Issuu

Summer Camp Guide

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 2026 sessions opens Tuesday, February 17.

Scan the QR code or visit www.girlscouts-swtx.org/camp

Girl Scouts of Southwest Texas has two 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.

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 2026) 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

2026 Camp Metro Sessions

Week One: June 8-12 | $200

“Lights, Props, Action!”

Roll out the red carpet and turn on the spotlight—this week is all about the magic of theater! Step into the spotlight for exciting performances, then head backstage to discover the secrets behind the scenes. From set builders to costume makers to tech crews, you’ll explore how these heroes make every show shine!

Week Two: June 15-19 | $200

“Imagination Station”

Jump into a world of art at Camp Metro! Try out paints, drawing, and tons of other cool materials as you explore different styles and techniques. Let your creativity shine, experiment with new ideas, and bring your imagination to life in this colorful adventure!

Week Three: June 22-26 | $200

“Science Explorers”

go for the high score, push yourself, and make awesome memories together. The game is real—and the bragging rights are waiting!

Week Six: July 13-17 | $200

“Aqua Quest”

Splish, splash, sploosh! Get ready for the coolest water adventure ever! Dive into water games, slip ’n slides, and splash zones that will keep you laughing all week. Try fun water activities, sip on refreshing drinks, and make every day a wave of excitement. Don’t forget your towel and extra clothes—you’re going to get soaked!

Step into the shoes of a scientist in this hands-on adventure! Try out fun experiments, mix up wild creations, and solve cool mysteries that make science exciting. You’ll get to guess what might happen, test it out, and be amazed by what you discover!

Week Four: June 29-July 3 | $200

“Music Fest”

Get ready to move, groove, and make some awesome memories— this week is all about music and fun! Campers will show their creative side with music-inspired projects. Sing, dance, drum, or jam out like a star while helping put together a pretend music festival with performances, decorations, and more. No matter if you love to sing, dance, play, or just enjoy the beat, this camp will be a hit. Join the rhythm and let’s rock!

Week Five: July 6-10 | $200

“Play Big”

Ready to bring your best game to life? Team up with your friends and take on epic, life-sized adventures. Face off in classic playground games, tackle tricky team challenges, and find your way through giant, mind-bending mazes. This is your chance to

Leadership sessions each week:

Camp Metro PA/CIT Team ($125/session)

Take on a leadership role at Camp Metro. From being a role model to facilitating your own activities for campers, you’ll have fun with a purpose—enjoyable and 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. We have six weeks of camp for girls entering grades 2-12 based on the upcoming fall school year.

At La Jita, girls have fun with a variety of activities, including 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.

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 weekly horse-focused sessions, “Bluebonnets” for Juniors and “Blazing Stars” for Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors.

All campers will stay in air-conditioned cabins.

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

Included each week:

White Camp La Jita T-shirt to be tie-dyed Camp La Jita 2026 patch

Your Girl’s Safety is Our Top Priority

We understand the trust caregivers place in Girl Scouts when you send your daughter to sleepaway camp. For 78 years, Camp La Jita has welcomed generations of girls who leave camp with more confidence, more independence, and a greater understanding of others and the natural world around them.

Please be assured that your daughter’s physical and emotional health is our top priority. Camp La Jita is accredited by the American Camp Association and as a licensed youth camp with the Texas State Department of Health Services, Camp La Jita is required to comply with the state regulations passed in September 2025 following the tragic flood along the Guadalupe River last summer.

Camp La Jita sits on the Sabinal River in the northeast corner of Uvalde County near Utopia, Texas. Much of the camp property is within a floodplain and has previously experienced significant flooding. Please be assured that this is a well-known risk that camp staff are aware of and trained for regularly, and that emergency procedures are in place to protect your daughter in the event of an emergency.

For more information on the risk of flooding at Camp La Jita and the impact of the new regulations, scan the QR code to view the presentation at the Camp La Jita Town Hall from November 22, 2025.

Green Chapel Stables

Equestrian Arena

Aquatic Center

Drop-Off/Parking

Great Hall

Little Hall & Offices

Director’s Cabin

Council Rock

Dinosaur Tracks

Archery

Bigg’s House

Story Book Tree

Archaeology Area

Ropes Course & Zipline

Pioneer Cabins (unoccupied)

Champuli Cabins

Sakapa Cabins

Nogales Cabins (unoccupied)

Loga Cabins

Capote Cabins (unoccupied)

Agarita Cabins (unoccupied)

Semi - Permanently Flooded

Riverine - Permanently Flooded

Seasonally - Flooded

Seasonally Impounded

Riverine - Permanently Flooded

Seasonally - Flooded

FEMA Zone A - 1% Chance of

Flooding

2026 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 7-12 - “Water Blast”

Session: “Splish, Splash, Camp Splash” (B,J) | $400

Get ready to dive into a week full of water-filled adventures! Campers will learn the importance of water safety while having a blast with water games, challenges, and activities that will keep them cool all week long. From archery with water balloons to outdoor water relays, creative splash-filled fun, and our thrilling camp regatta where teams race their homemade boats to victory, every day will bring something new. Whether it’s learning skills to stay safe around water or simply enjoying water play with friends, this week is the ultimate splash zone. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite sea adventure character (mermaid, pirate, sea captain, sea animal, etc.).

Session: “Tides of Time – Water Fun, Safety, and Archaeological Adventures” (C,S,A) | $400

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

Discover the joy of horseback riding at Camp La Jita. Learn essential skills like controlling your horse and maintaining a walking pace. Enjoy arena lessons and a leisurely trail ride while developing your horsemanship. Experience hands-on activities such as grooming, feeding, and learning the fundamentals of caring for horses. Experience girl-led activities and classic camp fun between riding sessions. The week will end with a Horse Showcase, where campers can proudly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned for their families.

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

Make a splash this week as we dive into the world of water fun and discovery! Campers will learn the importance of water safety while enjoying exciting games, splashing challenges, and even archery with water balloons. But that’s not all—campers will step into the shoes of archaeologists, uncovering the mysteries of the past through hands-on digs, artifact adventures, and explorations of how water has shaped civilizations. From ancient treasures to water play, this camp is the perfect mix of safety, fun, and discovery. Campers will also build their own homemade boats in our first regatta and race to victory. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite sea adventure character (mermaid, pirate, sea captain, sea animal, etc.).

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $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 CIT Is must have completed their CIT training and must apply and participate in a round of interviews with council staff.

Giddy up and get ready for a week of horse-filled fun! Whether you’re a beginner rider building confidence or an experienced rider looking to refine your skills, this camp is designed just for you. Campers will take part in riding lessons tailored to their skill level, with instructors guiding them at their own pace in a safe, supportive environment. Along the way, they’ll enjoy horse-themed games, fun activities, and plenty of time to bond with new friends and the great outdoors. The week will end with a Horse Showcase, where campers can proudly demonstrate the skills they’ve learned for their families.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

Saddle up for a summer of responsibility, teamwork, and horse-powered fun! This special camp is open to girls who successfully completed the Equestrian Aide (EA) Training in November. As an EA, you’ll work alongside our barn staff to help keep the horse program running smoothly. Your days will be filled with hands-on experiences—preparing horses for sessions, leading younger riders, feeding and grooming horses, cleaning stables, and assisting with other important barn duties. Not only will you gain valuable skills and confidence, you’ll also help create unforgettable experiences for other campers in the horse program.

Week Two: June 14-19 - “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. For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite insect, such as a butterfly!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

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

See Week One for description on page 8.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

Week Three: June 21-26 - “Passport to Play”

Session: “Passport to Play” (B,J) | $400

Pack your passport for a week of global fun! Campers will explore exciting games and activities from around the world. From energetic outdoor challenges to creative team games, campers will discover how kids play in different countries and cultures. Along the way, they’ll learn teamwork, sportsmanship, and a new appreciation for the joy of play across the globe. Get ready to laugh, run, and compete in a week full of friendship and international fun! For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a shirt/jersey of your favorite sports team!

Session: “Passport to Play: Worldwide Games” (C,S,A) | $400

Get ready to go global! Campers will embark on an action-packed week exploring games, sports, and challenges from around the world. Each day brings new adventures—think relays inspired by international traditions, group challenges that test leadership and problem-solving, and friendly competitions where teams represent different countries. Campers will also have the chance to design their own “world game” and challenge others to play it! As the sun sets, the fun continues around the campfire with an International Games Festival Night—an

evening of laughter, songs, s’mores, and global-themed challenges under the stars. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a shirt/jersey of your favorite sports team!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One description on Page 8.

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

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

See Week One description on Page 8.

Week Four: June 28-July 3 - “Messy Adventures”

Session: “Mess-tastic Explorers” (B,J) | $400

Welcome to Mess-tastic, where the mess is the magic. Get ready for a whirlwind of messy adventures as campers dive into hands-on experiments and creative chaos. From colorful explosions to squishy slime and everything in between, campers will explore the fun side of science. Each day brings new surprises and messy challenges, encouraging campers to unleash their curiosity and embrace the joy of discovery. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a wacky outfit and get ready for a glow-in-the-dark dance!

Session: “Messy Makers: DIY Adventure Week” (C,S,A) | $400

Get ready to roll up your sleeves—things are about to get delightfully messy! Spend the week creating, experimenting, and making a splash with hands-on DIY projects. From gooey slime labs and fizzy science experiments to wild tie-dye designs and messy creations, each day is packed with creative chaos. Campers will also tackle team challenges, upcycle everyday items into art, and compete in messy, fun-filled competitions that put their creativity and problem-solving skills to the test. For Thursday night’s dinner, wear a wacky outfit and get ready for a glow-in-the-dark dance!

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

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

See Week One for description on page 8.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

Week Five: July 5-10 - “Mystery Camp”

Session: “Mystery Detectives Camp” (B,J) | $400

Put on your detective hat and grab your magnifying glass—mystery awaits! Campers will become junior detectives, following clues, solving puzzles, and figuring out “who done it” in a week full of fun adventures. Campers will explore hidden treasures, crack silly codes, and work together on exciting challenges that make every day a new mystery to solve. With teamwork, laughter, and lots of detective fun, this camp is the perfect place to make friends and become a super sleuth! For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite detective (think Scooby-Doo, Inspector Gadget, Sherlock Holmes, etc.).

Session: “Secret Agent Academy: Mystery Camp” (C,S,A) | $400

Calling all undercover agents! Campers will step into the thrilling world of espionage and detective work. Campers will crack codes, follow clues, and solve mind-bending mysteries while learning the secrets of spy craft. Each day brings high-stakes missions, from completing escape room puzzles to gathering evidence and interrogating suspects to uncover “who done it.” By the end of the week, each agent will have sharpened their detective skills, solved complex cases, and unlocked the secrets of becoming a master spy—all while having a blast with friends in a thrilling, immersive environment! For Thursday night’s dinner, come dressed as your favorite detective (think Scooby-Doo, Inspector Gadget, Sherlock Holmes, etc.).

2026 Camp La Jita Sessions, continued

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

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

See Week One for description on page 8.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

Week Six: July 12-17 - “Island Explorers”

Session: “Tiki Time Adventures” (B,J) | $400

Say aloha to summer fun! Campers will set off on an exciting island adventure—exploring the “island of Camp La Jita” through creative crafts, tropical games, and outdoor challenges. Each day brings new discoveries as we dive into island life, from treasure hunts to team activities inspired by Hawaiian traditions. We’ll finish the week with our End-of-Summer Luau, complete with festive music, tasty tropical treats, and plenty of pool time! For Thursday’s dinner, come dressed for a luau! Parents will enjoy an ohana (family) day with campers on Friday.

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

Grab your flip-flops and get ready for a week of sunshine, sisterhood, and serious island vibes! This week is all about celebrating YOU— with tropical crafts and splash-tastic games! Each day brings new discoveries as we dive into island life, from treasure hunts to team activities inspired by Hawaiian traditions. We’ll finish the week with our End-of-Summer Luau, complete with festive music, tasty tropical treats, and plenty of pool time! For Thursday’s dinner, come dressed for a luau! Parents will enjoy an ohana (family) day with campers on Friday.

Session: “Counselor-in-Training (CIT) I” (grades 9-10) | $400

See Week One description on Page 8.

Session: “Bluebonnets” (J) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

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

See Week One for description on page 8.

Session: “Equestrian Aide” (grades 9-12) | $450

See Week One for description on page 8.

Camp La Jita Packing List

There’s a lot to remember when it comes to summer camp, so we’re here to help.

First rule: Label everything with your camper’s name! Have your camper help you pack so she knows where everything is. Pack it all away in a large duffle bag—label this, too! Large Ziplock bags are great to keep things separated and dry. Your camper’s belongings will be stored under their bed.

Here’s an idea: Pack clothes in separate large Ziplock bags for each day, and your camper can use that Ziplock to put her dirty clothes in at the end of the day. Use one large Ziplock bag for toiletries, and another for books, games, and other items such as a disposable camera.

Packing list:

� Twin size sheets, pillow, pillowcase

� Lightweight sleeping bag

� Short-sleeved shirts — NO halter/tank tops

� One long-sleeved shirt

� Shorts

� Jeans/long pants

� Underwear

� Socks

� Pajamas

� Swimsuit(s)

� Sweater or light jacket (nights can get cool)

� 2 pairs sturdy shoes (sneakers, hiking boots — NO sandals)

� 1 pair shower shoes

� Camp or sun hat with brim

� Bandana/scarf

� Towels and washcloths

� Toiletries (brush, comb, toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, deodorant, etc.)

� Rain gear (poncho/large garbage bag)

� Chapstick, Kleenex, hand lotion

� Insect repellent (non-aerosol)

� Mess kit (non-breakable plate, cup with handle, knife, fork, spoon, and dunking bag/mesh bag)

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