While it’s cold and snowy outside, we are already getting ready for summer camp. Girls should be getting their summer camp mailers in the mail this week! Girl Scout summer camp offers endless leadership opportunities, skill building activities, challenges and adventures.  We know from experience that through camp, girls are able to connect with nature, learn independently, and build their self-esteem.   Here’s what you need to know as you help prepare girls for the summer:

Who can attend summer camp?  There is something for all Girl Scouts at summer camp.  Girls are placed into sessions by the grade they are going into in the fall of 2014.

What are the options?  We offer a progression of camp opportunities so that every camper can find a session that fits her comfort level.

• Day Activities, Me & My Gal, Me & My Gal, and family camp opportunities are a great first step for first time campers to experience camp for a short time or with a family member.
• Volunteer Day Camps are offered in many service units right in their own communities throughout our council at various parks, community centers, fair grounds and even our own camp properties. Each volunteer-led day camp is unique and offers girls its own theme, activities and experience! A full list of all volunteer-led day camps and the communities they serve will be available on the summer camp website beginning in February.  This opportunity allows girls to attend with their troop and other girls they may know from their service unit or school.
• Day Camp targets girls in grades K-5, ending with an optional overnight.  Day camps have weekly themes, plus girls have the opportunity to work on badge and Girl Scout Journey activities.
• Troop Adventure Camp (TAC) is another opportunity for girls to experience camp, but this camp is for their whole troop. Instead of attending camp as an individual or a buddy pair, girls attend with their fellow troop mates and their leaders.
• Resident Camp sessions are offered at Camp Libbey and Camp Whip Poor Will. There will be lots of options for girls, whether they love horses, the water, adventure, cooking or all of the above! There are also mini-sessions. These sessions are three-day, two-night opportunities for younger girls to experience resident camp, or for older girls to experience a specific program focus, like backpacking and climbing.

When Does Camp Start?

• Day Camps: Camp Butterworth–July 14-18, July 21-25, July 28-August 1 and August 4-8 and Woodhaven Program Center–July 14-18
• Troop Adventure Camp (TAC): Camp Stonybrook–June 15-July 12 and Camp Libbey–July 14-16 and July 16-19
• Resident Camp: Camp Whip Poor Will–June 15-20, June 22-27, June 29-July 1 and July 6-11 and Camp Libbey–July 20-25, July 27-August 1 and August 3-8

When does registration open? Registration begins January 29 for all camps except for TAC registration which begins February 26.

What do I do to prepare girls for summer camp?  Get parents in on the conversation first.  Make sure they have received the summer camp mailer in the mail and know where to get more information on the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio website.