Q: How old does my child have to be to attend summer camp?
A: We offer programs for rising 2nd-12th graders.
Q: Can my child come to camp if she is not a Girl Scout?
A: Yes! Any girl is welcome! Non-Girl Scout Members pay an additional $45 Membership Registration fee.
Q: How long are camp sessions?
A: Regular, week-long sessions are 6 days and 5 nights. CIT Programs last 12 days and 10 nights. Mini sessions last 3 days and 2 nights.
Q: Where will my camper stay at camp?
A: Campers will live in a unit with other girls their age during their time at camp. This unit is supervised by a unit leader, unit counselors, and junior counselors, who also live in the unit. Each unit has a bath house, a unit house or pavilion, a fire ring, and picnic tables. Depending on age and what program the camper has signed up for, she will either sleep in cabins or tents. Our staff does not sleep in the same tent or room as the campers, but they are in close proximity and easily accessible.
Q: Can my camper attend with a friend?
A: Yes! If your friend is close to your age, and registered for the same program at the same time, you can be camp buddies. You will do all the activities together and bunk together in the same tent or cabin. Be sure to note your buddy choice on your registration form!
Q: What if my camper doesn’t know any other girls at camp?
A: Your child will make new friends at camp! Our camp staff are trained to lead games and activities that allow the girls to get to know each other, work together, and share their individual personalities with the whole group. With their counselor’s guidance, your camper will have a blast with her new friends!
Q: What’s a "camp name"?
A: It’s a Girl Scout tradition! Camp names are nicknames that are only used when at camp—they represent a counselor or camp staffer’s personality, passions, or interests. Once you pick a camp name, it’s yours forever!
Q: What if my daughter has special behavioral, dietary, physical, or emotional needs?
A: Every effort is made to serve a wide variety of campers. However, please understand that GSSA is not equipped or staffed to provide care for campers who need constant one-on-one assistance.
Before you register your camper, please email summercamp@girlscoutssa.org for help determining what will be a good fit for your child.
Q: How will I know my camper is being supervised properly?
A: Camp staff members are specially trained to focus on each camper’s well-being and safety. Supervision not only includes making sure girls are safe during activities, but also that they are changing their clothes daily, drinking water, applying sunscreen, and that healthy relationships are growing in their cabin or tent. Girl Scouts place a high priority on safety and train staff in all aspects of camp life - from leading activities to cooking over a campfire. Our goal is to carefully prepare and plan for each camp experience with your camper in mind. The majority of our counselors are college students and many are former campers. ALL have completed our leadership programs, such as Counselor-in-Training, and staff training.
Q: Can my camper bring electronics to camp?
A: No. Unplugging can enhance a camper’s experience! Cellphones, tablets, speakers or game devices are not allowed at camp. If there is an emergency and you need to speak with your camper, reach out to the emergency number provided in your Camper Information packet.
Q: How will I communicate with my camper while she is at camp?
A: Parents are encouraged to write letters or send care packages that can be dropped off at check-in. Camper’s love receiving mail from home! Campers will be able to write letters and send post cards home, as well. Our goal is for each camper to build autonomy while at camp. All cell phones must remain at home during your camper’s stay. We work to promote independence and group cohesion in campers by discouraging telephone contact during camp sessions. However, there are some exceptions to this philosophy, which are handled on a case-by-case basis. In the event of an emergency, parents can call the emergency phone number listed in the Camper Information Packet.
Q: What happens if the weather is bad?
A: Weather is closely monitored by the Camp Director. Our staff is trained to carry out emergency procedures in the event of a weather-related emergency at camp. Depending on the type and severity of the weather situation, certain camp activities may be canceled or postponed in order to ensure the safety of our campers and staff.
Q: Is your Girl Scout ready for camp?
A: Ask yourself these questions:
- Has she stayed overnight at a friend or relative’s home?
- Can she take care of all hygiene needs by herself without assistance? (Showering, Brushing Teeth, Combing and putting up hair, etc.)
- Can she be without a iPad, TV, or Phone for the length of her stay?
- Can she make her own bed and keep track of her own belongings?
- Can she live by the Girl Scout Law?
If you answered “yes” to all of these questions and you still feel there is more to discuss, please email summercamp@girlscoutssa.org, and you’ll be contacted by one of our camp leadership team to discuss your girl’s needs further.
Q: Are we (caregiver & Girl Scout) ready for camp?
A: Although age is a factor in camp readiness, a girl’s maturity level and personality are more important. Talk with your child about camp and ask if she wants to attend. Additionally, are you ready to send your child to camp? Use the following statements/questions to help make your decision together.
- Has your camper been away from home for more than one night without a family member?
- Can you relax and enjoy yourself when your camper sleeps overnight away from home?
- Can she care for her own basic hygiene needs, such as brushing her teeth and showering?
- Are you confident in your daughter’s ability to make her own bed and keep track of her belongings?
- Can she cope with new people, places, and schedules?
- Is she comfortable with and does she like the outdoors?
- Does she enjoy making new friends?
Q: Will GSSA take photos of my camper while they are at camp?
A: Yes! A GSSA staff photographer will be at camp each week. Staff photographers do their best to photograph each camper during their stay at camp, however, it’s not possible for them to capture every camper, every day. Camp photos will be uploaded to private on-line gallery. A limited number of photos will be shared on GSSA social media each day. Caregivers will be able to view and share images that are taken during camp, and will also given the ability to purchase prints directly from a professional printing lab for a small fee + shipping.
