NEW!  Girl Scout camp and H1N1 Virus (Swine Flu)


GSWNY Summer Resident Camp FAQ's (Frequently Asked Questions):

• Does my daughter need to be a Girl Scout to register for camp?
• Who are the staff members?
• How old are the staff members?
• What training does the staff receive?
• What are the ratios of staff to campers?
• Where are the camps located?
• Where will she sleep?
• What will she eat?
• Can special diets be accommodated?
• What if she needs medical attention?
• What safety standards are followed?
• What is ACA?
• Can I visit the resident camps?
• How can I contact my daughter during camp?
• Where can I find the camp address and directions?
• When can we register for camp?
• Do campers get to choose their activities?
• What activities do you have?

Whether you are sending your daughter away to camp for the first time or the 12th time, you will have questions:

• Who is going to be taking care of my daughter?
• Where will she sleep?
• Will she have food to eat?

Taking the time to get all the information you require not only helps you, but also your daughter, to have the best camp experience. Below is a list of the most frequently asked questions and their answers. If your question is not listed, please feel free to contact the Outdoor Program Department.
 

Does my daughter need to be a Girl Scout to register for camp?

No. Our camps are open to all girls. If you want to register your daughter at an additional $10.00, please include it with your daughter's camp registration form.

If two campers wish to be placed together in the same program as "buddies" they must both meet all program requirements. Please list "buddies" in the "Camper Buddies" section of the registration forms and submit registration forms together.

Attempts will be made to honor their request, although it may not be possible to place more then two girls together. Please remember that camp is a time to enjoy old friends but also a time to make new ones.

 Who are the staff members?

Our camp staff members are enthusiastic, talented and caring adults, who are selected on the basis of their experience, ability to serve as positive role models and their genuine desire to work with children. We select staff who are committed to creating a caring and supportive environment that respects each child as an individual and allows them to feel good about who they are. Staff members are recruited from colleges and universities nationwide, local community agencies, Girl Scout referrals, and staff placement programs in other countries. Countries represented in the past have included England, Germany, Australia, Scandinavia, Fiji and even South Africa. Background checks are completed on all staff members.

How old are the staff members?

Staff members working directly with campers, must be at least 18 years old.

What training does the staff receive?

All staff are certified in First Aid/CPR and receive an extensive training prior to the arrival of all campers. Training includes activity programming and outdoor skills, health and safety, emergency procedures, age level characteristics, meeting camper needs, dealing with homesickness and much more. Staff members who supervise and instruct high adventure or specialty activities are required to have additional training and qualifications.

What are the ratios of staff to campers?

The ratio at resident camp of Unit Counselors to campers is 1:6 for campers under 8 and 1:8 for all others. The ratio at our Day Camps are 1:8 for all campers. Program, management and support staff members are also available to support camper groups.

Where are the camps located?

Please check the Camp Locations section.

Where will she sleep?

Sleeping arrangements at resident camp vary with the camp and program. 

What will she eat?
Our food service staff at resident camp prepares variety of pleasing and nutritious meals appropriate for children. Camp food isn't what it used to be! Our camps serve plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and breads. (Please see camper section.) Snacks are provided in the afternoons. Campers bring their own lunch to Day Camp. Snacks are provided in the afternoon.

Can special diets be accommodated?

We do offer a vegetarian alternative at each meal.  If you have allergies, dietary needs or requirements based on religious or philosophical beliefs, we should discuss this as we may or may not be able to meet your requirements. Contact us to clarify what can be provided at camp.

What if she needs medical attention?

A Health Supervisor is on-site at each camp and oversees the routine health care and administration of medications for all campers and staff. A doctor is on-call if illness or injury requires additional medical attention. Parents would be notified in the event of an emergency.

What safety standards are followed?

Our camps are required to meet established standards for health and safety, site, program and personnel, which are set by state and local governments and Girl Scouts of the U.S.A. Several of our camps are also accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA).

What is ACA?

The American Camp Association is a national organization that sets high standards for the health and safety of campers and staff and the delivery of quality program. Click here to find out more.

Can I visit the resident camps?

Each camp will host an open house. Families are welcome to see the camp and meet the staff members. Visit our open house page for more information regarding dates and times.  

How can I contact my daughter during camp?

In your camp confirmation packet you will receive the mailing address and information needed to contact your daughter during her stay at camp. We encourage you to write your daughter during camp, but remember it is often necessary to post mark mail prior to your daughters' departure to ensure she receives it in a timely manner.  

Where can I find the camp address and directions?

In order to ensure safety for all campers and staff, this information is only provided in the confirmation packet that is mailed to confirmed camper registrations. If you have not received a confirmation packet or need a new one, please contact us.

When can we register for camp?

Registration for all camps officially opens March 1, 2009. Registrations may be sent in prior to that date, however, no campers will be placed in programs until the opening date. Refer to the camp registration information section for further details.

What activities do you have?

Each camp offers unique and exciting activities from horseback riding to scubadiving, ropes course and more. Other camp favorites such as archery, arts and crafts, outdoor cooking and teambuilding activities are also available. For details on the activities that each camp offers, refer to our summer camp bochure. 

Do campers get to choose their activities?

Campers first choice takes place when they register for their "unit" program. Each unit program offers specialized activities that campers will participate in. Additionally, campers will take place in "girl planning" which will give them an opportunity to pick some of the areas of focus or activities during their session.