camp
q&a
How
do I know if my Girl Scout is ready to attend camp?
This seems to be a pretty tough question, and the answer
may differ from girl to girl. But you can be assured that the
Congaree Program Center provides girls with a full camping experience
where they can participate in lots of fun-filled activities,
meet other girls their own age and enjoy the best that nature
has to offer—all under the supervision of a cool camp staff!
What about younger Girl Scouts?
Brownie and Junior Girl Scouts are eligible to participate
in Troop Choice, a one-time overnight camping experience with
their own troop leaders and sister Girl Scouts. Troop Choice
offers an excellent sneak peak at camp life and is a good way
for younger Girl Scouts and their leaders to get a quick taste
of all the action at Camp Congaree. And who knows, after one
overnight camping experience, first-time campers just may be
ready to take a dive into a week-long stay at Camp Congaree.
How can I prepare my Girl Scout for camp?
You are encouraged to talk with your Girl Scout about what
to expect long before the start of camp. Visit the American
Camping Association’s website at www.acacamps.org for helpful
resources that may offer assistance as your Girl Scout prepares
for camp life. The more a girl knows about camp ahead of time,
the better off she’ll be.
What are campers expected to do?
At Camp Congaree, girls are expected to perform many of
the same tasks that they do at home. Girls should make their
beds, maintain their living area and participate in rotating
responsibilities like table setting, food serving and table
clean-up. Girls are also responsible for maintaining their own
personal care and grooming. Ultimately, camp life is a great
way to prepare girls with the necessary life skills that will
teach them greater self-reliance and responsibility.
What about the camp staff?
Camp Counselors are the main ingredient for providing girls
with a happy and rewarding camp experience. Camp staffers are
selected based on experience, maturity, judgment and their desire
to share love and skills with children. All staff must undergo
an intensive screening process and participate in on-site training
sessions prior to the start of the summer camp season. Staffers
also receive performance evaluations throughout the summer.
The Camp Director and Assistant Camp Director are highly trained
and specialized in their field and spend many months preparing
for the resident camp season.
What if my Girl Scout gets sick at camp?
The camp staff is trained to handle basic illnesses and/or
injuries that Girl Scouts may face. The full-time Health Director
is also always available to take care of more severe medical
conditions that may arise. If a girl requires special medication,
the prescribed medicines must be in original containers and
must be clearly labeled with the camper’s name, medication
name, directions for dispensing and the prescribing physician’s
name. The camp health center is always stocked with various
over the counter medications to treat common maladies, but be
sure to specify any preference you have in regards to these
medications on the health form. Should a Girl Scout become ill
during her stay at camp, parents and/or guardians will be notified
immediately.
Can I contact my Girl Scout at camp?
Campers tend to look forward to receiving letters from family
and friends. But it’s important that you mail letters early
so that they arrive during the girls’ stay. Be sure to
include a stamped self-addressed envelope with your letters
so you and your Girl Scout can keep an open dialogue. It is
not possible for campers to use the telephone. The camp telephone
must be available for business and emergency purposes only.
However, the Camp Director will notify parents and/or guardians
immediately if an emergency arises.
All mail should be addressed as follows:
Camper’s Name
Camper’s Unit and/or Program
Congaree Program Center
300 Noah Lucas Road
Lexington, SC 29073
What if resident camp is just not an option for my Girl Scout?
Well don’t fret just yet; day camp may be an alternative
for your Girl Scout. Girls can participate in many exciting
activities, some of which may be similar to resident camp, minus
the overnight part. Day camps take place at a variety of sights
throughout the council’s service area and are just another
way that girls can have an enjoyable Girl Scout summer.
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Girl Scouts can expect to enjoy a myriad of programs and activities, ranging from camping, service projects, field trips, leadership opportunities and so much more!
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