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"My daughter has loved her camp experiences. This was the second year she attended your camps, and she can not stop talking about any of them. From the meals to the outings and activities to the friendly, dynamic and loyal staff, everything was positive. Even the small problems or issues became life long learning opportunities."
-parent, 2009
Whether you are sending your daughter away to camp for the first time or the 12th time, you will have questions:
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.
To find out whether or not YOU are ready to send your daughter to a resident (sleepover) summer camp, take our parent quiz at the bottom of this page.
Does my daughter need to be a Girl Scout to register for camp? Can my daughter be placed with a friend / “buddy”?
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 are the meals like?
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?
Is transportation provided?
When can we register for camp?
Are there facilities and programs to support girls with special needs?
What activities do you have?
Do campers get to choose their activities?
What have other parents said about our camps?
No. Our camps are open to all girls. A $12.00 additional fee will be charged for girls who are not already members of Girl Scouts.
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.
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.
Staff members working directly with campers, must be at least 18 years old.
Our staff receives 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.
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 Camp Metro day camp is 1:8 for all campers. Program, management and support staff members are also available to support camper groups.
Please check the Camp Locations section.
Sleeping arrangements at resident camp vary with the camp and program. Below is a table of the various accomodations available at each of our camps:
| Bothin | Deer Lake | Skylark Ranch | Sugar Pine | |
| Platform Tents | * | * | * | * |
| Tipi | * | * | * | |
| Open Air Shelters | * | * | ||
| Under the Stars | * | * | ||
| Indoor Dormitories | * | |||
| Tent Cabins | * | |||
| Dome Tents | * | * | ||
| Tree Beds | * |
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. Salad and sidebars are available and snacks are provided in the afternoons. Campers bring their own lunch to Camp Metro. Snacks are provided in the afternoon.
We do offer a vegetarian alternative at each meal. During breakfast, a cereal bar is available in addition to the main meal. During lunch and dinner we offer a fresh salad bar as a supplement to the main meal. If you have certain tastes, 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 happycamper@girlscoutsnorcal.org to clarify what can be provided at camp.
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.
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. Each camp is also accredited by the American Camp Association (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.
Each camp will host an open house in June. Families are welcome to see the camp and meet the staff members. Visit our camp calendar for more information regarding dates and times.
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.
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 happycamper@girlscoutsnorcal.org.
Programs will be listed on the website in December, 2009. Brochures will be mailed at the very beginning of the new year, 2010. Registration opens on February 1st, 2010. Registrations may be sent in prior to February 1st, 2010, however no campers will be placed in program until the opening date. Refer to the camp registration information section for further details.
Girl Scouts of Northern California is committed to ensuring that all girls have a positive camp experience. If you daughter has a special need and can function within a 1:8 adult to camper ratio, we encourage you to consider any of the Camp Metro and Bothin programs. If your daughter needs more support to be successful please contact our office for referrals to special needs programs.
Each camp offers unique and exciting activities from horseback riding to windsurfing. 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 the Camp Life & Activities section under each individual camp.
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. Deer Lake resident camp offers a daily chance for girls to choose their own adventure during individual choice time.
"Best camp ever!! Great energy!! Everything was her favorite. She loved the counselors, girls, activities, llamas, hiking to the beach, songs, food... She is singing the songs at home everyday and smiling!!" - parent
"Great experience with horses at an attractive price. Great location. Great staff." - parent
"Vaulting and high ropes were the first thing she raved about. She learned how to trust and overcome her fears." - parent
"My daughter always comes back with great stories and frequently refers to these experiences long after camp is over." - parent
Hey parents, are you wondering if you are ready to send your daugther to summer camp? Are you trying to decide between day camp or sleep-away camp? Here's a fun little quiz to help you find out.
Answer all the questions, then get your total at the end. Check the score box to find out what it says!
Want to know if your daughter feels like she is ready for camp? Have her check out a camper quiz- Are you Ready for Camp? designed especially for her!
Have Fun!
Remember parents - this quiz is just for fun. See you at camp!
