GS-TOP Camp Guide 2014

sleep under the stars

blaze some trails

be fearless

be an explorer

have the best summer ever!

Outdoor Education / Summer Resident Camp | 2014 GUIDE

From Our CEO...

Today, the amount of time kids spend outside is alarmingly low— only minutes per day—while screen time is at an alltime high. Getting out-of-doors has always been an essential part of Girl Scouting. Today, we strive to reconnect girls with nature. Real nature where they can hear the crickets chirp, smell the dew on early morning breezes, and feel the crunch of rocks underfoot as they make their way down new trails.

Give your girl a summer to remember: a summer of swimming, horseback-riding, exploring nature, and meeting new challenges! Going to camp is a great way for her to build new skills, make new friends, AND develop a deep appreciation for nature. There is so much more to explore! Whether she goes for a day, a week or longer, Girl Scout camping gives your daughter an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun.

Our beautiful Girl Scout camps are open to any girl, whether she’s already a Girl Scout or not, because we want every girl to experience camp. It is an experience in which girls learn to live away from home, care for themselves, think for themselves, work and play with their peers, and use skills that differ from those used at home and school.

No matter which type of camp you choose: horseback riding at resident camp; sleeping under the stars during a high adventure trip; or trying out a twilight camp where campers go home for the night, we have a way for EVERY girl to get outside and experience the richness of the natural world and the benefits of camp.

Want to see what life is like at camp? Mark your calendar to attend an open house at Stevens Ranch on March 22 or Camp Kiwanis on May 3. We can’t wait to see you there!

Becky Burton CEO, Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains

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Camping is a great way to build new skills; make new friends that you might not have met otherwise, form a sense of community, and develop a deep appreciation for nature.

There is so much more to explore!

Whether you go for a day, a week or longer, Girl Scout camping gives you an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun—always under the guidance of caring, trained adults.

Key outcomes for outdoor education: 1. Girls will develop self-awareness by learning more about their own strengths and limitations and connecting with others in a natural environment apart from the distractions and concerns of everyday life.

2. Girls will develop courage and confidence by taking modest risks in a supportive setting.

They will meet and overcome the challenge of acting independently, away from family and established relationships, and they will successfully negotiate the challenges of new physical and social activities.

3. Girls will develop character by maintaining enthusiasm in the face of challenge, encouraging others to face challenges and by taking part in activities of modest risk where acting responsibly with consideration for the welfare of others is important.

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Our Camps & Directors Camp

Open Houses

Spring will be in the air before we know it — that means it is time to start thinking about summer plans. Some of the best fun-filled summer plans you can make include going to camp. Do you want to know what camp is all about? Camp Open Houses are for all campers and their families who wish to visit camp before the summer season begins. The director of each camp and some of the summer staff will be on hand to answer questions and give tours of the camp.

Come visit and learn about the unique personality of each resident camp, meet some of the camp staff, and tour the grounds. Each camp offers something different for girls and each location has a gorgeous landscape and surroundings all its own. You are sure to discover which camp is a perfect match for you!

• During Open Houses all children must be accompanied by an adult.

• Touring camp means walking, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and socks, and bring your water bottle.

• Please leave pets at home.

• No registration is necessary for Open Houses

For safety reasons, maps or directions to camps are not posted in this publication or on the website.

Not sure where the camp is located? Be sure to email the camp director for directions or call ahead to the area office (no later than the Thursday before the Open House).

Visit All Camps!

It’s a great way to travel within the network of the GS-TOP sisterhood.

Each resident camp in our council has its own unique personality. Meet new friends as you play along the rolling hills of Camp Kiwanis, challenge yourself on the ropes course and climbing wall, or cool off at the pool after horseback riding. Stevens Ranch is a magical place that every Girl Scout should see from horseback, where you can hike out to Yogi’s bench, explore Mars, and splash around with friends at the pool.

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Every girl can attend camp no matter where she lives.

Stevens Ranch Stevens Ranch, near Glen Rose, is open for Resident Camp to girls in grades 2 through 12. The camp specializes in horseback riding, archery, swimming, crafts, singing around the campfire and more. Younger girls will be housed in units with flush toilets, convenient to amenities like the dining hall. Campers will stay in cabins, platform tents, bunkhouses or two-person tent units. Each unit has a unit lodge that has ceiling fans, electricity, lights and drinking fountains. Cabins, bunkhouses and tents do not have electricity. All units have latrines and there is a central shower house with flush toilets and hot showers. Girls eat most of their meals in the dining hall, which has soaring ceilings and award-winning camp architecture. www.facebook.com/CampStevensRanch www.gs-top.org/camp/stevens-ranch

Heidi Vose Camp Name:

Pooky Bear Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director 817-869-0736 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org

“

Stevens Ranch

Open House

Saturday, March 22

Tour times 10:00 am – 12:00 pm and 1:00 pm – 3:15 pm.

Tours start every half hour.

Come visit and learn about resident camp, meet some of the camp staff, and tour the grounds.

All children must be accompanied by an adult. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring your water bottle.

Please leave pets at home. No registration is necessary to attend. Email hvose@gs-top.org for directions no later than March 20th (directions by phone will not be available).

Year after year I get to experience wonderful summers at Resident Camp. Campers aren’t the only ones learning and growing at camp. I get to make a difference in so many lives, and what an honor it is. I am so grateful for the opportunity; I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

”

Heidi 4

Camp Kiwanis Nestled in a secret canyon approximately 5 miles northwest of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle you will find Girl Scout Camp Kiwanis. Facilities include a dining hall, swimming pool, stone and wooden cabins and hot showers. All cabins and buildings are air-conditioned either by evaporative coolers or refrigerated air conditioners. Girls can choose from a variety of session lengths. Activities may include swimming, horseback riding, ropes/challenge course, archery, cookouts, hiking, arts and crafts, sports, star-gazing, singing, and all-camp parties. www.facebook.com/CampKiwanis www.gs-top.org/camp/camp-kiwanis

Natalie Stephenson Camp Name:

Speed-O

Director of Outdoor Education / Camp Director 806-553-3173 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org

“

Camp Kiwanis Saturday, May 3 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm

This is a great time to take a hike around camp, ask questions, visit with the camp director and staff, plus enjoy some refreshments. Be sure to wear walking shoes!

For directions to camp, call the Amarillo office at 806-356-0096 or 800-687-4475 or email nstephenson@gs-top.org no later than May 1.

I grew up attending Girl Scout Camps and then became a counselor.

I just naturally grew into being a camp director. This will be my 34th summer as director for Camp Kiwanis. Camp Kiwanis is the place I love to be! There is so much for girls to enjoy. Camp is a place of beauty, nature and fun activities to do. I want all girls to have wonderful memories to last them a life time.

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�

Open House

Natalie

High Adventure Trips High Adventure Trips are designed for girls at least 12 years old. With proper assistance and a can-do attitude, girls are bidding farewell to their comfort zones and embarking on amazing challenges. With High Adventure Trips girls will travel with staff and volunteers on unique six or eight day trips. These adventures and physical challenges set the stage to expand horizons for these young women. After girls have mastered a white water rafting trip or zip lined through canopies of treetops, they begin to wonder if there are other things in their lives they thought they couldn’t do that they can. www.facebook.com/CampHighAdventure www.gs-top.org/camp/high-adventure-trips

Summer Littlejohn

Lindsay Power Camp Name:

Camp Name:

Phoenix

Tigger

Outdoor Education Coordinator 817-735-5312 800-582-7272, ext. 1205 lpower@gs-top.org

Outdoor Education Manager / Camp Director 806-589-5946 800-530-4957, ext. 2606 slittlejohn@gs-top.org

“

High Adventure Trips give girls the opportunity to experience things that are normally out of their comfort zone. If we never take a chance or risk, we may never know how strong we really are. High Adventure Trips have the power to make you believe in yourself and discover the strength it takes to be a part of a team.

”

Summer

“

Camping provides us with a chance to connect with our environment in a very unique way. The outdoors has always been full of wonder for me, and I love sharing that sense of wonder and discovery with the girls that come to camp or go on a high adventure trip.

There is always something new to learn, and new challenges to overcome!

”

Lindsay

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Camp Schedule June Sun

Mon

Camp Kiwanis

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Tue

Wed

Stevens Ranch

Thu

Fri

Sat

High Adventure Trips

July-August Sun

Mon

Tue

Wed

Thu

Fri

Sat

My possible camp dates

Camp sessions are available for viewing online at www.gs-top.org/events

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Be a Leader at Camp!

Camp Kiwanis

Stevens Ranch

6-Day Camps

4-Day Camps

Camp Aide

Camp Aide

Have you done it all and are ready to share with younger campers at Camp Kiwanis to work on your leadership skills? This is a fun way to help younger campers adapt to camp life. Occasionally, you will get to cabin with the younger campers. We will save time for some of the fun stuff just for you! Helping with the horses may be assigned on a rotating basis, if they choose to work with the horses.

PRE-REQUISITE: Program Aide Training or camped at least one six day session of resident camp.

ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $115 DATES:

NOTE: Girls must have completed Program Aide Training, and

camped for one six-day session of resident camp.

ENTERING GRADES 8-12 FEE: $115 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Wrangler Aide

MIN/MAX: 4/6

Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13 Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20 Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Come to Stevens Ranch this summer and have fun while flexing your leadership muscles! Camp Aides will bunk together while working with a unit of younger girls and assist with crafts, daily activities and kapers. All work and no play makes for a very dull Camp Aide, so we will save some of the fun stuff just for you!

Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11 Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18 Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

The Wrangler Aide program is an opportunity for experienced horsewomen to help with and learn our riding program. You will provide leadership to riding groups as you help them groom, saddle, and do daily barn chores. You will also assist the barn staff with ground and mounted riding lessons. You will have a busy schedule but will also have scheduled lessons to improve your horsewomanship skills.

An application is required, separate from the registration form, for Wrangler Aide. Wrangler aide applicants should be prepared to demonstrate their horse skills and knowledge if requested prior to being accepted. For an application, call Heidi Vose at 817-869-0736 or email hvose@gs-top.org You will be contacted about your approval status after your application and references have been processed.

ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

teach girls something new!

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6-Day Camps

13-Day Camps

Camp Aide

Come to Stevens Ranch this summer and have fun while flexing your leadership muscles! Camp Aides will bunk together while working with a unit of younger girls and assist with crafts, daily activities and kapers. All work and no play makes for a very dull Camp Aide, so we will save some of the fun stuff just for you!

Prerequisites: Girls must have completed Program Aide Training, and camped for one six day session of resident camp.

ENTERING GRADES 8-12 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE

Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20 Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11 Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18 Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25 Sun. 7/ 27 – Fri. 8/ 01

Wrangler Aide

The Wrangler Aide program is an opportunity for experienced horsewomen to help with and learn our riding program. You will provide leadership to riding groups as you help them groom, saddle, and do daily barn chores. You will also assist the barn staff with ground and mounted riding lessons. You will have a busy schedule but will also have scheduled lessons to improve your horsewomanship skills.

ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $195 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11 Sun. 7/ 27 – Fri. 8/ 01

Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Counselor in Training I

This program is designed to develop leadership and outdoor living skills. You will learn about group dynamics and develop program planning skills, learn basics of camp life, camper age level characteristics and more. You will work directly with the counselors and younger campers.

A separate application is required, along with registration for this session. You will be contacted with your approval status after we receive your application and registration.

ENTERING GRADES 10-12 FEE: $205 MIN/MAX: 2/12

DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Counselor in Training II

This two week program is designed to further develop leadership and outdoor living skills. You will develop program planning skills, learn about specific areas of camp, and will have an opportunity to hold an apprenticeship in an area of your choice. You will work directly with the counselors, administrative staff and campers.

FOR AN APPLICATION: Contact Heidi Vose at 817-869-0736 or hvose@gs-top.org. You will be contacted with your approval status after we receive your application of registration.

NOTE:

Must have completed Counselor in Training I

ENTERING GRADES 11-12 FEE: $405 MIN/MAX: 0/8 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 25

SPURS

Completed Cowgirl Up? Now what? Come expand your skills and assist with riding instruction both in the arena and trail, teach and assist in horse and barn care. Help with the Rodeo.

Shadow the barn staff and prepare yourself for a possible job as barn crew in your future.

NOTE: Must have completed Cowgirl Up ENTERING GRADES 11-12 FEE: $405 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 25

Wrangler Aide

The Wrangler Aide program is an opportunity for experienced horsewomen to help with and learn our riding program. You will provide leadership to riding groups as you help them groom, saddle, and do daily barn chores. You will also assist the barn staff with ground and mounted riding lessons. You will have a busy schedule but will also have scheduled lessons to improve your horsewomanship skills.

NOTE:

Must have completed Cowgirl Up

ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $405 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 25

Camp sessions are available for viewing online at www.gs-top.org/events

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make fairy dust

Camp Kiwanis Natalie Stephenson Director of Outdoor Education / Camp Director 806-553-3173 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org

2-Day Camps

3-Day Camps

Mom and Me

Water Bugs

Grab your mom (or grandma or aunt) and head out to camp to spend some quality time together. Activities will include crafts, folk dancing, swimming and campfire.

Participants will sleep in cabins. This is a perfect experience to prepare girls for resident camping at a later date. Don’t delay in registering as this activity fills quickly. No physical or health history needed for this event.

ENTERING GRADES K-5 FEE: $22 MIN/MAX: 32/63 DATE: Fri. 6/ 20 – Sat. 6/ 21

Me ‘n My Buddy

An overnight fun time for you and your dad (or grandpa or uncle) to go camping together. There will be fun and adventure, as well as quality time together. Activities will include a campfire, songs, folk dancing, crafts and swimming. Campers and dads will sleep in cabins. This activity is a great step into camp for Daisies and Brownies.

Register early, this activity is popular. No physical or health history needed for this event.

ENTERING GRADES K-3 FEE: $22 MIN/MAX: 32/63 DATE: Sat.6/ 21 – Sun. 6/ 22

Teddy Bears

Bring your favorite teddy bear as your buddy and let’s have fun at camp for one night. We’ll swim, have a teddy bear parade, play lots of games and do some crafts .A counselor or camp aide sleeps in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 1-2 FEE: $115 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATE

Sun. 6/ 29 – Mon. 6/ 30 Tues. 7/ 01 – Wed. 7/ 02

Do you love swimming and want to swim as well as a “water bug” to skim across the water? Then this session is for you. You’ll spend time at the pool learning how to swim and learning fun water games. You will also get to participate in other fun camp activities such as arts and crafts, campfires, singing and more. Counselor or camp aides will sleep in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Tues. 6/ 10

Butterflies and Caterpillars

Come enjoy a short session at camp.

Let’s follow the life cycle of butterflies and caterpillars. We will throw in arts and crafts, use magnifying glasses to see nature up close, go swimming and have lots of fun!

Counselors or camp aides will sleep in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Tues. 6/ 17

Fairy Myst

Girls will want to attend this festival to learn about the imaginary world of wood fairies and to enjoy fun activities that the fairies wish to share. There will be fairy dust, crafts, games, songs, dancing, fairy snacks and even fairy wings for the girls at this festival.

Swimming will be included. A counselor or camp aide will sleep in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $135 MIn/MAX: 7/14 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Tues. 6/ 17

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Wed. 6/ 11 – Fri. 6/ 13

Sun. 6/ 29 – Tues. 7/ 01

4-Day Camps Horsin Around

It’s a Bug’s Life

Do you love exploring nature? Want to learn about little bugs, big bugs, and good bugs?

During this short adventure, you’ll grab a magnifying glass and take a journey through the world of bugs! You’ll also have time for a few other camp activities like swimming and arts and crafts. Counselors or camp aides will sleep in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATE: Wed. 6/ 18 – Fri. 6/ 20

S ‘Mores and More

This session is just for the Junior Girl Scout who wants a short session that moves fast and is filled with lots of fun! There will be swimming, horses, arts and crafts and a campfire with S ‘Mores, of course. Pack your bags and hurry to camp.

This short horse session is just right for the beginning rider. A chance to learn some of the basics, safety around horses, and how to sit in the saddle. Girls will ride each day (weather permitting) in the ring and even on the trail at least once, depending on the ability of the whole group. Boots or shoes with a 1/2 inch heel are needed.

ENTERING GRADE 5 ONLY FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 12/20 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Nature Buffs

It’s all about the environment and how to take care of it. There’ll be discoveries and games galore to help learn about the mysteries of the environment. Oh yes, time for horses, swimming and crafts will be included in this short time at camp.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 7/9 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Night Owls

Be a night owl at camp! Explore camp by moonlight—enjoy star gazing, night hiking, and a moonlight swim. You’ll stay up late and sleep in a little in the morning, but get up in time to enjoy other camp activities.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Take Aim

Are you eager to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow? This is the “aim” of this fun-filled session as you take the archer’s stance, aim, shoot and hit that bull’s eye! Each day, you will spend time at the archery range improving your skills and then at the end of the week there will be a shoot off challenge. Time will be scheduled for swimming, horseback riding and arts and crafts.

ENTERING GRADES 4-6 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATE: Wed. 6/ 18 – Fri. 6/ 20

Bunny Tracks

“Here Comes Peter Cottontail” will be the theme for this short, fun session. Camp will adopt some bunnies for the girls to learn how to care for, cuddle and feed. Also included will be time for swim, and some arts and crafts. A counselor or camp aide will sleep in the cabins with these young campers. A health history is required, not a physical.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Tues. 7/ 08

Wed. 7/ 09 – Fri. 7/ 11

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be a dancing machine

Camp Kiwanis 6-Day Camps Natalie Stephenson Director of Outdoor Education / Camp Director 806-553-3173 800-687-4475, ext. 250 nstephenson@gs-top.org

Boots ‘N Bridles

Are you a horse lover and can’t wait to ride?

This is the week for you! Girls will ride and/ or work with the horses daily, assist with grooming, feeding and corral management.

The day begins at the crack of dawn, the prettiest time of day to ride. Other rides will be the last of the day into the dusk.

Additional camp activities included.

Occasionally the weather interferes with being able to ride daily. Girls need boots or shoes with a ½ inch heel.

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for the Certified Horsemanship Association program and must be taken in progression. Camp Kiwanis Horse Program progression: 1) Boots ‘N Bridles; 2) Saddle Up I; and 3) Saddle Up II. NOTE: This program is a prerequisite to

Saddle Up I.

ENTERING GRADE 6 ONLY FEE: $245 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13

Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Crafts Mania

Midnight Madness

Are you a girl who likes to stay up late and then sleep late in the morning? This is the session for you! There will be a moonlight swim, exploring the nightlife at camp, stargazing and raiding the kitchen one night for a midnight snack. You will get up in time to participate in swimming, horseback riding and other activities.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $245 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13

Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Take Aim

Are you eager to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow? This is the “aim” of this fun-filled week as you take the archer’s stance, aim, shoot and hit that bull’s eye! Each day, you will spend sessions at the archery range improving your skills and then at the end of the week there will be a shoot off challenge. Time will be scheduled for swimming, horseback riding and arts and crafts.

FEE: $235

Get ready for an arts and crafts bonanza.

Various arts and crafts projects will highlight your week and then we’ll make time for horseback riding, swimming, cooking out and making new friends. Come and enjoy!

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 MIN/MAX: 8/9 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $245 MIN/MAX: 8/9 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13

Date: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

ENTERING GRADES 5-7 MIN/MAX: 6/9 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20 MIN/MAX:

8/9

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 MIN/MAX: DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

8/18

ENTERING GRADES 5-6

be the 13

Trail Mix

Come to camp and make your own trail mix of activities, a little bit of this and a little bit of that! Spend time doing activities like swimming, horseback riding, cookouts, crafts and nature hikes. Then mix all of this up with making new friends, singing songs and having FUN! It’s just waiting for you to make it happen.

ENTERING GRADE 3 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATE: Sun. 6/ 08 – Fri. 6/ 13

Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27 Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Trek Out

Get geared up to go tent camping at a nearby lake for two nights. Enjoy cooking your meals over a campfire or propane stove and watching the stars at night. This group starts out hard and fast to learn tent pitching and fire building skills before leaving for the lake. Be sure to bring an old swimsuit and tennis shoes to wear in the lake. A PFD will be provided for all lake swimming. Time will be allowed for horseback riding and craft time. A bedroll with a twin sheet inside is a must for this trip.

ENTERING GRADES 5-7 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Climbing High

Do you love to rock climb and swing through the air OR want to find out what the thrill is all about? Join us for a week of reaching new heights and challenging yourself. You’ll spend your days at the challenge course learning climbing skills, equipment care, and have a chance to experience several of the course’s elements. This is “challenge by choice” and you choose what you want to master or not! There will also be horses, swimming and other camp activities to enjoy.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $245 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Geology Rocks

cuddle with bunnies

Are you curious about the history, origin and structure of the planet Earth? Is hunting rocks your hobby? Then come to camp, there’s lots to explore in the Texas Panhandle and you can start at Camp Kiwanis. We’ll find lots of rocks, grow crystals, study the soil formations and include a field trip (weather permitting) to Palo Duro Canyon to see the Spanish Skirts and more.

ENTERING GRADES 6-9 FEE: $250 MIN/MAX: 6/10 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Splish Splash

Creature Camp

Do you love animals? Come explore the wildlife at camp and enjoy a visit to another wildlife area. Study their habits and how they survive. Know anything about raising bunnies? You will get a chance to help care for the camp’s bunnies. Time for swimming, crafts and horseback riding will be planned.

ENTERING GRADES 4-6 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

Camp Chef

Splish, Splash I was taking a swim! If you love the water, then this session is just right for you. We’ll enjoy extra time at the pool improving your swim skills, playing water games and having a luau. Other camp activities such as horseback riding and arts and crafts will be included.

Like to cook? In this session, you will learn to cook delicious meals over a campfire and how to use a propane stove. You’ll learn to use pie irons, dutch ovens, a solar oven and eat everything you make, S ‘mores included. Not to worry, there will be time to cool off in the pool, relax, ride horses and do arts and crafts.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5: FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/10 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

one who makes everyone giggle 14

Camp Kiwanis

swim every day

6-Day Camps Natalie Stephenson Director of Outdoor Education / Camp Director 806-553-3173 800-687-4475, ext. 250 nstephenson@gs-top.org

Fireflies

Explore camp at night! Take a moonlight hike, build a campfire, roast marshmallows, listen to the wood fairy and Brownie Elf stories and go to bed later than other campers. During the daylight, you can enjoy swimming, horseback riding and arts and crafts.

ENTERING GRADES 3 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/14

DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Let’s Get Physical

Don’t let yourself become a couch potato.

Come to camp and get active! There will be time for swimming, horseback riding, climbing the rock wall, zipping down the zip line, tennis, and even a little Zumba. Come join the fun!

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Junior Delight

Girls are sure to be delighted with all the fun and adventure planned for this week.

This session is a great choice if you want to sample a little bit of everything before selecting a specialty camp. Girls will swim, ride horses, hike, cookout, do arts and crafts and make new friends.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

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Mystery Mayhem

Do you love CSI? Dream of being Nancy Drew or a forensic scientist? Then grab your magnifying glass and head down a road of mystery and intrigue. Participants will discover detective and private eye techniques. Maybe clues will lead you to other activities such as swimming, horseback riding and cookouts.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Pots ‘N Plots

Do you have a green thumb? Can you make a garden grow? Is it flowers or vegetables that you like the best? Our Master Gardener Consultant will help you learn it all. You’ll harvest vegetables from the camp garden, cook ‘em and eat ‘em.

In addition to planting in the camp garden, each girl will go home with her own pot of flowers. A trip to a nearby green house will be included. Additional camp fun will be scheduled like swimming, horseback riding, archery and more.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $235 MIN/MAX: 8/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

13-Day Camps Saddle Up I

Are you crazy about horses and gotta ride every day?This session is designed for you! This group will follow the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) program as girls learn to groom, saddle, feed, and assist with corral management. Saddle Up girls will start at the crack of dawn for their first ride of the day and in the evenings will ride into the sunset. Occasionally weather interferes with daily rides. Boots with a ½ inch heel are required. Cool dips in the pool are a must and other program activities will also be included.

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for the Certified Horsemanship Association program and must be taken in progression. Camp Kiwanis Horse Program progression: 1) Boots ‘N Bridles; 2) Saddle Up I; and 3) Saddle Up II. NOTE: This program is a prerequisite to Saddle Up II. ENTERING GRADES 7-9 FEE: $395 MIN/MAX: 6/12 DATE: Sun. 6/15 – Fri.7/ 27

Survivor

Come, be a part of a team and challenge each other to greater heights of skills in “survivor games”. Girls will hone their basic camping skills, learn new ones and be able to depend on themselves in an emergency.

A trip to the primitive areas of camp will put those skills into action. Enjoy hiking, riding horses, swimming and experiencing the challenge course.

Music, Mime & More

Wanna be a star? This is the right place for you. Learn about the techniques needed to be a Mime and show us how you can do it. Put together a talent show or a short one act play—you all decide. Then add more activities to your stay such as swimming, horseback riding, arts and crafts and cookouts.

ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $395 MIN/MAX: 8/12 DATE: Sun. 7/6 – Fri. 7/18

Saddle Up II

Step beyond the level of Saddle Up I and learn additional riding techniques through CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association).You will be responsible for the care and feeding of your mount, as well as corral management. Each day begins at the crack of dawn and ends with riding into the sunset. This group will ride out/camp out for one night on the primitive part of camp.

Occasionally weather interferes with being able to ride daily. Boots or shoes with a ½ inch heel are required. Dips in the pool and hot showers are a must.

be fearless

ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $395 MIN/MAX: 8/12 DATE: Sun. 7/6 – Fri. 7/18

ENTERING GRADES 6-9 FEE: $395 MIN/MAX: 6/12 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 27

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Stevens Ranch Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director 817-869-0736 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org

1-Day Camps

3-Day Camps

Horses of Course: Horsin’ Around Day

A Bug’s Life

Horse Fan is for the Junior Girl Scouts who want to learn all about horses. Never ridden before? Just a beginner? This session is perfect for you. Learn basic care, safety, build confidence and have a riding lesson in the covered arena. Come join in the fun and learn about proper western-style riding and safety around horses. Complete the steps for the Horse Fan badge (provided while supplies last.) Girls in this session will need to wear long pants – no shorts, capri pants or nylon pants. Girls may wear their own cowboy boots or we will provide them at the barn. Riding helmets are required and will be provided. Parents are not required to attend any of these sessions but are welcome to stay and observe.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $25 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sat. 6/ 21

Sat. 7/ 19

Horses of Course: Pony Pal Day

Brownie Girl Scouts get to know horses while learning how to be safe around them, plus share horse treats you make for them as you learn fun horse facts. Enjoy a pony ride with our trained volunteers. Earn Our Council’s Own Pony Pal badge (provided while supplies last.) Girls in this session will need to wear long pants – no shorts, capri pants or nylon pants. Girls may wear their own cowboy boots or we will provide them at the barn. Riding helmets are required and will be provided. Parents are not required to attend any of these sessions but are welcome to stay and observe.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $25 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sat. 6/ 21

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be the star of your

Sat. 7/ 19

Do you love exploring nature? Is your best friend a caterpillar? During this three day adventure, we’ll grab our magnifying glasses and take a journey through the world of bugs! You’ll learn about Stevens Ranch’s eco-system on a bug-sized scale. Before you bug out, you’ll also have time for a few other camp activities, too.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Tues. 6/ 17

Brownie Blitz

Calling all Brownie Girl Scouts: this camp is just for you! You’ll get to experience all the things that make camping as a Brownie fun – arts and crafts, exploring the world around you through nature activities, swimming (weather permitting) and more.

Spend a whirlwind three days with us and find out what camping like a Brownie is all about.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Tues. 6/ 17

Wed. 6/ 18 – Fri. 6/ 20 Sun. 7/ 06 – Tues. 7/ 08 Wed. 7/ 09 – Fri. 7/ 11

Fairy Light and Fairy Tales

Follow the twinkling lights to the magical world of fairies! Learn about the importance of love, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust while making new friends, storytelling, and learning why fairies love our planet. You’ll get to do a few other camp activities, too!

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Wed. 6/ 18 – Fri. 6/ 20

own story 4-Day Camps Party at the Palace

Calling all Princesses, time to get pampered pretty! Tiaras will be included! Pink will be the color of the day for tie-dye time, and you will have a chance to look into the mirror and have your inner beauty shine by helping with a service project, while learning about yourself, and be a part of a fashion show too.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Tues. 6/ 24

Wed. 6/ 25 – Fri. 6/ 27

Crafty Critters

This session is all about crafts! If you like expressing your creativity by making friendship bracelets, lanyards, drawing, and painting or anything else artistic, this is the place for you! You’ll get to make some awesome crafts to take home and still enjoy a few other fun camp activities.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Tues. 7/ 08

Wed. 7/ 09 – Fri. 7/ 11

Junior Jam

Hey Juniors, this session is just for you!

Come enjoy a whirlwind three days and see what camp has to offer. You’ll stay cool at the pool, make a craft, touch on It’s Your Planet–Love It!, learn to shoot a bow and arrow at archery, and more!

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 -Tues. 7/ 08

Wed. 7/ 09 – Fri. 7/ 11

Wild, Wild,West

Go wild playing cowboys and Indians. We will blaze new trails while having fun horsing around. Paint your own horse! Lots of fun and games for all during your stay at the Ranch.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/24

DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Tues. 7/ 22

Wed. 7/ 23 – Fri. 7/ 25

I Can’t Wait… to Create My Own Camp

Experience it all! Create your own special experiences at camp this summer by choosing the activities that interest you the most! You will still enjoy swimming lessons, cookouts, songs, hikes and all-camp activities. Make choices for the rest of the day to lead you down the path to achieve a badge or Girl Scout Journey.

Focus your activities on craft projects, jewelry-making, nature exploration, mountain biking, dance, archery, acting, and more! Activity choices will vary with each session to go along with the weekly theme.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 27 – Tues. 7/ 29

Splish Splash

Jump in and have a splash for this short and sweet session! You’ll get to swim, play water games, and enjoy a few other camp activities too. Join us at Stevens Ranch and enjoy your time at camp splishin’ and splashin’ and bobbin’ to the beat!

I Can’t Wait… to Create My Own Camp

Experience it all! Create your own special experiences at camp this summer by choosing the activities that interest you the most! You will still enjoy swimming lessons, cookouts, songs, hikes and allcamp activities. Make choices for the rest of the day to lead you down the path to achieve a badge or Girl Scout Journey.

Focus your activities on craft projects, jewelry-making, nature exploration, mountain biking, dance, archery, acting, and more! Activity choices will vary with each session to go along with the weekly theme.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $220 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Little Camp on the Prairie

Do you ever wonder what it would have been like to live like the pioneers? You will learn to churn your own butter, milk a cow, and how to live like they did in times past. This week you’ll get to live in the Farm House and even earn the Farm House patch. Don’t worry - you’ll still get to enjoy a few modern day resident camp activities, too, including a field trip to Chisholm Trail Museum.

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $220 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $165 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sun. 7/ 27 – Tues. 7/ 29

Wed. 7/ 30 – Fri. 8/ 01

create your own masterpiece 18

follow a great leader

Stevens Ranch 4-Day Camps Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director 817-869-0736 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org

Mischief Managed

Do you wish your school days were full of magic and adventure? Lucky you – you must have some felix felicis lying around!

Hogwarts is bringing summer school to Stevens Ranch! Enjoy a sampling of the classes you’d take at England’s finest school of magic – brew up tasty potions, learn how to “charm” your friends, and compete in a Quidditch game or two!

ENTERING GRADES 4-12 FEE: $220 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Night Owls

Be a night owl at camp! Explore Stevens Ranch by moonlight, enjoy astronomy, night hikes, night games and a pajama party. You’ll stay up late and sleep in every morning. Enjoy regular camp activities during the day.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $220 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Pony Express

Who wants to learn all about horses? Never ridden before? This session is perfect for you. Learn basic care, safety, build confidence and have a riding lesson in the covered arena and a trail ride. Come join in the fun and learn about proper western-style riding and safety around horses. Play some games with the horses and be a part of the Pony Express.

Completion of this session is not a pre-requisite to the CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) horse-focused sessions we offer at Stevens Ranch.

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $255 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

Soaring Among the Stars

Explore the night sky and learn all about stars! You will stargaze, play night games, learn about astronomy, and even sleep out under the stars (weather permitting)!

During the day you will have the chance to try all of the other fun activities camp has to offer.

ENTERING GRADES 2-5 FEE: $220 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sun. 6/ 29 – Wed. 7/ 02

be an artist 19

6-Day Camps All the Camp’s a Stage

To camp or not to camp – that’s an easy question! If you love expressing yourself, being in the spotlight or behind the scenes, and jumping into imaginary worlds, the answer is yes! You’ll learn all about telling your story through drama, poetry, music, and dance, and have the chance to shine at the talent show. You’ll also have the chance to experience a few other fun camp activities.

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Art Attack

Join us this week for all things creative – you’ll get to try your hand at ceramics, candle making, jewelry making, drawing, painting, and more. Let your creative side shine!

ENTERING GRADES 4-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

On a High Note

Are you a diva? Do you dream of standing ovations after you sing? How would you like some voice coaching and choreography to help perfect your act? You will get to create a CD with your new friends. Learn lots of great camp songs and finish out the week with a performance at the talent show.

Listen for the applause!

ENTERING GRADES 4-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/20 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Horses, Horses, Horses

Can You Rough it?

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for Certified Horsemanship Association Certification and must be taken in progression. Stevens Ranch Horse Program progression: 1) Horses, Horses, Horses; 2) Horse Fan; 3) Let’s Ride; 4) Born to Ride; and 5) Cowgirl Up

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

This is the first step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) based program progression. Visit the barn daily (weather permitting) and learn to groom a horse, basic horse care, tack basics and basic riding skills. Completion of this session is a pre-requisite for Horse Fan.

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Sun. 7/ 27 – Fri. 8/ 01

Take Aim

Attention would-be archers: do you hunger to advance your skills? It’s time to take up the bow, plant your feet in true archer’s stance, ready, aim, shoot, bull’s eye! Learn or sharpen your skills and play interesting shooting games. Never a dull moment, be brave!

ENTERING GRADES 4-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE

Sun. 6/ 15 – Fri. 6/ 20

Camp Chic

Your old socks and t-shirts will go from drab to fab this week! Learn all about fashion – especially different tie dying techniques and duct tape fashion too. You’ll also have a chance to try out some other camp activities. By the end of your session you’ll be camp chic!

Prim is in! This session is in the primitive unit and is recommended only for experienced campers. First time campers might want to try another session first.

Learn about primitive camping, lashing, eco-activities, and outdoor gourmet cooking: stick cooking, buddy burners, reflector ovens, Dutch ovens and more.

Get ready for roughing it made fun!

Horse Play

We’re not horsin’ around! Fourth and fifth graders can come and spend a week getting to know horses while learning basic horse skills. Play horse games with the ponies and even get to paint them.

This session is NOT part of the CHA Certification based sessions offered at Stevens Ranch ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Party at the Palace

Calling all Princesses, time to get pampered pretty! Tiaras will be included! Pink will be the color of the day for tie-dye time, and you will have a chance to look into the mirror and have your inner beauty shine by helping with a service project, while learning about yourself, and be a part of a fashion show too.

ENTERING GRADES 4-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

ENTERING GRADES 4-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATE

Sun. 6/ 22 – Fri. 6/ 27

Camp sessions are available for viewing online at www.gs-top.org/events

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Stevens Ranch 6-Day Camps Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director 817-869-0736 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org

Castaways

Pack light, and be ready for adventures in creative camping. This is not for beginners and is perfect for girls who love to rough it and want to have fun and experience Stevens like no one else at resident camp does. In this session you will spend one night in your unit, and then one night in Pooh Circle, the Amphitheater, the Pool and then finish out with one night under the stars in “Mars”!

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

Horse Fan

Horse Fan girls will have horsewomanship lessons daily (weather permitting). Learn how to saddle a horse, basic horse nutrition, basic horse first aid and expand your horsewomanship skills and riding skills to include a sitting trot. You will also have the opportunity to work on CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) Level 1A skills.

Completion of this session is a prerequisite for Let’s Ride.

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for Certified Horsemanship Association Certification and must be taken in progression. Stevens Ranch Horse Program progression: 1) Horses, Horses, Horses; 2) Horse Fan; 3) Let’s Ride; 4) Born to Ride; and 5) Cowgirl Up NOTE: Must have completed Horses,

Horses, Horses

ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

turn new friends into best friends 21

have fun !

Prim and Proper

Western riding isn’t the only thing you can learn at Stevens Ranch. Spend a week learning the beginning skills of English riding including: proper position, balance, walk, trot, and maybe even canter, or experience 18 inch cross ties while maintaining harmony with your horse. The outfit isn’t the only cool thing about English riding.

Come see for yourself.

ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 2/4 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

Snap, Scrap, Click

Capture Stevens Ranch through the lens of your camera. Snap your own photos on a snap shot scavenger hunt with your digital camera and make memories by taking pictures for yourself and camp. Learn basic digital techniques, basic scrapbooking, and how to use scrapbooking tools to embellish beautiful pages.

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

Weather or Not

Work towards earning the Cadette level Journey, It’s Your Planet Love It! BREATHE– and add in all sorts of cool stuff about weather and this session will be a breeze.

Make a tornado, fly a kite, and more.

ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/20 DATE: Sun. 7/ 06 – Fri. 7/ 11

Camping Outside the Box

Are you tired of the same old things at camp? Ready to try something completely new? Everything this week is too big to fit in the box! You’ll play life-sized games, work with a team to complete quirky challenges, and still have time to enjoy a few “normal” camp activities. This week will be largerthan-life! Join us and come camp outside the box!

ENTERING GRADES 4-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/32

DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Dinos Rock!

Welcome to the Stone Age. Learn about the land we call Stevens Ranch. We will dig up the past, by mapping out a dig in Mars, hunt for pre-historic treasures, and take a field trip to Dinosaur Valley Park, and have a yabba-dabba do time! This session rocks!

ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/24 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Honor, Courage, Commitment

Stretch your limits and discover the greatness you have inside you. Are you ready to push yourself to the max and embrace the importance of what teamwork is all about? Learn about fitness, play capture the flag, thrive on an obstacle course, and greet every morning ready to run!

ENTERING GRADES 4-8: FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Let’s Ride

Be at the barn on a daily basis (weather permitting) expanding your horsewoman ship and horse first aid knowledge, plus work on your CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) level 1B riding skills. Learn to halt on command from a trot, posting and standing, two point trot, ride turns, reverses, circles at the walk and trot in correct riding form. Completion of this session is a pre-requisite for Born to Ride.

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for Certified Horsemanship Association Certification and must be taken in progression. Stevens Ranch Horse Program progression: 1) Horses, Horses, Horses; 2) Horse Fan; 3) Let’s Ride; 4) Born to Ride; and 5) Cowgirl Up NOTE: Must have completed Horse Fan ENTERING GRADES 8-12 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Minecraft Camp Edition

Ever wonder how to survive in a pixelated world? At Stevens Ranch we live in Survival mode. You will harvest items by punching trees in our camp environment to gather tools to play the game. You will be using teamwork and skills to create a wonderful world and put your ideas into action.

ENTERING GRADES 4-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 18

Born to Ride

Expand your horsewomanship skills and knowledge while working on your CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) 2A riding skills. Learn riding patterns while learning how to bridle your horse, your own tack check, and learn the standingtwo point and posting position trot as well as how to post on the correct diagonal in level 2 form. Plus try your hand at the lope.

Completion of this session is a prerequisite for Cowgirl Up. Some resident camp horse programs are designed for Certified Horsemanship Association Certification and must be taken in progression. Stevens Ranch Horse Program progression: 1) Horses, Horses, Horses; 2) Horse Fan; 3) Let’s Ride; 4) Born to Ride; and 5) Cowgirl Up NOTE: Must have completed Let’s Ride or CHA level 1 Certification ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $375 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

lead the trail ride 22

Stevens Ranch 6-Day Camps Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director 817-869-0736 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org

Camp Top Chef

Let’s get cooking! Help in the camp kitchen and be a part of a cook’s parade!

Ingredients: a handful of girls, tasty treats, and enthusiastic instructors. Directions: bring all the ingredients together and blend with different ways to serve your creations. Cooking time: allow one week.

Serves: the whole camp ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Gimmie A Clue

Are you into mysteries? Do you like to play the game of clue? Are you interested in forensic science? Then come join the Stevens Ranch Investigation Team. Small little mishaps occur around our camp, and we need the best of the best to help solve them. So, pack your magnifying glass and come find out who dunnit’.

ENTERING GRADES 4-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

It’s All Greek to Me

Take a journey back in time to live like the Greeks! You’ll explore Greek life through astronomy, express yourself through music, drama and art, and perfect your mastery of craftsmanship while building a catapult. Have a Greek feast and play games like the Olympians. So by the time you leave camp, it will all be Greek to you!

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

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be a team player Ms. Woodmaker

Woodworking gives you a feeling of accomplishment. It is a thrill to say, “I made it myself!” Come learn how to use some basic tools, create some simple woodworking projects, and keep a “level” head about it. Help the planet, learn to use recycled materials in your projects. Don’t worry; you won’t miss out on other camp activities as well.

ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE : $320 MIN/MAX: 4/8 DATE: Sun. 7/ 20 – Fri. 7/ 25

Make a Splash

Lounge by the pool every day? Well maybe, but first let’s do water aerobics, synchronized swimming, learn how to or perfect your dive, learn steps to lifeguarding, purify and investigate water from the Brazos River, and enjoy lots of water games.

Perfect time of year to make a splash and stay cool!

ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 7/ 27 – Fri. 8/ 01

Treasure Island

Ahoy me mateys! Come aboard and sail with us to find treasures beyond your greatest imagination. You will have an opportunity to use compasses and go high tech with GPS to find our treasure. Several fun all camp activities such as shipwreck dinners, scavenger hunts, tug of war and pirate battles will keep you on your toes as we search for doubloons ENTERING GRADES 6-12: FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATE: Sun. 7/ 27 – Fri. 8/ 01

13-Day Camps Amazing Race

You’ve seen the show, now the Amazing Race comes to Stevens Ranch! Each day teams will try and outsmart each other with clues and compete in adventure challenges such as canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, hiking to special places in camp, capture the flag, and Geo-caching.

Don’t worry, between road blocks and races against time you will still get to relax and it will be amazing. Not recommended for those who attended Amazing Race in the past.

ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $680 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 25

Cowgirl Up!

This horse session is the final step in the Stevens Ranch CHA (Certified Horsemanship Association) based program progression and includes a rodeo that you will help plan and participate in!

In addition, you will work on your CHA level 2B skills, which includes being able to identify leads while in the lope and learning additional fun horse riding patterns — while continuing to expand your knowledge of horse first aid and nutrition.

Some resident camp horse programs are designed for Certified Horsemanship Association Certification and must be taken in progression. Stevens Ranch Horse Program progression: 1) Horses, Horses, Horses; 2) Horse Fan; 3) Let’s Ride; 4) Born to Ride; and 5) Cowgirl Up.

be a top chef

NOTE: Must have completed Born to Ride completion card or CHA level 2A Certification ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $795 MIN/MAX: 2/10 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Fri. 7/ 25

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High Adventure Trips 6-Day Trips Summer Littlejohn Outdoor Education Manager / Camp Director 806-589-5946 800-530-4957, ext. 2606 slittlejohn@gs-top.org

Lindsay Power Outdoor Education Coordinator 817-735-5312 800-582-7272, ext. 1205 lpower@gs-top.org

shoot the rapids

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River Runners

Here is your chance to test your whitewater rafting skills! Start your adventure at Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton, TX and then head north to the beautiful mountains of Colorado. Prepare for an adventure of a lifetime as we tackle the whitewater of the mighty Arkansas River! Note: This trip is NOT recommended for anyone who has a fear of water.

GRADE: GIRLS MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD OR OLDER FEE: $550 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 6/8 – Fri. 6/13

Paddle Paddle

We will start our adventure at Camp Rio Blanco. From there, head to the hill country to tackle river waters in a 3 day overnight canoeing and kayaking trip. We will also check out some of the local sights in the area. Note: This trip is NOT recommended for anyone who has a fear of water.

GRADE: GIRLS MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD OR OLDER FEE: $500 MIN/MAX: 6/12 DATE: Sun. 6/22 – Fri. 6/27

Cave Crawlers

We will start our adventure at Camp Rio Blanco. From there, we will pass through the Chihuahuan Desert and Guadalupe Mountains of southeastern New Mexico.

You might never guess that there are more than 300 known caves beneath the surface. We will head underground to experience the wonders of the world beneath us. We will also check out some of the local sights in the area.

GRADE: GIRLS MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD OR OLDER FEE: $450 MIN/MAX: 5/10 DATE: Sun. 7/27 – Fri. 8/1

Clip and Zip

Our adventure will start at Stevens Ranch in Nemo, TX. We will load up the vans and head south to Austin, Texas and start our rock climbing and zip lining adventure.

After we clip in to tackle the world class rock climbing we will then take to the skies to zip over the waters of Lake Travis. Note: This trip is NOT recommended for anyone who has a fear of heights.

GRADE: GIRLS MUST BE 12 YEARS OLD OR OLDER FEE: $550 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATE: Sun. 8/10 – Fri. 8/15

7-Day Trip Packs and Tracks

Our adventure will start at Camp Rio Blanco at Crosbyton, TX. We will lace up our hiking boots and head towards the cool crisp Sacramento Mountains of New Mexico. We make our way to Mayhill, New Mexico where we will get to experience the “Magic of Camp Mary White” and start our backpacking adventure out of CMW. We will start in camp and learn our basic backpacking skills and then hit the trail for a 3 day backpacking adventure! Pack up your bag and get ready to make some tracks!

GRADE: GIRLS MUST BE 14 YEARS OLD OR OLDER FEE: $500 MIN/MAX: 6/12 DATE: Sun. 7/ 13 – Sat. 7/ 19

explore a cave

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Online Registration Step by Step Instructions to set up an online account and find camp sessions If you are

It’s Simple!

Registering for camp just got easier with up-to-date open spots and the ability to pay for camp with Cookie Bucks ONLINE! No more paper forms to fill out!

No waiting and wondering!

And you’re helping Girl Scouts GO GREEN!

Every camp session listed has an up-todate tally of spots remaining which makes it simple to find a camp session that accommodates you.

After payment, you can rest assured because you’ve instantly been accepted into your session and will receive an email confirmation.

When to Register:

New to Girl Scouts 1. Parent: Go to register.gs-top.org.

2. Click on “New Online Account” to create your “Family Account“ login.

3. You will create your record in our database along with a user name and password.

4. Now that you are logged in you can purchase your daughter’s 2014 membership by a. Click on “Add Family Member”. b. Enter her information (continue this for all your daughters). c. Click on the box next to her/their name(s). d. Select “Purchase Girl Scout Membership” from the list “I want to” . e. Follow the screens to purchase the membership.

5. Then follow “step 2” in the Register for Camp section (orange block on next page) to register for your camp choices.

NOTE: If you have problems, please contact the help desk at helpdesk@gs-top.org or 855-266-0759 (during business hours).

Online camp registration opens the morning of

April 1st, at 5:00 a.m.... No Fooling!

The registration system automatically launches at that time and we have no way of making it later during the day. So, we imagine there will be a handful of loyal camping enthusiasts getting up early to register.

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Set up your online user account NOW at register.gs-top.org before registration opens April 1!

If you are a

Current Member setting up a new online user account If you have not created a “Family Account” username and password after August 1, 2013. Last year’s individual user account and password will NOT work.

Adult family member: 1. Go to register.gs-top.org.

2. Click on “New Online Account”.

3. Enter required fields.

4. The system will send you an email from ADMIN to the email address.

5. Open the email and click on the link. It will direct you to a page to create your user name and password.

(Passwords must be at least 7 characters with at least 1 letter and 1 number.)

7. You are now logged into the site. You should see all your daughters listed. If you do not please send an email to helpdesk@gs-top.org or call 855-266-0759 so we can link your daughters to your Family Account.

8. Next, make sure your daughter’s membership is current. If not, purchase it now by clicking on the box next to her name and selecting “Purchase Girl Scout Membership” from the “I want to list” and complete all screens for each girl.

9. Then follow “step 2” in the Register for Camp section (orange block to the right) to register for your camp choices.

If you are ready to

Register for Camp 1. Log in at: register.gs-top.org.

2. Click on the “Activities” tab next to the “My Family” tab.

3. Click on “Resident Camp” under the “Refine Your Results”.

4. Click on the camp you would like to go to under the

“Geographic Location”.

5. Click on “Go”.

6. Click on the week the session is in.

Once you have found the session(s) you would like to attend …

7. Click on the name of the session, and if there are spots available click on “Register Now”.

8. Select the members of your family you want to register and click on “Add to Cart”.

9. Repeat this process for all sessions.

10. When you have all your choices in your shopping cart, click on cart and checkout.

The online system requires a credit card or debit card for payment.

All your camper’s paperwork (health forms, parent handbook, packing lists, maps and directions to camp, etc.) will be sent via email, so make sure to include a current email address.

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Online Registration Payments

Confirmation/Cancellation

You will need to pay a $25.00 deposit for each session you choose. If you are going to apply any cookie bucks, select the choice to “Apply Cookie Bucks” and we will invoice you for the balance. If you are paying the total cost of camp by cookie bucks, please enter “2014CookieBuck” at check out in the promo code box and it will waive the $25.00 deposit. When applying your cookie bucks, if we find you do not have enough to cover the full cost of the session, we will add back the $25.00 and you will see this reflected in your invoice.

Session Confirmation

Your instant confirmation email will contain links to all the forms you will need for your daughter to attend camp including the camp physical form, packing lists, and parent handbook.

Session confirmations will be sent via email immediately after registration either online or by paper. Please make sure to include a valid email address. If no email address is provided the confirmation will be mailed, but receipt could be up to 3 weeks.

Session Cancellation

Should Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains cancel a session for any reason, all registered participants will be notified. A full refund, including deposit, will be issued or you will have the opportunity to sign up for another available date. Reasons for cancellation may include inclement weather or lack of registration.

Weather notification can be as late as 24 hours before the session is scheduled to begin.

Waiting Lists

Online: You will know if there are spots available as the numbers on the website are current as of that moment. If no space is available, you can either choose a different session or choose to be placed on the waiting list. The waiting list does require the $25.00 deposit but it will be refunded if your daughter is not placed.

Paper Forms: If your daughter cannot be placed from the choices listed with her registration, she will be placed on a waiting list for the first session. Participants will be notified if they are placed on a waiting list. If a girl is on the waiting list and cannot be placed you will receive a full refund including deposit.

Alternate Registration (Paper Forms)

If you do not have access to a computer, you may request paper registration forms by contacting your local office or downloading them online at www.gs-top.org/forms under the Outdoor Education section.

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Also, there are computers at the registration office that are open to members for registering online. We highly recommend online registration as it is the quickest way to ensure placement. Paper registrations may be sent in prior to April 1, 2014, but processing of these paper forms and all placements will begin on April 1. After this date, registrations will be processed daily.

Cancellation/Refund Policy Deposits are non-refundable. A full refund, including deposit, is made only if a camper cannot be placed in a program or if it is necessary to cancel the program.

No refunds are granted to campers who do not show up for the camp session and who do not follow these procedures.

Refunds, minus the deposit, will be issued if notification of cancellation is received at any of the Council’s Area Offices at least 7 days prior to the event. No refunds will be issued if cancellation is made less than 7 days prior to event. This includes sessions paid for with Cookie Bucks.

If you cancel within 7 days of the first day of a camp session, a full refund, minus the deposit, will be made for medical reasons only. A written request for a refund, accompanied by a doctor’s statement, must be received within 30 days of the cancellation to receive a full refund minus deposit.

If a girl applies for, but does not receive financial assistance, or if the amount received is not enough for her to attend, a full refund including the $25.00 deposit will be returned if cancelled 7 days prior to session.

Mail or fax paper registrations to the appropriate office registrar: *NOTE: These are not the camp addresses.

Attention Registrar Stevens Ranch 4901 Briarhaven Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76109 Fax: 817-735-5305

Attention Registrar Camp Kiwanis 6011 West 45th Ave. Amarillo, TX 79109 Fax: 806-356-0099

Attention Registrar High Adventure Trips 4901 Briarhaven Rd. Fort Worth, TX 76109 Fax: 817-735-5305

If the camp health supervisor or a physician sends a camper home for medical reasons, a refund will be made on a prorated basis, if requested within 30 days.

If a girl leaves camp early for any reason other than medical, no refund will be made.

Paper and online registrations will be accepted up to 7 days prior to the start date of a session provided a physical exam can be conducted and there is open space in the camp session. The camp fee will also need to be paid in full if registering within the 2 week deadline.

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Online Registration FAQs Why is there a $25.00 non-refundable deposit?

This is the camp processing fee which holds the session you selected.

I’m not a Girl Scout - can I register for camp online?

Yes! Just setup your online account and purchase a $15 membership. Then you can register for camp.

I’m a current member but I got the message “Member not found” – what does that mean?

This means we do not have your email address on file.

Please go to www.gs-top.org/webform and submit your email address so we can add it to your record.

Then you’ll be able to setup your account. Or call the help desk at 855-266-0759 and we can add it while on the phone. (The help desk is open during normal GS-TOP business hours.)

I don’t know how many cookies my daughter sold or we are combining sisters’ cookie bucks.

When selecting your session, choose the option “use my cookie buck”, register and pay the $25 deposit.

We will apply the cookie bucks after you have registered and if you do have enough for the full amount the $25.00 will be returned. If you would like a sister-to-sister transfer of packages please indicate this by selecting the sister cookie buck transfer during online registration, or on the paper form.

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I still have questions about online registration.

Whom should I contact?

Please contact our online registration helpdesk at 855-266-0759 or email helpdesk@gs-top.org.

Remember—the help desk is open during regular GS-TOP business hours M-Th: 8:00 am – 5:30 pm F: 8:00 am – 11:30 am

I want to register for camp with my friend.

What about Camp Buddies?

There is an option for listing one buddy on both online registration and paper registration forms. Be sure to fill in the Buddy Preference line on the registration online or paper form with your buddy’s name. Both girls will need to list each other as a buddy. The buddy must be attending the same session/date and be in the same grade as specified on the session information.

Paying for Camp Camp fees cover all meals and snacks, accident/illness insurance, leadership provided by specially trained staff, use of camp facilities, and program supplies. Camp fees can be paid by cash, credit card, check or money order, or with Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains Cookie Bucks. Registrations are accepted with at least a $25.00 deposit for each session. For sessions not paid in full, the balance is due 14 days before the camp session’s start date.

When paying for camp, you have a couple of options: FULL OUT-OF-POCKET If you’re paying out-of-pocket for the entire session, you can choose to pay the amount in full or just pay the nonrefundable $25.00 deposit up front to secure your spot and then pay the balance at least two weeks before the camp session begins.

PARTIAL COOKIE BUCKS If you would like to pay PARTIALLY with Cookie Bucks, you will need to pay a non-refundable $25.00 deposit for each session in order to register. The remainder of your balance may be paid with your Cookie Bucks or a combination of Cookie Bucks and cash/check/ credit/debit.

A onetime final payment can be made online. If you would like to break up the balance into payments, you can mail payments or bring into the office. The balance may be paid either online, by sending in a check to the registration office, or paying in person at the registration office.

Please keep in mind; even if you have paid in full, $25.00 is nonrefundable for every camp session.

FULL COOKIE BUCKS If you would like to pay IN FULL with Cookie Bucks, you will need to enter the special Promo Code: 2014CookieBuck during the checkout process in order to bypass the $25.00 deposit. The remainder of your balance may be paid with your Cookie Bucks choosing the option to pay by Cookie Bucks when selecting the session.

If you use the promo code and you do not have enough Cookie Bucks to pay for the full cost of the session the $25.00 fee will be reapplied. You will be sent an invoice verifying your Cookie Bucks and any balance due.

Out of Council Girl Scouts

Registered Girl Scouts from outside of Texas Oklahoma Plains’ jurisdiction are required to pay an additional $25.00 out of council fee to attend one of our camp sessions. These girls have the option to use their earned Cookie Bucks to pay for a session at any of our resident camps (pending approval from their home council). Please call the area office for the camp you are interested in for more information.

Cookie Bucks redeemed for camp fees may only be used for GS-TOP camps and are not transferable for other councils’ Girl Scout camps.

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Remember...

Paying for camp with

Cookie Bucks

If you are paying in full with Cookie Bucks, you will need to enter the special Promo Code: 2014CookieBuck during the checkout process in order to bypass the $25.00 deposit.

So, how do you pay for Resident camp days with Cookie Bucks?

Using the Resident Camp Chart below, find the number of cookie boxes you sold, or the number of boxes you want to redeem for free camp days. Let’s say you sold 500 boxes. That means you could trade those in for 4 days of camp. If you want to go to a 4-day camp you would owe nothing!

But, what if you want to go to a six-day camp—how do you use your 500 boxes?

1. Let’s say the total cost for a six-day camp is $300 or $50 per day.

2. Your 500 boxes are worth 4 days of camp which leaves you needing to pay for only 2 days, which will cost $50 each for a total balance due of $100. Cookie Bucks may not be used to pay the $25.00 deposit unless the entire camp fee is paid for with Cookie Bucks.

But, what if you really want to go on a High Adventure Trip?

No problem! Let’s say you sold 400 boxes. Using the chart below for High Adventure Trips, find the number of boxes of cookies you sold, or the number of boxes you want to redeem for camp days.

Let’s say the High Adventure Trip you want is 6 days. If the total cost is $600, or $100 per day. Your 400 boxes are worth 2 days of camp which leaves you only needing to pay for 4 days which cost $100 each for a total balance due of $400.

Using Cookie Bucks for Resident Camp

Using Standard Cookie Bucks Rate

125 packages = 1 day of resident camp 250 packages = 2 days of resident camp 375 packages = 3 days of resident camp 500 packages = 4 days of resident camp 625 packages = 5 days of resident camp 750 packages = 6 days of resident camp 1,625 packages = 13 days of resident camp

(for select 1-Day and Week end Adult & Me sessions, may only be used for girls’ fee):

Sister Cookie Bucks Transfer

Using Cookie Bucks for High Adventure Trips

If sisters are registered in Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains and have participated in the 2014 cookie sale, a one-time transfer of any number of cookie packages from one sister to another can be made. Please indicate this by selecting the sister cookie buck transfer during online registration, or on the paper form.

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115 packages = $10 175 packages = $20 260 packages = $30 335 packages = $40 425 packages = $50

200 packages = 1 day 400 packages = 2 days 600 packages = 3 days

600 packages = $70 800 packages = $100 975 packages = $125 1,200 packages = $150 1,500 packages = $200

800 packages = 4 days 1000 packages = 5 days 1200 packages = 6 days

For more information about using Cookie Bucks, please contact the Product Sales Staff in your area.

Financial Assistance We believe that all girls should have the opportunity to benefit from the life-changing camp experience. We recognize that it may not be possible for all families to afford camp fees. Depending on available funding, a limited amount of financial assistance may be available to cover part of the camp fees for a single session of camp.

Applicants for financial assistance must be a registered Girl Scout in Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains. You may request financial aid during the online registration process or on the paper registration. You must register and pay the $25.00 deposit for a session before applying so that the spot is available for you.

If you do not receive financial assistance, or if the amount received is not enough for you to attend, the $25.00 will be returned. Refunds will only be issued before the program takes place.

shoot a bow

Financial assistance applications will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis. All requests for financial assistance will receive a response. Each girl may have only one opportunity to use financial assistance per year.

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To give a girl the amazing opportunity to go to camp visit

www.gs-top.org/donate 34

A Few Camp Basics Health and Safety

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Health centers are staffed with a camp nurse/health supervisor. All supervisory staff is First Aid/CPR trained.

For all camps, emergency care is available at a nearby clinic/hospital.

All resident campers are screened at check-in.

Temperature is recorded; feet and heads are checked. Campers will need to have had a physical after August 2013 prior to attending camp.

Campers attending a 3 day or shorter session will need only a health history. SR Horses of Course sessions only need a signed permission slip and a waiver. These forms will be provided in your confirmation email.

The proper physical or health history form, and instructions, are mailed or emailed in the confirmation packet. No camper, child or adult, is admitted to camp without the proper physical or health history form completed and signed.

Campers attending a 4 day or longer session will need a health history and a physical after August 2013 prior to attending camp. These forms will be provided in your email confirmation with your parent handbook and can also be found at : www.gs-top.org/girl-scout-camp-information.

Each camp has procedures in place to monitor and respond to weather conditions to ensure the health and safety of campers. Both camps will post weather conditions and updates on their Facebook page (see pages 4-5).

Expected Camp Behavior

Drop Off and Pick Up Times

Campers exhibiting inappropriate behavior (such as biting, using profanity, bullying, hitting, refusing to participate or to follow directions, or creating an unsafe environment) will be sent home with no refund. Campers will be required to sign the Camper Behavior Agreement.

All specific drop off and pick up times will be listed for each session in the Parent Handbook included in your email confirmation.

camp with

my

best

friend

go on a hike Camp Staff Staff members are selected for their interest and ability to work with young people, to teach and share skills, their willingness to be part of a team, their commitment to the values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility and their appreciation of diverse groups of girls.

Visitors and Phone Calls We invite camp families to visit during the scheduled camp open houses (see pages 3-5), view the facilities, and meet the staff. Visitors are welcome at that time.

During resident camp all campers will be very busy.

For this reason, it is not convenient for parents or friends to visit during the camping session. Parents understand that problems develop when some campers may have visitors while others do not. We know that every parent will cooperate in considering the best interests of all campers.

To limit unnecessary interruption during resident camp, campers are not permitted to bring cell phones, tablet computers, e-Readers, music players, etc. to camp. These items will be collected, labeled with the camper’s name, and kept in the camp office for safe keeping until departure day. Please limit incoming calls to emergency calls only.

Camp Accreditation

All staff meets the age and skill certification standards required by GSUSA. Work history, personal references and criminal background checks are conducted prior to employment.

Staff attends an intensive six day pre-camp orientation where they learn or review camping skills, risk management and safety procedures including First Aid and CPR, the Girl Scout Program, human relations, and communication skills.

Specially qualified staff directs the pool, horseback riding, canoeing, and trip activities.

be silly !

Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains is committed to providing a camping experience that will protect and maintain the well-being of every girl. Our camps are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association, a private, nonprofit educational organization that provides members with educational and accreditation services.

An ACA accreditation indicates that a camp has met ACA standards. This nationally recognized accreditation focuses on a thorough review of every facet of our procedures including healthcare, site safety, and business management, qualified and certified staff for all programs offered and screening and training of all personnel. All GS-TOP camps operate under the safety camp management standards established by Girl Scouts of the USA, as well as the Texas Youth Camp Safety Act.

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Campers with special needs The goal of our camps is to provide a successful experience for all girls. Parents are requested to communicate with the appropriate camp director about campers prior to attending camp session, with any special needs or disabilities so that your camper can eat, sleep, play and learn as comfortably as every girl at camp. This enables the camp to make every effort to accommodate those needs with appropriate staff. It is imperative that the camp director has advance notice of the needs of a camper with a disability so that we can adequately prepare for the camper.

Liability for Equine Activities Law

Challenge Courses/Ropes Courses

A Texas State Law titled “Liability for Equine Activities: (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code)� requires operators of horseback-riding programs to inform participants of the warning included in the law.

The Association of Challenge Course Technology (ACCT) is recognized as the leading professional resource for those who create safe and effective challenge course programs that facilitate learning and positive change in individuals, groups and communities. The ACCT requires that all member courses submit to annual inspections conducted by certified independent challenge course engineers. Our facilitators have been trained and received certification to operate the challenge courses at our camps.

Warning: Under Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), an equine professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in equine activities from the inherent risk of equine activities. Equine activities are considered a high-risk activity. Participants will follow directions and safety standards at all times. Failure to do so will result in immediate removal from the session with no refund.

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Living in the Out of Doors Campers and staff live in groups called units. These may include platform tents, cabins or unit houses. Unit staff will sleep in the unit with the girls, but in separate cabins or tents which are in close proximity to the girls.

It is summer time, so life at camp is like life anywhere else in Texas – hot! Very few buildings are air-conditioned, but common areas like dining halls and unit buildings are equipped with fans. Girls also stay cool swimming, wearing wet bandannas, and drinking plenty of water. Life at camp takes place outdoors, so there will be bugs and wildlife to observe.

Meals are well-balanced, nutritious and served family-style in the dining halls. Girls also have the opportunity to cook out with their unit provided a fire ban is not in effect. Snacks will be provided daily. Some camp sessions take girls on field trips, visiting attractions in the camp area. On these trips, strict safety measures are adhered to and competent, age appropriate staff leads each trip.

What kinds of activities do you do at camp?

Camp is a great place to have fun, meet new friends, and learn new skills. At Girl Scout camp you might learn to swim, ride a horse, make a clay pot, paddle a canoe, go on a hike, learn how to create a new computer program or use a global positioning system, make jewelry, or learn about the plants and animals in the area. Camp is a place where you learn to live and work with other girls, and prepare for the challenges of everyday life. Many camps have special themes for each session, and there is always an element of girl planning for every program.

What are “kapers�?

At Girl Scout camp, girls are active members of our camp community and are assigned daily chores or kapers. Kapers may include picking up trash, collecting firewood, setting the table and cleaning the bathrooms.

Badge Work Each girl will have the opportunity to work on badges appropriate to her grade level while at camp. Girls may or may not complete an entire badge while at camp due to the wide variety of activities offered. Some follow-up work may be done in the troop or at home. Please keep in mind that weather does have an effect on some activities, especially swimming, horseback riding and the challenge course.

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Is Your Family Ready for Camp?

Is my daughter ready for Resident Camp?

Am I ready for my daughter to attend Resident Camp?

If your daughter has never spent the night away from home, you may want to start her with a day camp or a short stay such as 1 or 2 nights at resident camp. After that she can progress into whatever length of camp she desires.

Parents and guardians sometimes have a difficult time sending their daughters to resident camp. The following questions will help in your decision making. £ Can you relax and enjoy yourself when your girl sleeps overnight away from home? £ Are you prepared to be away from your daughter for several days? £ Are you willing to have your daughter participate in camp kapers (chores) such as setting tables, cleaning the cabin, sweeping, picking up trash, and cleaning the bathroom? £ Are you confident in your daughter’s ability to take care of herself, make her own bed, and keep track of her own belongings? £ Do you believe that camp provides girls with a fun and rewarding experience that builds self-worth and independence? £ Are you willing to trust the camp staff with the care of your daughter?

Although age is one factor in readiness for resident camp, a child’s maturity level and personality are more important indicators. Talk to your child. If she is enthusiastic about attending, she will probably enjoy camp. The following questions may help in determining readiness for resident camp. £ Has your daughter ever been away from home for more than one night without family members? £ Can she keep up with her personal belongings? £ Can she take care of her own basic hygiene needs such as showering, toileting, and brushing her teeth without assistance? £ Can she cope with unfamiliar people, new places, and group schedules? £ Does she enjoy making new friends? £ Does she like group situations? £ Does she enjoy being outdoors? Can she see mosquitoes, bugs, or other “nature” friends without being frightened?

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What if my camper is homesick?

Can she come home?

Please include your camper in the decision making process so that she is aware of the length of stay.

Do not promise her she can come home early if she does not like camp in the first couple of days. We will work with your camper to help her adjust; however, if she refuses to eat, stay adequately hydrated, or cannot adjust to camp life after 48 hours, she will need to be picked up.

summit to the top

Can I contact my daughter at camp?

Girls love to receive mail from home while they are at camp. Parents/ guardians may leave letters with the camp staff during check-in to be distributed during the week. Mail is distributed once a day, excluding Sunday. Please focus messages on the positives of camp: friendship, new experiences/ stories, new foods, etc. Families may also register at Bunk1.com to view pictures of their campers at camp, purchase prints of those pictures, and send “Bunk Notes” to their campers! Registration and viewing is free; Bunk Notes and printed pictures are an optional, low cost fee. More information about Bunk1 will be sent with your registration confirmation email.

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g n i v a h e r a u o y I know … p m a c t a e m i t t a a gre 40

More Fun Summer Programs Day/Twilight Camps

Summer Extreme…

In the Fort Worth surrounding area, trained volunteers help girls experience varied outdoor programs. At day and twilight camps girls make new friends and learn about sustaining the environment, campfire cooking skills, learning new games or sports, outdoor survival skills, tie-dye art or earning some of the newest badges. Day/Twilight camps are usually four hours a day for 4–5 days. Girls will have the camp experience but go home each night. These programs are open to girls of all ages and timed to fit with a working parent’s schedule!

Summer Extreme is single day events to enjoy with your friends and family!

Adults can join in the fun by volunteering and your much needed help has another benefit—the Girl Scout daughters of Day/Twilight Camp volunteers attend for free!

GS-TOP partners with many businesses and organizations in the greater Fort Worth or Lubbock areas to offer program opportunities throughout the summer.

Summer Extreme activities are partial or whole day events most often in an indoor setting. Summer Extreme also includes activities for girls and their family members.

Check www.gs-top.org/summerextreme-program for specific session dates, descriptions, and locations!

Watch www.gs-top.org/day-twilight

for specific session dates, descriptions, and locations!

too busy for a regular week at camp? not quite ready to

spend the night away from home?

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Abilene area day and weekend camps Camping in the Oaks – The Nature of Science June 20-22, 2014

Camping in the Oaks – Daisy Day June 21, 2014

Join us for a two night camp as we explore the beauty of Camp Boothe Oaks. Along with traditional camp experiences such as hiking, archery and s’mores, girls will be exploring some of the awesome aspects of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics with fun experiments and hands on activities. Girls will earn science and technology skill building badges as well as receive a camping fun patch.

Cadettes entering 7th grade, and older girls will also get a chance to work on leadership skills by helping out younger girls during part of the day. For those who can’t spend the night, a day camp option will be available.

We can’t wait for you to join us for the day as we explore the fun and beauty of Camp Boothe Oaks.

Daisies will have a chance to earn petals, experience camp and make new friends. This is a great opportunity for a Daisy to experience camp life close to home and is specifically designed for girls going into Kindergarten and 1st Grade. Don’t miss out!

ENTERING GRADES K-1 FEE: Girl - $20 / Adult - $9

ENTERING GRADES 2-9 FEE: Girl Overnight - $35 / Girl Day - $20

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4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109 800-582-7272 • 817-737-7272 www.gs-top.org www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsTOP

Printed on recycled paper

Girl Scouts is a 501 c 3 nonprofit organization. For more information on how you can support our mission through outright gifts, professional goods or services, please call 800-582-7272 or visit www.gs-top.org

Organization U.S. Postage

PAID

Permit No. 2277 Fort Worth, TX