Summer Camp 2008

Plan now for GSCC Summer Camp where Brownie & Junior GS will find that Girls Rule, and Cadette & Senior GS can Eat, Sleep, Camp!

Note that the more popular and limited programs fill quickly. Those who plan ahead and submit their registration forms well before the Open House dates have the best chance of getting their first choice. Review the GSCC registration procedures and remind parents to include the appropriate deposit with their application!

What a Girl Needs

≥The Girl Scout camping experience allows girls to live together in simple outdoor settings, to learn how to make their own decisions, and to do activities with other girls their own age.≤ GSCC helps parents determine What a Girl Needs for summer camp. Some basic FAQ about camping and tips on separation anxiety for girls and their moms who are Coping With Camp is provided by GSUSA. Additional parent resources include: Preparing For Camp and Coping with Summer Camp Blues.

Visit Camp

If your troop has not been to any of our council program centers yet, this spring is a great time to plan a troop day trip or to go troop camping. Download the GSCC Property Guide (pdf) for details.

Troop families are invited to attend Open House from 2-4pm on April 27 at Mah-Kah-Wee and from 3-5pm on April 20 at Riverpoint. ≥Camp staff members will be available to answer questions, and families may take walking tours of the facility.≤ General information and pictures of each of our Citrus Council Properties is available online or download the GSCC Property Guide for details.

Health Physicals 

Health physicals are required for girls and adults planning to attend Summer Resident Camp. You may want to suggest that doctorπs appointments be made soon since many office schedules fill up as summer nears.  Keep a copy of the completed physical form on file because girls may use it for 2 years.

Camp Options

There are different types of camping for our Girl Scouts to consider. Iπve listed some general progression steps for those unfamiliar with the various camp options. (Not all are available each year.)

1. Day Camp ≠ Younger girls attend a week of daytime activities where they mix with other girls and go home each afternoon.  Programs normally run from 9am ≠ 4pm with extended care available. In the past, some troops have registered a group of their girls and carpooled, with the mom driver staying to volunteer for the day. Interested parents and leaders are encouraged to become involved. This is a perfect opportunity for older girls to complete their Program Aid Training (PAT) by being a Day Camp Volunteer! (see item 8 below for older girls)
2. Day Camp options ≠ Past years options have included a Travel Day Camp where girls travel to one of the program centers for a full day of activities amongst resident campers, returning to home base by 4pm each day. Another option has been Twilight Camp, an evening program, usually including the option of a sleepover at the end of the week.
3. Mom and Me (June 20-22) ≠ Mother and daughter bonding weekend with all the fun of camp in two fun filled days.
4. Brownie Sampler ≠ This is an abbreviated resident camp experience with just two overnights.
5. Troop Camp/Core Camp ≠ This has been an option in past years for girls not quite ready to head out on their own. Itπs a cross between troop camping and resident camp.  The troop leaders stay with their girls while they participate in summer camp activities with other troops. Program activities and meals are provided by camp staff. (This is similar to the traditional Boy Scout summer camp program.).
6. Resident Camp for Brownies & Junior GS and for Cadette & Senior GS ≠ Girls individually attend resident camp for a full week of adventures. Although they may sign up with a buddy, the goal is for the girls to have new experiences and meet new friends.  
7. Day Camp for Older Girls ≠ Older girls can join the fun at Day Camp too with age appropriate adventures designed just for them. For example, Junior, Cadette & Senior GS can head to the Grand Cypress Equestrian Center or Devonwood Stables for horseback riding.
8. GS Leadership Opportunities ≠ A variety of leadership programs are available at Girl Scout camps (see section below)
9. Camp Traveler ≠ Older girls meet at resident camp and head out for fun adventures to far away places.
10. Destinations ≠ Individual girls plan ahead for exciting adventures with other Girl Scouts from around the country. (see section below)

Out-of-Council Summer Camps

Girls may be interested in traveling to other Florida Girl Scout Summer Camps. GSUSAπs Council Finder is a useful resource if looking out of state. A full listing of GS Camps across the U.S. is available on Janπs site (scroll down). The below highlights are from our neighboring councils. . .

• GS of West Central Florida (previously GS Heart of FL and GS of Suncoast Councils) offers summer programs at a number of sites in the Tampa Bay area as well as Camp Wildwood by The Villages.
• GS of Gateway Council offers summer camp at Camp Kateri, located in Orange Springs just north of the Ocala National Forest. (Camp North Fork is the new camp being developed to replace Camp Chowenwaw.)

Girl Scout Leadership Opportunities

Girls who have completed 6^th grade may sign up for PA Training, an intensive 5-day leadership training course where girls will ≥learn fun, practical teaching methods, polish your leadership skills and learn to mentor younger girls≤.

In past years, Girls 16-17 interested in expanding their leadership skills have had the option of attending a Counselor in Training (CIT) session during summer camp. Contact GSCC for details.

If interested in becoming a Leader in Training (LIT), older girls should plan ahead and register for the course, which is usually only offered once a year in August.

In addition, girls entering 11-12 grade may apply to be employed as a Resident Camp Aid (RCA) and the following year be considered for the position of a Unit Assistant. Contact GSCC for details.

Destinations

Girl Scouts 11-17 years old can apply for a great summer adventure at numerous spots around the country or overseas. The list comes out during the summer and applications are due to council in November. Many of these programs are highly competitive with limited availability and require advanced planning. Costs very often fall in the $900-$1000 range, however more become available each year at lower cost.

Should you miss the deadlines, contact Council to inquire about any Destinations that show vacancies ≠ they sometimes look for additional applicants if they do not fill up or have cancellations. Also, additional opportunities are listed during the year. Destinations are listed on the STUDIO 2B website and tips may be found on my Girls on the Go webpage.

Summer Surprise 

To help stay connected during this separation, parents might like to tuck notes and small wrapped gifts into your daughterπs suitcase just before she heads off to camp. I liked to hide these among her belongings in the hopes that sheπd come across the little surprises one at a time. For example, put a colorful fingernail file in her toiletry bag, a mini fan (with batteries!) in her rolled up beach towel, a tiny game to play with new friends in her extra pair of shoes, a packet of colorful stickers to share with friends in her mess kit, a glow-in-the-dark necklace in her sleeping bag, etc.

Another option is to order a Summer Camp Care Package to be mailed to camp (however the timing may be difficult if your daughter is at camp for just one week). Check the summer camp information packet for details about sending mail and restrictions on any items at camp.

Updated March 2008