Girl Scouts of Nassau County Camp Blue Bay Brochure 2023

Hi everyone!

We would like to take a moment to introduce ourselves especially for our new families or those of you who don’t know us. For starters, we have been a part of the Camp Blue Bay community for over 15 years, both as Girls Scouts of Nassau County alums and Long Island residents. Our friendships with fellow campers, the counselors, and of course the activities kept us coming back to camp year after year.

We’re so excited for the summer 2023 season! Every summer is so unique; each summer brings new joys, experiences, adventures, and challenges. We want to take a moment to thank all of our Camp Blue Bay families, campers, and amazing and dedicated staff for a successful 2022 summer season.

It doesn’t matter if you’re just starting to think about coming to camp for the first time or you’re a returning camper hoping to see your photo in the brochure—Camp Blue Bay has a new experience for you! We would like to take a moment to share what we’re most excited for this upcoming summer.

l Boating!

l Eating s’mores!

l The independence gained!

l Screen-free time!

l Getting messy!

l Cookout walking tacos!

l Spending time in nature!

l Spirit cup!

l Watching campers grow!

As always, we welcome your comments and suggestions and look forward to a summer filled with laughs and adventure!

Happy camping!

Aisling Green and Kirsi Moseman Summer Camp Directors

Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Inc., an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Agency, is a member of Long Island’s United Way, United Community Fund of Great Neck, and The Community Chest of Port Washington.

Camp Blue Bay is American Camp Association Accredited and operates under a Children’s Camp Permit issued by the Suffolk County Department of Health. Health Department inspection records are on file at the Suffolk County Department of Health, 360 Yaphank Ave., Suite 2A, Yaphank, NY 11980.

“My favorite part about working at camp is getting to meet new people— campers and staff alike. Bringing smiles to the kids’ faces during silly activities and creating memories.”

—Camp Blue Bay Staff

Camp Blue Bay is a welcoming, safe space. At Blue Bay we continue to focus on creating a community for all campers to thrive. Which is why we ask everyone to do their best to think, speak, and act in ways that ensure everyone at Camp Blue Bay feels they belong and can meaningfully participate in all aspects of Girl Scouting, regardless of ability, age, culture, education, ethnicity, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status.

“Everyone is free to be themselves and being secluded in the wilderness is great, too.”

—Camp Blue Bay Camper

“They (the camp staff) were nice and fun. Camp wouldn’t have been the same without them!”

—Camp Blue Bay Camper

Camp Information Nights

Camp Information Nights will give you the opportunity to meet with representatives from Camp Blue Bay in person to learn more about our summer camp programs. Parents, bring along your camper to learn about a typical day at camp and get answers to any questions you may have.

l Wednesday, January 18, 2023

l Thursday, February 9, 2023

l Thursday, March 2, 2023

l Monday, March 20, 2023

7:30 pm-8:30 pm

Register online at gsnc.org

Girl Scouts of Nassau County Service Center

110 Ring Road West, Garden City, NY 11530

Saturday, May 6 or Sunday, May 7, 2023

10:00 am-3:00 pm

Camp Blue Bay 103 Flaggy Hole Road, East Hampton, NY 11937 Register online at gsnc.org

The safety and health of campers and staff are always the highest priority at Camp Blue Bay. We will continue to review NYS Guidelines and work closely with our sister Girl Scout councils to provide the best and safest summer camp experience for our families. With that being said, all programming is subject to change due to Department of Health restrictions.

CAMP SESSION DESCRIPTIONS

Date and Grades (grade as of fall of 2023)

3-5 6-8 9-11

Session One Jul. 6-Jul. 13 Session Two Jul. 13-Jul. 20

Session Three Jul. 20-Jul. 27

Forest Fairies (Troop House) S’More Fun (Troop House) Outdoor Art(Tent)

Session Four Jul. 27-Aug. 3 Session Five Aug. 3-Aug. 10 Session Six Aug. 10-Aug. 17

S’More Fun (Tent)

Showtime (Troop House)

Fun in the Sun (Troop House) InSPAration (Troop House)

Fun in the Sun (Tent) Show Me the Ropes (Tent) Fun in the Sun (Tent)

Force of Nature (Tent)

S’More Fun (Troop House) Water Bugs (Tent)

Fun in the Sun (Troop House) Badge Blitz (Troop House) Fun in the Sun (Troop House)

Boatloads of Fun (Tent) Fun in the Sun (Tent) Why Knot? (Tent)

Moonlight Adventure (Troop House)

Colors of the Wind (Tent)

Spice Up Your Life (Troop House)

Night Owls (Tent) Operation Outdoor (Tent) Splashtastic (Tent) Forest of Fun (Tent)

Forest of Fun (Tent)

Grades 3-5

S’More Fun: Looking to get a taste of all that Camp Blue Bay has to offer? Look no more. This session gives campers a chance to try all of our favorite camp activities: swimming, boating, cookouts, singing, games, arts and crafts, and making new friends.

Forest Fairies: Follow a glitter trail as we search for fairies in the CBB forest! Design a fairy house, your own wand, and enjoy a sweet treat at a fairy tea party. Frolic in the

forest with new fairy friends as you explore all the traditional activities during this magical week at camp!

Outdoor Art: Earn your Girl Scout Brownie/Junior Outdoor Art badge with art inspired by Camp Blue Bay. Find colors, shapes, and ideas in nature, and create your own nature-inspired artwork. Then hang up your smock and enjoy all of the other traditional camp activities.

Water Bugs: During this week of water fun, you’ll explore the cool and unique ecosystems of Gardiners Bay and Hog Creek, from whelks to water bugs and

everything in-between. Conduct salty experiments, watch birds through binoculars, go fishing, and have a “floating” lunch at the creek. Once you dry off, get ready to explore all the traditional camp activities!

Grades 6-8

Fun in the Sun: Thinking you would like to try everything? This session includes a selection of all your favorite camp activities: swimming, boating, cookouts, arts and crafts, sports and games. Experience the outdoors while meeting new friends.

Showtime: Go beyond the spotlight and discover the music, choreography, and what it takes to star in your own production. Join your fellow campers in bringing what you’ve learned together when you recreate scenes from a musical. This is a special themed week, please note not all traditional Camp Blue Bay activities will be offered.

Force of Nature: Be one with the woods this week and show everyone you are a force of nature. Learn about the natural world, soak up the sun at the bay, and fall asleep to the sounds of the forest. Don’t worry— there will be lots of time for all of the traditional camp activities .

Show Me the Ropes: Bring along your team spirit for this week of adventure! Get to know your group by playing games on the sports field, evolve your teamwork both at initiatives and in the unit and spend some extra time walking on wire at the ropes course. There will be plenty of time to have fun in all the other Camp Blue Bay activities.

InSPAration: If you want to go to camp but are looking for a little more inSPAration, then this week is for you! Paint a picture inspired by nature, make a self-care product in STEM, and enjoy a spa night just for your Troop House including a hair and nails party and a late-night snack. Once the pampering is over, there will be lots of time for all other traditional camp activities.

Boatloads of Fun: Jump on board as we prepare for a week of water adventures! Spend extra time at the creek, enjoy a special “floating” lunch, take part in a camp-wide Polar Bear swim, and build your own raft. You’ll continue the boatloads of fun during “dry-time”

camp activities too, like arts and crafts, nature, and sports.

Moonlight Adventure: Grab your flashlight and explore the wonderful world of camp at night! Go on a night hike followed by a sleep in, make art inspired by space, and observe the supermoon in the night sky. During the daytime there will be time for all other traditional Camp Blue Bay activities.

Badge Blitz: New for 2023! Find a new adventure each day as you complete a number of Cadette badges! Work toward your Cadette Archery, Night Owl, Outdoor Art Apprentice, and Trees badges with time to enjoy all the traditional camp activities. (Campers will leave with a badge card indicating which badges they completed. Cards can be brought to the GSNC Shop where badges will be available to purchase.)

Colors of the Wind: Get inspired by the colors of the wind with oneof-a-kind color fun! Spend the week discovering color in various places around camp. Let nature, wildlife, and the night sky inspire you to make one-of-a-kind crafts without worrying about coloring outside the lines. Spend time enjoying other traditional camp activities, like swimming, boating, nature, and campfires.

Why Knot? Why knot spend your week taking your knot skills to the next level? In the arts and crafts room, try your hand at macramé, learn to properly tie a tent flap in your unit, and explore nautical knots at the bay. Expand your outdoor skill set during this adventure-filled week of camp. Plenty of time for the traditional Camp Blue Bay activities, too.

Spice Up Your Life: Spice up your life in the kitchen and over the campfire as you make and learn about outdoor meals and snacks. Things will really spice up when you compete in the Ultimate CBB Bake Off! When you’re done enjoying your treats, it’s time to hit the trail and get a taste of the other camp activities.

Grades 9-11

Forest of Fun: Campers like to have a say in what they do at camp. The possibilities are endless: swimming, boating, night hikes, sleeping late, dancing, sports, arts and crafts, or stargazing. There’s plenty of time for the traditional Camp Blue Bay activities: cookouts, campfires, singing, games, and more.

Night Owls: During this TWOWEEK session, campers will be able to plan and design a special program for the group, as well as make individual choices. The possibilities are endless: swimming, sailing (dependent on swimming ability), night hikes, sleeping late, dancing, sports, arts and crafts, stargazing, and sleeping under the stars. Also don’t forget, there’s plenty of time for the traditional Camp Blue Bay activities.

Operation Outdoor: Returning this summer to Camp Blue Bay! Upon arrival, campers will participate in an in-tents outdoor training school, where they will be taught fire-building, orienteering, knottying and shelter-building skills. Once they have mastered their skills, campers will spend the rest of the week competing in teams for a place on the Camp Blue Bay Council. Activities include outdoor cooking, a canoe expedition, daily challenges, and more! This special themed week will dive into outdoor skills, please note not all traditional Blue Bay activities will be offered.

Splashtastic: During this TWOWEEK session, campers will perfect sailing techniques and prepare for a Camp Blue Bay Regatta. Learn how to rig a sunfish sailboat, tie various knots, and how to safely right a capsized vessel. Plus spend extra time on the water enjoying fishing, a cookout on the beach, a scenic canoe trip to a remote lunch spot, and a camp-wide Polar Bear swim! (Water activities are dependent on swimming ability.) Dry off and enjoy all of the other traditional camp activities.

Benefits of Summer Camp

If you’re a former camper, you know firsthand the positive effects of the camp experience.

However, if you’ve never had the opportunity to attend camp as a child, you may be wondering exactly what the benefits of camping are, and what your child will gain from the experience.

Here are the top ten most important reasons to send your child to camp.

At camp, children:

l Make true friends

l Explore nature

l Learn social skills

l Enjoy free time

l Gain independence

l Develop lifelong skills

l Unplug from technology

l Gain resiliency

l Experience success

l Spend their day being physically active

We think one of the biggest takeaways from a summer camp experience is the chance campers have to build resilience—which is needed now more than ever. Resilience is learned and developed from facing setbacks and challenges that campers face in nature. Having the tools to learn from these challenges are essential in gaining character, confidence, and courage.

Camp Blue Bay Summer Camp Traditions

l Golden Dustpan: Golden Dustpan is a weekly camp wide competition. Each camper unit is assessed daily for cleanliness. At the end of each session, one unit wins the Golden Dustpan Award for being the cleanest of them all!

l Final Campfire: At the end of each session, campers and staff gather on the beach for a final campfire. Each unit will get to choose a campfire song that they want to sing and learn throughout the week and then share at the final campfire.

l Theme Night: Every Friday night we have a themed dinner! Campers make costumes from materials provided during the day. The Dining Hall is decorated and we listen to music during the meal.

l Kapers/Hopping: While at camp, campers learn to be part of a community and take responsibility. Each unit is assigned a daily chore at camp called “Kapers.” Kapers include a litter hike, participating in our flag ceremony, and setting up the Dining Hall for meals.

Mini Sessions

Campers Entering Grades 1-6

Perhaps a week at camp is too long or maybe you just want to give it a try! Then, our mini sessions are just for you! Board the bus and enjoy four days and three nights of fun and adventure at Camp Blue Bay. Campers will stay indoors in a Troop House. Experience all we have to offer. Swimming, boating, arts and crafts, games, and campfires are just a few of the many activities available.

Date: July 24-27, 2023

Accommodations: Troop House

Cost: $550 Girl Scout $590 Non-Girl Scout

Mini Session Plus

Want all of the above plus one extra night of adventure? Our Mini Session Plus is just for you! Enjoy five days and four nights of all your favorite traditional camp activities.

Date: July 20-24, 2023

Accommodations:

Troop House

Cost: $630 Girl Scout $670 Non-Girl Scout

Counselor-in-Training (CIT)

This two-week Counselorin-Training for Girl Scout Ambassadors will allow you to complete an outdoor leadership course while observing and assisting counselors at camp. There will be time for training as well as an opportunity to work directly with younger campers. Participants will live in a tent unit and work together as part of the 2023 CIT Team. To be considered for this program, interested participants must complete the application process and have a personal interview. This training is limited to 12 participants.

Who: Individual Girl Scouts entering grades 11 or 12 in September 2023

Date: July 27-Aug 10, 2023 Place: Camp Blue Bay, East Hampton

Cost: $960 per Girl Scout $1000 per Non-Girl Scout

Apply: Contact the Camp Directors to request an application packet. cbbsummerdirector@ gsnc.org

Application due April 1, 2023: Interviews will be scheduled in person during the last two weeks of April. Applications received after April 1 will only be considered if there is still space available in the program.

Rookie Day

In efforts to give new summer campers a head start on the road to confidence and independence and to foster a smoother adjustment to camp life, we are continuing the tradition of “Rookie Day.” Rookie Day is a program designed for campers entering grades 1-5 to participate with other new summer campers and our current camp staff in fun camp activities.

Date: Wednesday, May 10, 2023 4:00 pm-5:30 pm

Where: Wantagh Park Cost: $15 Register online at gsnc.org.

Camp Readiness

Do you enjoy staying over at a friend’s house without missing your family or feeling sad? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Can you brush your own hair and teeth? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Can you see bugs or animals without jumping on a chair and screaming? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Can you survive without technology for a week—no phones, iPads, video games, or computers? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Do you like to try new things? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Do you enjoy making new friends? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes! Do you enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, playing outside, sleeping in a tent, and swimming? 1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes!

Are you willing to try new foods that you haven’t before?

1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes!

Are you comfortable asking for help when you need it?

1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes!

Do you like participating in group activities like day camp programs, team sports, or youth organizations?

1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes!

Are you really excited to go to camp?

1. No way! 2. Maybe 3. Yes!

SCORING:

11-19 This summer would be a perfect opportunity for you to experience camp at a Mini Session or Council Camp program. Visit Camp Blue Bay’s Open House or check out our Rookie Day and learn more about camp!

20-33 GET PACKING!

You love adventure, trying new things, and making new friends. It sounds like you are ready for a one or more week-long session!

How to Register for Summer Camp

Online Summer Camp Registration Opens

February 15, 2023

9:00 AM.

Girl Scouts of Nassau County is happy to continue our partnership with CampDoc.com for online camper registration and health information.

The security, confidentiality, and privacy of your camper’s personal health information will always be protected. Only Girl Scouts of Nassau County camp health staff will have access to camper health information, and the CampDoc.com site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. Once you sign up for a CampDoc. com account using the link on our website gsnc.org, you will be able to register your camper, select a session, order your camp gift, and pay online. Once registered, you will receive additional information about how to complete your camper’s health profile.

We are excited to continually evolve, building safer, more productive and efficient systems to create the best experience for you and your family! We can’t wait to see you this summer.

Financial Assistance

If you need financial assistance and reside in Nassau County, please be sure to check the appropriate box during the registration process, complete information, and submit required documentation. If the award granted does not meet your needs, your deposit will be returned to you.

Health Information

Camp Blue Bay campers are required to submit a Health Examination Form including physical and immunization dates to be completed by a physician. Parents will need to upload the forms and complete a health history online using Campdoc.com

Cookie Credits can be used toward camp by completing, signing,

Camp Policies

Expectations

A Camper Code of Conduct is included in the registration process. Please review the camp guidelines with your camper before registering, so everyone understands the expectations. Both parent/guardian and camper signatures are required on this document to register for camp.

Note: Our camp is an electronicsfree zone. No cell phones permitted. Please be prepared to communicate with your child by regular mail only.

Refund Policy

Camp registration requires a $50 non-refundable deposit per session at the time of registration. Final payments for the balance of registration are due by May 15 unless a payment plan is in place within the CampDoc system. Canceling for any reason at least six weeks before the camp session will receive a full refund, minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Canceling for any reason at least three weeks before the

and submitting the “Cookie Credit Redemption Form” available online at gsnc.org to the Camp Office, 103 Flaggy Hole Rd, East Hampton, NY 11937 or emailing to BissettCarrL@ gsnc.org.

Sibling Discount

Receive a $10 per session discount for each additional daughter attending camp.

Bring a Friend Rebate

Returning campers can receive a $25 rebate for referring a friend who has never attended Camp Blue Bay before. Rebate checks will be issued at the end of the summer.

camp session will receive a 50% refund minus, the $50 nonrefundable deposit. No refunds will be issued for canceling within three weeks of the camp session unless due to medical or extenuating circumstances. No refunds will be made if a camper arrives late, leaves early, or does not attend an entire session for any reason. Cancellation and refund requests should be submitted to your CampDoc account.

Traditional Troop Camping

Troop Camping has been part of the Girl Scout experience since its inception. Camping is fun and a great way to build new skills and develop a deeper appreciation for nature with your friends.

Traditional Troop Camping is planned and carried out by a group of Girl Scouts and their camp-trained volunteers/leaders.

Your troop will help decide what activities they want to do, what they want to eat, and what new skills or adventures they want to try while at camp.

Registration is ongoing by season. Tent units and Troop Houses are available spring and fall; Troop Houses are also available in the winter.

To check availability and download a Troop Camping Application, visit gsnc.org.

Outdoor Training for Adults

Training is provided to help Girl Scout volunteers prepare themselves and their troop to enjoy outdoor experiences together. Training will introduce progression in the out-of-doors, review camp facilities, and provide basic skills for outdoor programs. Under the guidance of trained and enthusiastic adults, troops may take their first hike, build their first campfire, and sleep under the stars for the first time. This training is required for a troop to participate in Traditional Troop Camping at Camp Blue Bay.

For more information and to register for this training, visit gsnc.org.

Badge

Workshops

for Traditional Troop Camping

Schedule a Camp Blue Bay Badge Workshop to have one of our instructors guide your Girl Scouts through completing a badge of their choice.

Cost: $12 per participant (Minimum of 10 Girl Scouts per workshop)

For badge options and information visit gsnc.org for the Girl Scout Badge Workshop Flyer and Interest Form.

Camp Resources

Camp Blue Bay has a variety of resources available to help make your visit to camp a fun and easy experience for both you and your troop.

Rental Kits

Can you imagine arriving at Camp Blue Bay with your troop and the cooking gear you need is already at your site? You can arrange to rent a cooking set, dish and silverware set, and/or beverage set. Visit gsnc.org for the Equipment Flyer and Rental Form.

Safety First

For your convenience, you will find basic First Aid Kits positioned all around the camp: Tent Units, Troop Houses, Activity Building, and Dining Hall.

Camp Kits

Compass, knots, and nature kits are available to borrow at no cost. Enjoy teaching your troop important outdoor skills.

Fun Things to Do

On the sports field, your troop will enjoy the Gaga Pit, Nine Square in the Air, and a variety of other sports equipment: volleyball, soccer, basketball, tetherball to name a few, as well as a supply of jump ropes, frisbees, and hula hoops are available for a day of fun and physical activity.

Basic Camping Supplies

Troops will be able to preorder three basic camping supplies to be onsite when they arrive at camp. Items available: charcoal, small propane containers, and bundles of firewood. Visit gsnc.org to learn more.

Council Camp Programs

INDIVIDUAL GIRL SCOUT OPPORTUNITIES

Includes transportation from the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Service Center to camp and back. We provide the volunteers.

TROOP OPPORTUNITIES

You provide the Girl Scouts and adult coverage, we will do the rest!

PARENT/CHILD OVERNIGHTS

For all registered GSNC Girl Scouts with a parent/guardian. There are always new programs being offered. Be sure to visit gsnc.org often for the most up-to-date list and registration information.

Outdoor Art Overnight *Individual Girl Overnight

Calling all Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts!

Interested in experiencing camp on your own but not sure where to start? Pack your bags and board the bus to Camp Blue Bay for our Outdoor Art Overnight adventure. Take part in a variety of traditional camp activities and work on the Outdoor Art badge! Finish the day with a pizza party dinner and singing around the campfire.

Who: Open to all Girl Scouts of Nassau County Girl Scout Cadettes and Seniors

Cost: $100 per person (Includes transportation, program supplies, Saturday lunch, dinner, evening snack, and Sunday breakfast)

Date: April 29-30, 2023

There will be a required virtual information session for all Girl Scouts and Parents/Guardians prior to the trip.

Bus transportation will be provided to and from the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Service Center.

Registration Opens Wednesday, January 18, 2023

National Get Outdoors Day

Looking for a way to celebrate National Get Outdoors Day? There’s no better place than Camp Blue Bay. Troops will spend the day creating art inspired by the outdoors, learning the Leave No Trace principles, building fires, and making a meal outdoors. Bring along a picnic lunch for Saturday, dinner will be made and served over a fire!

Who: GSNC Girl Scout Brownie, Junior, Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador troops with appropriate adult coverage. We ask that you limit the number of adults to allow more girls to attend. This event is tents only; troops will be expected to share sites.

Cost: $50 per person (Includes program supplies, Saturday dinner, and Sunday breakfast)

Date: June 10-11, 2023

Registration Opens January 18, 2023

No training required. All meals provided.

Thanks to our many dedicated volunteers, our council camp programs are easy and fun!

Parent/Child Overnight

August 26-27, 2023 or September 23-24, 2023

If you and your Girl Scout(s) cherish quality time together, this is the perfect opportunity for you. At the Parent/Child Overnight, you may choose to take part in a variety of planned camp activities, enjoy a local attraction, or just relax and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings of East Hampton. Bring along your lunch for Saturday. Dinner, evening snack, and Sunday breakfast will be served in the Dining Hall.

The event can accommodate up to 200 people in platform tents. Limited indoor space (dormitory style Troop Houses) available upon request.

Who: All registered GSNC Girl Scouts with a parent/guardian. Cost: $45 per person (Includes Saturday dinner, Sunday breakfast, plus activities)

Registration Opens Tuesday, April 4, 2023

Get Involved

Are you an adult looking to get involved with Camp Blue Bay?

There’s a bunch of different ways to get involved! If you or someone you know is interested in getting involved at Camp Blue Bay, please email cbbsummerdirector@gsnc.org for more information.

Bus Chaperone: Every summer, we ask for parents/guardians of campers to volunteer to ride the buses out to camp! Parents/guardians can receive a $25 discount for summer camp for being a Bus Chaperone.

Outdoor Volunteers: Do you love getting outdoors? Want to share that love with others? Then become an Outdoor Volunteer! Outdoor Volunteers help lead council camp programs out at Camp Blue Bay and outdoor programs in Nassau County.

Summer Staff: We are currently hiring for a variety of positions including lifeguards, counselors, and leadership positions for our summer 2023 season (18+)!

Summer Camp Nurse: For each one-week session of camp, we hire a NYS Registered Nurse to work in our Health Center. Great pay and full scholarships available for your camper(s).