Summer Camp Guide 2025 by Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas

Summer Camp Guide 2025

Camp is a place where a girl can make new friends, explore the world around her, and discover something she can’t wait to do again. It’s a place where transformation happens. In an environment created just for her, a girl learns real life skills, develops self-esteem, and gains a sense of independence and community.

Camp gives girls the chance to let their imaginations run free! Registration for Summer 2025 sessions opens Monday, February 17. Scan the QR code or visit www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has three camps:

Camp Metro

Our day camp is held at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center in San Antonio.

Camp La Jita

Our main resident camp is on a 236-acre site along the Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas.

Sailing Camp

Our smaller resident camp focuses on sailing at Boerne Lake in Boerne, Texas.

Camp in the city.

Make new friends, have fun outdoors, and enjoy hands-on activities at our day camp at the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center. We have six weeks of camp for girls entering grades K-8 based on the upcoming fall school year.

Girls have adventures and explore skills in a variety of areas including community service, cultural arts, healthy living, environmental awareness, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math), and so much more. Camp Metro is a great way for girls to stay active in the summer months and avoid learning loss that can happen between school years.

Each week has a theme, and girls (divided by entering grade level for Fall 2025) participate in activities and earn related patches and badges.

Included each week:

• T-shirt

• Weekly patch

• Day full of fun activities

• Field trip

• Before and after care (7 a.m. to 6 p.m.)

• Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack

Meet the Camp Director

Hello everyone! My name is Liz, but my camp friends all know me as “Mac,” and I have the absolute pleasure of getting to be Camp Metro’s 2025 Camp Director!

I have a passion for leading by the Girl Scout Mission and am committed to fostering a positive and safe environment. I am thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you!

I began my career with Girl Scouts way back when I was a Daisy in Kindergarten. Fast forward 27 years, and I fortunately never grew tired of being a Girl Scout. I have been with Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas since July 2024 and have spent more than 15 years working in camps and youth programs for GSUSA. Through varying experiences, I have seen firsthand the grounding and growth that comes from spending time in nature and participating in diverse activities. My goal for the 2025 Camp Metro season is to ensure that each camper has the chance to create lasting memories, develop new skills, and build friendships that extend beyond the camp experience.

I believe in the importance of teamwork, effective communication, and creativity, and I look forward to working closely with our incredible staff, campers, and families to make Camp Metro a welcoming and fun place for everyone. In my free time, you can find me curled up on the couch for a lazy day with the fam, or outside with my dogs. I enjoy singing, going for walks, and connecting with others in hopes to learn something new.

Thank you for this wonderful opportunity. I can’t wait to meet all of you and continue the adventure together!

Liz “Mac” Mainey

2025 Camp Metro Sessions

Week One: June 9-13 | $175

“Ready for Takeoff”

Ready to take flight? Explore the fascinating world of aviation through hands-on activities, interactive flight simulators, and thrilling outdoor adventures. Discover how planes soar through the clouds, build your own model aircraft, and even meet real-life women pilots who inspire us to aim high. From creating flight plans to navigating teamwork challenges, you’ll learn all the skills it takes to be a leader in the air and on the ground. Get ready to earn your wings and fly with your friends, where the sky is never the limit!

Week Two: June 16-20 | $175

“GRL PWR”

You’ve got the power! Get ready for an unforgettable week and discover your own power and become a superhero! We are going to celebrate you and explore your unique talents through creative expression and self-care activities. Before the week is over, join us for a blast of color dance party!

Week Three: June 23-27 | $175

“Trailblazers”

Your next adventure is waiting! Join your fellow Girl Scouts for an exciting week of outdoor fun, nature exploration, and Earth-friendly activities. Take on survival challenges that will test your courage, teamwork, and creativity. You’ll learn how to thrive in the great outdoors while discovering ways to care for the planet. Rain or shine, it’s time to embrace the outdoors and have a blast in nature!

Week Four: July 7-11 | $175

“Get a Clue: Mystery Solvers Unite”

Grab your magnifying glass, detective hat, and sharpest sleuthing skills! Dive into the world of crime scene investigators and private detectives while learning the tricks of the trade—such as forensics, surveillance, and escape room-style puzzles. Will you be the one to solve the ultimate camp mystery? Only time (and your detective skills) will tell!

Week Five: July 14-18 | $175

“What Dreams Are Made Of”

Lights, camera, action! It’s your time to shine at Camp Metro’s ultimate spotlight experience! Discover what it takes to bring the magic of performance to life—whether you’re dazzling on stage or masterminding behind the scenes. All your creativity and hard work will lead to an unforgettable end-of-the-week showcase where YOU are the star!

Week Six: July 21-25 | $175

“Dive into Splash-tastic Fun”

Splish, splash, sploosh! Get ready for the ultimate water adventure! Cool off with epic water games, slip ’n slides, and splash zones that will have you laughing all week long. But that’s not all—join your friends for exciting field day games, where teamwork and fun take center stage. From hands-on conservation activities to refreshing water-themed drinks, every day will be a tidal wave of excitement. Don’t forget your towel and an extra pair of clothes—you won’t want to miss a single splash!

Leadership sessions each week:

Camp Metro PA/CIT Team ($100/session)

From being a role model to facilitating your own activities for campers, you’ll have fun with a purpose—enjoyable, challenging opportunities to build your leadership skills. Camp Metro Teen Mentors must be a certified Program Aide (PA) or Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I/II, entering grades 7-12, and at least 12 years old.

Learn more about requirements for these leadership positions at www.girlscouts-swtx.org/leadership.

Find adventure, find yourself.

Explore the outdoors and discover what you’re made of when you attend our resident camp on the banks of the Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas.

Approximately 1.5 hours to the west of San Antonio, the camp is both accessible to girls in the Southwest Texas region but also remote enough to give a truly unique experience to many who visit. Summer camp sessions are available for girls entering grades 2-12 based on the fall school year.

At La Jita, girls have fun with a variety of activities, including kayaking, archery, a ropes course, arts and crafts, swimming, stargazing, horseback riding, and singing by the campfire. Time is spent building friendships, learning new skills, and discovering the great outdoors.

Girls will also work toward earning badges each week that can be purchased in the Trading Post.

We have six weeks of camp, and each week has a camp-wide theme. All programming and activities for all age groups connect to that theme.

Each age group (Brownies, Juniors, etc.) will participate in their own, age-appropriate activities and badgework.

All campers will have the opportunity to see the horses in action, but we only have two horse-focused sessions, Hill Country Horsewomen-Bluebonnets for Juniors and Hill Country Horsewomen-Blazing Stars for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

Leadership sessions for Program Aides and CIT Is are available each week.

Included each week:

White Camp La Jita T-shirt to be tie-dyed Camp La Jita 2025 patch Camp La Jita guidebook

Meet the Camp Director

Hi there! My name is Maggie Mullins, aka “Moss,” and this will be my third summer as the Camp Director for Camp La Jita.

When I’m not working, I love to do yoga, make art projects, garden, read, and spend time with my four (yes, four!) cats and my one dog, Tejo, who I rescued from the West Side Girl Scout Leadership Center last year. I also love spending time in nature and exploring trails around the San Antonio area. My favorite is the Mission Reach trail downtown!

Summer 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible season, and I can’t wait to welcome our campers to another unforgettable adventure. Whether it’s exploring trails, learning new skills, or enjoying evenings by the campfire, I’m so excited to share the magic of Camp La Jita with all of you!

More about Moss

Camp name: Moss

Favorite camp activity: Ropes course or nature walks

Favorite camp song: “Bamboo”

Favorite spot at camp: Deck of Great Hall

Favorite camp memory: Sharing natural plant dyes with campers last summer

What are you looking forward to in Summer 2025? I’m looking forward to connecting with returning campers and getting to know newcomers!

Where will my camper stay?

Campers will stay in the following units, with or without air conditioning:

• Brownies and Program Aides: Sakapa (with AC)

• Juniors: Champuli (with AC)

• Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors: Pioneer (no AC)

• Hill Country Horsewomen - Bluebonnets: Champuli (with AC)

• Hill Country Horsewomen - Blazing Stars: Nogales (no AC)

• Counselors-in-Training I: Loga (with AC)

The units without air conditioning have electrical outlets and oscillating fans.

2025 Camp La Jita Sessions

B - Brownies | J - Juniors | C - Cadettes | S - Seniors | A - Ambassadors

Campers will be divided up by age group (with Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors together), but they may be listed below alongside other ages if they have the same session title/description.

Week One: June 8-13 - “It’s Ancient History”

Session: “Fossil Finders” (B,J) | $400

Let’s uncover the mysteries of dinosaurs, ancient creatures, and the Earth’s distant past. Campers will dig, discover, and unearth “fossils” through simulated digs and excavation activities. We will explore real-life techniques used by paleontologists to identify fossils and how these ancient remains reveal important information about life millions of years ago. Campers will participate in fun, interactive activities such as crafting their own fossil replicas, learning about the different types of fossils, and creating fossil timelines. Let’s get curious and try new things!

Session: “Can You Dig It?” (C,S,A) | $400

Adventure awaits you at this epic week of camp! Learn from expert archaeologists as you piece together stories of the past, explore excavation techniques, and handle real artifacts. Girls will not only be working on relevant badgework this week but also creating their own Camp La Jita artifact! Can you dig it?!

Session:

“Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Yeehaw! This session is designed to help beginner riders build confidence, develop basic riding skills, and create a bond with horses in a safe and friendly environment. Juniors (aka “Bluebonnets,” named for our Texas state flower) will enjoy hands-on activities such as grooming, feeding, and learning the fundamentals of caring for horses. They will take part in basic riding lessons and learn to ride in a controlled and supportive setting. Our instructors will guide each camper at their own pace, ensuring they feel comfortable and have a positive experience. In addition, campers will engage in games and activities related to horses, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors. Campers will demonstrate the skills learned with a showcase for families on Friday. The week’s focus is on fun, safety, and building a love for horses in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

Giddy up! This session is designed to help experienced riders continue building their skills and honing their techniques while beginner riders build confidence, develop basic riding skills, and create a bond with horses in a safe and friendly environment. Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors (aka “Blazing Stars,” named after our beautiful Texas wildflower) will enjoy hands-on activities such as grooming, feeding, and learning the fundamentals of caring for horses. They will take part in riding lessons and learn to ride in a controlled and supportive setting. Our instructors will guide each camper at their own pace, ensuring they feel comfortable and have a positive experience. In addition, campers will engage in games and activities related to horses, making new friends, and enjoying the outdoors. Campers will demonstrate the skills learned with a showcase for families on Friday. The week’s focus is on fun, safety, and building a love for horses in a nurturing and supportive atmosphere.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

Are you a natural born leader? Do you love to help your fellow Girl Scouts? Then come offer your skills at La Jita this summer as a Program Aide (PA)! PAs will be paired with specific Brownie programs and will assist camp staff in daily camp activities. They also will be given the opportunity to lead activities of their own. To register, girls must have completed all sessions of PA training and logged their appropriate “girl hours.” Slots are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

Are you enthusiastic and ready to lead? Do you love being a great role model to your fellow campers? Then join us this summer as a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I! CITs will assist camp staff in daily activities, have opportunities to create and lead programming of their own, and develop their leadership skills alongside camp staff members and fellow CITs. All CITs must have completed their CIT training and must apply and participate in a round of interviews.

Week Two: June 15-20 - “Up in the Air”

Session: “Up in the Air” (B,J) | $400

Spark your curiosity and look up! What flies in the sky? What’s out there after dark? Campers in this session will experience hands-on activities such as building their own model airplanes to take home and learning more about flying creatures and how they navigate flight. We will also take time to learn about the night sky, stargaze, and look for constellations over Camp La Jita. This week will strengthen campers’ problem-solving skills, encourage teamwork, and provide the confidence to fly high.

Session: “Night Navigators” (C,S,A) | $400

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Week Three: June 22-27 - “Outdoor Artist Retreat”

Session: “Outdoor Artist Retreat” (B,J,C,S,A) | $400

Step into a world where creativity meets nature at this Outdoor Artist Retreat! Develop your artistic skills through the creative arts and draw inspiration from the natural world around you. Beyond the studio, artists will explore self-care practices such as yoga, breathing techniques, and making tranquil music.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Week Four: July 6-11 - “Native Navigators”

Session: “Bugs & Birds” (B) | $400

Get ready for an exciting adventure into the buzzing world of South Texas! In this fun-filled camp session, young explorers will dive into the fascinating lives of native bugs and birds. From colorful butterflies and chirping birds to the curious critters hiding under rocks, girls will learn about the amazing creatures that call this region home. Through hands-on activities, nature walks, and interactive lessons, campers will discover how these creatures contribute to the local ecosystem. This session is all about curiosity, creativity, and connecting with nature in a way that’s exciting and unforgettable! This is your chance to discover the wild wonders of South Texas while earning badges to showcase your knowledge and skills. Let’s catch a glimpse of nature’s hidden treasures together!

Session: “Flora & Fauna” (J) | $400

Step into the wild beauty of Camp La Jita’s flora and fauna! Campers will identify the native plants and animals that live at camp and the surrounding area. Through guided hikes, hands-on art projects, and interactive lessons, girls will also learn about the delicate balance of local ecosystems, how native species survive in this environment, and the importance of conservation. Whether you’re observing a rare bird perched in a tree or identifying the prickly pear cactus, this session will ignite curiosity, foster a love of nature, and deepen campers’ understanding of the world around them. Let’s celebrate the wild wonders of South Texas and become stewards of this beautiful landscape!

Session: “Eco Explorers” (C,S,A) | $400

Explore all that Camp La Jita’s native beauty has to offer! Campers will identify the native plants and animals that live at camp and the surrounding area. Through guided hikes, hands-on art projects, and interactive lessons, girls will also learn about the delicate balance of local ecosystems, how native species survive in this environment, and the importance of conservation. Eco Explorers will identify and label plants, creating “name tags” so campers and visitors can better identify them. Let’s celebrate the wild wonders of South Texas and become stewards of this beautiful landscape!

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

2025 Camp La Jita Sessions,

Week Five: July 13-18 - “Call of the Wild”

Session: “Let’s Go Camping” (B,J) | $400

Are you ready to embark on the ultimate outdoor adventure? Whether you are new to camping or a seasoned explorer, this camp is your chance to build confidence and master essential outdoor skills in a fun and exciting way! Spend the week learning how to cook delicious meals over a campfire, pitch a tent like a pro, and connect with nature on a whole new level. The highlight? A magical night under the stars, with your very own star party. Let’s make this the camping experience of a lifetime!

Session: “Primitive Campers” (C,S,A) | $400

Calling all adventure-seekers! This exciting camp session is designed for you to level up your outdoor skills. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced, this hands-on, action-packed program will allow you to practice your skills, including fire-building techniques, tent-pitching, cooking over an open flame, life-saving first aid, and much more. Campers will also learn how to make a positive impact on nature by following the Leave No Trace outdoor principles.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Week

Six: July 20-25 - “Adventure

Session: “Sky Climbers” (B,J) | $400

Awaits!”

Are you ready to challenge yourself? In this adventure-filled week, you will scale new heights on the climbing wall and tackle obstacle elements that build confidence and resilience. Each day, campers will engage in fun team-building activities that strengthen friendships and develop problem-solving skills in a safe and supportive environment. Grow your courage in this exciting week of adventure!

Session: “Above & Beyond” (C,S,A) | $400

Girls will scale new heights on the climbing wall, navigate thrilling challenges on the high ropes course, and tackle obstacle elements that build confidence and resilience. Each day, campers will engage in fun team-building activities that strengthen friendships and develop problem solving skills in a safe and supportive environment. Participants will push their limits and discover their inner strength. It’s an unforgettable week of adventure, connection, and personal growth!

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: “Hill Country Horsewomen: Blazing Stars” (C,S,A) | $450

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Program Aides (grades 7-8) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Session: Counselor-in-Training I (grades 9-12) | $400

See Week One for description on page 10.

Mommy & Me

Returning this year is a camping favorite: Our Mommy & Me sessions! Mothers and mother figures are invited to join their campers for an unforgettable short week of discovery and connection. For girls K-12.

We’re packing as much fun as we can into this two-night mini session!

Join us for some awesome mother-daughter activities, including archery, horseback riding, activities at the adventure course, hiking, arts and crafts, and much more! Adult guardians and girls will be sleeping in the same cabin together and may room with other families.

June 29-July 2

Session: “Mommy & Me – Sakapa and Champuli” | $100/person

Campers in this session will be housed in the Sakapa and Champuli units, which sleep eight people in four bunkbeds with air conditioning and hot showers.

Session: “Mommy & Me – Nogales” | $100/person

For campers looking for a more rustic camping experience, we invite you to sign up for our Nogales unit. These cabins sleep four people and are equipped with electrical outlets and oscillating fans. There is no AC in this unit and cold showers only.

Sailing Camp

Learn to set sail.

Girls in grades 7-12 have the ability to learn how to sail various vessels on Boerne Lake. All girls get to participate in special projects, campfires, learning songs, and playing in the lake.

2025 Sailing Camp Sessions

June 18-28

Session: Counselor-in-Training (CIT) (grades 11-12) | $400

Experienced Skippers who want to extend their sailing experience will learn leadership skills to become future staff and instructors. Counselors-in-Training (CITs) will join the staff for pre-camp activities, such as boat maintenance and site preparation, on June 18 and help close camp on June 28. CITs will assist Instructors with the day-to-day operations of camp, assist returning and beginning sailors on the water, learn how to lead group activities, and much more! The lake is the perfect place to develop leadership and mentoring skills while staying cool!

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Novice, Mate, and Skipper years at GSSWT Sailing Camp.

June 22-27

Session: Skippers (grades 9-12) | $450

Skippers who have completed their Novice and Mate years will continue mastering their skills using Sunfish, sloops, and Hobie Cat boats in this session. Skippers will develop leadership and mentoring skills by assisting beginner sailors and developing their own solo sailing abilities. Campers will also be tested on their knowledge by displaying their mastery of both practical and physical sailing skills. While not on the water, girls will create beautiful art projects, sit around the campfire, enjoy group meals, and sing some classic camp songs.

Prerequisites: Successful completion of Novice and Mate years at GSSWT Sailing Camp.

June 22-27

Session: Smooth Sailing (grades 7-12) | $450

Join us as we sail Sunfish sailboats around the lake. As a beginner (Novice) or Mate (after one year of GSSWT Sailing Camp) you will learn techniques used by sailors around the world. With the help of your fellow Girl Scouts, you will rig, de-rig, and learn how to use the wind to sail. By Friday, you will have enough skill to sail a Sunfish around the lake. You will participate in art projects, campfires, and sing our favorite songs. And of course, playing in the lake is always on the schedule!

Prerequisites: Must be able to swim 24 yards and support self fully clothed in deep water for 3 minutes. Must weigh 75 lbs. or more, be prepared to live and work in a group setting with peers, and have enough physical stability to load and unload small boats in groups.

Building leaders, one step at a time.

Girl Scouts offers many opportunities for girls to create their own outdoor adventures. Don’t know if your girl is ready for camping? Take the quiz and let’s find out!

Camp Readiness Quiz

Determine the answer and corresponding number that best describes how you and your camper feel, with 3 for “Yes,” 2 for “Maybe,” and 1 for “No.”

Add the numbers up when you’re finished.

Do you enjoy staying overnight at a friend’s house?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Have you ever camped before?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking and sleeping in a tent?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Are you ready to sleep in a tent or cabin with a group of campers, knowing your counselors are in a nearby tent or cabin?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Can you take care of personal needs, such as shampooing and brushing your hair?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Be honest with your answers—

this can help you decide if your Girl Scout is ready for camp.

Can you go without TV, video games, a computer, and phone?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Do you like to meet new people and interact with others, not just your best friends?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Are you OK with getting dirty and maybe seeing a few bugs?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

Can you make your own bed and keep track of your things?

No (1) | Maybe (2) | Yes (3)

What’s Your Score?

25+ points

You are an experienced camper who will thrive at overnight camp! Consider summer camp at Camp La Jita. You’ll also love Camp Metro if you want to stay in the city.

18-25 points

You may want to try a weekend camp or a week at day camp! Camp Metro is a great option for day camp.

Fewer than 18 points

Consider trying a weekend camp with a group or parents first, such as at Camp La Jita.

Scan the QR code to register to use the property with your troop or group.

Summer Camp FAQs

Scan the QR code or visit www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp-info to find more information, including about the registration process, refunds and cancellations, financial assistance, transportation, health forms, what to pack, and more.

Sally Cheever Girl Scout Leadership Center

811 N Coker Loop, San Antonio, Texas 78216

Phone: 210-349-2404 (toll free: 800-580-7247)

Fax: 210-349-2666

Questions? Contact our member support team at customercare@girlscouts-swtx.org

@GirlScoutsSWTX