Download - Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania

Frequently Asked Questions
General Camping Questions
Who are the camp staff members?
Camp staff members are selected for their leadership skills,
maturity and ability to work with girls. Training is provided to
each staff member to empower each girl to learn and enjoy
her camp experience. Each camp maintains a girl to staff ratio
that follows Girl Scout and American Camping Association
standards. Our staff comes from all over the world. We believe
in cultural diversity and the benefits of exposing others to
them.
What is the American Camp Association (ACA)?
The ACA is the leading authority in child development.
ACA works to preserve, promote and improve the camp
experience. ACA accredited camps meet up to 300 standards
for health, safety and program quality for campers and staff.
All camps follow the safety standards of local municipalities,
state regulations and safety guidelines outlined by Girl Scouts
of the USA (GSUSA).
What are your facilities like?
Our sleeping quarters are a combination of mostly tents,
cabins and lodges. Most sleeping units do not have restrooms
attached. There are latrines, washing stations and showers
nearby.
We have a full service dining hall that provides three meals
a day. Girls will participate in outdoor cooking for a dinner, a
pack out lunch, and a breakfast at their units at least once
during the week.
Where will my camper stay?
Summer Sleep Away Camp is an overnight experience with
other girls under the careful supervision of trained camp
counselors. Our camps are divided into living areas called
units. Unit group sizes vary. Campers are placed in units
according to their age. Campers sleep on cots or bunk beds on
mattresses or mattresses on the floor. All tents have cots with
mattresses. Counselors sleep in the same unit but in separate
sleeping quarters.
Will girls earn Girl Scout badges and/or patches while
at camp?
GSUSA has modified their existing program to the Girls Guide
to Girl Scouting. Several badges and patches have been
discontinued and follow the National Proficiency Badges. Your
camper will earn at least one proficiency badge as well as a fun
patch.
How do I know what activities my camper will
participate in?
You can discuss with her different things she would like to do,
however, we allow them to completely choose their schedule.
My camper would like to participate in horseback
riding, is there anything specific she needs to know?
Whether you are attending Ranch Camp or Traditional Camp,
any girl who participates in a horseback riding activity while at
camp is required to wear long pants with smooth soled boots
or shoes that have a heel. Riding helmets are a requirement
and will be supplied by Girl Scouts. If you camper has her own
riding helmet, it must be ASTM (American Society of Testing
and Materials) and SEI (Safety Equipment Institute) certified.
I would like to sign up my camper for horseback riding,
when will she have the opportunity to do this?
One of her two daily free choice times on her schedule will be
dedicated to horseback riding..
What if the weather isn’t cooperating when my camper
is scheduled to go horseback riding?
If there is inclement weather or extreme heat, we attempt
to reschedule your camper for another day. However, if the
weather hasn’t cooperated, we will still teach her equine
safety, a grooming session and get an “up close” opportunity
with the horses. Refunds will not be issued.
Last year, transportation was offered. Is it offered this
year?
Unfortunately, due to low participation rates last year,
transportation is not being offered this year.
What will my daughter need to bring to camp?
After registering for camp, you will be mailed a detailed
packing list in the camp confirmation packet. The
confirmation packet also includes pick up and drop off times,
FAQ’s, Trading Post information, wildlife, and more.
What can we expect to find in the Trading Post?
We provide various items such as: hoody’s, camp T-shirt,
pens, journals, stuffed animals and other material items. We
do not sell food or beverages at our trading post. Items often
vary in price from $1-$40. Upon your check in, you can also go
to the trading post and check in her money or purchase items
that day. We accept cash and checks. Unfortunately at this
time, we do not accept credit cards.
35