Common Questions (FAQ)

We are excited to offer a robust and varied summer camp program calendar this year. We have worked to build a schedule that focuses on progression, with camp sessions ranging from 4 to 20 days! Short sessions offer campers the opportunity to dip their toes in the water and build their comfort level, while longer sessions allow confident campers the opportunity to spend lots of time at the camps they treasure.

Our “traditional” camp sessions make up the bulk of our summer calendar. These sessions are focused on classic camp experiences, activities unique to each camp, and friendship and community.

· “Classic Camp” at Camp Bothin

· “All Good in the Redwoods” at Camp Hidden Falls

· “Sierra Summer Magic” at Camp Sugar Pine

While most of the summer calendar is made up of our traditional programs, a few of our programs offer a deep dive into specific activities. These sessions may focus on skills such as woodworking, theatre, leadership (CIT), or backpacking.

Our camp capacities have stabilized compared to the limited availability experienced from 2021 to 2023, yet due to Skylark Ranch’s continued closure, GSNorCal still has fewer available spaces than pre-pandemic numbers. Early registration is highly recommended, as many sought-after programs tend to fill up within minutes of opening. Upon selecting a program, CampInTouch secures your space for 20 minutes while you complete the registration process.

We aim to offer as much of our high-demand programs as is feasible. However, certain sessions remain more popular than others, notably the initial two weeks which experience the highest demand. To enhance your registration experience, we advise preparing a few backup choices and utilizing the waitlists, which historically have seen substantial movement. In 2023, almost all waitlists were cleared by May. While securing preferred programs on registration day can be competitive, we assure you that there is considerable space available for campers. Flexibility increases the chances of completing registration early.

If you are a first-time camper, you will need to create an account with our camp registration system, CampInTouch. Once you have an account, you can register for camp and will have access to a portal to submit necessary forms, updates, and more. CampInTouch centralizes all your camper’s information for you to access year after year and will provide an easier and smoother experience for families.

Returning campers from the summer of 2023 will be able to register using their existing CampInTouch account.

A link to GSNorCal’s CampInTouch portal will be available on Our Camps page when registration opens. Registration opens for returning campers on January 22, 2024 at noon. Registration opens for new campers on January 29, 2024 at noon. A 10% deposit is required for each session at the time of registration.

As a non-profit organization, our fees are a direct reflection of the operational cost to run camp. The rising costs of food, vendors, and most significantly, staffing, are reflected in the 2024 Camp Fees. Variance in session fees represents amenities offered at each site, such as food service, included transportation, horse programming, etc. The full balance of the camper fees is due for all sessions on June 5th.

Fees are detailed on page 22 of the 2024 Camp Guide.

Wondering if your kiddo is ready for camp? Here are ways to tell if they’re prepared to have a spectacular time at Girl Scout Camp:

• Has successfully spent the night away from home, and is able to cope with new things such as new or different bathrooms, darkness, and insects.
• Is comfortable in a group setting, including sleeping, and is able to fall asleep on their own.
• Enjoys spending time outdoors, being active, and learning new things!
• Likes making new friends, can get along with others, and is willing to spend time with lots of people, not just best friends.
• Can adapt to new places and try new things (maybe with some encouragement!).
• Can follow directions and engage with others in active camp life.
• Is ready and willing to help with planning and clean-up, including daily group cabin chores (called kapers).
• Should be able to move independently from place to place at camp.
• May sometimes need a little help from a counselor, but she can shower, brush her teeth, and manage personal hygiene.
• Is able to communicate with a camp counselor when assistance is needed.
• And last but not least: They want to go, and has a family that is willing to let them go away for a fun, rewarding experience that builds skills and independence!

For many children, camp is the first step toward independence and plays an important role in their growth and development. Camp can be a different and new experience, and even seasoned campers may be anxious on the first day of camp as they begin to adjust to a new setting and new people.

Your camper may have second thoughts about going to camp before they leave, and that’s okay! We encourage families to keep this conversation positive and encouraging.

• Try to avoid making deals or “pick-up promises” (e.g. “I promise I will come and get you any time” or “If you don’t like camp after the first day, we will come get you”).
• This will make it very difficult to adjust, and often stands in the way of campers being able to work through their homesickness. We want them to be successful here, so we encourage parents to boost camper confidence rather than provide an “out” – let them know that they can do this, and you believe in them!

Our staff work one-on-one with all of our campers to try to help the child understand the feelings they are having and try to involve them in camp activities. Experience tells us that within a few days, the camper will be busy having fun and feeling secure with counselors, new friends and the outdoors. Don’t worry; we’ll call you if they’re having trouble adjusting!

This summer, hundreds of campers will experience their first taste of independence at summer camp. For many, it will also be their first encounter with homesickness—but families don’t have to feel helpless! Homesickness is normal, and you can help your camper prepare to deal with it well by:

• Encouraging independence throughout the year.
• Discussing what camp will be like before your camper leaves, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.
• Reminding your camper ahead of time that you will not be able to contact each other via phone during your camper’s stay.
• Contacting your camper by sending letters, care packages, and even e-mails while at camp.
• Packing a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal.
• Believing in their ability to handle their own emotions and have fun at camp.
• Being visibly excited for them, even though you might miss them as much or more!

Our camp staff has extensive experience with homesickness and they’ll be there for your camper 24/7. If you have a concern, voice it to our camp directors before camp, so the staff can help! More resources available at acacamps.org.

If your camper is a bedwetter, it’s not unusual, and you don’t have to worry. Please let us know on the camper information sheet and/or health history form. Your camper should speak with her counselor or another staff person if they have an accident, and staff will discreetly launder the bedding and clothes.

Sleepwalking is rather common in kids, and is not unheard of at camp.

If your child sleepwalks, it’s a good idea to let us know even if your child sleepwalks only occasionally. Please include the following information:

• Known sleepwalking triggers
• Times the child is more likely to sleepwalk
• Home methods for dealing with sleepwalking episodes
• Sleeping recommendations (bottom bunk only, alarm use, etc)

Bunk areas have staff members on patrol until at least 11:00 pm, which is 60 to 90 minutes after lights out. Since most sleepwalking occurs in the first hour or two, this provides additional supervision if they should actually make it outside.

And because we work to ensure your camper gets enough rest, is on a regular schedule, and is monitored for illness, these sleepwalking factors are lessened.

If you have any specific concerns or requests, please email registration@gsnorcal.org

All camp sessions start with the group coming together to create a list of guidelines for how they agree to act and to treat one another. It’s important to note that the campers create this agreement amongst themselves, with guidance from their counselors.

Group agreements help to create safe and caring spaces that will enhance a sense of community and belonging. They serve as a set of clear, co-created guidelines to help participants feel comfortable with each other in an atmosphere of safety, respect and trust. Everyone shares the responsibility for the experience and once developed, a group can regularly re-visit the agreements to see if they are still working and make changes if issues come up.

Girl Scouts of Northern California strives to maintain a camp environment that is safe and fun for each camper, based on the Girl Scout Promise and Law. Our programs and camp environments are designed to provide a welcoming, anti-discriminatory experience for all, regardless of race, creed, or cultural background.

Campers are expected to be friendly to other campers and counselors. Campers have the opportunity to be active participants in designing their group agreements. Language or behaviors that hurt or intimidate other campers and staff members are not welcome.

Swearing, bullying, hitting, fighting, verbal harassment or any other disruptive behaviors are not permitted or acceptable at camp. Smoking, and/or use or possession of drugs or alcohol at camp, on field trips, or in camp vans is not permitted.

Our staff are trained youth development professionals, and have the support of experienced program directors to intervene and provide guidance if necessary. Family assistance will be sought regarding repeated misbehavior, and we will work with you to find solutions that help your camper to understand and abide by camp’s policies. Should it become necessary for a camper to leave camp due to extreme behavior, we will expect a parent/guardian to pick up a camper as soon as possible using their own transportation and at their own expense. Session fees are not refundable for campers who return home due to misbehavior.

If you have any questions regarding this behavior policy, please contact us at registration@gsnorcal.org

Camp offers a great opportunity to learn to navigate social situations while disconnecting from the digital and outside world, helping develop independence, confidence, and self-reliance. For these reasons cell phones, laptop computers, portable DVD players, iPad’s, Tablets, etc. are not allowed at camp. E-readers and MP3 players are permitted.

In order to allow campers and staff to fully enjoy and benefit from camp, we do not allow campers to make or receive phone calls, and do not allow campers to have cell phones.

• As a parent/guardian, you may feel that talking with your camper is the only reassurance that they are adjusting to camp. However, the sound of your voice can actually promote homesickness, so we rarely allow adults to speak with their campers.

We ask that you adhere to this policy and understand that cellphones in the unit actively disrupt the wellbeing and experience of other campers. Please do not assist your camper in “sneaking” a phone onto camp, and please account for their devices before drop-off.

The exclusion of phones from our camp program is intentional, backed by research, and is considered an industry best practice by the American Camp Association. We reassess this decision every year to ensure it is in the best interest of our campers so that they will get the most out of their time at camp.

Research shows that “unplugging” helps youth to gain fortitude and a much-needed break from the pressures of media. On the other hand, cell phones have a negative impact on both the camper who has it on their person, and on the other campers in the group—they generate homesickness, bullying, and distrust that hurts the camp community.

• Cell phones found on camp will be confiscated and held in the camp office until the end of the session.
• Campers who need music or cameras are expected to use a device without texting, calling, or internet capabilities.

If a camper has a legitimate need to call home, we will work with them to facilitate that call from our office! Please connect with us if you have questions about our phone policy.

For the safety and well-being of our camp community, please do not send these items to camp with your girl:

• Open-toe shoes (except for sandal use in shower)
• Crop tops/halter tops
• Aerosols
• Candy, gum, or snacks
• Electronic devices that connect to the internet
• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, knives, or weapons
• Money

Pods are housed in groups of 4–12 campers, and depending on sleeping accommodations staff either sleep in the same space or in a separate accommodation nearby. At night, staff members are always within earshot if they are needed.

Read more about each camp’s living arrangements here.

We strive to provide well-balanced, nutritious and child-pleasing menus at camp—and of course the occasional s’more! Meals will be prepared by experienced Food Service Staff.

Special Diets & Allergies: Our food service manager is experienced at providing vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and lactose-free options and we can usually accommodate most other special diets; however, reaching out before camp will help you, your camper, and the camp prepare appropriately—especially if your camper’s needs are significant.

Please identify if your camper has an allergy or intolerance on their health from. We ask that you identify the type of allergy your camper has and provide information on managing an allergic reaction. During meal time, our staff will instruct campers with special diets as to the menu items safe and available at each meal.

• For our gluten-free campers: although we do provide gluten-free meals, we suggest that you pack a small, well-labeled bag of food (regular grocery sack-sized or smaller) to have available to your camper. You can turn this in at check-in on the first day. We will do our best to return all unused food at the end of the session but please ask your camper to collect this before they leave camp.
• Lactose intolerance can be managed completely by camp—no additional food needs to be sent. However, if there are specific brands that your camper is most comfortable using for dairy substitutes, we suggest that you pack a small, well-labeled bag of food (regular grocery sack-sized or smaller) to have available to your camper at mealtimes. You can turn this in at check-in on the first day.

• Please note that, while we do minimize peanut and tree nut use at camp, we are not completely nut-free, and our kitchens are not cross-contamination free for gluten, nuts, wheat, dairy, or soy. Any snacks that are labeled as processed with or containing nuts will be restricted from campers with allergies.

Depending on the severity of allergies in camp, we’ll adjust the meal plan on a session-by- session basis to avoid offering allergy-provoking foods and cross-contamination. Please see the information an allergies below, in the safety section, for more information.

Bathroom and shower facilities are located throughout camp. Housing may include an outdoor walk to the nearest location. We will let your camper know the nearest bathroom and shower locations once they are at camp.

Please talk with your camper before they come to camp about taking care of their daily personal hygiene needs. Remind them about brushing teeth, combing hair, and washing their face every day. The staff will also support these hygiene practices as much as possible. Due to the number of people in camp and the practice of water conservation, showers are generally limited to every other day depending on the length of time in camp.

Overnight camp gives participants the opportunity to spend quality time in a safe, supportive outdoor setting while making friends and learning new skills. It draws together youth from different backgrounds and gives everyone a chance to learn from each other. Campers live cooperatively with others of the same age and interests. Campers learn to become self-reliant, confident, caring young women.

The camp staff will work with the campers to support and guide them in the planning process of their session program. This is referred to as the girl planning process. With every camper having input into the program, no two days at camp will be the same.

Before your camper comes to camp, talk with them about what they want to do while at camp. Camper input is important to us; talking about it before arrival will help your camper participate in planning with their peers.

At camp, our staff and CITs  follow the Girl Scout tradition of creating camp counselor names. So don’t be surprised when your camper refers to their counselors by these nicknames!

Please be sure to list camper birthdays on registration forms and we’ll make sure campers get recognized on their special day!

Some groups may have the opportunity to take a trip out of camp. Campers will be oriented to safety guidelines and transported to off-camp sites vans driven by experienced staff of age 21 or older with good driving records. All staff drivers have passed GSNorCal’s driving check. Staff members carry a cell phone for emergencies. Programs are staffed by certified or experienced counselors who have training in First Aid, CPR, supervision and safety procedures. Staff supervising backcountry trips have been trained in the appropriate skill set, have prior experience and are trained in backcountry specific emergency procedures.

Campers participate in designing itineraries for their programs. They pack their equipment and are oriented in its proper use and care. Campers must follow the behavior guidelines set by their group and act responsibly. Behavior that deviates from the set guidelines may result in immediate dismissal from the program and from camp. If this occurs during a trip away from camp, adults will be required to come to the off-camp location immediately to pick up their camper. If a camper becomes ill during an out of camp trip, the staff will address the situation and contact camp to make a decision about the next steps. Adults may be asked to pick up their camper from the trip or camp.

Participants of all abilities—including those with disabilities and health concerns—are welcome and encouraged to join us at camp! Prior to registering, we recommend you contact us so we can make sure we are able to provide your camper with the accommodations and support they need to have a great camp experience. Our staff can also help you choose the sessions that are the best fit.

All of our camps in Northern California are located in natural areas, and wildlife is a part of the outdoor experience! This includes raccoons, squirrels, chipmunks, mice, snakes, deer, black bears, bats, and more! While at camp, campers will learn about the specific types of animals that are common to the area and wilderness safety, such as always using the buddy system, respecting animals from a distance, and never feeding them.

Like other outdoor spaces, Sugar Pine is home to bugs and mosquitoes. Each camper is asked to apply bug repellent multiple times a day, but it is possible your child will get mosquito bites. Our staff are trained to care for bug bites as needed.

Our staff and campers work together to take a preventative approach to health care in camp. A Health Care Supervisor is on staff and is responsible for monitoring and administering first aid and routine health care, per Treatment Protocols. Should a camper become ill while at camp, they will be admitted to the camp Health Center or taken to the nearest hospital if needed, and the camp director will contact the emergency contact listed on the camper’s health form.

The following applies to all medications, including vitamins, inhalers, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications:

• All medications must be listed on the health form.
• Please bring all medications to the bus loading in a labeled ziplock bag – do not pack them in her suitcase.
• Medications must be in the original container with the camper’s name, address, and complete directions on the container. California law states that medications not in the original container cannot be dispensed by the Health Care Manager.
• If campers require an epi-pen, we require that you send 2 with her (1 for the health center and 1 for the unit).

State regulations cover the storage and dispensing of medications. All medications must come to camp in original containers and be stored by the Health Supervisor in locked compartments in the camp health center. The Health Supervisor will dispense medications as indicated by the physician’s instructions for prescriptions and/or by label instructions for over-the-counter medications. If over the-counter medications should be given different than the label, a note must be provided from an MD or NP.

If a camper refuses to take prescribed medications, this refusal is documented in the health log and the parent/guardian is notified.

Please identify if your camper has an allergy on their health from. We ask that you identify the type of allergy your camper has and provide information on managing an allergic reaction.

• Campers who have Epi-Pens are asked to bring 2 to camp, whenever possible.

Food Allergies

Some families have found it helpful to utilize the Food Allergy Action Plan resource from FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), to help camp staff handle their camper’s food allergies and anaphylaxis emergency care.

Depending on the severity of allergies in camp, we’ll make adjustments on a session-by-session basis to avoid offering allergy-provoking foods and cross-contamination. Please reach out to us if you have any concerns, so that we can provide the best possible care for your camper.

Per state and American Camp Association guidelines, all campers at Sugar Pine and Bothin will participate in skills screening and will be placed in a swimming group according to experience and ability. Campers have the opportunity to work on their swimming skills and can recheck their swimming ability partway through the camp session if they would like too, but camper safety is our top priority. If we are not comfortable moving them up a level, we will not. Campers will swim 3-5 times a week, weather permitting. All aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards.

All campers are required to wear lifejackets (PFDs) in any boat, regardless of swimming ability.

Archery

• Campers of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in Archery. A certified Archery Instructor is on staff to oversee this target sport. Archery activities are led by certified adult staff. Campers may not participate in archery unless a trained adult is present. Campers receive an orientation, including safety rules, prior to participating in this activity.

High Ropes

• Campers entering grades 4 and up will have the opportunity to participate in High Ropes. Several experienced instructors will lead their session, which will always be overseen by an Advanced Facilitator. Campers may never climb the courses unless on belay and following all safety protocols. Campers receive an orientation, including safety rules, prior to participating in this activity.

Equestrian Program (Camp Sugar Pine)

• Campers of all ages will have the opportunity to participate in trail rides, horse care, and/or beginner lessons. All horseback riding programming is overseen by experienced riding instructors and follows American Camp Association Equestrian Program Safety Standards.

Unit Life & Care of Camp

• We take care of our camp together! Each camp unit may have a “kaper” or job each day. Kapers are done by the unit and may take up to 15 minutes. Camp “kapers” may include putting up flags, sweeping out kitchen shelters, or picking up trash in the unit. Counselors supervise all kapers. Depending on age and ability, campers may handle nontoxic cleaners in spray bottles to clean counters and other surfaces with paper towels. Campers are instructed to wash their hands after cleaning.

A Girl Scout is always prepared, and that includes at camp. During training, staff will learn and practice emergency weather procedures and emergency action plans. At the beginning of each session, campers will also learn what to do in an emergency, and will have practice drills during their time at camp.

If the weather is unusually hot or cold, activities are modified to keep campers safe. Weather alert radios are monitored, and there are designated storm shelters for each camp.

Please remember that, during weather alerts, phone lines need to remain open to contact different parts of camp or emergency services; please do not call during severe weather. If it is after-hours or on weekends, our After-Hours Emergency Number is 1-877-636-1912. The council answering service will contact the appropriate council staff. A staff member from GSNorCal will then contact you. In case of a natural disaster, information will be emailed and posed online.

Do not send your camper to camp if they have been exposed to a communicable disease or if they are ill.

Girl Scouts of Northern California does require an immunization history as part of the health form required for camp. Currently, the health history form does include an option for an exemption to vaccinations for medical or personal reasons. To read more about our protocols related to communicable diseases, please read Communicable Disease Protocols for Girl Scouts of Northern California.

If a participant is not immunized, they are required to complete the Immunization Exemption Form and submit with the health form via CampDoc.

Please check your camper for lice before coming to camp, as all will be screened upon arrival. Any child with lice will need to spend at least one night in the health center to receive treatment before joining their unit. You will also have the option to take your camper home to treat them there. You can learn more about lice at headlice.org.

All designated emergency contacts should be available while your camper is at camp. Camp staff may call you for the following:

• Homesickness of your camper that is getting worse, not better.
• Inappropriate conduct by your camper while at Girl Scout Camp.
• Illness or injury to your camper for an extended period of time, requires medical attention outside of camp, or requires her to be picked up by the parent/guardian.

Remember that your camper will not have access to a telephone and that the telephone in camp is for business and emergencies only. If you have an urgent need to talk with your camper, contact the Girl Scout office first: 1-800-447-4475. During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM), the council staff contact the camp director, who will then respond to your call. If it is after hours or on weekends, and there is an emergency, our After Hours Emergency Number is 1-877-636-1912.

For camper safety and security, visitors are not permitted during camp sessions.

Using Council Credit

Campers can also pay for all or part of their camp registration with the credits they earn through the Girl Scouts of Northern California’s entrepreneurship programs. If you are not able to afford the camp deposit before your camper completes their product program, please contact us at registration@gsnorcal.org. We want to make sure that your hard-working camper is able to use their council credit towards camp.

Financial Aid

Any youth member living in one of our nineteen GSNorCal counties is eligible to receive financial aid for 1 session of camp per year! Our financial aid program is robust and flexible, and we will happily consider any information you’d like to share in order to determine eligibility. Applicants will not be automatically excluded based on income guidelines alone.

We enthusiastically welcome all campers to apply! Our commitment to accessibility ensures that nearly every applicant receives some form of financial aid, with the application seamlessly integrated into the camp registration process. Families will encounter the option to complete the financial aid form during their online registration.

To get started, visit our Financial Aid page.

At the time of registration, individuals attending resident camp sessions may either pay the full amount or a 10% deposit. The remaining balance of the camper fees is due for all
sessions on June 5th.

You can pay your bill online through CampInTouch. Instructions are included on your registration receipt.

Your camper’s registration will be cancelled if payment has not been received by the due date. If, for any reason, you cannot meet this financial obligation, you must contact GSNorCal immediately at 1-800-447-4475, and we will work with you.

To cancel a registration or a waitlist spot, send an email or written notification to registration@gsnorcal.org.

The deposit is non-refundable. To receive a refund of the registration fees paid less the deposit, a notice of cancellation must be received four weeks prior to the first day of the camp session for which the cancellation is being made.

Refunds

Please note that our refund policy is strict, and that we are unable to make exceptions this year.

Full refund: The balance of the camp fee, including deposit, will be refunded only if:

• If the financial aid amount requested is not fully granted, the total amount paid will be refunded.
• If GSNorCal cancels the camp session, the total amount paid will be refunded.

Partial refund: The balance of the camp fee, less deposit, will be refunded only if:

• Written notification of cancellation is received four weeks before the opening date of the confirmed camp session.
• The camper does not attend due to illness or injury. A letter from a physician must accompany the refund request.

Prorated refund:

• If the camper is sent home from camp due to illness or injury occurring at camp, a prorated refund may be given but will not be made if the camper attends more than half of the camp session. The prorated refund will be made only at the written request of the parent/guardian.

Refunds are not offered for cancellations made less than 4 weeks before the session start date unless a doctor’s note is available. Camper fees will not be refunded for Covid Exposures, so we recommend practicing caution in the week leading up to camp, and/or purchasing insurance.

No refunds will be made if the camper does not attend their camp session or leaves early for any other reason, even if their space is filled by another participant.

Make refund requests in writing no later than August 1, 2024 to the Girl Scouts of Northern California.