Resident Camp Take Your Summer Adventure to the Next Level! The fun, the friendships, the adventure, the self-discovery—it’s all here at our Council Run resident camps in Northern California. Bothin, Deer Lake, Skylark Ranch, and Sugar Pine each offer unique and exciting summer programs for all interests. Whether a girl is a first time or experienced camper, there is something special here for her! Sugar Pine, Deer Lake, and Bothin also offer family camp programs. Overnight sessions for girl programs range from 4 – 13 days. The ratio of unit staff to campers is one to six for 5 – 8 year olds and one to eight for all other camper groups. BENEFITS OF RESIDENT CAMP
The benefits of a resident camp experience come from the extended time that girls participate in their program. It is a wonderful way for girls to increase their self-reliance and independent living skills by living away from home. Girls also enhance their socialization skills as they live and interact with girls from all over Northern California. The extended time at resident camp also allows for enhanced skill development in activities. With positive, adult role models and a friendly, supportive environment, girls can have a truly enriching summer experience.
THE CAMP PROGRAM
At our resident camps, girls live in a unit with an average of 12 – 24 other campers who have registered for the same program and are of a similar grade in school. The unit participates as a group in activities throughout the session. Unit programs range from a sampling of camp activities, such as in our Sea Stars program at Skylark Ranch, to specialty units such as horseback riding, surfing, boating or theater arts. Campers in specialty programs spend extra time in activities related to their theme. Every unit program, regardless of the focus, includes a variety of general camp activities such as outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, songs, stargazing, hiking or swimming. General activities available vary
with each camp. Campfires, theme meals, talent shows, carnivals, and other all-camp events that bring everyone together will be held throughout the session. NOTE: Campers in 1st – 3rd grade or 2nd – 4th grade programs do not participate in archery or high ropes/ climbing activities. This applies to family camp as well. Deer Lake, our High Sierra camp near Truckee, offers girls “Adventure By Choice.” While campers still register for a unit program, part of their afternoons will be spent in individual choice activities. Girls make independent decisions about what they want to do at camp. This is the next step in the resident camp experience, which provides an opportunity for campers to design a unique and personal adventure like no other!
A TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP
The daily schedule for each camp will vary according to the unit activities planned. Some activities will be with just the units and some will involve the entire camp. Most days begin with waking up around 7 a.m., followed by breakfast at 8 a.m. Lunch is served at midday and dinner is at 6 p.m. Program activities occur in the morning, afternoon, and early evening. “Lights out” for campers varies according to age but is usually between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m.
CAMPROCKS.ORG I GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTHERN CALIFORNIA
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