2026 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 2026? 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 and, hopefully, “explore more” that the outdoors has to offer as you try new things!
Girl Scouts do more than just have fun! Our programming is designed to help girls grow and benefit through the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. These five outcomes in our program model can be applied to the outdoors and beyond!
• Strong Sense of Self
• Healthy Relationships
• Challenge Seeking
• Positive Values
• Community Problem Solving
Before you come to camp, we need some forms completed and submitted to our team.
• Photo Release
• High Risk Form
• Camper Code of Conduct
• Circle C Form
• Health Form
The Camp Physical Submission will be completed and signed by your family’s physician and brought with you to camp on the day of check-in.
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!
Lena Watson Co-Camp Director
Emma White
Outdoor Experience Manager and Co-Camp Director
Cathy Thacker Equine Experience Manager
Cassidy McCollum
Equine Experience Specialist
Wayne Lawrence Ranger, Keyauwee
Clayton Sheehan Director of Outdoor Experience & Property
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.
• RIITs: 1 p.m.
• Brownies (rising 2-3 grade): 1-2 p.m.
• Juniors (rising 4-5 grade): 2-3 p.m.
• Cadettes (rising 6-8 grade): 3-4 p.m.
• Seniors/Ambassadors/CITs (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 3:45 p.m. on Wednesdays for mini camp sessions and 3:45 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 in gsEvents and bring a printed copy of your Camper Health Form with you to camp on check-in day. 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 you will also be required to submit immunization records (or immunizations waiver) and a Camp Physical signed by a licensed medical professional.
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:
Lights, Camera, Camp!
JUNE 25
Lights, Camera, Camp! Theme Thursday means dressing as your favorite character and seeing what camp life is like for them!
Galaxy Explorers
JULY 2
Don’t miss Theme Tuesday this half week, where everything goes outer space—from activities to outfits to camp-wide surprises.
Around the World
JULY 9
Campers can show off their travels or their dream destinations as they wear t-shirts, hats, scarves or other fun accessories from places they’ve visited—or ones they’d love to explore.
Magic and Mysteries
JULY 16
Magic and Mysteries Midweek brings Theme Thursday, a day to dress in your best wizard or magical outfits, letting your imagination run wild and adding an extra touch of magic to the fun.
Enchanted Forest
JULY 23
Campers are encouraged to dress as their favorite magical creature— whether a sparkling fairy, woodland sprite or enchanted forest friend— and immerse themselves fully in the whimsy of camp.
Under the Big Top JULY 30
Under the Big Top Day has campers dress in bright carnival colors, silly clown accessories or fun circus outfits—think clown noses, top hats, sparkly vests or colorful scarves.
Camper Photos
You can view photos of your camper while they are away at camp through Rallyhood. We will send an invite to access your camper’s session prior to their arrival. You can create a free Rallyhood account to connect with others in our council and explore additional topics. Learn more and get started at https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/members/for-volunteers/rallyhood. html.
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 for select weeks of camp! We will be offering transportation assistance from the Asheville and Hickory Service Centers for full-week campers during the summer camp weeks of June 2126 and July 12-17. Submit your transportation assistance request by May 17 at bit.ly/4qlM7fG. Campers will be transported in either council-owned 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 17, 2026. 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.
Please note: All Brownie and Junior campers need to bring a pair of long pants because they will be going to the barn and may 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 ASTM/SEI-approved riding helmets are provided for campers. If a camper has their own riding helmet that they would like to bring and use, our staff will inspect for suitability and appropriate fit. The helmet needs to be 5 years or younger and ASTM/SEI certified.
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).
