For campers
The summer sun is shining and friends await you at Girl Scout camp! It’s your chance to get out of the house and play, discover new things, and make memories that last a lifetime.
If it’s your first time at day camp, you may be wondering what it’s like. A typical day starts with songs in the field as your friends arrive at camp, then it’s off to your group’s cabin, where you stow your lunch and backpack. On your first day, you’ll get to know the campers in your unit by playing games and sharing a morning snack. You’ll get to make some choices of the activities you do that day – will you brainstorm ideas for a skit, do a craft first, or maybe play field games? Depending on your camp and age, you might go swimming or cool off with land-based water games, try slingshots or archery, climb a rope spiderweb, or play a game of gaga ball. For lunch, you can eat your own packed food or on some days cook over a campfire. All-camp days give you the choice of several activities – pick your favorite, like tie-dying socks, learning a dance, or trying out golf! Stick with your buddy as you explore camp. The day is over before you know it, and you’ll be looking forward to coming back the next day.
At our overnight camp, Camp Farnsworth, you’ll be sleeping in a cabin, tent, or even a hammock! There’s a saltwater pool to swim in and Lake Abenaki to splash into or go canoeing or paddleboarding. Sing songs around the campfire, enjoy great camp food at the dining hall, and don’t worry – the bath house provides private showers and real toilets. You’ll have so many choices of what to do and will make many good friends and memories to last.
For parents
Why Girl Scout camp? Because it’s fun, friends, and opportunities to try new things in a safe environment, where every camper gets to be their true self. Trained and friendly staff lead campers in outdoor activities include games, crafts, STEM kits, campfire cooking, archery, gaga ball, nature hikes, and more. Overnight campers enjoy swimming in a lake or saltwater pool, sleeping in tents or cabins, learning to use tools to build, canoeing, climb a tower, and more, all with the chance to become more confident and courageous among their peers. Camper safety is assured as we follow American Camp Association guidelines.
Camp family handbooks – Learn more about what to expect at camp with the camp family handbooks.
Day Camp Family Handbook | Overnight Camp Family Handbook
Meals – At Camp Farnsworth: Meals are served in the dining hall, and units have the option to plan their own cookouts for meals, snacks, or desserts. Every unit in camp will also plan a unit dinner cookout once per week (excluding Frolic). Our kitchen is managed and staffed by Café Services, a contracted food service company. They are experienced in providing a variety of nutritionist-approved, kid-friendly meals which offer gluten-free and vegetarian options, and operate as a nut-aware kitchen. Food allergy and dietary needs will be accommodated.
At day camp: Campers are expected to bring their own lunch and snacks, along with a water bottle that can be refilled throughout the day. They will have the opportunity to cook over a campfire, making an easy lunch or snack.
Registration Changes/Cancellations/Payments – If you have any questions about changing or cancelling your camper’s registration, or making payments, please contact Customer Care at 888-474-9686 or customercare@girlscoutsgwm.org.
Staff – Our camp staff pride themselves on creating an environment in which girls are encouraged to discover the outdoors, explore new interests, and experience the fun of an all-girl environment. They participated in training in child development, behavior management, bullying intervention, abuse and neglect prevention, general camping skills, the values of Girl Scouting, curriculum planning and implementation, specific area responsibilities, and safety procedures. They are enthusiastic, excited to be at camp, and ready to let campers lead the way in fun and adventure!
Health and Safety - The health and safety of campers and staff is our first priority. Our healthcare policies meet or exceed standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA’s guidelines, state licensing requirements, and American Camp Association guidelines. Day camps employ a health supervisor, who is supported by a licensed nurse and an on-call physician for consultation. Our camp staff are trained in First Aid, CPR, and other health care certifications as required by their positions. Your family shares the responsibility for keeping our camp community healthy. Campers who have a fever of 100° or higher, or who have experienced illness-related vomiting or diarrhea in the 24 hours before camp, need to be symptom-free for 24 hours to come to camp.
Accessibility - Camp takes place outdoors, in all weather, over uneven ground, and inside and outside of buildings and units. In every case, we want campers to be safe and meaningfully participate in all aspects of camp activities. Please contact the outdoor experience team directly if your camper has any physical, emotional, dietary, or medical needs that might make meaningful participation a challenge. In most cases, accommodations can be made to ensure your camper can have a safe and positive camp experience; especially when we work well ahead of camp. If it is determined that we cannot ensure this experience for your camper, your family will be provided a full refund and we can assist you in locating alternate options.
Trading Post – Whether campers would like a memento of their time at camp or just need a fresh camp or shirt, the Trading Post can help. Families can provide funds for their camper to spend at the Trading Post or buy a gift like a Build-A-Bear ahead of time to give as a surprise.