Q: Who may attend Girl Scout camp?
A: Camp is open to campers entering grades 2–12 in the fall. The grade level requirements or prerequisites for some of the programs must be met to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers.
Q: My camper isn't a member of GSSEM but would like to attend camp. May they attend? Are there additional fees?
A: Out-of-council Girl Scouts will pay an additional $25.00 on their total camp bill per summer camp session. Additional fees vary for other summer options.
Q: Where do campers sleep?
A: Campers are grouped in units. Depending on their camp and program choice, campers may sleep in cabins or villages. Each unit has trained counselors housed in separate quarters within the living unit but close enough to supervise campers. Lodging assignments won't be given prior to check-in at camp.
Q: May my camper attend camp with a buddy/friend?
A: When you receive your camper paperwork, there will be a spot on the form to request placement with a buddy. Buddies must be in the same age group and registered for the same session. We aren't able to honor requests for more than one buddy.
Q: Who are the camp staff members?
A: Each member of the camp staff is enthusiastic, talented, and caring. They're selected based on program experience and a genuine desire to work with girls. All summer camp counselors are 18+ years old. Leadership staff members oversee program areas. In addition, we have rangers and a camp management team who handle operations year-round.
Q: What type of training do camp staff receive?
A: Before camp begins, staff attend intensive onsite training for activity programming, outdoor skills, songs, games, first aid and safety, emergency procedures, team building, program age level characteristics, homesickness, bullying, conflict resolution, and more. Staff may also receive program area certifications including American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Archery Instructor I, Belay Training, and ACCT Practitioner Certification.
Q: My child has specific needs. May they attend camp?
A: Each year, many campers with specific needs participate in our camp program. Campers must be able to function in an age-based, camper-to-adult ratio. Specific needs may include a range of physical, medical, developmental, dietary, behavioral, or communicative abilities. We aim to serve all Girl Scouts wishing to attend camp, and providing a safe and positive experience to all campers is of utmost importance to us. We reserve the right to make decisions of participation based on the extent of the camper's needs and our ability to meet those needs in the camp setting—as well as other factors that have been deemed appropriate. We're concerned about the health and safety of all campers, and we want to ensure we have appropriate professional and medical services to meet our needs. Please reach out to the camp director at 313-402-3673 to discuss the camp program and the nature of your camper's needs.
Q: My camper has specific dietary needs or restrictions. How are menus managed at camp?
A: Menus are planned with the general camp population and economy of associated costs in mind. Dietary restrictions and allergies must be described in detail in your summer camp registration paperwork to give the kitchen staff ample time to plan. Please reach out to the camp director at 313-402-3673 for more information. Our commercial kitchen is managed by a ServSafe® Certified Manager and run by ServSafe® Certified staff.
Q: May my camper bring their cell phone to camp?
A: Yes! Campers may bring their cell phones to camp. However, there are restrictions on cell phone use while at camp. All cell phones must be turned in on check-in, where they will be stored in a locked box while at camp. During a rest period (after lunchtime), campers who brought their cell phones have the choice to use them for that hour. All campers who bring cell phones must sign our Internet Safety Pledge and return the phones after the hour-long rest period is over. Campers who don't bring a cell phone—or choose not to use it—will be able to partake in the Unplugged Challenge. All other tablets, electronics, etc aren't permitted at camp unless they're used for medical purposes. Campers are encouraged to send physical letters to family/friends in the mail; parents/caregivers may send letters/packages to their camper during the session. We also encourage parents to send emails to campers, which are printed out and given to campers daily.
Q: May my camper call home during the week?
A: Campers aren't permitted to make or receive phone calls during the session. We encourage independence and self-reliance during camp. The camp director will contact parents/caregivers if a camper has a medical problem, is excessively homesick, or has an emergency. Prior to camp, please let your child know she won't be able to call home and that you're comfortable with this. We've partnered with you to give your child a great summer camp experience, so we hope you'll support this camp policy.
Q: May I visit my camper during a camp session?
A: To help maintain program continuity and ensure the safety of campers, visitors are only allowed at camp during the open house and arrival/departure hours.
Q: What happens if my camper has a difficult time adjusting to camp?
A: Camp staff will do everything possible to help girls adjust to camp life. However, summer camp staff reserve the right to send home any camper who consistently exhibits inappropriate behavior, endangers themselves or others, or negatively affects the experience for other campers. A camper's parent/guardian is responsible for picking her up and fees will not be refunded.
Q: What measures are taken to ensure my child's safety at camp?
A: We're dedicated to providing safe and secure camps. Each camp follows the guidelines set by the American Camp Association as well as those set by Girl Scouts of the USA through Safety Activity Checkpoints. Staff members are housed within close proximity, and the grounds are checked nightly. All camp staff members have successfully completed a criminal background check.
Q: If our plans change, how do I cancel my child's session? May I get a refund?
A: If plans change and your camper can no longer attend camp, please notify our Customer Care team at helpdesk@gssem.org as soon as possible. Once you register for a session, you've made a commitment to that session and are responsible for payment in full. Refunds, minus the non-refundable deposit, are available under special circumstances.
Q: When's the last day to register for camp?
A: Camp registrations will close two weeks prior to your camper's session. Exceptions may be made if space is available. Please contact Customer Care at helpdesk@gssem.org or 800-482-6734 for assistance if registration has closed.
Q: When can I expect to receive confirmation information about Summer Camp?
A: Once you've completed registration, you'll be able to find the 2023 Summer Camp confirmation in MyGS. Simply log back into MyGS, go to your My Events page, and select the camp name. Confirmation packets will also be emailed to all registered campers on May 1, 2023, and parents/guardians may attend our virtual webinar on May 22, Prepare Your Camper for Summer Overnight Camp.
