Summer Camps for all girls
Who could ask for anything S’more?
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ALL ABOUT SUMMER CAMP 2020
INDEX
About Summer Camp ..........................................................2 Camp Dates..............................................................................2 New for 2020........................................................................... 3 More Information....................................................................4 Day Camp.................................................................................5 Resident Camp........................................................................6 How to Register....................................................................... 7 Camp An-Se-Ox (Oxford)......................................................8 Camp Aspetuck (Weston)....................................................9 Camp Carlson (Bristol)........................................................ 10 Clatter Valley (New Milford)................................................ 11 Camp Katoya (Milford)........................................................ 12 Camp Laurel (Lebanon)................................................. 13, 14 Horse Programs..................................................................... 15 Camp Merrie-Wood (Manchester)................................... 16 Leadership Programs...................................................... 17, 18 Family Camping..................................................................... 19
CAMP DATES 2020
OPEN HOUSE DATES*
Day Camp: June 29 – August 7
Clatter Valley Day Camp: July 19 All other camps: Thursday, May 7, 4:00-7:00p.m., and Sunday, May 17, 1:00-4:00p.m. *Open House dates are tentative. For the most up-to-date listing, please visit gsofct.org, and click on the Camp tab.
Clatter Valley Day Camp: July 20 – 24 Mini Camp (Laurel): June 23 – 27 Camp CEO: June 24 – 27 Resident Camp: June 28 – August 8
CAMP LIKE A G.I.R.L.™ Summer Camp is a big part of the Girl Scout experience and every girl is invited! She’s a go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader; and she’s ready for an outdoor adventure, filled with building skills and memories that will last her a lifetime. Girls can take a deep breath, enjoy the smell and sound of nature, go for a hike, build a fire, and wrap up the day with S’mores and campfire stories. Not only do girls get the classic camping experience, but they get the Girl Scout Leadership Experience, too. As girls experience the independence of being away from home and trying new things, they discover new skills and find their voices. Girls take the lead at Summer Camp with courage, confidence, and character. This summer, look forward to an outdoor adventure filled with: ☙ Horseback riding ☙ Swimming ☙ Boating ☙ Nature exploration ☙ Archery ☙ Outdoor living ☙ Theme days ☙ New friends and lots of fun!
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NEW!! FOR SUMMER CAMP DAISY TRY IT!
2020
PROGRAM – OFFERED AT EVERY DAY CAMP One, half day program at all of our summer camps. Calling all Daisy Girl Scouts going into the Daisy program for the first time in the fall 2020! Come and try summer camp! Each of our camps is offering one, half day program for preregistered Daisies and an adult over the age of 21 to join us this summer (dates and rates listed at gsofct.org/camp). From hiking, to crafts, and a marshmallow toast, come and experience all the splendor of summer camp! This program is offered once at all of our day camps. Daisies in this program will receive their first camp patch!
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POP AT CAMP LAUREL
What’s POP?! It’s Camp Laurel’s new girl-led experience Pick your Own Program! Girls get to create their own camp experience by choosing what they want to participate in. POP encourages girls to build leadership skills and meet new girls outside of their assigned units. On Sundays, our camp staff will deliver an “infomercial” pitch, previewing the programs that they will lead during the week. Girls will then select which programs they would like to participate in each day!
NEW PROGRAMS
Camp Laurel also has new and expanded programs, including, drama, dance, multi-media, rocketry, advanced crafts, synchronized swim, and outdoor living skills. Please note: Horseback riding is excluded from POP. Girls must select this program when registering for camp.
NEW SWIM INSTRUCTION
All campers will have a swim assessment prior to waterfront activities. Girls going into grades 1-5 will have one period per day scheduled for swim lessons. For girls going into grades 6 and above, families have the option to opt out. There will be three different program tracks for swim based on Girl Scout levels: Daisy and Brownies (Level 1), Juniors and Cadettes (Level 2), and Seniors and Ambassadors (Level 3).
Looking for more information on rates, dates, bus stop details, and more?
CAMP
Learn more and register now at gsofct.org! Be sure to look for the CAMP tab at the top. 3
MORE INFORMATION
HEAD ONLINE FOR ALL CAMP OPEN HOUSES, INFORMATION, AND REGISTRATION NIGHT DETAILS! Stop in at one of our camp information and registration nights at several locations! Meet camp staff, have your questions answered, and view photos of our camp programs and facilities. You will have the ability to register for any of our camps that evening and apply for financial aid, if needed. All information nights are weather permitting. Should we need to cancel, information will be posted on gsofct.org.
ALL GIRLS 5 - 17 ARE WELCOME! Make new friends, try something new, and explore the outdoors. Adventures await at GSOFCT Summer Camps! With seven day camps and one resident camp to choose from, there is sure to be one just for you! Not only do we provide great traditional camp activities, but GSOFCT Summer Camp helps you expand your horizons while having fun and enjoying the adventure of learning and connecting with the world around you.
OUR CAMP STAFF: The Best
of the Best!
GSOFCT Summer Camp Staff has been carefully screened and personally interviewed. Staff members are chosen based on their skills, experience, maturity, and judgment. We provide staff members with more than 30 hours of intensive training on child development, team building, enrichment activities, safety, and risk management. We are proud of our terrific team of fun, talented, creative positive role models.
NON-DISCRIMINATION POLICY Girl Scouts of Connecticut does not discriminate in its programs or hiring on the basis of race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital or civil union status, national origin or ancestry, political affiliation, socioeconomic factors, genetic information, learning disability, physical or mental disability, military status, or any other protected class.
FINANCIAL AID IS AVAILABLE Apply early as funds are limited. You can apply for financial aid online when you register for camp.
THE BEST CAMPS ARE ACA ACCREDITED, JUST LIKE GSOFCT CAMPS! American Camp Association (ACA) accreditation shows a commitment to high quality programs, safety standards, and best business practices. To learn more about ACA, visit acacamps.org.
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DAY CAMP
Day camps operate Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Girls coming to day camp spend part of their time meeting friends and reconnecting with old friends. Their day is filled with fun, laughter, and challenging themselves to try new things and ideas. Girls gain independence, lifelong skills, and sense of self while attending an all girls program. For more information about the camp program, download our parent handbook on our web site.
ONE-WEEK camp option allows the girls to fit in all of the fun and excitement that camp offers! Girls make new friends, join in on activities, and explore their environment. Each week is unique! TWO-WEEK camp option includes all of the fun of a one week option and gives girls time for deeper friendships
and personal development.
Day Camp Schedule (subject to change)
9:00 a.m. Arrival
1:00 p.m. 3:30 pm 2 Activity Periods
10:00 12 noon 2 Activity Periods
9:15 a.m. Opening Ceremonies
9:30 a.m. Unit Time/ Morning Kapers (Chores)
Noon Lunch/ Unit Time
3:45 p.m. Closing Ceremonies
3:30 p.m. Unit Time/ Afternoon Kapers (Chores)
4:00 p.m. Buses Depart
“My daughter ks loves camp and loo back every forward to goinglks year! She ta eabaouCItT, m wanting to becoan y more m e se so I fore Camp years of Girl Scoreut in our futu .”
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RESIDENT CAMP
Our resident camp programs are designed to meet the various needs of the wide age range of girls who come to camp. Living units are based upon the grades girls will be going into for the fall school year, and program areas have the flexibility to meet their wide range of skills. For more information about our camp program, download our parent handbook on our web site.
Resident Camp Schedule (subject to change) 7 a.m. Wake Up
Girls will experience the outdoors, explore 8 a.m. their curiosities, learn basic outdoor living Breakfast & Morning skills, swim in our lake, and enjoy a traditional Flag Ceremony outdoor camp experience with hiking, crafts, games, and living in a unit with other girls in cabins or platform tents. Centrally located in camp is the Health Center, which is staffed by certified personnel with medical staff on call. The center is equipped to handle basic healthcare and first aid. Meals are served in our dining hall. Besides the nutritious entrees, meals also include extras such as a breakfast bar or salad bar. Fresh fruit is available throughout the day. With advance notice, camp can accommodate many dietary needs.
9 a.m. 3 Activity periods 12:00 p.m. Lunch 1:00 p.m. Turtle Time (rest, quiet games in unit time)
ONE-WEEK
is a one-week camp experience with a sampling of everything that camp has to offer: hiking, swimming, crafts, boating, campfires, and making new friends! Each week is unique!
8:45 a.m. Kapers (Chores)
2:00 p.m. 2 Activity Periods 5:00 p.m. Unit Activity
TWO-WEEK
includes all of the fun of a one-week option and gives girls time for deeper friendships and personal development.
6 p.m. Dinner & Evening Flag Ceremony 7 p.m. Evening Program 8 p.m. Unit Closing Activity 9 p.m. Taps (Bedtime)
“She has more confidence. Camp gave her a great sense of independence.�
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How to Online registration is available at gsofct.org. To register for Summer Camp, visit gsofct.org and click on the Camps tab at the top of our page. When you get to the Camps page, on the left side of the page, choose summer camps: day or resident camp. Be sure to scroll through Day Camp as there are seven to choose from throughout the state. A current Girl Scout membership is required to attend camp. If you are not a registered member, you can register your girl before you register for camp on our website. Please note: GSOFCT reserves the right to cancel any program, bus stop or bus route that does not meet the minimum registration. So please register early!
DID YOU KNOW?
At summer camp, girls are problem solvers! Girls with more frequent outdoor experiences are more likely to seek challenges and are better at solving problems— qualities that will help them embark on a lifetime of leadership, both academically and personally. Camp exposes girls to new experiences! Camp builds courage and confidence! Spending time in nature improves a girl’s concentration and creative reasoning. Outdoor experiences also help promote healthy social development and increases her self-esteem. 7
The Experience Making new friends and learning exciting new skills is at the heart of what we do at Camp An-Se-Ox every day. Our beautiful outdoor center provides the perfect balance of natural wooded areas and open activity spaces. From swimming, to hiking the trails, An-Se-Ox is a place where lifelong memories are made.
“My daughter was able to show me skills she learned in the pool without fear. She is willing to do more things independently and without a friend going along.�
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Watertown, Waterbury, Naugatuck, Beacon Falls, Newtown, Southbury, Monroe, Shelton, Derby, Ansonia, Seymour, North Haven, Hamden, Woodbridge. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. Before and after care is not available for campers who ride the buses. 8
The Experience Girls will immerse themselves in the outdoors here at Camp Aspetuck. Get ready to create, investigate, and explore. Each week at camp, there will be a different theme celebrated through all of the camp activities.
“We have enjoyed our 3 summers at Camp Aspetuck. They’ve been challenging, enriching and fun. A wonderful experience for my girl.”
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Danbury, Redding, Ridgefield, Wilton, Weston, New Canaan, Norwalk, Westport, Greenwich, Stamford, Darien, Fairfield. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. 9
The Experience All girls have the opportunity to hike our shady trails, have a cook-out, and enjoy swimming in our sparkling pool! Campers will have the chance to make new friends, sing songs, play games, make crafts, and learn the value of teamwork while building courage, confidence, and character! Each week at camp, there will be a different theme celebrated through all of the camp activities.
“She was able to meet new friends and learn about how to start conversations.�
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Unionville, Avon, Canton, Torrington, Harwinton, Thomaston, Cromwell, Kensington, New Britain, Farmington, Plainville, Wallingford, Southington, Cheshire, Waterbury, and Wolcott. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. 10
The Experience Each year, Clatter Valley Day Camp springs to life in the meadow at Clatter Valley Park in New Milford to provide a traditional camp experience with hiking, outdoor cooking, crafts, games, and new friends. CVDC mixes a traditional Girl Scout camp experience with special-themed activities to create a truly unique week-long experience. Swimming, bus transportation, and before or after care is not available at CVDC.
“My daughter tried archery for the first time and loved it! She got a bullseye on her first day of camp and the excitement from the staff and the victory dance she got made her feel so special.�
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The Experience On a rustic wooded setting, Camp Katoya provides an ideal opportunity for girls to discover their individuality and creativity with their closest friends! We offer fun, traditional camp activities like arts and crafts, environmental education, daily swim, and weekly cookouts. “Dabbler” day is featured every week where girls are encouraged to participate in a variety of activities of their own choice. Each week at camp, there will be a different theme celebrated through all of the camp activities.
“My daughter is more willing to be more adventurous outdoors because of her experience at camp.”
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Shelton, Stratford, Milford, Trumbull, Fairfield, Bridgeport, East Haven, New Haven, West Haven, and Orange. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. Before and after care is not available for campers who ride buses. 12
The Experience Sprawling fields and rustic settings combined with an intricate trail network set the scene for an amazing day camp experience. Girls will explore their surroundings at Camp Laurel while hiking and swimming, all while challenging themselves to try new activities. Rich with tradition, girls will treasure the friendships forged and memories made at camp. Every girl receives lunch, a snack, and swim instruction. Each week at camp, there will be a different theme celebrated through all of the camp activities.
“I loved Girl Scout camp. I wanted for my daughter to experience it and love it as much as I did. I Absolutely, without a doubt, would send her again and recommend.�
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Tolland, Coventry, Willimantic, Plainfield, Norwich, Colchester, Middletown, Portland, East Hampton, Marlborough, and Hebron. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. Before and after care is not available for campers who ride buses.
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The
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Experience Camp Laurel is located amongst rolling hills and fields with natural surroundings to explore. Girls will live in cabins or platform tents, enjoy delicious made from scratch meals in our spacious dining hall, sing songs and make lifelong memories. Our waterfront offers swimming, boating, and paddle boarding. Camp Laurel is rich with tradition and each girl will treasure the friendships forged and memories made at camp.
YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Girls are placed in living units based on the grade they will be going into for the school year. Each unit has multiple groups with counselors and a unit leader. Girls sleep in wood-framed rustic cabins or platform tents with cots with no electricity. Each unit has centralized portos, serviced by a professional cleaning company, and a washstand with running water. Girls shower in a centrally-located shower house that was completely renovated in 2019.
MINI CAMP
Dabble in arts, nature, camping, outdoor skills, and aquatics. New adventures await around every corner!
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Five day, four night sampling. Get your summer off to an amazing start with a mini camp experience for the first time camper or a camper who wants just a bit of camp! It’s a great introduction to life at camp, and campers have an opportunity to try many of the activities offered at Laurel. In addition to scheduled group activities with their living units, like swimming, crafts, nature, and campfires with s’mores, campers have several free time activity periods in which they can sign up for an activity of their choice. Our time together may be short, but we make the most of it by providing an awesome camp experience that will have you signing up for the next session too! (Excludes horseback riding).
HORSE PROGRAMS
CAMP LAUREL DAY AND RESIDENT CAMP ONLY.
Resident Camp Horseback Riding For girls looking to gain new skills, the horseback riding programs at Laurel are designed for all levels of riders. On the first day, girls’ riding abilities are thoughtfully assessed and they are placed into riding groups that allow girls to work comfortably and confidently at their own pace. Safety is always our first priority. Bad weather and excessive heat may shorten the time that the camper is on horseback. If that happens, they’ll work on other horse-related activities. In a two-hour session, girls will learn horse and stable care which includes mucking stalls, feeding, grooming, and tacking horses. In between assigned riding rotations, girls work on equestrian theory. If you have any questions, please contact customercare@gsofct.org.
Day Camp Horseback Riding HORSE FUN
ONE WEEK
Time to saddle up! Time at the stable includes riding, equestrian theory, and general horse care. The program includes four horseback riding lessons and limited traditional camp activities like boating, archery, crafts, and hiking.
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The Experience Girls will be able to foster their individuality and grow as independent thinkers as they explore the mystery and wonder of the great outdoors. Girls will be mentored as they experience a blend of traditions and modern camping skills. With activities such as sports and games, nature exploration, cooking on an open fire, and hiking the trails, girls can discover themselves in the great outdoors. Each week at camp, there will be a different theme celebrated through all of the camp’s activities.
“I think Girl Scout camps are extremely important, especially the all-girl aspect. I was a Girl Scout growing up and I love the values of Girl Scouts and how they teach teamwork and relationship building among girls.”
Bus stops are available in the following towns at no extra fee: Enfield, Windsor Locks, Windsor, South Windsor, Vernon, Hartford, Glastonbury, East Hartford, and Manchester. Visit our web site, gsofct.org for bus stop locations, times, and routes before registering as they change annually. Before and after care is not available for campers who ride buses. 16
Girls going into grades 9 and above can attend camp for a week and enjoy a program designed by them, for them! For the girl who wants to attend camp and not be in a leadership program. The Older Girl Program impacts their own camp experience by encompassing skill building, confronting new challenges and building peer relationships. Think of programs as: syncro swim, outdoor cooking using no utensils, an overnight just for you, advanced crafts, archery, wilderness survival, media and camp blogging and at resident camp, a night owls program for activities after dark just for you.
LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADES 8 AND 9
Two weeks
This program is designed for those who have a love for camp and have demonstrated a strong desire to develop basic skills; leadership, education, adventure and development. Leadership Development campers will: ☙ Spend 1-2 hours per day participating in leadership training and the rest will enjoy the traditional fun camp has to offer ☙ Learn about leadership, participating in team builders and adventure based activities as a group ☙ Identifying leadership styles and what it means to be a G.I.R.L.™ ☙ Complete a camp service project
LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
OLDER GIRL CAMP PROGRAM!
*At all our summer camps except Clatter Valley
for 2020
CIT 1 FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADE 10
Four Weeks
A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Start your camp leadership track with this four-week advanced leadership program. Girls have a chance to shine as younger campers look up to them as a role model. In addition to being a Counselor in Training (CIT), girls will get to enjoy all of the fun camp has to offer. CITs will focus on building their leadership skills and learn about being a role model. CIT 1 campers will: ☙ Learn various leadership styles ☙ Teamwork and communication ☙ Planning a camp program in leading songs, games, and activities ☙ Working with younger campers with limited opportunities to shadow counselors Girls registered for CIT 1 will be asked to participate in a pre-training event held in June. Information to follow in the spring. All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks.
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LEADERSHIP PROGRAMS
CIT 2 FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADE 11
6 weeks
A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Acceptance is not guaranteed. Successful completion of CIT 1 is recommended. This program includes elements of the traditional camp experience and opportunities to work directly with younger girls. Our CIT 2s grow as they gain confidence and independence. In CIT 2, campers will: ☙ Review and build upon their CIT 1 training ☙ Become aware of child and group work and learn supervision techniques ☙ Plan and lead small camp programs ☙ Shadow and work in the units (this program may also have them living in the units with the younger campers) All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks.
WRANGLER IN TRAINING
ONLY at Laurel Resident Camp Entering grades 11 and up 6 weeks A separate additional application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to participate in this program.
WIT is an advanced leadership program concentrating on horse handling skills, barn management, working with camper, and program design. Continue your development as a role model preparing for the next logical step–being a future camp staff member!
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In WIT, campers will: ☙ Live in the horse unit with the staff and campers ☙ Gain a deeper understanding of teaching, leading, and riding programs ☙ Participate in all aspects of horsemanship
CIT 3 FOR GIRLS ENTERING GRADE 12
6 weeks
A separate application, two letters of recommendation and an interview with the camps’ director is required to register and participate in this program. Successful completion of CIT 2 is recommended. Acceptance is not guaranteed. After a successful completion of the CIT 2 program, girls can apply to this six week, advanced leadership program. Expand your knowledge of youth development, program design and being role models. CIT 3s gain hands-on experience in working with younger girls and shadowing staff in the living units. In CIT 3, campers will: ☙ Review and build upon their CIT 1 and 2 training ☙ Live and work in younger girl units for the majority of the summer ☙ Given the opportunity to participate in reflections with other CITs and the leadership director ☙ Create and lead programs such as CIT Saturdays (resident camp only) where the CIT’s develop, design and deliver a Saturday afternoon program for a 2 week program stay over. All CIT resident campers will go home for a short break every two weeks.
CAMP CEO
ONLY at Laurel Resident Camp Ages 14-17 Four days, three nights Looking for a unique older girl experience? Join us at Camp CEO where the fun of camp combines with creating your own vision as a future woman leader. Through innovative and interactive workshops and activities, you’ll discover how your dreams, passions, and skills can transform you into the successful woman you want to be. You will be assigned to your own CEO buddy, who is a prominent business leader. They will collaborate with you during this journey while enjoying all the fun activities that Camp Laurel has to offer– horseback riding, boating, swimming, archery, and more.
FAMILY CAMP Family camp happens all around the state - from camping in your own backyard to family camping at one of our seven properties. It is a great way to get outdoors and re-connect with nature and the entire family!
JUMP INTO SPRING CAMPOUT IN YOUR BACKYARD (PATCH ONLY)
May | Anywhere
JUST FOR GIRLS
September | Laurel, Lebanon
GIRL SCOUTS LOVE STATE PARKS
September | Barkhamstead
FALL FLING CAMPOUT IN YOUR BACKYARD (PATCH ONLY) September | Anywhere
FAMILY CAMPING AT LETTER-BOXING WEEKEND
September | Laurel, Lebanon
SOMEONE SPECIAL AND ME
October | Laurel, Lebanon
CHECK OUR PROGRAM RESOURCE GUIDE ONLINE AT GSOFCT.ORG FOR ADDITIONAL FAMILY EVENTS.
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NONPROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID HARTFORD, CT PERMIT NO. 3485
Camping Services Department North Haven Service Center 20 Washington Avenue North Haven, CT 06473 (800) 922-2770 gsofct.org
For more information and to register for summer camp, please visit gsofct.org.