Woodhaven - Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania

welcome to
Camp Wood Haven!
Dear Parents & Guardians,
Thank you for registering your girl for a great camp experience with Girl Scouts of
Eastern Pennsylvania. A summer adventure like no other is just around the corner
for your camper. Nowhere else can a girl experience as much fun, challenge, and
excitement as they can at Girl Scout Camp!
At camp, girls make new friends, learn new skills, develop their self esteem, care for
and appreciate the environment and, of course, have lots of fun in a safe and
nurturing outdoors.
Please read through this packet carefully. It contains information you will need to
prepare for camp. Feel free to email camps@gsep.org with any questions or concerns
that you might have. For general camp information you may also call the main office at
(866/215)564.2030; your call will be directed to someone who will be able to help you.
See you at camp!
CAMP CONTACT:
Michele Bement, Camp Director
Camp Wood Haven
103 Camp Road
Pine Grove, PA 17963
Telephone: 570.345.4288
Email: mbement@gsep.org
REGISTRATION CONTACT:
Camp Registration Team
P.O. Box 309
Lafayette Hill, PA 19444
Telephone: 888.564.4657
Fax: 215.564.6953
Email: ebiz@gsep.org
OPEN HOUSE:
Come visit the camps before they are
open for the summer! Meet the staff
and tour the facilities.
Sunday, May 5, 1-4 pm
Sunday, June 16, 1-4 pm
CHECK IN
Check In is on Sunday from 1:30pm to 4:00pm.
Follow the driveway to the staff member there to help you. Please be prepared to
give your campers Program Name so that we can assist you with your luggage tags.
There will beamp staff in the parking lot and pavilion to guide you through the check-in
process.
CHECK OUT
Check Out is on Friday at 5:00pm at the end of each week.
NOTE: New this year is our awards ceremony at 4pm. Please arrive promptly. No check
outs will be allowed during the awards ceremony. If you need to pick up your camper
early you can taPlease arrive promptly. If you need to pick up your camper early
arrangements MUST BE MADE ON SUNDAY at Check In.
TRADING POST
The Trading Post (Camp Store) will be open on Sundays and Fridays for your
convenience. Cash, check, adventure credits and credit cards are accepted.
CAMPERS LOVE MAIL!
SEND MAIL TO:
Camp Wood Haven
NAME OF CAMPER
NAME OF PROGRAM
103 Camp Road
Pine Grove, PA 17963
QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS PRIOR
TO CAMP:
During the camping season, the
Camp Director, Michele Bement, can
be reached at the phone number
above. In addition, if you have any
questions or concerns to share with
her before June 1, please contact her
by email or phone at:
mbement@gsep.org
855.876.0761, ext.1603

Preparing for Camp
As you are getting your camper and her things ready for camp, take time to talk about all the new adventures she will have and the
friends she will make at camp. Avoid talking about getting homesick and missing one another. You can help your camper avoid
getting homesick even before they get to camp! All the forms listed below are available online at http://www.gsep.org/camps/
summer-camp-forms.php.
Important tips for getting ready
• Make an appointment for your Resident Camp Health History Record with your family doctor. Our form (page 5) must be
signed by a physician within 12 months of camp attendance!
• Help your camper learn to take care of herself and her belongings on her own so that she will be more comfortable and
have more fun at camp. For instance, have your camper practice making her bed.
• Encourage your camper to comb and care for her own hair. Help her find a hairstyle that requires minimal care and make
sure she has the needed supplies to take care of it.
• If your camper has never spent the night away from you before, try it before camp so that you both know what to expect.
• Please label everything with your camper’s full name.
• Using the Resident Camp Packing List (available online http://www.gsep.org/camps/summer-camp-forms.php), help your
camper pack her own suitcase/duffel bag/trunk so she will know where her things are.
• Remind her to keep dirty and clean clothing separate. Pack a bag for dirty laundry.
• Bus riders only: Write your camper’s information on luggage tags/duct tape. Place the tag(s) securely on all luggage pieces.
We use the tags to deliver luggage to the correct camp.
• Please label and pack her sleeping bag, pillow, and other bedding separately. You will be responsible for walking these up to
your camper’s unit to get her settled in.
• Each girl is limited to 2 (two) pieces (three for 2 and 3 week campers) of luggage plus a sleeping bag and pillow. There is no
room in the tents/cabins/shelters for other pieces of luggage, so please be considerate of tent mates.
• Girls should bring a day pack for hiking and/or to carry water, hat, sunscreen and other needed items during their active day.
• Put your camper’s trading post envelope with money, Resident Camp Health History Record, Code of Conduct, Camper
Release Authorization, special release forms, and all medications in a zip-lock plastic bag and bring the bag and
documents to camp.
Important things needed at Check IN (place everything in a zip-lock bag)
• A completed Resident Camp Health History Record (do not mail to the office) - If your camper is attending more than one
session at the same camp, the initial form will be retained. If attending different camps, please bring a copy of her health
form each time. All campers must have this health form signed by parent/guardian and physician upon arrival.
• Camper Release Authorization, please make sure you include everyone who will pick up your camper, including yourself.
• Trading Post money in envelope (1 check can be written to cover everything, checks should be made payable to GSEP)
− − Trading Post Deposit - this amount varies
−−
Unit Photo - $6.00 (optional)
−−
Tye-Dye Shirt - $5 for Tye-Dye Tuesday (optional)
−−
Tripping Money - if applicable
• Any medication needed must be in original containers.
• GSEP Camper Code of Conduct – rules that girls and parents must sign and obey to ensure the safety and well being of all
girls in camp.
• Special release forms – Release forms for special trip programs.
• Horseback Riding Questionnaire – Must be filled out for any girls participating in Horseback riding at Camp Laughing Waters
and Camp Wood Haven.

• Pack the zip-lock plastic bag in a separate tote bag or small backpack along with swimsuit and towel (your camper may
have her swim orientation before she gets to her unit the first day). If riding the bus, your camper must give the zip lock bag
to the bus monitor before she is allowed on the bus.
WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP
All possessions must be marked with the camper’s first and last name. Please see the Resident Camp Packing List available at
http://www.gsep.org/camps/summer-camp-forms.php for a complete packing list.
It is suggested that you pack belongings in a large plastic tote box, trunk or suitcase. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania will not
be responsible for any damages to any personal equipment brought to camp. This includes electronic equipment (radios, video
games, mp3 players, tablets, e-readers) and jewelry. Any Lost & Found remaining at camp will be donated after August 20, please
make arrangements to gather all lost items.
Cell phones and other electronic equipment will be confiscated. We are not trying to keep you out of touch with your child; we are
protecting all the girls and staff in camp by keeping cell phones out of the girls’ hands. You can call and check on your camper, we
will talk with the counselor and the camper and report back to you. We do have the Bunk 1 email system in which you can send an
email to your camper daily, encourage your camper to write letters home, let her unplug for a week or so!
What Not to Bring to Camp
Any items on this list will be taken and stored in the Camp Office and returned at the end of session!
• Cell phones, Beepers
• Expensive clocks, watches or jewelry
• Personal Sports Equipment, unless otherwise specified
• Expensive electronic devices such as miniature DVD or CD players, MP3’s, Games, tablets, e-readers
• Hair dryers, curling irons, or flat irons
• Weapons
• Pets
• NO fruity-smelling soaps, deodorant, toothpaste, perfume, food, gum or candy. All of these attract raccoons, skunks, and/
or bears at some camps or other critters to our living spaces!
• Food or snacks –This includes mailing such things to camp. They will be taken away as it is unsafe for girls to have such
things in their tents.
Transportation Policies & Procedures
RESIDENT CAMP BUS INFORMATION
Busing from designated locations is available for an additional fee. Campers must register for buses in advance. Registration for
busing closes one week prior to the camp start date. Payment is due in full two weeks prior to the camp start date. Requests for
refunds must be submitted in writing to ebiz@gsep.org at least four weeks in advance of the bus date for consideration. Refunds
are not issued for partial use of the bus order (reservations for round trips but electing not to take the bus to camp or home from
camp); or for riders considered “no shows” (campers who reserve the bus but do not give advance notification of cancellation).
The registration department must be notified of bus cancellations as soon as possible in order to provide camp staff adequate
notice. You will be notified of bus pick up and drop off times, during the week prior to your camp start date.
Resident Camp Bus Pricing Options
• $50 per ONE WAY trip TO camp
• $50 per ONE WAY trip FROM camp
• $90 per ROUND TRIP
Resident Camp Bus Stops
• Northeast Tower, East Roosevelt Boulevard and Adams Avenue-WalMart, Philadelphia, PA
• West Philadelphia High School, Walnut and 47th Streets, Philadelphia, PA

• Delaware County Service Center, 760 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA
• Marketplace Shopping Center, 104 Allenwood Road (Ridge Pike near the Blue Route), Conshohocken, PA
• Lehigh Valley Service Center, 2633 Moravian Avenue, Allentown, PA
Additional Notes:
• Make sure you are at the bus stop early. Traffic and weather affect arrival and departure times.
• No girls will be allowed on the bus to resident camp, if they do not have their Resident Camp Health History Record, GSEP
Camper Code of Conduct and their Camper Release Authorization filled out and signed appropriately. NO EXCEPTIONS.
• If your camper misses the bus, you will be responsible for her travel to camp.
• Whoever picks up your camper at the bus stop will be required to show a photo ID such as a Driver’s License and must be
listed on the Camper Release Form.
• Campers will not be released to anyone without proper identification or to anyone not listed on the Release Form. You
must be listed on the Camper Release Form to pick up any camper. Please list alternates in case of an emergency.
Bus Safety
Please review these rules with your camper before the start of camp.
• The bus should always be loaded and unloaded in an orderly fashion.
• No body parts are to hang out of the windows.
• Please remain seated at all times.
• Do not throw anything out of the windows.
• LISTEN to instructions from the counselors and bus driver
• No horseplay, yelling or throwing items around the bus.
• Let the counselor know if you are feeling sick.
• Know where the emergency exits are located.
By Car
Camp program begins on Sunday. Please arrive at camp on time.
Note: DO NOT BRING PETS WITH YOU WHEN DROPPING OFF CAMPERS!!!
• Directions to the camp are also included in this letter, as well as the camp address and contact information.
• Camp gates will not open until 30 minutes prior to scheduled check in and check out times.
• At check in, we ask that you follow the directions of the camp staff for parking and unloading your vehicle.
• When picking up your camper at check out, you will be required to show a photo ID such as a Driver’s License.
• Campers will not be released to anyone without proper identification or to anyone not listed on the Release Form. You
must be listed on the Camper Release Form to pick up any camper. Please list alternates in case of an emergency.
DIRECTIONS TO CAMP Wood Haven
See Page 1 for the address.
From the Northeast Extension of the Turnpike (I-476): Travel north to the Lehigh Valley Exit and go west on I-78 as below.
From Interstate 78 (Route 22): Travel to the Bethel exit (Exit 13), Route 501. Go north on Route 501 for 8 miles to Route 895. Turn
right and continue on 895 East for 1 mile to the street sign on the right that says “Camp Road.” There is also a sign here for Camp
Wood Haven and Camp Pine Grove. Turn right and watch for the camp entrance on the left. You may also go north on Route 501
for 7 miles. Turn right on Mexico Road. Turn left onto Camp Road. Camp entrance is first driveway on right.
From the Reading area: You may prefer to travel Route 61 north to I-78 and follow the directions above for I-78 OR continue on
Route 61 North to the intersection with Route 895. Turn left on Route 895 and travel west through the town of Rock. After you
pass the motorcycle track, Camp Road will be the second left, across from a small farm with a stone wall along the road. This is a
hard turn to see. If you miss this turn continue on to Rt 501 South and follow the directions above for Mexico Road.

From the Lehighton and Palmerton areas: You may prefer to get on Route 895 in Bowmanstown. Turn left on Route 895 and
travel west through the town of Rock. After you pass the motorcycle track, Camp Road will be the second left, across from a small
farm with a stone wall along the road.
From New Jersey: Take either Route 22 West to Route 78 West, or take Route 78 West to exit 13 in PA. Then follow directions
above for I-78.
For people using a GPS: USe the intersection of Camp Road and Route 95, Pine Grove, PA 17963 and then follow the directions
above on the first page.
General Information
Visitors & Camp Tours
Once again for the safety of our campers and staff we do not allow visitors. All staff persons on site have current background
checks. We care about your camper’s safety and want to ensure that she is well cared for and protected. If anyone would like a
camp tour, please consider attending an Open House. Tours are limited during the summer to protect the campers.
GSEP Camper Code Of Conduct
Please read over the GSEP Camper Code of Conduct with your camper and make sure each of you sign the form. Camp life is
an opportunity for girls to live and work cooperatively with adults and girls of their own age. Campers are expected to actively
participate in all camp activities. The staff will do everything they can to help each girl adjust to her new environment. However,
girls who exhibit unsuitable behavior will not be permitted to remain at camp. Unsuitable behavior includes, but is not limited to:
Consistent non-participation in activities, uncooperative and threatening behavior, bullying, fighting, theft, abusive language,
smoking, drinking or endangering the safety of themselves or others. Campers who do not abide by the cell phone policy will also
be sent home. Any camper who displays such behavior will have a conference with the Camp Director. The Camp Director will
notify the family and discuss the situation with them. The Camp Director may request that your camper leave camp due to the
unsuitable behavior exhibited. The parents/guardians will be notified and are responsible for the immediate departure of their
camper from camp and for securing all travel arrangements. There will be no refund in this case.
How to Dress at Camp
Pack old, comfortable clothes in which to play games, hike, and get dirty or whatever the day calls for. Laundry facilities are not
available for campers (except for soiled bedding). **See the Resident Camp Packing list to assist with packing on the previous
page.
NOTE: For safety reasons, everyone at camp must wear socks at all times. Please send your camper with a clean pair of socks
for each day. No open-toed or open heel (clog or croc type) shoes or sandals are allowed. No chunky-heeled shoes allowed. No
spaghetti straps, midriffs, or halter-tops.
Unit Responsibilities During Camp
Girls participate in Kapers, which are similar to chores or jobs, as part of the group living experience. A unit Kaper is helping to
sweep the unit, clean the bathroom, or clean up their tent, etc. An all-camp Kaper consists of raising and lowering the flag, setting
tables for meals or collecting litter to keep camp looking its best. Kapers are completed once a day, by everyone.
Meals During Camp
Meals at camp are nutritious and plentiful. Meals are served family style in the Dining Hall. At least once a week girls cook around
a campfire. In addition to the main course, each meal has alternate choices. Breakfast has additional choices of cereal, fruit, etc.
Lunch and Dinner have a salad bar or peanut butter and jelly and dessert. Snacks are provided throughout the day. Please write
down any dietary restrictions and send to camp with the Health Form.
Special Dietary Needs: If your child has special dietary needs that are allergy related such as; gluten free or peanut/tree nut free
please contact the Camp Director to find out the menu. You may be asked to bring special supplies.
Note: Do not send food to your camper. Food in tents attracts mice, raccoons, and other animals that may get to it before the
campers do! Dinner will be the first meal served to campers when they arrive on Sunday.

Sleeping Arrangements
Campers sleep in platform tents, with 4 girls per tent. Groups of tents/shelters plus a latrine and hand washing station and a
kitchen shelter form a living unit. Counselors sleep in separate tents within the unit. If the program promises a cabins girls will stay
in a large cabin with other girls and staff housed in a separate room. Counselors are always on duty, occasionally checking each
tent. Campers need this opportunity to try being on their own. It is also possible your camper will be housed in an adiorndack or
tree house shelter. These shelters hold 4-5 campers.
Special Arrangements for Leaving Camp
If in an emergency, you need to pick your camper up at camp earlier than usual, please notify the camp ahead of time so we know
when to expect you and can have your camper’s luggage ready. If she needs to leave camp for some special event (a brief visit
from a distant relative or to swim in the finals of the swim competition, for example), please note it on the Camper Release Form
and inform the camp during check in.
Missing Home
Campers are often homesick for the first day or two, primarily during free time, and the first letters written from camp may reflect
this. Homesickness is normal, but rest assured that our staff will do everything they can to ensure that your daughter will have
a happy, safe, and fun week of camp. For more information about homesickness and other getting-ready-for-camp tips visit
http://www.campparents.org/homesickness. We do not allow campers as the norm to call home during their time at camp. We
have found that allowing campers to call home because of homesickness only makes the situation worse. Your camper will be in
the care of well trained and loving staff that will see to it that she is healthy and happy at camp. If homesickness is dramatically
impacting your camper’s ability to participate in camp programs, the Camp Director will work with you and your camper to help
her successfully complete her week. The Director will discuss the situation with the parents/guardians to develop an action plan
that best suits the situation and girl. If a camper does return home, no refund can be given.
Phone Calls
Please do not promise to call your camper or expect her to call you. The phone at camp is for emergency and business calls only
and your camper cannot be brought to the phone.
Please Note: We do not allow campers to use the phone but we can certainly relay any concerns to your child and also call you
back to let you know how she is doing. CELL PHONES ARE NOT ALLOWED AT CAMP. Phones will be confiscated and returned
at the end of the camp session. If your camper has a problem, she should bring it to the attention of her Counselor, the Health
Supervisor or the Camp Director.
Mail & 1-way Email
Some campers write often and others do not. However, your camper would LOVE to hear from you! We have prepackaged
care packages available for purchase, please visit http://www.gsep.org/camps/summer-camp-forms.php for the camper care
package options. Sometimes, a cure for missing home is mail from family and friends. We suggest you bring packages (NO FOOD
OR SNACKS) and mail on check-in day or mail the first letter a day or so before your camper leaves for camp. Then the very first
day she’ll have a card or note from you. Please allow time for the mail to arrive within her session. Be aware that you might receive
a letter after her arrival back home! Late mail will be returned to sender.
You may email your camper while she’s at camp. Sign onto Bunk1, our email provider, by following the instructions available at
http://www.gsep.org/camps/summer-camp-forms.php. This service is at a small cost and delivery will be daily. Please note if
you want your camper to receive email on Friday, it must be sent on Thursday. We do not receive the email as you send it, it is
gathered and sent to the camp, so there is a delay of one day. Emails received after the camper leaves will not be delivered nor
forwarded.
Dos & Don’ts for Letter Writing:
• DO tell your camper how much you love her.
• DO tell her you hope she’s having fun!
• DO ask questions about her tent mates, swimming group, favorite counselor, etc.
• DO send along her favorite comic strip, a picture, or fun news.
• DO tell her you can’t wait to see her!
• DON’T tell her bad news such as family illness or the death of a pet.

Ticks
Whether in your back yard or at camp, we feel it is important that all our campers and
their families be aware of ticks and tick-related diseases. Not all ticks carry disease, but
it is wise to be cautious and aware. Camp staff assists campers in taking the following
precautionary actions:
• Stay in the center of paths and trails.
• Do a tick check immediately after walking through dense woods and grasses.
• Wear proper clothing.
• Campers may apply insect repellent if they choose to bring it. (Younger campers
will be assisted to avoid over application of chemical repellent.)
• Each camper monitors herself and her clothing at least twice daily for ticks.
• If a tick is found imbedded in the skin, the camper reports to the Counselor or
Health Supervisor for removal and treatment. The Health Supervisor will record
the incident.
• Your child may bring home more than Arts and Crafts - don’t forget to check for
ticks after you return home from camp. If you have any questions about ticks,
please call the Camp Health Supervisor for more information.
Lost & Found
Before your camper leaves camp she will have an opportunity to claim missing items
that have been collected in Lost and Found. Lost and found items are kept at camp
until August 20, and are then donated to a local human services agency. Camp cannot
store these items, so please label all belongings. GSEP cannot be responsible for
articles lost or left at camp.
When your camper gets home
Look for these items:
• Trading Post refund
• Parent/Camper Evaluation Form
• Missing items or clothing
• Returned medications
• Swimming Record
• Horseback Riding Record
Registration Policies & Procedures
Typical Daily Schedule:
7:00am:
8:00am:
Wake Up
Breakfast &
Flag Ceremony
9:00am: Unit Kapers
10:00am: Program Activities (i.e.
swimming, boating,
archery, nature)
12:30pm:
1:30pm:
2:30pm:
6:00pm:
7:30pm:
8:30pm:
9-10:00pm:
Lunch
Free Time
Program Activities
(i.e. horseback riding,
Arts & Crafts, science,
games)
Dinner &
Flag Ceremony
All Camp Activity
or Campfire
Bedtime for Brownies,
Evening Activities for
Older Girls
Bedtime for Junior,
Cadettes, Seniors
& Ambassadors
Deposit & Payment
A $50 NON REFUNDABLE deposit is required for each camp session. Space will
not be held for registrations submitted without a deposit. Payment is due in full two
weeks prior to the camp start date. If payment is not received, your information will be
submitted to the collections department for follow up.
Change of Session
If it is necessary to change the choice of session once your camper has been placed,
you must notify a Registrar immediately by phone and in writing. If you call, please
follow up with a written note to confirm your change request. A new confirmation
letter will be sent if there is space in the new session you request. Your cooperation in
notifying us in time to place another child is appreciated.

In-Season Registration
If your camper has a WONDERFUL time at camp, and wants another camp program, we may have a place for her later in the
summer. Check online to see if there are any spaces available for upcoming programs.
Refunds
Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to ebiz@gsep.org at least four weeks in advance of the camp start date for
consideration. Refunds for cancellations occurring less than four weeks in advance are only considered in cases of extreme
emergency and will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Refunds are not issued for early departures from camp, campers
considered “no shows” (campers who do not attend and did not give advance notification of cancellation), or for days missed
during a camp session. This applies to busing, overnights, and extended care options for both resident and/or day camps as well.
Camper’s Accident & Sickness Insurance
The Girl Scout Council provides supplemental medical expense coverage for both accident and sickness for all participants in
resident camp. This is included in your camp fee. In most cases, the insurance forms will be handled by the camp and the doctor
or hospital. If you have any questions regarding insurance during camp, call the Camp Director. After camp is over, please check
with the Human Resources department at the Shelly Ridge office.
PHYSICAL EXAMINATIONS
Please note that every child must have a physical examination within 24 months and the Health Care Recommendations by
Licensed Medical Personnel form 2, page 5 of the Resident Camp Health History Record MUST be signed by a physician within 12
months of her stay.
The Resident Camp Health History Record is available online at http://www.gsep.org/camps/summer-camp-forms.php. Be sure
to report everything that may affect your camper at camp--recent illness, injuries, allergies, etc omitting items does not help us
care correctly for your child while she is at camp. This health form must be carried to camp with your camper, and must be given
to bus monitors or camp staff before she is allowed to board the bus or attend camp. Campers are not allowed at camp without a
properly filled out and signed health form.
Medications
By law, all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, topical ointments AND vitamins) must be collected by
the camp Health Supervisor. Only the medications written on the health form can be dispensed. Please make sure you note all
medications on the health form. Keep medication in original containers, which identifies it as your camper’s medication, the
instructions for dispensing, etc. This is a state law. Any medication not in the original container will NOT be dispensed. Campers
may not keep any kind of medication in their possession. PA Department of Health requires that this section must be updated
and signed by a Physician within 12 months in order for our Camp Heath Care Providers to administer medication to school age
children.
The Health Center has common use medications such as Tylenol, Advil, Mylanta and Calamine lotion in stock. Please do not
send these to camp. Also please note that if your camper is not taking normally prescribed medication while she is at camp,
you MUST still inform the Health Supervisor of her condition. The Health Supervisor will ensure that your camper receives her
medication. Emergency medications, such as those required for allergies, are kept close at hand by the Unit Staff. If your child
becomes ill, or has an injury, we will call you.