.

We also have some other big programs where girls can use their cookie program credits.   One is an overnight trip to Space Camp at the U.S. Space and Rocket Center in Huntsville.    This is the first time we have offered this program in recent history.    The cost is $129 per person, so you can use cookie program credits to attend.   Another program to consider is a trip to see the hit Broadway show Wicked in New Orleans on June 1.

Hopefully, your girls are excited for these opportunities and others the cookie program provides.

Thanks for all your hard work during this time of year.

We have them! How about the new Girl Scout car sticker for those who have achieved their GS Leader License? The cost is great -- free if you have completed the process.   Maybe you'd like the new council patch, which is beautiful and represents something special from each geographic region of our council.  Or, if you are in need of something for your daughter, granddaughter or niece, what about a gift of summer resident camp?  

Six of us spent a day this week working on the 2013 resident camp program.   We retained some of the most popular programs, such as Survivor or the Amazing Race, horsemanship, and swimming sessions, but added exciting new sessions in theater, robotics, stargazing, float trips for advanced canoers or kayakers.    You can give the gift of resident camp for the holidays at a discount. For $80, you will receive a $100 credit, good for any resident camp session.  You or your family member has to purchase the gift certificate by December 19 (visit our Online Shop, call or come by either of the Service Centers for details).   These are good for any resident camp session.  More details will be coming weekly on the camp program as we do teasers during the cookie program for summer resident camp.

Both council shops have all sorts of fun things for the Girl Scout in your life.   The prices range from $2.50 for patches on up to some nice Girl Scout clothing.   These items are a fun way to show your loyalty to Girl Scouting and have some great holiday stocking stuffers for that special girl in your life.

Summer Resident Camp information is now up on the web sitefor you to see.  With two amazing camps and many different sessions (including sessions focusing on horseback riding, swimming, boating and traditional camp), there is sure to be camping experiences that are right for your Girl Scout or troop.

We have Mom & Me sessions this year, two for Daisies and one for Brownies so our littlest Girl Scouts can bring a special female grown-up with them to camp.

We are also offering troop camping this year at Kamp Kiwanis. Bring your troop  and two leaders and set your own agenda and pace. We will provide archery, canoeing, arts and crafts directors and even do most of the cooking for you! You can also participate in many of the regular camp activities.

Yes, this is the  time of year that we start planning for summer camp.   It is important for the camp directors to get their plans nailed down so we can get the properties ready for the summer ahead.  Last year we saw a significant decrease in the number of girls attending resident camp, which we hope will not happen again this summer.

I had someone call and suggest we do an abbreviated session for Brownies.   We do offer abbreviated sessions for Brownies; in fact, we have one that includes moms!   Our initial camp registrations last year  were ahead of what they had been the year before.   But, as time went along, both resident camps had fewer girls.   I speculate some of this is from troops saving their funds to go on significant trips this summer.   We have a number going to Rock the Mall in Washington, D.C., and many traveling to Savannah.   Another problem for summer 2012 is the Montgomery School District isn't out of school until much later in June.  Because of these factors, we will reduce the number of camp sessions at both properties from four weeks to three weeks.   Given the number of girls we had last summer, I don't anticipate this will create any issues.   In fact, it should make for better sessions.   Both camp directors have new ideas on how to improve the programs.   They are both working to integrate the new materials from the Girls Guide to Girl Scouting in their programs.   We hope to have more information for resident camp available earlier this year and can't wait to see you at camp next summer! 

We are offering four additional fun Resident Camps at Kamp Kiwanis this summer -- click on the session title to check them out!

Mom and Me Camp: July 3 - 8 (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)
Ever wanted to go to camp when you were a girl and didn't get a chance?  Maybe your daughter really wants to try summer camp but doesn't want to try it without you.  Here's your chance.  Come spend your Fourth of July holiday at Kamp Kiwanis on beautiful Lake Martin.  Moms and girls will get a chance to experience all the fun of  kamp including arts and crafts, swimming, canoeing, riding in the banana boats, experience the magic of the last campfire and have many other adventures.  Best of all...you can do it together.

Mom and Me Camp Short Term: June 26 - 29 (Daisy, Brownie, Junior)
This session is the same as our regular mom and me camp session just on a smaller scale.  If you want to have the camp experience, but you don't want to stay the week try this camp session. You'll still get to try all the fun things at camp such as swimming, canoeing, arts and crafts and banana boating; and you'll get to share the experience together.  Come and see how much fun summer camp can be.

You Can't Do That At Camp: June 26 - July 1 (Cadettes)
If you want to come to Kamp but not leave the fun stuff home this is the Kamp session for you.  Not your traditional Kamp session, but with all the traditional camp fun.  In this session you'll do all the traditional kamp activities including swimming, canoeing, campfires and much more but....bring your stuff to camp with you.  In this session you can have your iPods and mp3 players and other electronic stuff (no cell phones please).  We'll raid the kitchen for a late night snack and watch a late night movie or two. Come enjoy camp with a twist!

Alumnae Weekend - July 1 - 3
This is your chance to come back to camp and have the enjoy some of the experiences from "the good ole days".  Come in late Friday and stay up late visiting with old friends and make some new ones.  On Saturday, we will do a project to improve camp and then spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying some of your old favorites.  Have a campfire on Saturday night and head out Sunday morning.  Some of the camp fee will go toward making improvements at camp.  There are a minimum number of campers, so bring your friends.
Who: Girl Scout Alumnae over the age of 18

Are you a nurse who like the outdoors?  Does your daughter want to attend camp for free?  Kamp Kiwanis is looking for nurses for summer resident camp. We need one registered nurse per week, June 13-July 8, 2011, to serve as camp nurse.  Duties include dispensing medication to campers, assisting campers who are ill, etc.  In exchange for your time volunteering, your daughter will be able to spend one week at Kamp Kiwanis free of charge. If you are interested in volunteering or would like more information, please contact Dana Jones, Kamp Kiwanis resident camp director, at djones@girlscoutssa.org.

Camp Registration Still Open
Resident Camp Sessions are still available! Some of the camps are full, but you can still attend Resident Camp this summer. Check out our Camp page for more information.

 

Have you looked into two of our new camps this year?  We're offering Circle of Friends at Camp Scoutshire Woods, and Camping 101 at Kamp Kiwanis. 

 

Circle of Friends

The Scoutshire Woods Circle has grown so big we need to have our own weekend, where we can give back to the camp that has given us so many fond memories!

Friday we will welcome back old friends, and induct new friends. Saturday's activities will include a great camp service project for camp improvements. Saturday night we will have a huge gathering and feast to celebrate the Circle of Friends! Come and join our circle of friends, the only prerequisite is that you have attended Scoutshire Woods' Summer Resident Camp five different years! Join us in service and friendship.

Cost: $120 Includes six meals and helps defray the cost of the service project.

Who: girls in grades 7-12, and adults who are past campers!

SSW Session: July 2-4

 

Camping 101

Come to Kamp Kiwanis with your troop! These sessions let you explore everything KK has to offer, with the comfort of your troop leader. We offer half weeks and whole ones, and troops of all ages are welcome! During troop camping, you will have time to explore KK as a troop, as well as participate in traditional camp activities like swimming, canoeing and arts and crafts. All of your activities will be guided by two of our experienced staff members.

Troops must have a responsible leader (who will serve as the primary care giver for the girls) attending the session with them in order to register.

KK Session: June 20 - 23; Cost: $120

KK Session: June 23 - 25; Cost: $120

KK Session: June 27 - 30; Cost: $120

KK Session: June 30 - July 2; Cost: $120

KK Session: July 5 - July 9; Cost:  $190

You've seen the camp programs, you probably know which camp your daughter wants to attend... Now, you just need to fill out the forms to get her there!  We may be making this sound more complicated than it really is, but we want to be sure everyone knows which forms need to be filled out and when.

 

All campers need to fill out the:

·         Camp Registration form

·         Hold Harmless Agreement

·         Camper health-care recommendations (the physical must be completed within 24 months prior to camp)

 

Fill out one Health History Form:

·         Short term camper health history (3 nights or less)

OR

·         Camper health history (4 nights or more)

 

All of these instructions are on the forms, but here's the big picture... 

·         Complete the Health History Form and make a copy.  Send the original, signed form by May 21 to the council. 

·         Complete the top of the Camper Health-care Recommendations form and provide the copy of the Health History to your child's health-care provider for review and completion.  After it has been completed and signed by your child's health-care provider, return the health-care recommendations form by May 21.

 

The Camp Scholarship Application is due by April 23.  (not postmark by April 23 like other programs)

 

All of these forms are on the Camps and Properties page, along with information about the different camp sessions.  If you have any questions, please call Barbara Davis at extension 1902.

 

 

Give your Girl Scout the great outdoors this summer! Girls grow in confidence when they learn new skills and have new experiences away from home. With two camps to choose from, you just can't lose! Summer Resident Camp is offered at Camp Scoutshire Woods and Kamp Kiwanis; two special camps, each with a distinct personality of its own, offering a variety of summer resident camps there's sure to be one (or more) to intrigue your Girl Scout!

 

We have many exciting new additions to our summer resident camp sessions, and we are pleased to introduce them to you!   Some of the changes include camp scholarships (formerly called financial aid), Circle of Friends camp, troop camping and a multi-council sailing camp at Camp Kugelman.

 

Camp registrations for girls who sold more than 600 boxes of cookies (girls who earned cookie camperships or cookie bucks) will be accepted starting March 22. Camp registrations for all other girls will be accepted beginning March 29.

 

All of the camp information can be found on the Camps and Properties page of our website.

Spend a summer in the great outdoors helping girls grow in courage, confidence and character. Facilitate camp fun like canoeing, crafts, and singing camp songs you learned as a girl (or wish you had). Would you like to have a worthwhile summer job that is also loads of fun?  We are looking for qualified counselors 18 years of age and up at Camp Scoutshire Woods and Kamp Kiwanis Resident Camps for summer 2010.

Download the Camp Staff Application and start planning for your best summer since you went to camp!

Did your daughter go to Girl Scout resident camp this year?  If so, what did she like?  What did she learn? We want to know about your daughter's experience, so please have her take a few moments to complete our resident camp survey.  Her responses will help us as we develop programming for next summer.

 

So your daughter didn't go to camp this year?  Well, we want her opinions, too!  Was she scared to sleep in a tent?  Not into canoeing?  We want to know why camp isn't her "thing" and what we can do to make it something she wants to do next summer. Please have your daughter complete our survey and share her thoughts with us.

Many of you are getting to ready to send your children off to camp. Camp is a wonderful and powerful place for your girls to grow.  Watch this video from the American Camping Association (ACA) with Bob Ditter on:

• Strengthening the partnership between parents and camp professionals
• Taking steps to make the adjustment to camp as smooth and successful as possible
• Campers on medication at camp, and why it's important to share medication information
• Children with ADHD at camp
• Working with your physician and camp for the best outcome

 

Bob Ditter is a child, adolescent, and family therapist in Boston, Massachusetts.  He consults with youth agencies throughout the United States, including theACA, Girl Scouts of the USA, YMCA, Salvation Army, JCCA, and many others.  He has visited over 500 camps in the United States, writes for Camping Magazine, the official publication of ACA, and has authored many books and training videos for camp professionals.

 

 

Would you like to spend your summer in the great outdoors, helping to build girls of courage, confidence and character (and having loads of fun at the same time)?  We have just the job for you!  We are still looking for qualified counselors 18 years of age and up at Camp Scoutshire Woods Resident Camp.  Check out all of the camp sessions on our camps and properties page.

 

Download the Camp Staff Application.

What happens at the end of Cookie Sale?  Signing up for Resident Camp!  And outstanding cookie sellers get to sign up early!

Girls who earned Cookie Camperships (by selling 600+ boxes of cookies) may register  starting March 23.  Camp registrations for all girls (including non-Girl Scouts) will be accepted starting March 30.   More information about all the different camp sessions may be found at the Camp page on our web site.

Registrations for all camp sessions, including girls with camperships, are on a first-come, first-served basis by postmark date at the Montgomery Service Center for Kamp Kiwanis and the Mobile Service Center for Camp Scoutshire Woods.  Walk-ins will not be accepted because camp registrations are processed by mail in order received to give every girl an equal opportunity to register for her first choice camp session. 

Many sessions fill up quickly, so get your registration in the mail on March 23 or 30!