We are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Developed exclusively for the camp industry, this nationally recognized organization has established high standards for the health and safety of campers and staff, as well as quality program delivery. Trained ACA representatives have conducted an independent appraisal and we have earned this mark of distinction.
Welcome!
We are so excited that your Girl Scout is joining us for a fantastic week full of fun! Girl Scout day camp gives girls the opportunity to spend quality time in a safe, supportive outdoor setting while making friends and learning new skills, having new adventures, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Campers will:
•Learn outdoor skills such as: knots, fire building, navigation, trail etiquette, and outdoor cooking.
•Work toward earning badges and patches related to outdoor living and their program content. (Please note that campers may or may not complete an entire badge.)
•Play games, sing songs, create arts and crafts, participate in a flag ceremony, have a cookout, and help take care of camp by doing kapers, and more!
We encourage you to read this entire day camp family handbook as it provides answers to frequently asked questions about day camp, mentions required forms, gives information about daily routines, lists what to pack, and outlines camper expectations. If you have questions or specific concerns after reading this handbook, please contact us via our Customer Care team. Do not hesitate to communicate with us early and often so we can build our partnership with you and ensure your camper has a positive experience at Girl Scout camp. We value communication as our best tool for a positive camp experience.
Our Mission
Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. In this spirit, we strive to create a community that helps campers unlock their potential and discover the outdoors, while developing life skills that become habits of the heart.
Our Program Philosophy
Everything that happens at camp is program! At camp we provide a variety of experiences, some new, encouraging girls to stretch; and some old, reinforcing girls’ confidence in their skills. Our program is the foundation upon which campers develop a love of nature, learn to engage safely in a range of outdoor activities, gain confidence in their ability to take on new challenges, and begin to understand what they can do to protect the nature world.
Inclusion
Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma and Girl Scouts of the USA support pluralism and inclusion. We are an inclusive organization. It is at the core of who we are; the Girl Scout Promise and Law celebrates being “honest and fair, considerate and caring” and being “a sister to every Girl Scout.” The Girl Scout organization stands firm in valuing diversity and does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, socioeconomic status, national origin, or physical or developmental disability.
Rights & Dignity
Girls Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. We expect everyone to act respectfully regardless of their differences. As we prepare our Girl Scouts to make the world a better place, we teach them to practice empathy, friendship, and kindness. At Girl Scouts, girls learn to celebrate their own unique strengths while also learning the acceptance, tolerance, and appreciation of other human beings.
Day Camp Life
Typical Day at Camp
• Arrive at camp, assemble in units
• All-camp Opening Flag Ceremony
• Morning activity period:
(Hike, nature study, arts & crafts, prepare for cookout,etc.)
• Sack lunch or cookout
• Afternoon activity perdiod
(Play games, practice outdoor skills, GSUSA badge-work, etc.)
• Day’s End:
(Store the supplies, return borrowed items to headquarters, clean unit)
• All-camp Closing Flag Ceremony
• Leave for Home
Units
Campers will be assembled into units at camp. A unit is a group of campers the same age who are supervised by a Unit Leader and Unit Assistants (Adult Volunteer). Each unit will have a place for campers to leave their belongings and lunches. Girl Scout camp is girl-led, meaning each unit will spend time planning and contributing their ideas as to what will be done during their day at camp. In helping to plan their experience, campers enjoy the opportunity to make decisions, be heard, build self-esteem and increase their imagination and creativity.
Cookouts
Campers may have the opportunity to plan and prepare a cookout. The purpose of a cookout is to learn and practice outdoor cooking skills. Additionally, they will learn fire-building and safety skills, safe food handling and outdoor cleanup (dish washing) skills. Specifics will be relayed by your day camp’s director, if your camper will be participating in a cookout.
Camp Kapers
At camp, everyone participates in kapers. Kapers are camp chores that play an important role in Girl Scouting. Units take turns completing a daily kaper, such as tidying up program areas, collecting lost and found, or picking up litter around camp. Kapers are one way we all contribute to and share in the responsibility within our camp community. Completing a kaper usually takes no more than 15 minutes; leaders supervise and participate with the campers in all kapers.
Security
Access to camp property is limited and controlled. Each day camp has at least 2 assigned “Roamers,” volunteers whose full time role is to serve as extra eyes and ears during day camp. They screen visitors, walk the perimeter of campgrounds, etc. Plans have been made with appropriate medical and law enforcement personnel to respond quickly in case of emergency. Professional security will be in place at all sites too.
Visitors
Part of the camp experience is each camper discovering themselves and learning independence. Camp is closed to all visitors, including parents, during camp sessions. Camp staff will contact you, if needed.
Early Pick-Up or Change of Transportation
If you need to pick your camper up from camp earlier than usual, you must do so through camp headquarters. Form 617aT required, if someone else will be picking up your camper. The person picking your camper up will be required to show identification.
In the event of an emergency, you may call the council day camp manager at 918-745-5236 or 800-707-9914 ext. 236. Only the council day camp manager can authorize an exception to this policy.
If there are any concerns as to who is or is not allowed to pick up your camper, please notify the camp director before camp begins.
Weather
Weather is monitored and plans are in place for heat, storms, and emergencies. If it is just a summer shower moving through, day camp will go on as usual. In the event of inclement weather, it is possible for day camp to be cancelled for the day or moved to their alternate location. Should a severe weather watch appear during the day, campers evacuate to alternative site. Each day camp site will give further instruction.
Updates, including alterative weather plans, will be found at the Council Day Camp line: 918-749-2551, ext. 7.
Absences
If your camper will be absent any day during the week, please call the camp director as soon as possible. If the director is not available, you may call the council day camp manager at 918-745-5236 or 800-707-9914 ext. 236.
Health and Safety
Our health care policies meet or exceed standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA’s guidelines and American Camp Association guidelines. Your family shares in the responsibility for keeping our camp community healthy. Before camp, remind your camper of the importance of frequent hand washing; not sharing water bottles, eating utensils; and of personal hygiene best practices. Campers are encouraged to care for themselves by getting enough sleep, eating healthfully, drinking plenty of water, etc.
Our staff will model expectations and provide reminders. We encourage families to set expectations for campers before they arrive at camp. Please coach your camper to tell a staff member if they are hurt, feels ill, needs personal care items, or needs help with something.
Health Team
A Health Supervisor with advanced medical training is on duty at camp at all times. The Health Supervisor works under written orders given by the physician on call.
In emergencies and in cases of non-routine illnesses and injuries, parents/guardians will be notified immediately. In cases of minor injuries or illnesses (ex: bug bites, scrapes, headache, minor sunburn, etc.), treatment will be provided. If the Health Supervisor has questions or concerns regarding these minor cases, parents/guardians will be contacted.
Health Information
Health information is required for all participants (girl, adult, and tagalong). Health information must be completed by registration deadline. Please note any information we will need to help your camper be healthy and successful at camp. It is imperative that GSEOK be notified of all camper’s medications, any physical, emotional, or behavioral difficulties.
GSEOK partners with CampDoc.com to better serve our campers. CampDoc.com offers an electronic health record system for camps so you can complete your camper’s health information electronically. The security, confidentiality, and privacy of your camper’s health information will always be protected. CampDoc.com is secure, encrypted, and password protected.
After you register, you will receive a “Welcome Email” from CampDoc.com with information on how to complete your camper’s health information online.
First-time CampDoc users can follow the instructions below:
• Click the link in the email to set a new password for your CampDoc.com account.
• Follow the instructions and complete the health history for your camper. Alerts will appear for missing required information. CampDoc.com sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete health information.
Please set register@campdoc.com as a ‘safe sender,’ to avoid accidental delivery to junk/spam folder.
Medications
All medications must be properly documented in CampDocs and be given directly to the Health Supervisor opening day. Medications must be in original containers and sealed in a clear gallon-sized Ziploc bag. Ziploc bags must be labeled with the camper’s full name and birthday. Medications will be administered at the first aid station by Health Supervisor. Medications may NOT be kept by campers.
Medications must be picked up by a legal guardian (verification required) on Friday. If they are not picked up, the Health Supervisor will take them to the GSEOK Hardesty Leadership Center Friday evening. If your camper has a special medical need to carry medication with them (asthma inhaler, EpiPen, etc.), you must make prior arrangements with the Health Supervisor and a signed statement from you or your camper’s physician will be required.
We want your camper to have a positive experience, if your camper takes prescription medications for any health related condition, we advise that they continue these medications under supervision of Health Supervisor. This will ensure the transition to camp life is smooth. Please let us know if your camper’s doctor has advised that your camper not take their medication during camp.
Special Needs & Accommodations
GSEOK will make every effort to provide reasonable accommodations for all campers who might need them. If your camper has a specific need, please contact your Camp Director in advance of registration, and we will work together towards a possible solution and/or determine availability. Our goal is to provide the best possible camping experience for all our campers.
Camper Expectations
We expect campers who attend to fully participate in the life of camp— to attend activities, share in daily responsibilities, and sincerely work to get along with others. The best way to ensure a successful camp experience for your Girl Scout is to make sure they have appropriate expectations about what it will be like and encouragement and tools from you on how to handle any challenging situations. Any community experience can involve bumps along the way; camp staff will do everything possible to help campers adjust to day camp life.
Attitude to Bring to Camp
Here is a “packing list” of attitudes for campers, which will help them to really prepare for a successful week at camp!
Expect camp to be a new experience, even if you have been before
Be ready to be a friend and you will make friends!
Be prepared to expect the unexpected and to see it as an exciting surprise.
Be prepared to HAVE FUN!
For returning campers: Remember that each year is a different summer with new friends, special events, programs, and different leaders.
Camp Behavior
We expect every camper to follow camp rules and act as a sister to all camp participants. Our camp staff will do everything possible to help campers adjust to camp life.
If a camper’s behavior becomes disruptive or unsuitable for day camp, families will be notified to discuss a solution. Each situation will be treated individually and decisions are made in what is best for all campers. GSEOK reserves the right to send any camper home who is disruptive, presents a safety concern, or engages in behavior that is detrimental to themself, others, or the camp program On these occasions, the caregiver is responsible for picking up the camper immediately and no refund is given.
Some actions are deemed to have a significant impact and will require immediate dismissal from camp
without a refund. Behaviors that are intentionally harmful, such as taunting, spreading rumors, excluding others from groups, endangering the safety of any camper, and verbal or physical aggression may result in immediate dismissal from camp.
Remind your camper that their Unit Leaders are there for them. Encourage your camper(s) to ask leaders, if help is needed and to talk with them if feeling sad, if witnessing anything that makes them uncomfortable, or if they have any issues while at camp. We want to help your camper have a wonderful camp experience!
Every camper and parent/ guardian will sign a Camper Behavior Agreement to acknowledge the behavior expectations they will and will not exhibit at summer camp.
Day Camp Packing List
Well prepared day campers dress for the weather. Your camper should be dressed to get dirty and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Please make sure clothes can be worn at camp – think dirt, mud, hiking on paths and through trees, and playing outside. Items are also easily misplaced with the excitement of each day. Please mark items with camper’s first and last name.
What to Wear to Camp
Comfortable, loose fitting old clothes
NO halter tops, tank tops or tube tops
Sun Safety
Sturdy sneakers and socks (NO sandals, flip-flops or shoes with open toes)
Whistle on a string to be worn around the neck at all times
We recommend that campers use sunscreen daily, and take precautions such as wearing long sleeves and hats with a brim to avoid the sun. Most camp activities take place outside, in the sun, although we will avoid direct sun when we can. Please send a sunscreen to camp that you have determined is appropriate for your camper, and teach her how to apply it.
Insect Repellant & Tick Inspections
Do spray with insect repllant before coming to camp. Spray thoroughly, especially around the tops of shoes and socks, legs, arms, shoulders and back of the neck. Please be sure your camper bathes and passes your careful inspection each day after camp.
Hat with a brim
What to Bring to Camp
• Sack lunch and drink
• Reusable water bottle
• Sit-upon (carpet square, canvas, plastic or towel to sit on)
• Raincoat or poncho
• Bandana (wet bandanas on the neck help keep your daughter cool)
• Sunscreen - non-aerosol only (practice applying at home)
On Cookout Day, she will need:
• Fork, Knife and Spoon
• Unbreakable plate or Mess Kit
• Dip Bag for washing, sanitizing, and drying dishes.
GSEOK is not responsible for damaged, lost, or stolen items; it is best to leave valuable special items at home.
What NOT to Bring to Camp
• Technology of ANY kind:
Cell Phones, iPads, portable video games, etc.
• Gum, Candy, Snacks
• Clothing with disrespectful messages or graphics
• Money
• Irreplaceable or valuable items
• Animals
• Tobacco, illegal drugs, alcohol, weapons
If these items or any others disrupting to the camp program, they will be collected by a staff member and returned to the camper upon check-out.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try: To serve God and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
Girl
Scout Law
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
