Summer Camp: Camper Packet

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2025 Camper Packet

We are so excited you are joining us for a summer of fun at Keyauwee Program Center! It’s going to be a great experience. Be sure to read through this information so you feel prepared to arrive at camp and have a fun, safe and fulfilling time while there. If you have any questions that are not answered here, please reach out to us at info@girlscoutsp2p.org or by calling 800-672-2148.

Dear GSCP2P Family,

Are you ready for Summer 2025? We are thrilled to hear that you have registered for one of our summer camp programs. We’ve packed each week full of fun, friends and adventure, and we can’t wait to share it with you. You’ll have the opportunity to do your favorite camp activities like archery, swimming and boating. Try out something new this summer and explore all that the great things the outdoors has to offer.

Our hearts continue to go out to those in Western North Carolina whose lives were impacted by the devastating effects of Hurricane Helene. As our communities continue to recover, please know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. During the storm, Camp Ginger Cascades and Camp Pisgah both sustained significant, but reparable damage. Both of these properties are on the mend as we put a great deal of time and effort into repairs and updates. However, due to damage from the hurricane, we have made the decision to host all six weeks of our summer camp programming at Keyauwee Program Center for summer 2025. As always, our first priority is to ensure that we are providing a safe program for our Girl Scouts that we know we can deliver on. Given the uncertain timeline of recovery efforts in Western North Carolina, this is the best way for us to offer programs with 100% certainty for our members. We know that many of our Girl Scouts need camp now more than ever, so GSCP2P will be offering transportation assistance from Asheville and Hickory to make sure every member has access to our summer camp programs this year. You can find more information on transportation assistance in this packet.

Please contact info@girlscoutsp2p.org or 800-672-2148 with any questions. We are looking forward to another amazing summer at camp – we can’t wait to see you soon!

Helpful Tips for Preparing Your Camper

Your camper is going to have a great time making new friends and experiencing new adventures, but that doesn’t mean that they might not miss home every now and then. Here are some helpful tips for making sure your camper feels prepared for their time at camp:

• Be sure your camper feels comfortable with self-care, such as taking a shower independently, brushing teeth and hair daily, putting on deodorant, etc. Our camp staff will do morning check-ins with the campers to make sure they have what they need each day, including clean clothes. A great way to help with this- especially for younger girls- is to put each day’s clean clothes in Ziploc bags that are clearly labeled.

• If this is your camper’s first time away from home, have a conversation about homesickness. Homesickness is natural. Create a plan with your camper for what they will do if they become homesick. Some ideas may be to write a letter home, tell a counselor or try to be a friend to someone else that may be feeling homesick too.

• Have a conversation about camp readiness in general. Has your camper stayed away from home before with no issues? Are they comfortable trying new things or being in new places? Is your camper open-minded to new experiences and meeting new people? Does your camper know what to do if they have a problem at camp? Are they comfortable pitching in on different tasks?

• Camp readiness is just as important for the parent. Are you ready to be away from your camper for multiple days without checking in? Do you trust our camp staff to keep her safe? These are all great questions to ask!

A

Day in the Life at Camp

Each morning of camp includes a flag ceremony, followed by breakfast.

Campers will participate in both morning and afternoon activity sessions. This could include anything from boating and swimming to arts and crafts to session-specific programming.

After lunch, campers will have the opportunity for some quiet time- whether they actually rest or just take time to read, journal, draw, etc. on their own.

Campers gather for a nightly dinner in the dining hall and then participate in evening activitiesmaybe an all-camp campfire or group games- before starting their nightly bedtime routines.

You can find Summer Camp FAQs on our website at www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/camp/summer-camp-opportunities.html.

About Keyauwee Program Center

Keyauwee Program Center is an ACA accredited facility in rural Randolph County, NC, that has been serving Girl Scouts since 1945. Our facilities include a modern, air-conditioned dining hall, junior Olympic swimming pool, climbing wall, low & high ropes courses, archery range, a lake for boating and so much more! At Keyauwee, campers live in units based on their age and program description. Camper accommodations consist of lodge-style housing with bunkbeds for Brownies, small cabins for Juniors and fully screened platform tents with metal roofs for older campers. The cabins and tents each sleep four campers, and all beds have mattresses that fit twin size sheets. Each unit has an enclosed bathhouse facility with sinks, flush toilets and hot showers. There are individual stalls in bathrooms for campers’ privacy. Counselors sleep in facilities adjacent to campers, but not in the same room.

Keyauwee Program Center

2574 Sweetbriar Road Sophia, NC 27350 336-861-1198 info@girlscoutsp2p.org

Check-in and Check-Out for Overnight Camp

Check-in happens each week on Sunday afternoon. Check-in times are assigned by age level. If you are dropping off multiple campers in different age levels, please drop them off at the time slot for your youngest camper.

• Brownies (rising 2-3 grade): 1-2 p.m.

• Juniors (rising 4-5 grade): 2-3 p.m.

• Cadette (rising 6-8 grade): 3-4 p.m.

• Senior/Ambassador/CIT/RIIT (rising 9-12 grade): 4–5 p.m.

Your camper’s luggage will be delivered to the unit they are staying in. Adults may accompany campers to their cabin to help set up their bunk, but should plan to depart promptly to allow our program to begin and free up space in the parking area.

• If you plan to walk your camper to their cabin, please wear appropriate footwear and be aware that you will be traveling on gravel roads and unpaved trails.

The Trading Post will only be open during check-in for campers and their families. Most Trading Post items will be available for pre-order. Please note that the Trading Post will not be open during the week for campers or during check out.

Check-out is at 4 p.m. on Wednesdays for mini camp sessions and 4 p.m. on Fridays for full week sessions. Parents are invited to attend a brief Closing Ceremony promptly at 3:45 p.m. on check-out day.

The person picking up your camper must show a photo ID and be listed as an authorized pick-up person on your camper’s Medical Form.

• Early Pick-Up: If you need to pick your camper up early, this is not a problem. Please let camp staff know during check-in.

Camper Health Information

Please make sure that you have completed all pre-camp paperwork prior to check in. Paperwork can be completed in your Campwise account (where you registered your camper). This is where you can let us know about any special dietary needs, allergies, medications and medical conditions or significant life events. Please note that this year, you will be required to upload immunization records (or immunizations waiver) and a signed Camp Physical.

All medications must be in original packaging and turned in during the health screening. This includes all over-the-counter medications, even vitamins and topical creams. We also can only dispense medication according to the labeled directions unless we receive a note from your physician.

Camper Mail

All campers love mail! We recommend dropping off mail at check-in so your camper receives a letter in the first few days. Packages are allowed, but not encouraged, except in special circumstances (e.g. camper’s birthday). Please do not include high-value items or food and candy in packages. If your camper would like to send letters home while they are at camp, we suggest you send them with prestamped and addressed stationery.

Meal Times

Camper E-mail

Parents and family members can also e-mail their campers during their time at camp. To use this one-way e-mail service, e-mail p2pcamper@girlscoutsp2p.org. In the subject line, include your camper’s name and their program grade level (e.g. Juliette Low, Junior, 4th grade). E-mails will be printed off at 11 a.m. daily and given out with the day’s mail.

All meals and snacks are provided at camp. Meals are communal, family-style experiences supervised by staff. We strive to make all meals tasty, balanced and camper-friendly and will share weekly menus with families at check-in. We employ a kitchen team of trained chefs and helpers who prepare all food from scratch. Accommodations are made for dietary restrictions (vegetarian, gluten free, dairy free, etc.). We do not encourage “try it bites” or “clean plate club,” but rather allow campers to eat what and how much they like. Alternatives like sunbutter and jelly sandwiches and cereal are always available in addition to the primary meal. We are a nut and shellfish free facility and are happy to accommodate all food allergies.

On Thursdays, we wear the theme!

Whether you want to dress up all day or just for dinner, campers and staff are encouraged to show their spirit on Thursdays! All clothing for Theme Thursday should follow the normal guidelines for camp attire- make sure it is both comfortable and appropriate for camp activities! Here are some outfit ideas to get you started:

Stage Stars

JUNE 19

T-shirts featuring your favorite singer or band, musical or movie! For dinner, consider dressing up in red-carpet style!

Renaissance Revival

JUNE 26

Let yourself be inspired by fantasy, medieval and renaissance style. Cloaks, tunics & leggings, tall boots, long skirts & blouses, floral crowns or tiaras would be good ideas.

World Wanderers

JULY 3

T-shirts featuring a city or country you’d like to visit. Or, dress up like your version of a tourist: will you be tacky or glamorous?

Magic and Mysteries

JULY 17

T-shirts showing your appreciation for other Wizardry schools or their houses. At dinnertime, you might want to change into more formal wizard attire or something you might wear to the Yule Ball.

Woodland Wonders

JULY 24

T-shirts with nature inspiration! For dinner, consider dressing up like a fairy, woodland creature, or fairytale character.

Magnificant Makers

JULY 31

Let’s get creatively colorful and dress in your unit’s theme color: Brownies: purple, Juniors: green, Cadettes: blue, Seniors & Ambassadors: yellow, CITs & RIITs: red, Artistic or Collegiate Equestrian: orange.

Camper Photos

You can view photos of your camper while they are away at camp through our photo service, Waldo. To enroll in this free service, scan the QR code or text GSCP2P to 735-343. The join code is #gscp2psummer25.

Transportation Assistance

To ensure that every member has the opportunity to participate in our summer camp programs this year at Keyauwee Program Center, GSCP2P will be offering free transportation assistance from our Asheville and Hickory Service Centers for select weeks of camp! We will be offering direct transportation assistance for full-week campers during Renaissance Revival week (June 22-27, 2025) and Magnificent Makers week (July 27-August 1, 2025). To sign up for this FREE service, register your camper here by May 18. Campers will be transported in either councilowned vans or charter buses, depending on interest and availability. Check In and Check Out itineraries for Asheville and Hickory can be found below.

Sunday Check In Itinerary:

11-11:45 a.m. Camper check in at Asheville Service Center

Noon Departure from Asheville Service Center

1-1:45 p.m. Camper check in at Hickory Service Center

2 p.m. Departure from Hickory Service Center

4 p.m. Arrival at Keyauwee Program Center

Friday Check Out Itinerary:

4 p.m. Departure from Keyauwee Program Center

6 p.m. Arrival at Hickory Service Center and camper check out at Hickory Service Center

6:30 p.m. Departure from Hickory Service Center

8 p.m. Arrival at Asheville Service Center and camper check out at Asheville Service Center

Please note that transportation assistance sign-ups are due by Sunday, May 18. If you have any questions or issues with registration, contact us at 800-672-2148 or info@girlscoutsp2p.org.

Packing List

�Sleeping bag or blanket, twin-size sheets

�Pillow

�Shirts and shorts/pants for each day

�Long sleeve T-shirt or rash guard

�Jacket/sweatshirt

�Pajamas

�Clean underwear for each day, plus one extra

�Socks

�Closed-toed shoes

�Sports sandals (with a thick sole and back strap) or water shoes

�Hat/sunglasses (with strap if needed)

�Sunscreen

�Bug Spray

�Raincoat/poncho

�Swimsuits (2)

�Pool/lake towel and shower towel

�Toiletries and carrying case, including shampoo and other hair care products, soap or body wash, toothbrush & toothpaste, hairbrush and hair ties/clips, deodorant and feminine hygiene products

�Day pack/small backpack

�Dirty laundry bag

�Flashlight

�Mess kit/plastic dishes/utensils

�Water bottle

�Medications in original packaging with camper’s name on it

What Not to Pack for Camp

Candy, gum, snacks, soda

Personal sports gear (including archery equipment, climbing harness, etc.)

Weapons (including pocketknives)

Electronic devices including cell phones, tablets/laptops, and gaming devices

Horse Camp Packing Items

�Long pants: Long pants are required for campers when participating in horse activities. Some suggested options for long pants include cotton or yoga-type leggings or riding pants. Jeans can restrict movement, but are also appropriate for riding.

ALL Brownies need to bring a pair of long pants because they will be going to the barn and will have an opportunity to ride a horse!

�Boots: Circle C Equestrian Center has boots that campers can borrow, but many campers like to have their own. The important safety feature to look for is a mostly smooth sole and a small flat heel. Boots to avoid are any kind of fashion boots that have zippers running up the inside of the leg, chunky sole hiking boots and rubber rain boots.

�Riding Helmets: Only ASTMSEI-approved riding helmets are provided for campers. If a camper has their own riding helmet that they would like to use, they may bring it with them, but our staff will inspect for suitability and appropriate fit.

Cell Phones and Electronics

Summer camp is an opportunity for campers to be unplugged from normal, everyday devices and experience the magic of camp without the influence of technology. Campers are not allowed to have cell phones or other electronic devices on camp property.

ACA Accredited Properties

Physical safety is important to Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P), and we take safety very seriously in every way. Besides the carefully chosen and well-trained people who run things, our camp programs at Camp Ginger Cascades, Keyauwee Program Center and Camp Pisgah are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). With the ACA’s and the state of North Carolina’s guidance and our decades of experience, our camps ensure all the best safety protocols and procedures are in place. Knowing everything is safe means we can focus on fun. Our staff also go through rigorous pre-camp training to ensure they are equipped to handle the physical, mental, and emotional needs of campers. All staff are trained in First Aid/CPR, Youth Mental Health and First Aid, emergency procedures, homesickness, conflict resolution and more.

Diversity & Inclusion at Camp

GSCP2P is a place where all Girl Scouts can belong and thrive. Each camper can be themself as they discover their strengths, develop courage, confidence and character and make the world a better place. We are committed to creating an environment where all campers and their families, volunteers and professional staff can participate, learn and grow together. We value diversity and inclusiveness and do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, marital status, familial status, veteran status, socioeconomic status, national origin, physical or developmental disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws. We are committed to a welcoming and inclusive environment for all campers and their families, and we strive to ensure our members have safe spaces to learn, grow, take healthy risks and make new friends while being themselves and feeling affirmed and respected for who they are. We humbly acknowledge that we do not have all the answers on our journey toward diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). However, our commitment is unwavering. We are dedicated to learning and growing together as an organization and as a community to foster a more inclusive world. We recognize that this path may be challenging, but it is essential for progress, and we invite everyone to join us in this ongoing endeavor. Our summer camp programs welcome all girls and Girl Scouts, including cisgender girls, transgender girls and non-binary or gender non-conforming youth. We train our staff to ensure that every camper feels like they belong at camp.

Property Rules

No outside visitors are allowed while camp is in session. Vehicles are not allowed past the camp check-in location without permission from the camp staff. A parking lot is available at the entrance of camp for all guests. All our properties are tobacco, alcohol and smoke free. This includes cigarettes, vaping, chewing, etc. Firearms and ammunition are not allowed on the site except for on duty law enforcement officers or other officials as authorized by the council. Pets are not allowed on site (unless they are a certified service animal).

More Girl Scout Fun

Learn what camp has to offer year-round at www.CampLikeAGirl.org.

Check out upcoming events and programs listed on our calendar!

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Summer Camp: Camper Packet by GSCP2P - Issuu