Summer Camp!

The 2008 Summer Camp Opportunities - Make sure you check out the fun to be had at camp this summer. Opportunities include Day Camp, Resident Camp, Troop Adventure Camp and Me at My Gal Camp! Registration opened on Jan. 30th for Camp Butterworth, Camp Whip-Poor-Will and all Me and My Gal camps. You can now register online ! Check out our website.

2008 Summer Camp Opportunities!
Registration for Me and My Gal, Resident Camp and Day Camp is open. What does that mean? It means you can sign your child up today for a summer camp experience that will make lasting memories. Here are some answers to some frequently asked questions.

Why should I send my child to camp?
Camp has something for everyone! Girls who attend camp make new friends, try new things, and learn about independence and so much more. While at camp girls look up to strong female role models, who help guide them through their camp experience. This all-girl atmosphere gives girls a unique experience to learn about themselves and grow as individuals.

Who will take care of my child?
All staff members are carefully screened to find the best and most qualified candidates to promote a safe, positive, nurturing camp environment. Each candidate submits an application, 3 references and goes through an interview and State and/or National Criminal Background Check according to the National Child Protection Act of 1993. Prior to your camper’s arrival to camp, our staff goes through a 7-10 day training covering such things as first aid, homesickness, child development, the Girl Scout Program, group dynamics, safety procedures/guidelines, songs, games, and so much more.

Is my child safe at camp?
Staff is trained to maintain a safe environment both physically and emotionally. The extensive staff training goes over various topics to ensure your camper’s safety. Only authorized personnel are permitted on camp property and campers are only released to adults who are written on the camper’s transportation form and who can provide photo identification.

Volunteer at Camp this Summer! The Great Rivers Region has many volunteer positions available for you to volunteer this summer. Come be a camp nurse, activity leader, unit assistant or check-in volunteer. Simply contact Mary Beth King at mking@grgsc.org   or 513-489-1025 ext 116 for an application packet. All volunteers must go through an application process and training.

What happens if my child gets sick?
All camps have staff members who are First Aid and CPR certified. Staff members are required to have a first aid kit with their group at all times. A health supervisor and/or Level 2 first aider is on site at each camp. All medications are locked up and distributed by qualified personnel.

My child has never been away from home… what if she gets homesick?
It is normal for children to miss home. If a camper misses her home, then you are doing something right! It is important to talk to your child about camp and that it’s okay for her to miss home. Let her know that you are proud of her and want her to have the best experience she can. Provide postmarked envelopes and paper for her to write home. Staff is trained to help your child through any homesickness she might feel.

What is a typical day at camp like?
Every day at camp is different. Girls have the chance to experience new activities with new friends. Most days open and close with a flag ceremony. Meal times at resident camp and Troop Adventure Camp (TAC) stay consistent throughout the week; girls eat breakfast at 8:00 or 8:30 a.m., lunch at 12:00 or 12:30 p.m., and dinner at 5:30 or 6:00 p.m. Girls swim each day, weather permitting. At least one hour each day will be spent focusing on the theme of her camp session.

What will my child eat?
Campers are served three meals a day at TAC and resident camp. Meals served out of the camp’s dining hall have been reviewed by a team of staff including a licensed nutritionist. Camp Whip-Poor-Will has a dining service, which provides all the meals for the campers while Stonybrook’s TAC has a tradition of “Snack” (a camp cook of 13+ years). All day campers at Camp Butterworth are required to bring their lunch each day.

What happens if there is bad weather?
Each camp has emergency procedures to ensure safety at all times including bad weather.

Summer Camp Employment: Girl Scouts of Western Ohio is looking for hardworking, energetic and dedicated people to fill counselor or lifeguard positions at camp this summer. Camp staff spend the summer are positive role models for today’s youth. Potential camp staff must be at least 18 years of age and able to work the 8.5 – 9 week contract starting the first week of June. If you are interested or know someone how would make a dynamic camp staff member please contact Mary Beth King at mking@grgsc.org   or 513-489-1025 ext 116.
Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/V/H