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Camp FAQ & Forms

Announcing Beyond Camp! 

Beyond Camp registration is now open! Join us for a summer of fun, where you can participate in a variety of virtual camp programs and challenges, experience camp traditions, and make new friends along the way. Each week has a different theme that several of the week's activities will be based on. You can also purchase a Camp Care Package in addition to your camp registration. Each package includes fun Girl Scout items, along with some fun activities to do at home. Register here!

Sample Schedule: 

From around 9am-12pm every day there will be virtual programs (activities, games, skill-building, and guest speakers), followed by “at home activities” that girls do at home OFF their computers. Activities will include things like games, experiments, or projects that they can do at home, at the park, or with friends and family! You can check out a more detailed Beyond Camp schedule here.

Camp FAQs for Summer 2020

What’s happening with GSSNE camps this summer?

Due to safety limitations imposed by the government and health officials, traditional in-person, on-site camp sessions are suspended this summer. Safety limitations imposed by the government and health officials mean we can’t provide the same experience we had originally planned. Realistically, we are not able to deliver a safe day and overnight camp experience with the capacities and timeframe that we had been planning on. In our decision-making process, we acknowledged what we couldn’t provide our scheduled sessions to girls, but we’ve pivoted, adjusting to the new way of life that we’re all enduring together, and are excited to provide alternative camp experiences this summer (aka Beyond Camp).

So, while conventional camp sessions are suspended for this summer, GSSNE will still provide opportunities to give girls with a taste of camp life, from the comfort and safety of their own home. Additionally, it is our hope to offer in-person Family Day experiences in July and/or August on our properties. As guidance is issues from the state government, we are ever-assessing how to bring the offering to life. We ask for your patience while we work through all of the moving pieces, but please rest assured that it is our priority to give members opportunities to utilize our camps as much as the circumstances allow. At this time, we do still plan to run The Great Escape, Tall & Small, and Can U Canoe? as in-person mini-weekend sessions.
 

Does Governor Raimondo’s announcement regarding camp change GSSNE’s decision to not hold in-person camp sessions as planned?

Although Governor Raimondo announced on Thursday, May 14th that the state hopes for camps in RI to open beginning June 29th, this does not change the decision that we’ve made at GSSNE. While we hope to be able to add more in-person experience at camp later on this summer, at this time we cannot guarantee safe and enjoyable traditional camp sessions. Additionally, keeping in mind that we have camp properties in both RI and MA, state guidelines may differ as we move forward. What applies to RI may not apply to MA, and vice versa. The last thing that we want to do is to over-promise and under-deliver to our girls this summer.  To that regard, at this time we are only promising what we know we can deliver – Beyond Camp sessions, The Great Escape, Tall & Small, and Can U Canoe?. As we get closer to summer, we hope to add in more troop camping and Family Camp days on our properties. 

What is an alternative camp experience, or Beyond Camp?

These are weeklong sessions full of both on-her-own activities and virtual camp experiences “all together” with fellow campers via a variety of platforms.

The vision is for campers to experience (from home) what a typical day at camp is like including the morning flag ceremony, themed activities, talent show, and evening campfire.

Activities offered will be determined by age-level.  Age-levels are based on the Girl Scout level the girl is bridging into. For example, a girl completing 1st grade this spring will enjoy Brownie programming this summer.

We are still working on details for Beyond Camp but will be sending out a communication about that once everything is aligned and ready. We plan for registration to open on June 1st and will have more details available prior to then. 

My girl is already registered and paid for camp this summer. What do I do?

An email was sent out mid-day on Friday, May 15th with details regarding your registration and payments made. If you have already put down a deposit towards 2020 summer camp you have the unique opportunity to put that payment towards your 2021 Girl Scout membership. If you do not wish to renew your membership, you will be issued a full refund of your deposit. Simply click on the following link to either renew or receive your refund.

Who can attend our alternative Camping Experiences?

ALL Girl Scouts! Whether or not your girl was previously registered for a camp program, she now has access to attend any (ALL) of the summer activities for her age level. If you’re new to Girl Scouts, or curious about what Girl Scouts is all about, now is a great time to experience the magic of Girl Scouts! 

What if I already put down a deposit on my troop rentals?

We recognize that many of you have troop camping reservations on our properties beginning in June. We ask for your patience while we work through these details. Although the operational logistics of allowing troop camping are not as complex as summer camp (bussing, dining services, summer camp staff management, etc.), there are still a number of “unknown” factors that pertain to utilizing camp properties in June. We will continue to monitor state and local ordinances, along with guidance from the American Camp Association, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Girl Scouts of the USA, as we work to create processes to keep girls and families safe while also providing an opportunity to explore the outdoors at our camps. Please stay tuned for more details regarding troop camping in the coming weeks. 

How much will these Alternative Camping Experiences cost?

Each full week session will be $50 per girl. We are in the process of finalizing session details and building registration sites. We plan for registration to go live on June 1st and will announce more details prior to then. 

My camper received financial assistance to go to camp. What happens now?

Upon registering for alternative camp experiences, you will be asked if you have already applied for financial aid. Financial aid that was rewarded will be applied to her camp registration after Cookie Credits have been used. 

Who will be leading these programs?

Outdoor Program Manager, Cassie Audette (Swizzle) is excited to be returning to camp this summer along with many of your beloved summer camp staff members.

What is a virtual camp? How is this going to work?

These alternative camping experiences will be delivered via mixed media channels including videos, emails with activities and live Zoom get-togethers. A week before each camp, your camper will receive an email with details.

What about Cookie Credits?

Since this summer’s experience will be different than most, we are making an exception for how Cookie Credits can be applied for this year only. The options for Cookie Credits earned this year are as follows: Girls who have earned under $100.00 must apply those credits to programs this summer (alternative camp experience sessions, The Great Escape, Tall and Small, and Can U Canoe?). For girls who have earned over $100.00, the first $100.00 must be used on programs this summer; any remaining balance can be rolled over to next year and applied to camp sessions in 2021. For example: if your Girl Scout earned $150.00 Cookie Credits this year, she is eligible to roll over up to $50.00 into the 2021 summer camp season. Our registration team will keep track of credits in excess of $100.00 that can be utilized next year. This is applicable to cookie credits earned by Monday, May 25th, 2020.

Additional update: We have had a few inquiries since this morning’s message about camp and cookie credits, and we’ve heard you. We assure every family that if there are no offerings that meet the needs of your Girl Scout this summer, we will be happy to transfer all cookie credits to next summer. You don’t need to request the transfer because you have enough on your plate – we will simply transfer any unused credits to next summer for all girls. 

We know that many families are anxiously awaiting our summer program plans because their girls are eager to connect with their fellow Girl Scouts and new friends. We initially made the exception to transfer anything over $100 in cookie credits to next year because we won’t have offerings this summer that would enable most families to use more than $100 in credits this year. 

We will have programs later in the summer as well as virtual camp programs that families can send their daughters to this summer. We opted for both virtual and in-person offerings because we recognize that some families might not feel comfortable sending their girls to an in-person experience, and we felt strongly about providing a medley of options. Though we haven’t determined the full summer schedule, we do plan to have several options to meet different comfort levels including some family days at camp that cookie credits can be used towards, as long as state and health restrictions allow. 

What are other Girl Scout councils doing about summer camp?

There are 111 Girl Scout councils throughout the country offering many types of Summer Camp experiences. Each is independent and make decisions that works best for their council. Around 90% of Girl Scout councils have made the decision to suspend in-person traditional camp sessions this summer. 

Can girls from another council – another part of the country or world – attend GSSNE’s alternative camping experience?

You bet! Already we have had girls and grown-ups from across the United States attending our spring virtual Girl Scout activities. How amazing is that?!

What about girls who are not members of Girl Scouts?

Do you know a girl who isn’t yet a Girl Scout? Invite her to attend a virtual camp this summer. She’ll get to have amazing experiences and learn what it is to be a Girl Scout! Win Win!

When and how can I sign up for Beyond Camp and Family Days?

Beyond Camp registration is now open! Join us for a summer of fun, where you can participate in a variety of virtual camp programs and challenges, experience camp traditions, and make new friends along the way. Each week has a different theme that several of the week's activities will be based on. You can also purchase a Camp Care Package in addition to your camp registration. Each package includes fun Girl Scout items, along with some fun activities to do at home. Register here!

Sample Schedule: From around 9am-12pm every day there will be virtual programs (activities, games, skill-building, and guest speakers), followed by “at home activities” that girls do at home OFF their computers. Activities will include things like games, experiments, or projects that they can do at home, at the park, or with friends and family! You can check out a more detailed Beyond Camp schedule here.

Family Days require a bit more planning and we ask for your patience while we work though those details. As more guidance from the state becomes available, we will be working to put systems in place to keep campers and family members safe and clean. Once those details are ready to be implemented, we will share more information and registration details with our membership. 

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YOU MAY FIND OUR FORMS, PACKETS, AND GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THE 2020 SUMMER SEASON BELOW.

Camp Information Packet:

  • Day Camp Information Packet 2020- Coming soon!
  • Camp Hoffman Information Packet 2020- Coming soon! (for all overnight camp sessions, including weekends, mini-sessions, and weeklong+ sessions)
  • Camp Packing List 2020- Coming Soon (for all-day camps and for all overnight camp sessions)

2020 Camp Bus Schedules:

The camp experience begins with songs, laughter, and meeting new friends on the bus! If you wish to use the bus, sign up for your preferred bus stop location when you register for camp. Due to requests received by local towns, campers attending Camp Promising Acres (except for early drop-off/late pick-up) are required to take the bus to and from camp. Bus transportation is optional for Camp Cookie, Camp Green Forest, and Camp Rocky Farm.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Due to normal morning and afternoon traffic, our buses are occasionally delayed! Please plan to be available for a 30-minute window during both your bus stop drop-off and pick-up times. Any adults picking up a camper will be required to show a photo ID.

  • Camp Green Forest & Camp Rocky Farm
  • Camp Promising Acres Bus Schedule
  • Camp Cookie Bus Schedule

CHECK OUT OUR FAQ SECTION BELOW!

What is best, day camp or overnight camp?

The choice is yours! Whether it’s day camp or overnight camp, you’ll experience all the fun that Girl Scout Summer Camp can offer.

With Day Camp, you'll be placed into a group based on your grade and experience. If you and a friend are heading to camp together and in the same grade, we can place you in the same group - just let us know! Girls are always welcome to be a part of our Day Camp sessions. Day Camp sessions are one week and are open to girls entering grades 1st through 8th. Sessions run from 8:30am to 4:00pm. Girl Scouts take the bus to and from camp offering a great way to meet your fellow campers. Please note that bussing is mandatory for Promising Acres and Rocky Farm and optional for Green Forest and Camp Cookie.

Typical days at Day Camp can include swimming lessons, free swim, crafts, boating (kayaks, canoes and paddle boats!), hiking, outdoor cooking, and nature exploration. At Camps Cookie and Green Forest you swim in a pond and at Camp Promising Acres you swim in a pool!

Aside from bringing your smile and a sense of adventure, we'll ask you to pack a lunch, a towel, your favorite bathing suit, lots of sunscreen (and bug spray!) and water. Oh, and bring a mess kit, too! (A mess kit is a washable dish, bowl, cup and eating utensils for our Thursday cookouts!)

Overnight camp at Camp Hoffman is open to girls entering grades 2 through 12. You can come for a three-day or a one-week program. Overnight camping gives you the chance to challenge yourself, get outside your comfort zone and of course, develop lifelong friendships and memories. Groups are based on program choice, but you'll also have the opportunity to choose activities that interest you most. One week sessions allow you to focus on your interests: archery, sailing, canoeing or exploring the night sky. Check out the deluxe high and low ropes challenge course! This course was made possible through a generous grant from The Champlin Foundations. The choices for adventure and fun are all yours and endless!

You'll sleep in platform tents – these are big canvas tents raised off the ground on a wooden platform. And, yes, there are showers with hot water and flushing toilets! You'll dine in the big, beautiful Barbara W. French Dining Hall.

Are Camp Scholarships available?

We believe that every girl should have an opportunity to experience summer camp! To that end, we encourage applying for our camp scholarships. Nothing should stand in the way of a summer filled with friendship, fun and new-found confidence. All girls are welcome to attend camp without regard to race, color, religion, national origin or socio-economic status.

Thanks to the generosity of individuals, civic organization and foundations, camp scholarships to attend a GSSNE summer camp program – day or overnight – are available for girls who, without this assistance, would not be able to attend Girl Scout camp.

Click HERE for our Camp Scholarship Application Form. (Click here for Spanish Language form)

We recommend completing and mailing the Camp Scholarship Application and required documentation to GSSNE as soon as possible since our funds are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Completed applications may be mailed to GSSNE, 500 Greenwich Ave, Warwick, RI 02886. Financial aid applications are evaluated on a rolling basis.

Questions? Call us at 401.331.4500 or 800.331.0149 and ask for a camp registrar to assist you!

What makes Girl Scout Summer Counselors different than other counselors?

What is one of the things girls like most about Girl Scout camp? The counselors! Many of our counselors (including those from all over the world!) come back year after year, their love of the outdoors and “all things Girl Scout” makes for a fun summer! And all counselors are put through extensive training which includes:

  • Understanding safety considerations in a camping environment, operating procedures, and competencies required for program activities
  • Age-appropriate behavior management and camper supervision techniques that create a physically and emotionally safe environment
  • Trained in performance and conduct, including sexual harassment policies
  • Recognition and prevention in reporting of child abuse; and emergency procedures

Check back to meet our 2018 Camp Directors too! 

Is Girl Scout Camp an option for older girls too?

Yes! We offer several leadership opportunities at our summer camps. We provide the training and experience you'll need to be a camp “counselor in training” – starting in 10th grade. If you're a great swimmer, we can even help you become a water safety instructor aide!

Does selling cookies help me get to camp?

YES! Girl Scout Cookies can power an amazing adventure! Girls participating in the GSSNE Cookie Program earn $.20 per package, which may then be applied to the cost of a GSSNE Day Camp Program, Overnight Camp Program or the Per Person fee for The Great Escape.

Girls in troops who choose Older Girl Proceeds do not earn Camp Cookie Credits. Credits may be pooled by sisters in the same family. Summer Camp Cookie Credits cannot be transferred outside of families and can only be applied to GSSNE Summer Camp. Camp Cookie Credits expire on September 30, 2020, and cannot be used for troop camping, Tall and Small, Into the Woods, or Can U Canoe.

What about Girl Scouts with medical or dietary needs?

Families of Girl Scouts with special dietary needs, allergies, airborne allergies, mobility limitations, or health conditions requiring particular awareness should contact customercare@gssne.org prior to registration to determine if Girl Scouts is able to make reasonable accommodations for the camper. Please note that certain accommodations may be difficult to make given the camping environment. 

How do I work at Girl Scout summer camp?

Thanks for wanting to share your time, skills, and talents with us! Check out our Careers page for more information!

                                                                                                                                        

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