Camp Comments
Comments are presented "as is" from the survey. They have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
- Without camps, you won't have a Girl ScOUT program--just a girl's club.
- Camps are essential to the program. The fees are too high for many girls to take advantage of it.
- It is HORRIBLE that the camps are being sold. Of course they won't be used as much if they are not being properly managed and marketed. If you have the right people in the right places with the proper support, then we can successfuly utilize our camp properties while providing great programs for our girls.
- I was a camp counselor. I would not be the woman I am today with out having to opportunity to be a counselor.
- Camp program is excellent for building girls of courage, confidence and character. Because camp exposes young girls to nature, they develop a kinship to the world that leads to them having environmental awareness and willingness to adjust their life choices--all of which make the world a better place.
- Is STEM the only direction for our girls to go? Does camp have to be an extension of school?
- Camping is what brings the girls together as a troop.
- Girls get plenty of STEM at school. They need time away from screens. They need to learn how to enjoy each other's company, work cooperatively, work cooperatively, get exercise and fresh and have fun. The most important thing my daughter has ever done, and she's traveled abroad with and without family, is attend 4-week CIT at Camp Tweedale. It's the most personal growth I've seen in her in such a short time. She came home with confidence and courage. Where have we heard that before?
- I saw a study recently that said US kids -- boys and girls -- are less physically fit than their parents. So sad. Camp and outdoor can change that. Camp can also be a platform for anything GS wants to do -- STEM, the It's Your Planet - Love It! Journeys; self-esttem and self-sufficiency.
- Girls still want to go camping. My niece is in Venturing and goes camping with her Crew. She may never have opted for Venturing if the Girl Scout program included more outdoor and camp programs.
- Camp shapes who you are. It exposes you to new activities that you didn't know you liked. It gives you the chance to know what it's like to be away from your parents for a week. You can overcome fears (like bugs) and learn to take care of others (CIT). You also make great friends at camp. You are discovering a new you at camp.
- The camps sales and closures absolutely must stop. Camp is the most universal tool we have to teach our girls everything from survival skills to business smarts. If it weren't for camp, I would have quit scouts at a very young age. I am now a lifetime member and volunteer.
- Ways to incorporate STEM into camp...1) How about science behind archery? Distance. Speed. Wind direction. % of accuracy. 2) How about the science behind currents? Direction. Speed. Angle. Knowing where your boat is going to land downstream, and for paddling, current, speed, wind, are very important. Then of course, add a canoe trip! 3) How about the science behind cooking? For example, you have a box oven. You have a recipe for brownies. Each charcoal heats to 45 degrees? How many coals do you need to make the oven hot? 4) How about outfitting GS camp nature centers with cool microscopes instead of petrified old samples of leaves, acorns, and pine cones? 5) How about adding a mini-observatory at the high point of camps not near light? You don't need Hubble level telescopes. But a permanent place for the, with star charts, skylights.... and of course a campfire ring outside!
- I think we need to look at the type of camp experience the girls want, add in some STEM and outdoor programming. Update the properties to facilitate the needs of the girls. Maintain some type of platform tent and cabin camping and primitive camping but add in some "resort" type experience at the properties as well.
- Camping is one of the few things my troop of Older Girls looks forward to doing as a troop. I think they feel empowered by the camping experience and we try to work other programming (badges, service) into each camp outing.
- Camping is one of the things that distinguishes GS from schools, from cheerleading, from sports, from many church-related programs, etc. I think GSUSA has made a BIG mistake by abandoning outdoor programming.
- We need to find corporate support to help with camps, just like BSA!
- I think it is incomprehensible that camps are closing, Outdoor activities and skills are a cornerstone of Girl Scouting
- my daughters love for gs camp for the past 9 years for most of the summer has been severely impacted by the choice of council to close one of our camps. the girls wrote letters, spoke very maturely at open forums, presented valid points only to be dismissed with the wave of a hand. the girls have lost all faith in gs and what they stand for - the organization is no longer about the girls it is about money for themselves. to just dismiss girls who will band together and raise money to keep the camps and fills the camp to capacity wanted to work to help council keep their camp open but were summarily dismissed as having no merit or worth - quite the example.
- The Girl Scout Camp experience is fundamental to the entire Girl Scout program. We need to promote it with more official Program and also with great events and support from all levels of Girl Scouting.
- Kids love camp. This is generally their first exposure to many new activities. Many girls also experience their first times away from home. Our girls love it and look forward to several trips a year.
- Keep the outing in scouting!
- It can be made relevant to today's girls, but you have to put effort into doing activities that girls want to do in camp settings.
- I've seen shy girls become outgoing, leaders rise to the occasion, scared girls become brave, creative girls work magic; not in the confines of a meeting place or school, but in the wide open outdoors where there are no boundaries or limits to a girls imagination.
- I feel that camp opportunities (whether on a unit or council level should be increased. Many troop leaders are not comfortable with taking their troops camping on their own and I feel more girls would be able to participate in outdoor activities such as camping, if more were allowed outside of the summer camp program which is very expensive for individual girls. In my experience, the simple projects GS used to have for camp-outs were the best. Girls enjoy hiking and nature exposure, it shouldn't be focused on "future careers". It should be more about having fun and bonding with other girls.
- Camp is near and dear to my heart. I spent 7 summers as a staff member and 5 years as a camper at Camp Black Hawk. These properties (I know plenty in Wisconsin that have been sold) are jewels and the councils are disposing of them like lumps of coal. Girl Scouts should be stewards of the land. The people making camp decisions were never campers, do not know the magic and value camp gives to girls lives. I've seen so many girls (myself included) touched and helped and turned into fantastic young women. In my own council, our property committee interviewed 6 year olds who said they didn't want to use pit toilets. Well, duh. What 6 year old does? Things that push us out of our comfort zone, things that are new and things we never thought we'd do, this is where growth comes from. Do NOT sell your camps, your camps are your treasures. Priceless treasures you're throwing to the wolves.
- Some camps really do need to go, but in some cases it seems the decisions to sell aren't really well-thought-out. The variation of quality camp programming from council to council definitely affects this, too; but this isn't a new phenomenon. I saw drastic differences in amount and quality of outdoor programming between councils even 30 and 40 years ago.
- No where else in the majority of girls' everyday lives can they gain the experiences and relationships that they gain through a camp experience.
- Camps are more than just memories for girls and adults alike. Camps should be where we are teaching the girls LIFE experiences. You can NOT have those is a "program center" or classroom.
- Our council has let a few camps go (they were leased) as they just weren't being used. They've eliminated summer resident programs at another camp. I'm guessing the sessions just weren't filling up. Girl Scouts needs to put more into promoting camp, particularly among non-Girl Scouts. I've mentioned to a few friends about Girl Scout camp and they always say "but she's not a Girl Scout". I know girls who aren't really interested in the traditional Girl Scout troop program but would love camp. We need to do a better job of advertising it to all girls. That would bring up attendance at summer camp if nothing else.
- Teach them to be safe, start fires, cook, real life skills! they Already know about computers, and tech. They need hands on activities! Teach them to have Hands on stills and to work as a team and watch the self esteem! Teach them the tech(that they already know) and watch them pull further into themselves. Tech DOES have a place, but they get an overload! Tech should be how to letterbox, geocashe, and more.. not how to find things online. Nutrition is VERY important! BUT they get more and more of it.. teach them to be outside, active, hiking and they will get more healthy!
- Based on many conversations with women, young and old and my own family's views, I'm not sure the positive impact of Girl Scout camp experiences can be overestimated. I know there is less demand for camp than there was even 20 years ago, but I think it is very important that GS camping opportunities continue to be included in the program.
- A great way to learn to work together and for each other. Would hate to see it go. Builds fond memories and good relationships.
- I firmly believe that programming can occur anywhere when we think outside of the box. Science, math, engineering and technology are all principles that are applied in daily life. Look at Goldiblox toys for that inspiration to girls and everyday play for engineering principles. I grew up with Wide Games occurring in GSUSA camps. They all utilized different stations in camp, enjoying the outdoors while learning and exploring. This is totally possible unless we sell every remaining camp.
- Camp is the best. I would do it every month if I could. The schools are charging us to use them so we are not in the schools. We are in the library and can't get a lot of badges done because of space, utilities, materials needed. Having a kitchen at camp and the time we can get more done at our leisure without rushing.Would love a list of lifeguards to use at camps.
- Camp is where I learned to be an independent person. Most of my lifelong friendships have there start in Girl Scouting, especially camp. Through camp I was able to experience things I would never have done otherwise in my life.
- I think its very important for girls to develop these outdoor skills, as well as STEM, they need an understanding of ALL areas of skills
- Camps should be available to be rented out for non-Girl Scouts to use. Perhaps this would help with some of the financing issues. Of course, Girl Scouts should always get first priority, but allow others to use the camps during the long off-times. I do appreciate the option at our council that if you help for 6 hours at a Camp "Work Day", your troop earns a voucher to stay overnight free at one of the camp's spots. Wish there were more opportunities like this.
- We have a beautiful camp near us but the financial issues in the council have reduce any support in the camp environment. There is no camp events available except summer camp. I'm in the rural part of our council and it seems like the council camp events are only done in the main area which is too far for my troop to drive to.
- Most camp site are book-up so we can't get in to camp there
- Camp Wakatomika needs to be used more. I understand that it is closed for resident camp, but more programs can be held there. I worked there for three years and I love it - hopefully it will reopen again as a resident camp.
- We need to put more money in developing camps because the experience is like no other!
- Think it is a crime to be taking the outing out of scouting. I am seriously considering disbanding my troop as soon as the girls are old enough to join a Boy Scout venturing crew if opportunities within Girl Scouts continue to disapear.
- Camps are essential to the GS program. The numbers used to justify the sale were erroneous and biased; we pointed out the flaws and were dismissed, the Board would not discuss it again; the decision was made in a closed meeting, with no input from members; the members were denied an opportunity to try to raise the funds and comment of the flaws of the evaluations of the camps and the funny numbers used by finance officer to made the evaluations. This is something rammed down our throats by National, because they made bad business decisions. National and hence the boards of our local councils do not want to hear from us, what we think, why we think it, our rationale and our suggestions for improvement, and write us off as "opposed to change". I've been a Girl Scout for many, many years - decades. My local Council only wants :yes" people to serve on the board, and has not desire to hold National accountable. I fear for the whole movement, because National has lost sight of what Juliette Low envisioned, and has created a new goal of multi-cultural STEM. What a crock! All we worked for to create safe wonderful camps is being swept aside by a bunch of outsiders - big buck people who think they have all the answers and think they can force their will on us by silencing us. I hate to think they are right.
- It is important for girls to have safe places to camp. If Councils can't afford to own properties then they need to make sure to have a resource for leaders to locate appropriate pre-approved camping areas for their troops. The Outing in Scouting is very important and an undue burden cannot be placed on leaders to make sure that there is somewhere for their girls to camp that Council will approve.
- Camp provides girls with an experience that is different from school. As I worked at a camp and saw the shift to include STEM programs, I saw the girls begin to dread coming to camp and eventually the enrollment declined. The campers would ask where the programs from previous years went and the camp belong to lose its spirit.
- For Girl Scouts of Eastern PA and in general PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE STOP CLOSING CAMPS: Please stop closing camps it won't solve any problems it's making it harder for people to go to camps when there are less near by. People don't want to travel farther to go outdoors due to cost of gas. We can have year round programing it is possible. Building "mega" camps is the worst idea ever. Camps are suppose to feel natural as possible not a mega sized hotel in the middle of the woods. Camp gets you back in touch with nature, makes you use your senses, challenge your fears, social interaction, learning how to do things on your own before you go off to college and prepare you for the real world. We have great camps Mosey Wood, Wood Haven, Laughing Waters, Tohi, and Tweedale. They all have great spaces that don't need to be over developed. They have a great foundation. By closing any of them you will be losing out on precious recourses that YOU WILL NEVER GET BACK IF YOU SELL THEM! Remember GSEP Adventure, there won't be an adventure if you only have three camps. Tohi has one of the most amazing high ropes courses ever that even the people from Universal Ropes Course Builders are impressed with it. It's one of the very few high ropes courses built in the trees. Which makes it a very unique course to have and keep up to date. By letting it go to waste you are losing out on thousands of dollars that could be used to train girls in high ropes and have future expedition leaders but that may never happen if you lose out on it. Tweedale has a natural rock face to climb. Another chance to get girls trained on natural rock and have another generation of expedition leaders but you could lose that as well. We have a grand opportunity here to have future leaders in the outdoor world (which might I add is mainly run by men) and you are going to throw it away for something bigger when in the long run having more camps open than three will do good. You will save more money keeping these five camps open. Also using the cookie money to help camps like it use to be used for, sending girls to camp and improving camps. I have been with the Girl Scouts since 2000 when it was just the Great Valley and then we merged; now look at what it has become. I fell in love with Tohi when I got certified to be a High Ropes Facilitator. If it wasn't for Tohi I might have never enjoyed climbing the way I do now all because of one camp that might be thrown away when it has so much potential. I was the one who also suggested GSEP Adventure for years I put down a program that girls could travel to different camps and see what each has to offer. That's when I found out about Tweedale and it's amazing maple syrup tapping, natural rock climbing, boating, and the really cool units they have. Don't you want others to have the chance to see the diversity that GSEP is. It's more than mega camps its about small camps that make one large camp. We always teach diversity and now we are shunning it away by closing others when in fact by keeping them we would be doing a far greater good. I hope you actually read these.
- Camping is a great way for girls to have an opportunity to mingle with each other and gives them self esteem. I love to camp with the girls. I do not like they way it is running with the way your troop or area is chosen to use the camp sites. This could use some improving... Just a tweek...
- There used to be a video on the GSUSA website showing penguins and polar bears living together in the Arctic. Sorry, but I'm not sure GS has the knowledge, never mind the expertise, to be teaching STEM topics.
- Camping may be the number one thing Girl scouts has going for it. Kids can gt sports and STEM and arts and everything else in school or in other clubs, but outdoor activities are unique to scouts and religious organizations. This is the number one thing that kept me in scouting as a teen and young adult. This is the number one thing my daughters want from a scouting program. I cannot for the life
- Girl SCOUTS! ! SCOUTS to me is outdoors
- More camping, more training for the leaders to teach the girls how to camp. Wimpy leaders have wimpy girls. Have more in-depth training for the leaders. Allow the girls to do more at a younger age. In my council girls can't touch a bow & arrow until they're 9! RIDICULOUS!
- The things I learned at GS camp are some of the most valuable lessons I have ever learned. Not only did they influence the decisions in my life at the time they continue to influence all of the environmental decisions I make. I currently teach middle school science and constantly amaze and inspire my students with stories of the amazing things we did and learned at camp. In addition to the STEM related activities that I am able to share, it was at GS camp that I learned to be self-reliant and confident. I did not learn that in other aspects of GS. I worked at camps in Louisiana and Northeast Pennsylvania and the staff and programming were absolutely phenomenal! I cried when they closed the camp after my daughter had attended one year.
- Camps need to stay!!!!
- Camps, camping and outdoor activities are vital and relevant to girls in this day and age. From seeing first hand how we impact the world around us to knowing that "hey, I can hike 10 miles in the rain, I can plow through a 10 hour meeting I don't want to be at". You can _do_ so much outdoors, away from the technology constantly buzzing in all of our pockets, ears and eyes. You can connect with the other people and share experiences that sometimes you just can't do in an "every day" kind of setting.
- I think summer camp programs are COMPLETELY essential to girls everywhere. Camp gives girls an opportunity to develop leadership skills, learn to cook over a fire, travel, and learn to live/interact with others in a community living environment. I think girls should have way more opportunities to be at camp throughout the school year. I also think Girl Scout camps should reach out to schools to offer opportunities for schools to lease properties and offer programming supported by council.
- Every youth should go to camp to discover for themselves who they are.
- GS are selling camps because they cannot afford them. Why would Girls want to go to camp when they are not earning badges for it and the price to attend is too high. Think of JGL , would she be happy in the way you have cut out the outdoors and first aid in the programs? I think not because those were some of the first program/ badges she did with her troop.
- Camp gives girls the opportunity to experience the outdoors that they may never get anywhere else or at any other time in their life. It opens their eyes to new ideas, challenges & learning opportunities that can make a lasting impression.
- Opportunities we have become to technicals Fitness Fun Leadership Friendships
- Going to camp allows many options. Almost any program can be conducted at camp from arts and craft, beauty and health, outdoor fun, and STEM related projects. Therefor the girls have the opportunity to enjoy both the outdoor experience and be involved in Science, Tech, Engineering and Math. Another experience they will realize is independence and responsibility, as they will spend a few days and nights taking care of each other
- I think camp was the reason I stayed in GS throughout high school. I loved the summer camp opportunities, and I loved those skill sets. I think lots of young people are no longer getting those skills, and that's a shame. They wouldn't be able to survive in the wilderness overnight, let alone an extended period of time... camp also encourages girls to grow up and get away from home. They have to make new friends, and try things they normally wouldn't have. It's an experience in cooperation, living together, and making a good time out of nothing... and for older girls, it's a leadership experience. The way camp works with younger girls looking up to older girls, gives many middle school and high school girls leadership opportunities they wouldn't have pursued otherwise.
- camping experience are important to provide experiences in nature in a safe and controlled environment, Girls are not allowed to wander down to the local stream or into the woods alone anymore because of safety concerns, for most of my girls this is their only real outdoor opportunity. My personal camp experiences helped fostered my self reliance and willingness to take risks. 2) Because of my daughter's GS camp experiences she is not afraid of getting dirty, spiders and bugs or latrines. As a middle schooler she was amused at how soft her classmates were in environmental camp, you don't gain that kind of confidence, just selling cookies.
- You do not need commercial electrical power to have a STEM program. Nor do you need cutting edge technology. There have been many times, when the BASIC SKILLS I learned and practiced at Girl Scout camp enabled to to continue to work, and remain comfortable in a number of weather related electrical power outages.
- I think the problem is more complex than many people understand. Here are some things that need to be taken into consideration. 1. Usage. Girls MUST go to camp if we are to justify asking people to give money to spend on Camps. Usage numbers were going down before mergers so you can't blame it on just that. 2. Many legacy councils allowed their camps to deteriorate because they didn't have the $ to do the maintenance, so new councils have to spend more to bring them up to a decent standard. 3. Competition is fierce for children's summer activities, we need to make sure our programing and facilities are able to compete. 4 We need to review all the options to provide outdoor experiences for girls - GS owned camps or nearby facilities girls can use.
- I think that modernizing the camps will go a long way to improving the rate of usage. Girls want to sleep in air conditioning and have access to technology yet still do all the outdoor activities camp has to offer. In working with camps for several years I am basing my opinion on feedback from the girls attending. They want to learn to cook outside, they want to hike, go orienteering, swim, horseback ride, and do all the stuff camps like Conestoga offer, but they also want to be able to use their phones to take pictures and videos, tweet about what they are doing, and sleep in comfortable conditions. I think having some areas of camp available that are more rustic and some that are more modern is a great solution to the issue. That way there is something at camp for everyone. Latrines, outhouses, and portaloos are not fun for anyone to use. Having electricity and wifi available along with flush toilets and showers makes camp more appealing for more girls.
- Camp takes many girls who have no access to outdoors, or families that are not interested in roughing it, and helps them learn team work and survival skills...First aide, and camp fires, living without electricity are all still VERY applicable in a world were hurricanes, blizzards, power outages, and other natural and man made disasters happen. I have seen first hand people who are clueless after a storm as to simple survival skills...like boiling water and first aide
- camp offers leadership learning opportunitys, science as related to nature and the enviroment. teaches they can do same things as boys. I'm sure there are many more things that can be incorporated at camp that could include stem related topics and activities or the facilities to have them.
- Girl Scout camps are a fundamental aspect of scouting. Furthermore, Girl Scout camps are one of the most important assets of any council. In my council there appears to be an attitude that since the camps are underutilized they are expendable. However, council has failed miserably at marketing the camps and has minimized organized programming resulting in less use. It is a seemingly self fulfilling venture to justify the dissolution of camp properties.
- Of course camp experiences are important - they teach confidence, leadership and independence. They build memories that last a lifetime and could be expanded so girls see the importance of linking the natural environment to technology - we need to raise girls that see the big picture and have the confidence and creativity to impact the world they live in in a positive manner. The Girl Scouts need to upgrade their paid employees and programs to meet these challenges and practice what they preach.
- Friendships formed in a camp setting bond girls from all backgrounds together! Life lessons learned at camp stay with, and provide each participant inner resources to draw from for there entire life !!
- It is so important for scouts to be outdoors. Camping is learning to live without regular means which I think all should learn.
- I would love my council to have a summer residential camp program, but they just can't afford one. I fondly remember by residential camp experiences. Maybe GSUSA could make a national residential camp website to help find alternatives outside your council.
- CAMPS PROVIDE INVALUABLE LIFE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCES FOR GIRLS. NOT TO MENTION LIFELONG MEMORIES AND FRIENDSHIPS! CAMPS ALSO TEACH GIRLS SO MUCH ABOUT THEMSELVES, ENCOURAGING THEM TO THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX AND TRY NEW THINGS!
- I think having girls comfortable in a camp with few amenities helps them be prepared to cope with power outages and other disasters we may all experience in our lifetime.
- camp is important. Nature being unplug to use your other senses.
- Camping provides skills that can not be learned elsewhere. Camping relies on teamwork to be successful.
- I think camps are the most amazing part of Girl Scouting. I do not know who I would be today if I had not attended resident camp throughout middle school and high school.
- GS needs to find ways to encourage more use of the camps, not sell them for a one-time financial benefit.
- Camps are a big draw to many girls. We are battling for our beloved Camp DeWitt right now. Our enrollment will further decline if it is closed. We had the opportunity to make some good updates,etc. with the insurance money from the fire. They never rebuilt the program center, and we never heard what happened to the money, either.
- It's hard to have more camp outs at camp Sugar Bush because it cost too much for us. They need to not make it so much about money and worry about how the camps can benefit the girls.
- Camp is what you make it! It can be fun, learning new skills, just relaxing, enjoying nature, playing outside. I wish our camps offered troops who camp on their own at the council camps activities such as canoeing, fishing, archery. No staff! Very disappointing.
- I can't begin to tell you how I see girls blossom while away at camp. In todays protective society, full of 'helicopter parents', Camp is the place where girls grow! They see that they ARE capable; of cooking their own meal, they ARE capable of; climbing a tree or finding a deer trail. They ARE capable of starting a fire, or sleeping out of doors (with no electricity or technology in sight!) If we are trying to teach them to be leaders, don't we first need to teach them that they ARE capable?
- Camp is a place where city dwellers can experience nature.
- Camp is a good way for girls to grow emotionally and spiritually. It is a way of learning in a way that keeps the girls' interest. It builds confidence, self esteem, and lets the girls be creative and learn in an environment that eludes many people.
- I would like more camp experiences offered in my area (rochester mn)
- My experience is that troops that don't get out to camp at all or not very often don't last. Girls don't enjoy journeys enough to keep them in Scouts, so if badges and journeys and field trips is all they do, they just drop out after a few years. I think we need to work much harder to get our adults outdoors because the girls love it when they get the chance. Maybe we need to get some partnerships going between troops that love to camp and troops that refuse to try it.
- I love the camps but they are more expensive than other camps 4 H and conservation were less expensive.
- Camp closures need to stop. There is an element of character building associated with Girl Scout camp that is incredibly vital to the organization and the development of young ladies throughout the country. My camp experiences had a profound impact on who I am as a woman, a teacher and a mother. If my daughter can't have the same opportunities when she is old enough, I don't believe she'll go into scouting.
- Though my camp experience did not influence my career decision many of the skills I learned and developed on there I use everyday in work and life. I find it ironic that an organization so devoted to the environment is selling off huge piece of land to developers because the reorganizations can't support one council with multiple camps. Perhaps that should have been taken into account with the restructure although I also find it ironic that two smaller councils could support that many camps for a hundred years but one big one cannot. And why aren't the councils doing more to help with fund raising towards alternatives besides developers that could still benefit our girls?
- Camps provide the setting for girl independence, team building and leadership skills.
- I feel like there is so much more to camp than just camping skills. It can teach a girl so much self confidence, independence, and strength that is hard to teach anywhere else. STEM activities can be done at camps. Cooking skills can be taught at camp. Also, camps can teach girls about how girls in most of the world live, since so many girls in this world will never see things like electricity or running water.
- Camping through the Girl Scouts made me the teacher, leader, administrator, singer, cook, outdoor enthusiast, nature lover, competent woman I am today.
- Camp is vital to teach responsibilities to our world and can be a time for our girls to learn about nature and skills for survival.
- Camping builds self-confidence, friendships, leadership, and promotes team-building; outdoor skills are too rare today, and camping can provide those skills. Plus, it's FUN! Everything doesn't have to be tied to some stinking "outcomes."
- Because of 9+ years of GS camp whether camper CIT or camp staff I went on to become an outdoor skills director at private camp a whitewater rafting guide and a high ropes leader camp let me know if I wanted something I could do it or be it!
- Camp has been one of the highlights of my two daughter's GS experience.
- The girls love to camp! All it takes is one time and they are hooked! It's so different from other activities that our city girls get to do, that it's an exciting adventure for them.
- Too many girls are "programmed" nowadays and NEED to be outside! Girl Scouting may be the only way they have an opportunity to camp in a tent, make a fire, make smores, paddle a canoe, fish, or anything else you can do outdoors. Girls NEED to know survival skills, not just "city" skills and how to be online. Girls NEED to UNPLUG!
- I don't understand what idiot would join a scouting program and NOT want to do outdoor programming so I don't understand why you all don't understand that.
- Sadly my girls and I have to travel a distance to get to any camp and with the addtional closures there are fewer options for us. The camp I attended as a girl is closed and I will never get to share that place with my daughters. Closing more camps make it harder to share what fond memories I had with my daughter's and my scouts.
- My daughter was very upset when she heard that the camps were closing and that the camping program going away. She also misses the horses and Camp Coleman and wants them returned.
- Camp is the most important part about girl scouts. In regards to troop camp, there's no better way to teach girls how to organize events and run things than to have them organize a trip for 50 people with activities and food and bunk assignments while still having fun, because they LOVE camp. In regards to overnight camp, when I was a girl, it was the best time of my life. If I had not gone straight into the workforce after high school (In a STEM career!!), I would have applied to be a camp counselor because I love camp that much.
- We are working hard to get our girls to go to camp this summer. We don't have many spaces for camps around us so they are hard to get into.
- The new movement with the journeys and badges have taken camps and outdoor programs out of the equation for Girl Scouts. Sad because that's not what Juliette Lowe wanted.
- I think outdoor programming isn't as important as it used to be. My girls want those experiences, but they are either hard to book or inconvenient to family schedules. My girls are different from scouts 50 years ago - they like to do outdoor things, but they also like computers. They would love to see programs that incorporate both of those interests.
- Camp is my troop's favorite time. We use that time to unwind, work on badges/service projects, explore the area. Personally my daughter looks forward to sleepaway camp each year, for the past 4 years. This is her time to shine and take advantage of girl scout opportunities without her mom/leader around. She was very disappointed that camp archbald was not open this past summer for renovations, even though she went to small valley. She is anxiously awaiting this summer so she can apply to be a cit at archbald this summer.
- Camps/outdoor programming are crucial to the long term viability of Girl Scouting. The lack of *quality* programming is impacting usage of camps, along with poor management, poor operations, poor reservations processes, etc.
- Unfortunately, troops don't seem to use the camps enough to keep them open. Maintenance is expensive. We are close to one of our camps so we do use it. It was slated to close, so troops started using it and girls used cookie money and money earners to raise money to support it for the next few years. I disagree with closing camps without informing surrounding SUs. They should be given a few months to figure out how to come up with the money if they can. Sounds like a lot of troops didn't know, but not sure if the SUs did and just didn't pass on the info. Communication is important.
- My daughter & her friends actively beg for camping. It is girl initiated.
- Camping and being outdoors is important to many girls in different ways. Camping helps them explore what they can do in a very different way from their everyday lives. It lets them find out different abilities and freedoms and gives them self confidence. Camping also helps the girls see the world in a different light and broadens their world.
- My daughter searches out camps that will let her learn a new skill: sailing, swimming, SCUBA. She will not attend those that are beauty-based.
- Camps may be one of the very few chances girls and even boys in scouting get outside - ever. Children do not spend time outside like we did when we were children. They are spoiled by air conditioning, tv and video games and computer apps. These things in themselves are not evil but the do reduce the number of hours children spend outside and camp is one time to get kids outside.
- Yes! I would like to see MORE outdoor activities offered and some more traditional scouting activities. Girls going to "spa camp" shouldn't be part of scout camp.
- Girls today have too many opportunities to become couch potatoes, and not enough outdoor programming. Refer to "Last child in the wilderness" and similar writings to underscore the negative trends in this society regarding outdoor experiences.
- Camping and outdoor programs are the favorite activities for girls, do not eliminate them, find a way to support them, get rid of the "fluff" and streamline operations so girls can enjoy the outdoors and nature.
- Camping and being outdoors are vitally important to help girls learn survival and team building skills. Girls need to be comfortable with dirt. It's not just for boys!
- The camp experience has been a life-changing growth event for generations of Girl Scouts, contributing to independence, self-confidence, and interpersonal skills as well as learning about earth processes, nature, and environmental science. It's one aspect of girlhood that is not duplicated by any other childhood experience; few , if any, other opportunities for this level of outdoor experience are available for girls.
- keep summer camps more affordable so more girls can go
- Camping is an important part of scouts. It helps girls build self esteem, teaches them team building and gives them an appreciation for nature. For some girls this might be the only time they will be exposed to camping or have the opportunity to go camping.
- Girls don't camp unless it is with Girl Scouts. Also, the Boy Scouts aren't selling camps -- so their business model must be superior to that of the Girl Scouts.
- My summer camp experiences, both as a camper and as a counselor, shaped who I am as a person. I learned leadership, self-sufficiency, and gained much-needed confidence in myself and others. Additionally, I gained an appreciation for organizational structure (which I use daily), gained skills I never thought I had and made friends I still keep in touch with (& this was from the 80's). I don't have any daughters, but I now realize that if I did, it would be difficult for me to give them the same experiences that I had, which is truly a shame.
- Camping was the core of being a Girl Scout ..getting girls outdoors to explore nature needs to be a part of the program.
- It's the most unique thing about the Girl Scouts - and something that generations of kids really need. If we don't connect kids deeply to the natural world, they won't fight to save it and take care of it. Please don't abandon this most important piece of Girl Scouting. MY experiences at GS camp were a huge part of making me the strong, capable, courageous person I am.
- camp is where all 27 of our girls are truly free to be themselves in a safe environment. Free from school, free from predators, free from the stress of their home life. It is a place where they bond and truly become a team or unit of friends working together. The smiles and fun times are absolutely PRICELESS!! When we survey our troop at the end of the year we ask them what they would like to do next year, the answer is hands down without question going to include CAMPING. We have added two more trips to our program just to help fill the desire. We are even traveling to other Girl Scout properties to get to enjoy their space too and to give the girls a different experience. As a Girl Scout when I was younger, my most FAVORITE activity was CAMPING.
- I am an engineer and I use camp every time I take my girls to teach them some thing about science. But you can't push it down their throats you have to make it fun and then they will find items they like
- I cannot imagine a Girl Scout Experience without camp. Camp is a place where all worlds of interest can happen in programming, where girls discover their abilities, reach their potential, grow their vision, make lifelong friends, develop independence, teamwork, problem solving skills, responsibility, have fun in a safe environment, have a chance to prove thenselves while they spend a week or more living closely with some of the most positive young adult female (and a few male) role models they will ever have the chance to encounter. Camp changes people. they come back looking quite the same- yet they are oh so different deep inside.
- I enjoyed taking my girls to Camp Wakatomika but I wished the trails would have been better marked and that the creek wasn't on someone else's property a million miles down a road.
- daughter loves camp, but is getting very discouraged with what is offered
- Camp is a great place to introduce girls to a wide variety of topics. I would like to see girl scouts use this time more creatively to capture the girls interests in STEM as well as outdoors activities while they have a captive audience. Unfortunately, my daughter's anxiety only allows her to experience day camp which is only offered for one week at the beginning of the summer and her experience is limited to the enthusiasm and creativity as well as the resources of those leading the group to whom she is assigned for the week.
- Girls are exposed to STEM every day through school! Wonder how many girls put to work their outdoor skills when our area was hit by the super storm Sandy. I think that says it all!
- GSUSA should cease and desist from discouraging camping and stop the sale of camps. GSUSA should provide guidance and help where requested, to local councils who are saving and running camps. Cookie money should go in large part to funding camping. Camps do not have to make a profit or break even as they are fundamental to scouting and should be subsidized with cookie money and other fund raising where necessary to keep them open. More effort should be put into marketing our camps and encouraging girls of all ages to go.
- I would like to see more simple badges at all levels for outdoor activities.
- I think leaders find going camping with their troop very overwhelming and therefore many troops don't go. I took my 11 girls 2 times and both times it was very overwhelming. There needs to be more to help. The lists online are out of date and don't help. When you get there - the 2 people there can help, but they are limited to what they have on hand. When I went the second time, I decided to take over the flag duties for the weekend with my troop. BUT - they didn't have flag ceremony procedures available to help us.
- Get rid of the executives - keep the camps!
- Camps are the core of Girl Scouting. Without camps, we are no different than all the other youth activities. Girls join Girl Scouts to camp and do outdoor activities, not to learn math and science or how to make money.
- Taking the girls camping give them an experience that they might not otherwise get with their families. We have taken our girls and all that have gone have LOVED it!
- I believe the camping skills are important unfortunately out council feels that it's not. this is reflected in the poor offerings for camp and lack of caring by council to offer good programming,
- I think a lack of support and publication for camping has led to camps being used less. I also think the camp setting can be leveraged for lots of topics. For example, I learned about the physics of sailing at camp.
- With GSUSA focusing so much on leaderships skills why don't more people understand that camp is the perfect opportunity for developing leadership skills.
- Camp teaches girls how to be away from home. Camp teaches girls how to be resourceful. Camp teaches girls how to cook, clean, light a fire, build a fire, share a tent, do kapers, be part of a team, unplug from technology and work on social skills, learn about the enviornment.
- Girls learn leadership skills, teamwork, appreciation for the environment, and more at camp. For my troop it has always been the one thing they all want to do. It is part of what makes our organization special. Although my council has not been impacted by a camp sale in recent years, they have sold off properties in the past. The idea truly scares me.
- Camp is expensive.. we all know that.. that is why many girls don't get the opportunity- the girls in my troop participate in Service unit encampments and troop camping- this is sometimes the girls only opportunity for camp. I do think for fall/spring camps- the outdoor units aren't the most appealing to today's girls- maybe look at re-modernizing those units
- Being a counselor at Girl Scout camps over the summer is my primary reason for having remained in Girl Scouts for 13 years (and longer now, as an alumn). The closure of campgrounds is not acceptable considering the budget afforded to cookie advertising and events, and the cost of redoing the entire badge system to produce the new journey books and badges (most of which remain focused on indoors activities, creative endeavors, or financial education -- not necessarily negative on their own, but certainly not the base for a program founded on learning courage, confidence, and character; emphasis on the first two). Perhaps membership fee could be raised, with financial waivers available for those a higher fee would otherwise deter? This would raise more money for the organization, which would allow for a decrease in the cookie-pushing and selling of camps; it might also cause parents whose children have other extra-curriculars (such as sports teams) to rank Girl Scouts with a higher priority, as being something they invested money as well as time in for their girls -- which would increase attendance at meetings, and possibly enthusiasm.
- Selling Girl Scout land has got to stop... A return to quality outdoor programming needs to be a priority. Girl Scouts needs to return to the basics and get out of this big corporation trends... We don't need more corporate games we need good solid, wholesome programming built on good relationships.
- My five years of going to Girl Scout camp made me much more outgoing and brave; it readied me for the challenges of high school. Working at Girl Scout camp for seven years made me into a leader and helped me get my first teaching job. Please stop cutting the camp programs!
- We did stem activities while at camp because we needed a large block of time to work on our get moving journey, but would have preferred an outdoor journey. Journeys overall are too much like school.
- I think leaders with outdoor experience provide for those experiences. Adults who are uncomfortable camping do not gravitate toward those activities.
- I am sad to see so many camps closing. I think GSUSA and council should work with the members to come up with solutions rather than making decisions without us. We bring in a lot of money with our dues, cookie sales, nut sales, program support... etc... we should have some say in what's going on.
- Many girls do not have the opportunity with their families to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and camping. Girl Scouts gives them that opportunity. When we ask our 4th grade girls what they want to do Camping is always #1! They love it!
- It is a part but only a part. Girl Scouts are not in the real estate business despite local feelings.
- Camp gives girls the opportunity to explore things they do not get in a suburban setting.Outdoor programming is EXTREMELY important to today's girls. It provides much needed decompression from their highly stressful and competitive school lives. When I take my troop camping, by day two you can see a change in their demeanor, they become more relaxed, laugh, they even breath deeper. Our rule is no cell phones, no electronics when we camp. It is unplugged time with nature and friends.
- Kids are growing up in an electronic world these days and like the US Forest commercial says they need to unplug. They need outdoor camps to teach them outdoor survival,camping,nature and most of all teamwork and friendship that doesn't come from playing with electronics all day.
- Camp is very important for my daughter. In addition to the 1 week of resident camp she goes to on the summer, I wish there were more options for day camps. I believe camp is a great way to learn independence, leadership, outdoor skills that can lead to lifelong passions.
- Camps are being sold off to pay for the huge staff (everytime you turn around there is another new hire in a new "titled" position - Director of.... or Chief Director of....) and high salaries of some of them. Camping and outdoor skills are something that everyone should be exposed to the survival skills that camping provides are invaluable. Besides that Scouting is supposedly so environmentally conscious and green but will sell off open space (camps) to developers in a blink of an eye all for the almighty buck, NOT SO ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS or GREEN !!!!!
- Our council has closed/sold many camps and now the only resident camp left is inconveniently far away and many, many girls will be missing out. The most recent property to be axed, Camp Chenoa, is beautiful and I was very sad to see the decision to sell it.
- Camp opportunities are not effectively advertised. Not within the troop structure, and especially outside of troops. My niece once completely missed sign up deadlines one year because her troop did not mention it. If that can happen to a girl that wants to go to camp who is in a troop how many independent scouts or camp only girls are being missed due to communication failures?
- I feel our programming/camp experiences have good intentions in developing skills, leadership, problem-solving and connections for girls. Unfortunately, I do not see high standards or implementation. Some may stem from financial restrictions but most rests with training, leadership and follow-through.
- The number one memory of my GS experience, and my daughter's favorite GS activity.
- If girls are showing less of an interest in outdoor programming, it is because they are not exposed to it enough. You have to experience it enough of it when u are young to appreciate it. I don't think I was in love with outdoor programming when I was young but through the years as our troop did activities outdoors, I can love it and appreciate the outdoors
- Camp experiences impact one's whole life. It is false that girls no longer want to camp--that they want to be home with their technology. I've been reading how private camps are thriving--and they forbid ANY technology, makeup, and the kids at some where uniforms to eliminate fashion competition. And who goes to these camps? The wealthy. Girl Scouts used to provide quality camping experiences for girls of middle and low income families--they are getting cheated now.
- I am in my last year of my environmental science degree and I know that I would not have chosen this field if it wasn't for scouting
- I am extremely disappointed when a Council talks of financial difficulties but when offered help by volunteers does not even follow thru to hear plans. Materials, plans, and labor was available at no cost but Council would not meet to hear details. Not just everyday volunteers, contractors, and businesses wanted to pull together and "rebuild" but had no response. This was a very large negative and black eye to the organization as a whole. What happened to "for the girls"?
- I do not choose to use the primitive camping skills I learned in Girl Scouting as a girl on a regular basis, but I appreciate having that knowledge (some of which has proven useful during extended power outages). I think camp gives girls a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Who doesn't need that once in a while?
- I loved AND learned from my camp experiences - leadership, confidence, etc. My first real job was as a camp counselor in the summer during my college years. I learned more about leadership AND supervision during that time. Ultimately, I attended a Tier 1 university and graduated in the top 20% of my class with a STEM major and have had a 30-year career in IT/Finance, including management roles and I know that my experience as a Girl Scout Camper and Counselor helped me to be successful in those roles (and have the confidence to attempt them in the first place.)
- I think we need to do a better job of letting non-members know they can still attend the summer camps.
- Kids (city) don't get out nearly enough for various reasons. Camps give them a safe place for adventures. Outdoors even in the city are crucial to childhood development.
- I don't know that GSUSA stepping in IS the appropriate answer because it's the realignment and reorganization of structure and programming that has been part of the influence of selling camps- if there is no or very little outdoor programming encouraged by GSUSA efforts, why would a council want to keep their camps? I don't know whether the pension issue is related or not but I do know that selling camps has a very detrimental impact on the value of the GS program and what girls will learn. I currently live in a council where they have sold 1 camp and are reinvesting the sale funds into the other properties via a strategic master plan. However, prior to that they made the poor choice of shutting down their resident camp programming and using a traveling staff to operate a token 2 weeks at each location- and they lost a TON of girls. Because the council had a poor track record of not supporting their camp directors, they had high turnover- for more than 15 years a camp director only lasted 3 years (this fact was not shared with the council board but did come out as "need to fix" when realignment occurred). With a lack of consistent directorship and programming (and subsequently the traditions that make each camp unique and special), over the past 15 years there is not the same level of passionate loyalty by campers to that camp- when camp closed those campers simply went elsewhere, found different camps and DID.NOT.COME.BACK even when the camp reopened. 2) At a council where I worked at 1 camp for a year and another camp for 7 years, they attempted to sell ALL their properties this year and the alumni went nuts. As someone in a council where the sale of camp property was handled with thought and intention, as someone who has been a camp director, as someone with a camp management degree, I "get it" that camps cost money, that camp fees don't cover it all, etc. I also get that without changes to what supports the camp, how camps are operated, "saving" the camp is not a long term solution. Thing HAVE to change in order for camps to be fiscally stable. I also get that society has changed, there are new interests- programming has to change. 3) STEM has ALWAYS happened at camp- whether outsiders realize it or not. Science happens on a hike, Math happens when doing a cookout, Engineering happens on the ropes course, etc. It may not be intentionally instructional such as in a classroom but it's there. BUT others have to 1. KNOW about camp 2. BE at camp to see and get it.
- My oldest daughter (9, first year Junior) has attended camp two summers running and adores it. She loves being outside and doing all the outdoors things available at camp. My youngest daughter (6, second year Daisy) cannot WAIT till I let her go to camp. Please leave camp as an outdoors experience, or if you want to incorporate STEM, maybe have a separate camp experience incorporating STEM??
- Camp is an important part of the girl scouting experience--it provides so many opportunities for learning and growth for girls. It seems even more important with girls who are so tied to technology that they don't know much of a world without it. Camping give them the chance to "unplug" from 24/7 technology and learn how to negotiate a world not so linked to technology--giving them new perspectives and insights on a world outside of tech devices.
- Camps build so many skills and memories that last a lifetime! You need to promote Scouts going to camp w/o their troops as well as troop camping. Promote camps outside of troops for kids who aren't in Scouts... and this may also get kids to join after a positive camp experience.
- Our local council does not have enough camping spaces to always support troop camping well...our premier camp is barely available to individual troops on attractive dates, because it is full with Service Unit level activities (and service Units can only have major events in alternate years). I have had to camp out-of-council to get space. 2) My council has multiple day-camps, and the one near my home has inferior programming to the others. I feel like my area has been the poor step-child after a merger of three Councils...the best programs are in the other legacy areas, and the resources my former council brought to the table have been closed or under-utilized. 3) At core, however, I'm increasingly feeling that Girl Scouting has a huge weakness in outdoor programming due to its troop model. Our mom-led troops, focused on one age range, do not have the permanence of Boy Scout troops, and thus do not develop and maintain the camping knowledge, comfort or equipment that Boy Scout troops have. It saddens me to realize that a significant number of our local troops NEVER camp (not even in cabins), because they have leaders who just arent' comfortable getting trained and taking the lead on outdoor activities. 4) I'm also realizing that Girl Scouting is inferior to Boy Scouting in developing the innate leadership activity of older teens teaching and mentoring tweens on how to do things. In fact, at the one Service unit activity I've attended aimed at 6-12th graders, the one senior troop there made it quite clear that they really didn't want to interact with the younger girls, much less mentor them
- Camps are a VERY IMPORTANT part of Girl Scouting. Councils need to stop selling camps and start having more programming available at their camps to make them more utilized.
- Camping is a major part of being a Girl Scout. I was a Girl Scout and loved my camping experience. Getting outdoors with your friends, doing new activities. That is what Juliette did with her girls, this is what we should be doing with our girls. Instead of selling the camps, put care into keeping them. Our council camp experiences are too expensive for us to use and offer nothing unless you do their CORE CAMP, so we find other local council camps to use, have even gone out of state to camp, or gone to non-girl scout camps. VERY DISHEARTENING!!!
- Many people do not spend a lot of time outdoors these days but knowledge of the outdoors is important. Camping teaches self sufficiency and resourcefulness that carries over to everyday life. There are not many places to learn these skills besides GS.
- Girls love learning camp skills! Don't go away from them!
- Camp--turning girls loose on the out of doors--is the best way to live the law. At camp, girls learn leadership, cooperation, respect for the planet, respect for authority, self-sufficiency, and so much more. I have been a Girl Scout for over 30 years and have experienced camp from every angle, from troop day trips and overnights as a little girl, to resident camp, to being a counselor, to taking my Seniors camping as a leader. There is no other experience, environment, or program that embodies the entirety of the goals of Girl Scouting than camp.
- Camps are already their own STEM centers. All this without computers and wifi. I rather liked it that girls had spotty cell coverage at camp. It forced them to be with each other.
- I've been going to camp for 9 years, and it sucks to see sister camps close. My mom went to camp as a kid and it's sad to see that her camp is closed. It affects more people than you think. Way more people. Also, parents and kids are not comfortable spending a week at camp by themselves. This is because neither the parents or kids are comfortable leaving. This should be changed. How? Troops are not encouraged to go camping because of all the certifications necessary to do so. it is also super freakin' expensive for troops to go camping, overall discouraging it. I am very strong about camp because this it has literally changed my life.
- I used my camp skills (I was a cit and worked at camp) with becoming a teacher.
- Despite how the media wants to address girls (all pink and purple, sparkly and clean) girls DO like to camp, and they DO like to get dirty, and they DO want the chance to challenge themselves with different activities and feel that sense of accomplishment from achievement. Variety of activities and programs helps make them well-rounded individuals with a self-confidence that carries over into their school and other pursuits.
- Maybe from what I see here, it can be inferred GSUSA is finally considering listening to the thousands of members who are screaming in protest over what you are doing to camps? Girls today don't get outdoor programming at home, so GS has to introduce it to them in order for them to grow to love it. Like vegetables, camping may not sound great at first to someone who has never tried it. Do you want girls to grow up only eating chicken nuggets because that is all they know, or do you want to expand their palates?
- I think the outdoor/camp programming should be #1... everything else should be secondary. Girls want to join to have fun... they already do enough book work in school. The kids want adventure... Financial Literacy/STEM, Journeys should remain secondary to the fun part. They are an absolute benefit to the program, but if I were a girl and knew I was signing up for more schooling, I wouldn't sign up. Sure as an adult, I value the importance of all those components to the program... but we need to get the girls excited enough to come in and then be able to keep them interested before we start throwing more "work" their way.
- We LOVE camp! GSCM has 5 wonderful camps that we utilize at least twice a year.
- Again 4th generation scout who has gone to camp, my daughter has gone to GS camp for 9 years and her camp is being SHUTTERED. 50% closure rate for our camps SINCE THE MERGER. No other viable options for GS camp in our area. Sleepover camp is not an option. This is a girl who has earned her bronze, silver and is working on her gold award. She wanted to be a CIT at camp and then a counselor...that opportunity has now been taken away and put a VERY BAD TASTE in her mouth. Very disappointed.
- Please do not close Camp Dewitt. Outdoors is such a huge part of girl scouts. Survival is essential - school does not teach that.
- What I remember most about GS as a girl was camp. Troop, service area camporee and summer camps.
- STEM could work in the camp setting depending on the councilors you have and have that more of a day camp. But i don't feel as if it should be the main focus. If a camp wanted to run one or two programs a summer on STEM and keep the rest of the programs how they are i think that would be the best option if we want to integrate STEM into camp. I think camp is a great part of the scout program. Camp pulls campers from all over and then puts them in the same playing field, around positive role models 24/7. The camp experience teaches campers things they may never had had the ability to experience without camp. As well and showing off the great outdoors. While at camp girls will see how staff work together to get stuff done and pick each other up when they are down, thus teaching by example to the girls what they should be doing. I don't like how the camps, at least in our council, have when they replace/fix building made them more modern and including air conditioning ect. Part of the magic of camp comes from it being completely different from home, and if you take a lot of that away you take away the magic of camp. I also don't think that camp should be badge focused on activities. I think it should be a option for troop camp ect to ask for. But when camp staff focus on badge work camp staff gets more stressed that they have to do this that and the other thing because it says so in there program, and that doesn't allow for them to show there strengths and allow the girls to explore that area in the way the group may want to. The way camp staff gets is more methodical in a list of stuff to do and the activities become less fun for the campers. So i don't think the camps should advertise the campers will earn whatever badge if they go to that camp season even if thats the plan.
- Camp is my daughter's number 1 reason for staying in Girl Scouts through her senior year. She is set to be a camp counselor this summer. This is where she learned self reliance, that she can be strong in the world all on her own, that she doesn't need a male protector to be outdoors.
- camp is a wonderful place for girls. Working as a camp counselor at Camp Alice Chester, I was fortunate enough to see many young ladies blossom and change from just spending one week there. Camp is an extremely beneficial program that can impact the lives of girls everywhere and provide them with good memories for the rest of their lives.
- I have found through the merging of councils that certain camps are receiving preferential treatment in terms of council leaders. For example, in (council removed), most of the current leaders were members of the struggling two councils and not the absorbing one, (council removed). This in turn has caused the membership area of the prior (council removed) council to be disregarded for most programming and especially in the camp setting. The camps that will remain open after (council removed) closes the last remaining one are outside of the membership area for the entire council and most members are not interested in driving 3 hours or more when they have a camp with waterfront access near by. 2) I think that as a 8 year camper, two year CIT and eventually a two year counselor, I am able to use skills gained through outdoor programming to help me in my current role. I work as an actuary which is predominately a male field. I found that camp gave me the ability to increase my attention to detail and my ability to work with others. For the newfound attention to STEM, I found that through outdoor exploration and trips including backpacking the Appalachian Trail, I was able to learn how to take direction as well as how to make things out of what we had. This helped me when taking chemistry and physics classes at the high school and eventual college level. I do feel that camp gives young women the ability to succeed in STEM fields.
- Girls are joining other groups because GS is not offering the outdoors
- Absolutely Camp is essential and relevant to the Girl Scout program. It is one of the reasons that girls join so that they can experience the outdoors in a safe and organized manner. Closing the camps will be detrimental to the program.
- Camp experiences allowed my girls to learn what they were capable of.
- I really hope that ALL of the surveys are taken into consideration not just the more populated areas. Our rural area has not been included in any of the surveys that others have been specifically been asked to complete.
- these girls need to be outside!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- See my previous comment. Camping is the only program that girl scouts does better than other organizations. It is what keeps girls in scouting. Our camps are also excellent resources for hosting programs of all kinds and are sorely underutilized by the councils for these purposes. Dump the excess and expensive corporate offices and keep the camps.
- Can girls tie appropriate knots, lash, build an open fire and cook, properly clean up, use a propane stove, put up a tent or shelter, store food from critters, refrigerate in a stream, administer first aid, make kitchen utensils from tin cans or engage in utensil-less cooking, make fire without matches, carry on after a tornado has taken their house, etc.? I might add, sing while doing all this.
- STEM programming, the camp experience are two areas that can be linked. Look to the No Child Left in Side Movement for why the outdoor experience is vital for girls at a time when GSUSA has taken the Outing out of Girl Scouting.
- Outdoors is not preprogrammed. The girls may make plans but unlike in the classroom environment - anything can happen. This is great because it is the life the girls are eventually going to have. In the meeting room, Museum, or other people enclosed environment - random outside forces have minimal effect. Outside, the unexpected can and often does happen. This is real and the girls need a chance to react to it and learn.
- I think STEM can be INCORPORATED into the camping program, but it shouldn't be the entire focus. Girls can learn engineering by figuring out how to put up a tent or create a lean-to, math by calculating appropriate serving sizes of food cooked over a campfire, and science is all around them at every turn. Technology really is an anathema to the camping experience. For some kids it's the only chance to actually escape into a world where they have to be self-sufficient and not have their faces buried in an electronic device.
- I attribute ALL I have become to my camping experience I had as a Girl Scout
- Camping was probably the most influential part of GS program for me as I was growing up. I developed confidence and independence while at camp. I learned and applid scientific and mathematical concepts. As a leader for my daughter's troop, I used GS camps to foster the same learnings. I majored in biology, before changing to business. My daughter is receiving her Masters in Forensics in May 2014 and will continue next year in an Organic Chemistry doctoral program. I have returned to scouting after several years and have 16 Daisys that I also hope to expose to the wonders and adventures of scouting, with camping as a cornerstone stone.
- Here is a copy of a letter that I wrote to the GS North Central Alabama Board of Directors on September 5, 2013. This summarizes my opinion of the camp and outdoor journey programs in Girl Scouts: Dear Board of Directors, I am writing to ask you to consider adoption of the attached proposal for a discussion topic at the 2014 National Council Session to GSUSA for consideration for placement on the agenda for the National Council. The deadline for submission of these discussion topics is October 18, 2014. 2) The topic states my belief as a volunteer, mother and Girl Scout that GSUSA needs to do everything possible to support and expand the Girl Scout Leadership Experience in the areas of the Camp Pathway and outdoor program. At present, the Girl Scout Program Portfolio consists primarily of Journeys and the materials in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting. None of the three Journeys series focuses its activities in outdoor program areas. Although there now are legacy and skill building badges in the Girl's Guide to Girl Scouting at various levels which may touch on outdoor skills, only one skill-building series (i.e., a single badge per grade level) focuses exclusively on camping-related skills. 3) Nationally, membership in the Girl Scout Movement has declined since implementation of the new Girl Scout Program Portfolio. Many girls and volunteers both locally and nationally continue to complain that the Journeys and their activities are "too much like school." Developing additional materials which take place in outdoor settings--and which do not resemble or duplicate school studies--will help expand GSUSA's program offerings in an area which will be attractive to many of our girls. In addition, each year the number of older girls (13-18) participating in the Boy Scouts Venturing Program continues to increase. It is currently the fastest growing area in the Boy Scouts. The Venturing Program offers a variety of high adventure, sports, hobbies, art and religious programs for all young adults, including girls. For years, girls have been told that they can do anything including high adventure sports, camping, STEM, etc.... It has taken a long time but over the years, girls not only hear the words but they believe it! Girl Scouts should equally support the tradition of camping/outdoor leadership programs as well as STEM opportunities. Girls need both and both are important. 4) Furthermore, those of us with experience working with girls in outdoor settings and at camp (whether troop/group camp, day camp, or resident camp) believe that camping, outdoor programming and skills development, and the Camp Pathway in general collectively are one of the best ways to meet the fifteen outcomes of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. These experiences provide countless opportunities to learn and practice decision-making, life skills, problem resolution, and group living for more than a few hours at a time, developing courage, confidence, and character along the way. 5) If our council, along with others, ask GSUSA to include this proposed discussion topic in the National Council's agenda, our Movement can have a far-reaching conversation about this issue. It also may be possible that some pre-convention activities and part of the Girl Scout Leadership Institute for girls could be dedicated to exploring options that would improve outdoor programming. I'm sure our CEO knows how to submit such ideas through appropriate channels. Thank you for your consideration of my request. Copy: (name removed), GSNCA CEO
- I don't think that my council support the camping or outdoor programs effectively. This should be a priority for them and it isn't. It is the only think that distinguishes GS from schools, sports, religious organizations. The GS national is too politically correct and it is ruining the programming for the girls.
- I have heard from many people that camping is not relevant anymore, I beg to differ. Camping helps the girls to think, be ready for emergencies, helps their creativity and much more!
- I have worked at Girl Scouts camps for 6 years. The camp I grew up at and worked at my first year was closed due to numbers and then they are still trying to sell it. Then in the GSMWRV council they changed how it functioned. The GSCWM is still very much trying to keep traditions and keep camps open even though a couple are closed down.
- Camp and outdoor programming are even more relevant to girls today because girls have so fewer chances to experience these settings and programs in their everyday lives.
- Camp not only encourages love of nature and the environment, but basic camp skills build confidence and can be used in many ways in a girl's future life. STEM activities can also be done there- as long as is not too much like school. Children need unstructured time in the out of doors to explore and learn.
- Once all the camps are sold, what will the council sell next? The unfunded pensjion mandate has been a disaster. GSUSA should be ashamed of themselves.
- The continued maintenance of Girl Scout camps does depend on the availability of other camp sites locally. Councils with national, state and local park sites may not need as much to maintain their own sites. I have volunteered in two councils where smaller sites with problems were sold to consolidate development of larger, more sustainable properties and that makes sense. But right now, the sales don't seen to have that purpose - just to raise money.
- See STEM comments above. Our council is extremely fortunate to have a strong outdoor program. Some of that is because of its volunteers. The staff cannot do everything. I understand the volunteer presence is not as strong in other councils.
- Camps are the original STEM playgrounds. Unfortunately, camps in our area have become more about marketing and less about quality program. Staff sit in offices scratching their heads and wondering what they can write in a brochure to attract girls. Gone are programs that allowed girls to bike across the state and spelunk and canoe the boundary waters. There is nothing left for older girls and they move on to the Boy Scout Adventure programs. There is nothing left for younger girls to aspire to.
- Camp was a HUGE part of my childhood and young adulthood. I attended camp every year growing up and then worked there a couple years in college. It breaks my heart that girls now don't have the opportunity to attend camp.
- What better place to learn and develop Courage, Confidence and Character + to Discover, Connect and Take Action than the Out-of-doors! That the new Journey and Badge program left off the Outdoor life is inane. Camping is Character Building and provides so many opportunities for Leadership growth.
- My camp experience did not directly influence my masters in computer science, but it most definitely did encourage me to be strong and adventurous, to love and respect nature and its beauty, to know that I can do even what seems beyond me - eight day canoe trips, climbing the second highest mountain in NY state, living for 4 weeks in a pup tent, cooking all our own food - now that is strength and community.
- The sale of Camp Chenoa has ENSURED that my daughter will no longer be a girl scout. I think it's terrible that the girl scouts have combined councils (Green and White Mountains) but now it is only the Girl Scouts of the Green Mountains. I wish it could go back to the way things were. My daughter loved Camp Chenoa and wanted to continue to attend.
- STEM is not the be-all and end-all for girls, anymore than staying home or business or anything else. There is too much concern about STEM! There are plenty of non-STEM, viable options for careers for girls!
- The cost is outrageous! Lower the cost and the camps will fill. Raise the prices, camps will be empty, as they currently are. I have two daughters and can't afford to send one. The girls in my troop can't afford to attend camp even with the cookie sales discount.
- Camp has always included science,math,problem solving. It doesn't take computers and smartphones. Camp was the highlight of my daughter's scouting year. It helped all 4 of them reach great goals (1 Silver award,1 Gold award and a wider op to Iceland,assist with a troop during college and now a Army wife).Scouting was changing as the last 2 graduated seemed to be less want can I do for those around me and the world,and more if it's not about fun and me don't do it. 3 of them are know mom's and use want they learned at camp(it's ok to get dirty,that bugs are neat and they have a job,that you have to take care of the people and earth around you.)
- My GS camp experience as a girl is one of the reasons I registered my 3 daughters and became a leader. I wanted them to experience the outdoors in a meaningful, manageable, simplistic way.
- At camp I learned the science behind making a sailboat move. How math goes into the sailboat and technology works with the sailboat. The science of swimming and using the natural resources wisely. I learned how to put up a tent and take down a tent. How to make a dutch oven and how to cook outdoors. Made lots of friends and learned communication skills. I learned how to teach girls who were younger than me and how to mentor as a counselor. Camp was a place to get away from all the outside infulences and to just be myself and none of the other girls cared and they could also be themself. I spent most of my summers at camp either as a camper or as a staff member for many years it was the best time ever and I learned so much each summer.
- Outdoor programming is the foundation of scouting.
- Camping gives girls the opportunity for self reliance, independence, appreciation of nature and the ability to achieve practical life skills.
- My daughter loves camp. The camp in our area is always busy it seems. My youngest can not wait to be able to go and would be very upset that she would not be able to attend. The technology at camp would be difficult because of the lack of technology available at camp but I do believe that it is feasible and IMPORTANT!!!!!
- Camping And Outdoor Programming Should Always remain A Huge Part Of Girl Scouts.
- My troop loves being in the outdoors. They can't wait until warmer weather to get back to camp. when we take summer trips to visit areas we always look for cabins or a girl scout camp to stay at.
- If the camp closes in my area my daughter will no longer participate in Girl Scouts.
- Camps need to be available more often for troops rather than just resident camps. We have been trying for 3 years to get a cabin for winter camping and it's too early to book for Feb at the end of May and the beginning of June all the weekends in Jan and Feb are gone! Resident camp is too expensive when you have 3 daughters in scouts.
- I have a 1 week day camp if I had the facilities I could make it a resident camp and have that week full to over flowing!
- YES! It is important for everyone to get OUTSIDE and learn to "like" themselves without technology. Get disconnected and listen to the birds, walk on the beach,
- Camp Crowell Hilaka is need for my council.
- Help fix up Camp Beckoning Trails!!
- Camp was the best part of Scouting for me.
- I have a biology degree and am a former secondary ed teacher. I know from my personal experiences as a girl scout that Girl Scout camps were the only time I experienced science in the outdoors. It's we're I learned about identifying plants, ate wild edibles, looked at star constellations, etc. It definitely helped foster my love of biology.
- Camping and being away from home helps build confindence. It's a great way to build team work. You are learning so many skills when camping that you can apply to school, future employment and relationships. I think it's VERY important to girl scouts.
- Outdoor program helps the girls to get out of their comfort zone. It allows them to try new things that they may not have the opportunity to try otherwise. It shows them that they are able to accomplish things that they never thought they could do. This instills the personality traits required for future leadership, without "teaching" leadership.
- Councils need to look at what is exciting to the older girls. If your older girl program is week in the camp area there is nothing for the younger girls to strife for. Girls need a safe place to experience the camp thing. It is not always a tent that helps but a way to find new in the old areas.
- Do not sell any more camps. Let's teach the girls confidence and Leadership through the wilderness education.
- you can use math (cartography), natural science and many other STEM activities in the outdoor setting. OUTDOOR/environmental education is ESSENTIAL in this day and time....maybe you could incorporate wind and solar energies to fuel the camps giving the girls a futuristic experience and seeing the possibilities of alternative energies......
- This is why so many girls become (Boy Scout) Venturers - the current GS program isn't giving them enough outdoor experience.
- Camping and outdoor programming are essential elements of the Girl Scout experience, linking girls to the land and creating memories and bonds that are unique to Girl Scouting. STEM programs can be implemented in a camp setting, with the right leadership and adequate infrastructure. Plan your property interventions with high tech needs in mind, but also plan your STEM programming with life sciences and engineering tailored to the environment that the camp is in. Use the location to your best advantage and create programs unique to that spot.
- I do think that STEM activities could be accomplished at camp, but I don't think they should. Camp experiences that leave the electricity behind are incredibly important for their ability to "ground". Girls (kids in general) are increasingly insulated from the natural world and I think we will be sorry when we see the effects of this when these kids become adults. I am a hospital pharmacist. While my experiences at camp did not directly point me toward that career choice, it is because of the confidence I gained in GS outdoor experiences that I chose to pursue what was then a male dominated field.
- Girls spend far too much time sitting in front of technology. Obesity is becoming an issue. Children and adults need to get out and move and interact face to face with others. Girl Scouting can provide this opportunity for our girls.
- I learned so much when I was a girl scout and we went camping. Those are memories that are the best. I still use many of the skills at home and at work
- The cost to go camping can also be an issue.
- Once these camps are gone there is NO GOING BACK. There is no way the GS will be able to afford to rebuy and rebuild the camps. They need to be held on to and developed more- for instance, if no one wants rustic camping have cabins. Add resource centers where troops can meet, have overnights, hold special events, ect.
- My daughter loves camp and this summer (2014) will be her 5th year.
- Family camping should be encouraged. It is a lot easier to family camp. If every girl camps with a parent and has activities with the troop, she could learn valuable skills.
- We do not have enough camps in our area. Having to travel more than an hour is too much at times.
- Attending camp as a girl scout helped me determine what I loved to do, and helped me gain self confidence and other useful skills for my future. It is a safe space for girls to grow and try new things, and it would be such a shame to see these spaces unavailable for future generations.
- As a member who uses Camp Beckoning Trails, I feel that our camp is vital to learning camping skills. We are perfect for more rustic camping and teaching girls troop core camp information. Our minimalist amphitheater is so important to our girls and we could use funding to help improve the conditions. Our children love that they can atted day camp right in their own backyard. If we could not have daycamp here, many could not afford to attend elsewhere.
- Not EVERYTHING in Girl Scouts has to be about STEM!!! There are many ways to include STEM in a camp setting, but my goal was to teach to girls appreciation of nature in ALL seasons, to feel at home in nature in all seasons. There are things you learn about yourself in the outdoors that stay with you your whole life.
- Camp has always been a GREAT place for Girls to test themselves and acquire leadership skills. I don't understand why it is being deemphasized.
- We need an improved urban facility.
- Many events are held at the camp near our headquarters, but very few are held at other camps located within our council. (This are events aside from summer camps offered.)
- The camping experience is one of the strongest part of scouting. Learning how to take of your self outdoors with less is a survival skill the girls need and it build self esteem at the same time.
- Camping and leadership go hand in hand together. Giving girls a quality outdoor experience is so critical to the Girl Scout experience. I feel so very strongly about this.
- My career choice had nothing to do with Girl Scouts. My mom was a troop leader. I was a tag along until age 5, then a scout through high school. At no time was my career choice determined by my experiences with scouting (physical therapist). I do enjoy the friendships forged, the campfires and songs, the core values learned and I am an avid outdoors enthusiast.
- Girls need to get out into nature and away from electronics for part of their time.
- I think camps need to be revamped to meet a wider variety of needs within the community. Maybe look at why 4H Camp has a higher registration rate.
- Camps and other outdoor programming provide the best venue for developing the teamwork and communication skills that businesses are currently looking for. By placing girls into small working groups (patrols) for a short amount of time, they have a safe place to learn to communicate needs, listen to others, negotiate and together make plans for menus, trip plans, etc., and then apply research and budgeting to carrying out their plans. These are essential skills for any adult. By taking them out of their usual environment of home or school, they can focus on making and carrying out a plan and see how the process works in a very short time.
- Camping is an excellent "laboratory" for developing all types of skills including leadership, planning, awareness of nature, physical strength, social skills etc.
- Girl Scout Camps and camping are were memories are made. Where girls grow and fall in love with Girl Scouts. I remember going with my girl friend in 5th grade. I sent both my daughters to Girl Scout camp. They now have wonderful memories and met new friends and learned so many, many things at camp.
- This may be the only chance for girls and adults alike to get to try things like canoeing, archery, outdoor adventure course and other fun things done outdoors. I think councils need to think out side the box to find ways to get girls to camp more.
- If anything, I think the camps and outdoor programming are even MORE relevant and important to girls today with recess and physical education decreasing in schools and so few outdoor opportunities for many girls especially in urban and suburban environments. I walked to school and playgrounds and rode our bikes all over town as children but very few children have that opportunity today. I had swimming lessons at school but many children never learn to swim - my own daughter's GS camp doesn't offer swimming lessons and she's only gotten the opportunity to swim once or twice at summer camp over the course of several years. How are girls to learn to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors when they only see it while walking to and from a car? Where will our future park rangers, biologists, botanists, veterinarians, zoo keepers, gardeners, farmers, outdoor sports enthusiasts, etc...come from if our girls aren't exposed to nature and the world of possibilities it provides as children?
- Is not appreciated to its fullest value.
- I think outdoor programming is critical. Otherwise we may as well be any other group.
- Too expensive. Not attainable for MOST girls. If you look at the income brackets, nationwide for active troops, they cannot afford the "camp" experience.
- I feel the girls really need the camping experience. And I feel they enjoy it.
- Girls need more outdoor experiences!
- GIRLS WANT CAMPS AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING. We are babying these young women by too many regulations on what they can and cannot do. I think ignoring the needs and desires of the girls is going to spell the downfall of GS.
- I think it's good to get outdoors, but let's be realistic....times have changed. Equipment is easier now. They don't need to know 4 different knots or how to dig a latreane they need to get out and play and be with friends.
- Our girls love to camp. Our service unit uses camps to do programs for the girls while letting the girls experience outdoors and learn life skills.
- My own experience at camp was a pivotal experience in my life for so many reasons: making friends, outdoor cooking, confidence building, visiting new places, singing together, learning respect for others and for nature etc. etc. My daughter who was a scout has been active in her collegiate "wilderness project." I realize there are challenges---we need to invest in camps, and introduce girls to outdoor ed in an age with many challenges, but we should not be letting so many priceless properties slip away. There will never be an opportunity to get them back. I shudder to think of a property like Eagle Island---one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited, being sold to private interests and removed from public access.
- Need more emphasis on outdoors
- I think the more we lose touch with our camping roots the more our organization will disintegrate. Our outdoor/camping is what makes us different from every other girls organization or activity!!!
- The benefits of camping have to be experienced to be understood and the camping need not be primitive to achieve the benefits. It is the cooperation, the self-confidence and self-esteem that comes from a successful camping experience that is important. Many of the outcomes the Journeys are trying to accomplish can be realized through a good camping experience.
- Learning about nature and the skills to live in nature away from technology is not only an important life skill, but a necessary life skill. Taking that away from our girls is going to impact society and our girls futures.
- Camping is important because it teaches outdoor survival skills--like how to cook on a grill, have a campfire, use a buddyburner/vagabond stove. All ways that when you are in a natural disaster be it, blizzard, hurricane, or long power outage you can use to heat and cook food. If you don't know about these, you are SOL. You also learn abuot the importance of trees and plants and the roles they play in our being able to breathe clean air. If people don't know the importants of trees and plants, we will all live in concret jungles and not be able to leave our homes because with our our oxygen tanks to breath.
- Camps are a huge part of the Girl Scout experience especially for legacy girls whose parents what to share similiar experiences or girls with brothers who get left out when they go boy scout camping. Our closest GS camp is over an hour away and I believe is closing. The one we went to 2 years ago with my oldest daughters troop is gone already. Our service unit goes to a YMCA camp because the Girl Scout ones are either too far or full.
- Sometimes the camp program is the ONLY outside activity girls get! Especially if they are from the city...
- I was never a girl scout, so I wasn't my daughter's to experience it to the maximum. I have sent my oldest to camp the last two summers and when she found out it might not be there anymore she cried. I think the camps are what keeps her interested and sheer it's only 10, if the camps are gone I'm not sure she will want to stay in.
- There is an assumption that camps must become "Holiday Inns" in order for anyone to go there. We jokingly refer to this as "glamping." What is it that makes boys keep going to rustic, unimproved BS camps, but girls can't do that????? My sons think this is just a joke that proves girls can't cut it!!
- Both of my troops enjoyed camping. Many of the girls never camped with their families, if they hadn't been in GS- they would not have gotten the chance. The girls loved the fact that they could set up the tents, prepare meals themselves, and most importantly, enjoy nature!
- Camp IS Scouting! We have gotten too many people in high level management positions who appear to have NEVER been Scouts or at least belonged to troops that didn't camp. When "Forced" to visit our council's camps, one (Male) staffer actually wondered out loud "Why would ANYONE want to come out here...there's not even a TV!" Which is of course the REASON to go camping to GET AWAY from the everyday!
- Camp is essential! Girls spend too much time indoors on their computers and phones. They need time for the outdoors, and to appreciate nature and learn to make do with less. We have a nation of children with nature deficit disorder who need time outdoors. The camp tradition is a foundation of the organization, an Juliette knew how important this was (and still is)
- Kids do not get nearly enough exposer to the outdoors. These programs are absolutely relevant.
- My troop loves to camp and do outdoor activities. I wish our council has more programming available for older Girl Scouts.
- I love camp and camping. I spent parts of 14 summers as a camper and staff member at a GS resident camp. I learned a tremendous amount at camp that would not have been possible to learn in other situations. Working my way from CIT to counselor to Unit Leader over 6 summers helped me learn leadership skills. This was a huge advantage for me when I finished college and started my job search. So please don't underestimate the relevance long term benefits of camp to modern women! Last year I attended a camp reunion weekend and talked to a lot of people who are involved in scouting now. There was a lot dissatisfaction with the new changes and especially selling so many camp properties. When I was a scout as a girl in the 1980s our council had 5 or 6 camps and now it is down to 1 camp. I can understand there the were/are a number of financial issues and that keeping all the properties wasn't manageable. But there was also a lot of bad feeling especially about the sale of the second to last property (sometime in the last 10 years) because it happened quickly. I think perhaps the people in the national or council offices may not fully realize the kind of deep, lasting emotional connections that can form spending summer after summer at camp. (Some of my friends are still missing the camp our counsel sold more than 25 years ago!) So it doesn't surprise me that GSUSA is getting a lot of backlash about selling camps--people are sad and hurt and angry because they feel like their childhood memories are being sold off! On a less emotional note I do think outdoor programs are, if anything, more important now that more girls live in urban areas and have less chance to get outside and enjoy nature. My children are still pretty young and as toddlers and preschoolers they loved to get outside. Now they are a little older they can get distracted by electronics or other pastimes but they are happier and better behaved when they have a chance to get outdoors. Rather than decreasing outdoor programs I think GS would be better off to try and get more girls interested in them.
- The skills taught at camp are unique to the Girl Scout program and are not available to girls in the course of their normal education. These outdoor and interpersonal skills are valuable and need to be preserved
- Camping and outdoor skills is a vital part of Girl Scouting, and one that is sadly lacking emphasis in the current program. It is also the one most likely to suffer from very expensive programming opportunities which reduce the ability of girls/troops to even attend such events. In my area, it is far cheaper to take my troop to a privately owned campground than to attend a GS run camp.
- GSUSA Administrators have little to no GS experience, but are office only experienced. Many have no volunteer experience with youth and definitely do not know what girls would like IF they were exposed to a variety of experiences. While I endorse STEM, not all girls are interested. There is still room in this world for girls to follow more traditional paths, even be stay-at-home mothers
- camp is an important tradition to girl scouts and the girls learn a lot more in a week then they do day to day at meetings. I think we should have more camps available. Maybe get togehter with the boy scouts they have camps all over too.
- My girls love to camp. Some of the facilities (lodges especially) are in really bad condition and then are closed but not repaired so we lose out on using them.
- The outdoor experience, at camp, is valuable. It is costly, the council needs to acknowledge this and subsidize it, not expect it to break even by raising fees. Raising fees is a self fulfilling prophecy - raise fees - less campers - sell the camp.
- Camping has always been part of scouting. My 8th grader loves to go to camp and has done camp activities since she was a daisy.
- #1 favorite memory of my troop always comes from one of our camping trips. I have yet to hear, "remember when we did that journey..."
- Another way to go with camp programs is to help girls learn disaster prepadedness. Weather issues are only going to get worse. Teaching them tp be independant and make decisions and solve problems is critical.
- The option of the question regarding STEM activities at camp did not capture my opinion. Camp setting can support STEM activities and usually do so automatically or have done in the past, they were just not named especially. Orienteering, saely working with fires, checking out the local fauna and flora, etc. are all part of STEM, imo. Personally, I believe outdoor programming is more important than ever before as the trend for children is going away from outdoor activities. This is one important characteristic that makes Girl Scout different from taking a class, school, etc.
- While I believe camp is an important part of Girl Scouts I also think that there are many other avenues that girls can use to "grow strong" and a council with multiple camps is not the only way to go. Many councils seem to have so many properties and that would be a hefty segment of money/staff to maintain all of them at a high level. All of the resources should not be devoted to that section, outdoors is only one way for girls to learn leadership skills and so selling some of the underutilized camps or those whose location are troublesome while keeping the large properties that can have a dual purpose like residence camp and troop camping seems a good way to go. There are many outdoor areas that can be used and who are maintained by the state (parks) and other private companies that girls can use as well that way the council can devote its resources to finding partnerships with these experts to offer the girls in their area things like skiiing, sailing, equestrian programs, spelunking, and rafting. These things need expert staff and high safety ratings. Having outside organizations who specialize in that area as partners gives girls' access to the outdoors and these activities without the council having to pay for upkeep, which makes good business sense.
- Camp is the only thing that distinguishes scouts from all the other activity choices and school.
- The activity my girls beg for more than anything else is camping. It is the place where I see them grow the most, both as individuals and as a troop. They have opportunities to interact and take responsibility that can't be duplicated in a meeting schedule. It's not just about getting them outdoors (although that is hugely important in itself); it's about giving them an immersion experience that makes them more thoroughly explore their own capabilities. Girl Scouting with out a robust representation of camping is like a car without wheels.
- Camping is the highlight of the Girl Scout experience. Please try to bring it back into the spotlight. My girls all LOVE it.
- The closure of camps I think is a mismanagement on a local level issue. If you don't take care of what you have, you property falls into decay and no one wants to camp there. I also think that this is a regional Issue.
- My girls WANT to camp! Getting into a campsite is difficult! Would like to not have to drive an hour and a half to get to a GS camp!
- I love camping and so do most girls! For many, Girl Scouts is their only opportunity to experience camping, bonfires, cooking over a fire etc... We need to do more to support these opportunities.
- It would be a travesty to not have camps and outdoor programming.
- The out of doors is so important...STEM can be done anywhere. What better place then at a camp to do environmental activities. The term Nature-Deficit Children has been thrown around. Girl Scouts is a place where girls can be in the out-of-doors and councils should not be selling any camp properties.
- Camp was my favorite part of Girl Scouting as a girl and continues to be as an adult
- Camping is part of Girl Scouts. We are losing a core value by changing away from it. Once girls are at camp, they love it. We need to encourage outdoor activities for girls- where else are they getting this. Save Eagle Island Camp!
- While a strong believer in technology, I think that kids need the chance to get back to basics, learn survival skills and link out of technology for a bit.
- My daughter has loved GS camp and I loved GS camp. My council does a good job supporting its camps, but overall the organization does a terrible job marketing its camps.
- It seems more and more girls and adults aren't as interested in camping. As a SUM, I try to encourage adults to just get out doors.
- My troop absolutely LOVES camping. I just wish I was more comfortable with outdoor cooking. Our local camps have added a lot of older girl "high adventure" activities. It has been great. I wish camps in other areas weren't closing. I think part of the problem is getting the adults trained to be comfortable with taking the girls. Another problem is offer programs with facilitators for those adults who are not comfortable taking their troop.
- There are other organizations out there that girls can choose BUT outdoor program is what makes Girl Scouts stand out
- Being outdoors and having the camp experience is extremely relevant to "girls today". All girls cannot be lumped into what is 'trending today". There is an amazing variety of activities, skills and interests that girls have and can be introduced to and not just 'environment, energy and STEM'. STEM is fantastic and something I'm teaching my own daughter about, but I also think it's essential she know how to start a fire, safely use a pocketknife and keep warm outdoors and how to sew on a button and how to check the oil and change a tire. So much of the programming is focused on what's "beyond" the reach of many girls and some in rural areas still want to learn basic skills as well.
- I know this is a hot button issue but after serving on a property task force and seeing the numbers associated with our properties Councils have no choice. When our camps are not being utilized by the troops and are not self supporting our Councils can not continue to subsidize them in today economy with money for non-profits so tight. These are tough decision for those councils that are property rich. The pension issue is not helping either but the camp/property issue started before the pension issue came to light. As much as we love our outdoor programming and camps we need to sit down and seriously look at the whole picture.
- It is very said that that the outdoor part in scouting has been practically eliminated.
- Girls gain invaluable skills in self-sufficiency and complete activities they might otherwise not have opportunity to do. They mix with girls from other areas and backgrounds and learn to cooperate and to collaborate. Camp outings create memories that stay with the girls forever.
- The outdoors is vital to the creation of girls. All children these days are more limited in their opportunities to interact with the outdoor environment. Schools are eliminating even recess outdoors because of testing, parents are fearful of letting their children be outside, communities don't have the funds to maintain and patrol their parks, even national parks are closed because he Congress can't get their act together. Living in the outdoors with other girls with 2 young women who love the outdoors opens up teambuilding and learning in so many ways. This cannot be duplicated indoors.
- Girl Scouting is a VOLUNTEER organization. Why would they even offer a pension! It's ridiculous. Almost no one offers a pension any more. Financing pensions by girls and volunteers is unethical. The pensions need to be eliminated immediately. It is hard to understand how they can even be legal considering that child labor is involved. Girl Scouting is almost the only place girls can be challenged outdoors. Ourdoor activities in a girl-only environment is very important. Fewer families take their daughters camping - it is important for us, as humans, to stay in touch with the natural world. Yet, girls rarely get this opportunity.
- Outdoor experience is all part of Girl Scouts. That is one of the experiences that has made my daughter more well rounded.
- Troop camping is as if not more important that Council Summer camping. Quit closing camps. AND, the money raised from cookies and donations should be used to enhance, improve, and upgrade our current camps. If that isn't enough money, then seek out corporate sponsorship. Seriously - there are other ways, not just closing camps.
- Camping and outdoor skills are essential but not for all girls. Still, this should never be a reason to eliminate camping opportunities. Girls today should have opportunities to be in nature and GS often provides that option. Those that do not like to camp may find others leadership choices and still have a GS experience.
- Many girls wouldn't get to experience the outdoors without being able to camp. I think it needs to be more accessable. That includes the cost.
- Camps, outdoor experiences, and the environment are the backbone of scouting! It is very important to build these activities to keep scouting strong. Without these experiences, girls fall away from scouting. They can get computer and financial training elsewhere. We need to offer the girls something they cannot get elsewhere ... camps and outdoor experiences are key! Part of the problem with camps being under used is that Leaders are required to do a lot of training before they can take the girls camping. Not enough opportunities were available for training. If we want to swim we have to bring and pay for our own lifeguard (who meets the council standards, which are higher than some trained Life guards).
- Camping is so great for girls. I learned so much in my 8 years at camp eagle island. I longed for the summer each year to be a kid, meet new friends, catch up with old friends, and create lasting relationships that I have from 25+ years. Please bring the camps back!
- Camps and outdoor programming are a big, no-HUGE part of Girl Scouts. They are part of what Girl Scouts was founded on and the new programming, high costs, and lack of PR have helped to take away from the core of Girl Scouts.
- For a large number of girls camp is their only exposure to the outdoor activities.
- I believe camping and outdoor activities are essential to Girl Scouting. I see both slipping away, and I think it's terrible. I do what I can with my troop to keep the outdoors in their lives.
- For those who love camp, it is an essential part of the GS program. I do believe more use of the camp properties for trainings, etc, may help leaders realize that the properties are there and may contribute to more usage!
- Having worked in a camp, and also after sending my daughter to camp, I feel there is much to be learned about nature, and self-reliance, by attending GS camps. They have so much good to offer~it is also a welcome respite, from their technology-dominated world.There's something to be said, about 'getting back to nature'.
- If we train the leaders well enough, then the girls love to camp. But when a leader lacks the training, and takes girls camping, it will usually end up disastrous, causing the girls to not like to camp. We need to emphasize training for the adults.
- The camps are WAY TOO EXPENSIVE!! We use our local forest preserve camps. We have a few low income families whose girls could not attend if we used the Girl Scout camps.
- Keep the OUT in SCOUT! Scouts is all about the outdoors - if they don't learn with scouts, they don't learn these skills in the classroom! It also helps them keep ACTIVE!
- Self-reliance, confidence, independence, pride, and inventiveness are worth the extra effort that training adults, running camps, and supporting attendance requires. Ask any adult scout what her strongest memories are and they will always include a campfire, a hike through a snowstorm, a collapsed tent, or a burnt meal. Camping is ESSENTIAL to character building AND it should not be an adult planned stay at a "hotel like" cabin with adult planned activities and meals." A few "hardships" are what make it meaningful. Learning that you can live through minor crisis, survive a botched meal, and perhaps create a solution that amazes even yourself are irreplaceable camping experiences that build a lifetime based on a "can-do" attitude.
- Camp teaches all that scouting is supposed to teach. It teaches independence and group reliance. It teaches a girl to be who she is and no one else. It shows that there is fun in a life with little technologies. And it teaches activities that could never be achieved in a meeting space or in a classroom. Camp saves the lives of the insecure that need to find a place to be them; I know that from personal interactions with several people.
- I personally believe that Camping teaches girls life skills and gives them an opportunity to gain independence. I stayed in Scouts because my family never camped and scouting was the only place I could do what I love. I do understand that camping is not for everyone but just as everyone learns differently Camping is one way to deliver core programming such as leadership or STEM programming in a fun way.
- Camp allows girls to reconnect with nature. I think that we need to get away from the noise and light of our busy world and just be in the beauty and quiet of nature. We need to see the stars at night and experience what it's like to have constant electronic entertainment. We need to learn how to be a group and solve problems within that structure - such as a high or low ropes course.
- Camps and outdoor experiences are essential to all girls' development (and for all children too). There is so much digital exposure to kids these days that it's important for them to learn about the environment and the impact one can make on it.
- More and more girls are stuck in their cities and towns. Parents don't have time to get out to the woods, or have the skills. For many girls in my troop, camp is their first time being out in the woods. The skills they learn from building fires, fire safety, meal prep, cooking, archery, etc, you can't give them by sitting around and talking about it. Camp gives them life skills, confidence, and wonderful memories.
- need more outdoor programs, start simple, then expand
- many skills can be learned at camp!!
- I've watched girls who don't usually "hang out" together get along and become friends after camping. They gain leadership skills and confidence putting up a tent on their own, building a fire and preparing and cooking meals. Working in patrols give girls the opportunity to work in a team they may not have picked on their own. So much is gained from troops camping at our Girl Scout camps or attending camp during the summer.
- although I'm not involved in the STEM field I have seen that successfully introduced in camp settings. There are many skills in camping that translate to the development of girls; confidence in learning new skills, freedom to relax away from the everyday social pressures, a secure place to build leadership skills.
- I think that a lot of the loss of camp/outdoor programs comes from GSUSA at a national level. The support is just not there. Look at our own, former GS National Center West. I don't know if we could even afford to buy a similar property now....., a lost asset.
- Camp is wonderful for girls, and a key element of Girl Scouting. It's also a competitive advantage for our program - not many other programs for kids offer accessibility to camping, and the growth experiences girls can experience there. There are many problems with our camps these days, but selling them won't fix the issues. It will make things worse, and weaken Girl Scouting overall.
- Camps are too expensive
- Best part of GS. Summer camps, holiday crafts and others that don't focus on The Journey The Journey The Journey Most memorable for firs by far!!!
- Camping with their troop is sometimes the only chance some of these girls will get to camp in their young lives.
- I learned about camping and being away from home through Girl Scout Camps. My elder daughter loved Girl Scout Camping, served as a GS camp counselor, has taken young adults on many excursions and will now manage a church camp in Washington State. I'd say camping is a career builder!
- I do think the girl scout camps are good for the girls. I know that my daughter loves going.
- The camp experiences are the ones that the girls remember with the most excitement. It's what they talk about years down the road, more so than any badge earning or journeys. Our girls will mention cookie sales outside stores also as a fond memory, but most importantly, the campouts. I currently lead Ambassadors and Cadettes.
- My troop of 8th grade Cadettes has consistently loved unscripted time at our local camp property and service projects. We have used that time to complete badges, bond, and enjoy each others' company. Cookie sales has become less of an activity, and more of a way to raise money for my travelers. For my non-traveling scouts, cookie sales are no longer important--but camps remain essential to their GS experience. My girls primary leadership focus has come through their camp time. They are all trained PA's and ALL have attended a week of camp every summer since they joined our troop. Most of them have attended camp at a GS camp for 7 consecutive summers. They are known by the younger scouts in our area, and our PA program is something that inspires even first year Daisy scouts--so many want to grow up and become a PA.
- The world has changed over the past 50 years, and outdoor skills and camping are not as attractive to girls as they were in my youth. I mourn this change in the general girl population, but worked at camps long enough to know it is real, pervasive, and not likely to stop any time soon. That being said, I believe GSUSA should continue to make outdoor activities an important aspect of the program. Camping, etc., should not become so essential that a troop cannot have a successful GS experience without camping. Some of the most successful leaders and troops that I know only go outdoors to walk from the car to the building, but meet every essential goal of the program. GS camps are notoriously poorly ekpt up, and that is a trend that MUST be reversed if we are to get girls into them. There are too many other options to be at clean, modern camps with flush toilets and showers, and our latrines and washhouses compare very poorly.
- Aside from programming, the quality of training of counselors is poor. Lots of complaints about counselors. My older daughter was a CIT with the hopes of working at our camp the following summer. She had a bad experience and several counselors even left before the session was over. She had very little training and did not know what to do with the girls. Her remaining fellow counselor was a paraplegic so she had to tend to that girl as well. There was no way she was going to return to work for pay the following summer. (camp name removed)
- Scouts=OUTDOORS!!!!
- My girls loved camping and really miss it. There are so few opportunities for older girls when it comes to camping, as our troops get smaller.
- I am extremely upset by the decisions to close and sell off camps. This infuriates me as it is akin to chopping off one's nose to spite one's face. The STEM initiatives are necessary and open Girl scouting up to girls that wouldn't otherwise look into scouting. However, getting rid of camp facilities closes the door on just as many girls as the STEM initiatives open. The closing of camp facilities may be an easy solution. However, I 100% believ that it is not the right solution. Girl Scouts is not about doing the easy thing. We don't teach girls that. We put tremendous effort into doing the right thing even when it is not easy. the closing of camps is the easy, wrong thing to do and sets a horrible example for every girl.
- Camps provide critical opportunities for girls to practice independence, self-exploration, and development of personal interests. Math and Science and engineering can ABSOLUTELY be part of the camp experience. I would not recommend IT due to the dependence on electricity. The camps are so important. Please don't lose them. The camps make scouting unique from other leadership programs and provide space for girls to be girls and for girls to become excellent leaders and women.
- Camp was a big part of my life for many years. There is soooooooooo much that a girl can learn at camp. This is a VITAL part of Girl Scouting!
- Camp is not pushed at all. It feels like the Girl Scouts have determined that the adults don't like to camp, so the girls must not like to camp either. I feel like the girls need the opportunity to camp without it being too high priced. For our council, it is not cost effective to take my troop to our council's camps. I prefer to take them to another council that offers less expensive accommodations (cabins) or to a state or county campground that is much less expensive. While I know that camp closures are a part of doing business--many councils truly don't need all the camps they have, I believe there are councils that are not highlighting the outdoor program or overpricing what they have & then saying that they need to sell due to underutilization of the camps. I think the programs need to change to give more focus to the camps & offer the opportunities at a price the girls can afford.
- Some STEM activities are appropriate within the outdoor program, but should NOT be the emphasis as it is becoming. Let's get back to teaching the girls how to enjoy nature and how to survive in nature while participating in healthy outdoor activities.
- I loved camp as a kid and learned how to canoe and sail and strengthened my swimming skills. I remember hiking, swimming, sailing, canoeing, singing, campfires, etc. My girls love camp and my younger one likes the science themed and swimming themed weeks. To my dismay, my older one signed up for spa week- ugh. They need to earn badges and learn skills along with having fun.
- Modern life and GS policies are a huge threat to camps and getting girls outdoors. Parents hardly allow kids to play outside any more so the thought of sending their daughter for a whole day or weekend "outside" seems crazy. GS and council policies that require a huge investment of time from leaders make is easier all the time to just not go camping. Girls and families don't really know what they are missing, so they don't encourage leaders to help the girls plan a camping trip.
- I have been a member of girls scouts since I was a brownie, during that time camping has been the cornerstone of my experience. It teaches resiliency and self reliance and creative thinking. I learned to canoe,sail,became a lifeguard, and to this day I can still build a beautiful fire in the rain with 3 matches or less... and then cook you dinner on it. Today's girls scouts miss that, not all but most I should say. I am saddened by the path of crafty vs skilled bend of current troops.
- Outdoor skills seem to be put aside much like ironing has been since the original handbook taught
- Yes!! Absolutely!!! Outdoor and camp programming may be even more vital today than it was years ago. With all the electronics and internet, people are spending more and more time indoors. Without outdoor programming some girls may never experience things like camp at all!! I would sooner do away with cookies than do away with camp.
- Every Girl Scout troop member I have ever had, had always listed camping as their number one activity to do each year on our troop surveys. My 11th grade girls still must go camping as a troop at least 2-3 times per year. They've been together since kindergarten. Camping and outdoors is a HUGE part of Girl Scouts.
- Most of my troop will want to go troop camping, although about half will want to stay in a cabin...because they don't like bugs. (They are Cadettes). 2) One of the problems with council realignment (and camp closures) is that has taken girls away from the camps. All of the camps in our "new" council are about 1 hr drive away. We used to have one 15-20 min. away, which made events at camp more accessible. 3) A girl from our part of the Council who rides a bus to GS Day Camp will spend about 1 1/2 hrs on the bus each way, which is too long. They are 50-60 min away on a good day (light traffic, no stops). But, since girls in our town are near the beginning of the route, they are on the bus a long time. The long bus ride negatively impacted some girls enjoyment enough that they did not want to return to camp the next year. 4) Also, the cost to use a camp is high. Most troops can't afford to camp more than once or twice a year. Therefore, they don't get enough practice with outdoor skills. 5) Outdoor skill development is also important for leaders. Too many don't have prior experience w/ camp and are intimidated by the whole process. While New Leader Part C (Outdoor Day) and Troop Camp Training are very good trainings, it is still daunting for new leaders to do this on their own.
- Camps and camping are a huge part of GS and totally what motivates my girls to sell cookies because that is where we get our troop funds for camping and what they spend there cookie dough on.
- As a former camper and counselor at a older girls camp, the skills that the teens learned were even more important than the skills that I learned as a Brownie or a Junior. Camp taught independence, communication, problem solving, and interpersonal skills that apply to every industry. Yes, camps can teach the skills needed to succeed in a STEM field but more important, camp can empower young women to know that they can be in a STEM field because they are smart, independent, and knowledgeable.
- I'm not sure why anyone in council would think the camps/outdoor programming is not relevant to girl scouting. There are many programs out there to build leadership skills but non that include the outdoor programs. Please stick to what scouting is all about!
- I think selling the camps is never a good idea. We'll regret it later. Our council is now so large they think selling a few camps is fine because we'll still have other in council camps but that puts the few remaining camps even farther away from the girls. With the camps so far away the possibility of doing an afternoon outdoor program or activity at one of the camps during the week becomes less possible because it now involves so much travel time.
- Most of the girls in my Troop don't want to camp outside. As long as we have access to cabins that would be great. My girls would rather do sleepovers at homes or hotels.
- I am absolutely opposed to the closing of camps. I think it is wrong and unethical. Those camps belong to the girls and many were purchased through the girls' work selling products, or through generous donations from people who wanted to provide girls with an enriching outdoor experience. It's unjust to sell these camps and I say "Shame on you, GSUSA." I have a difficult time supporting an organization who is so obsessed with its "brand" that it cannot see the forest for the trees, or the members for the lure of the non-members. The selling of our camps is an affront to the movement and I find it unethical and immoral and an outright rejection of our Girl Scout Law, our traditions and our standards.
- In my SU, I think there should be more Camping programs offered. Most girls in my area, wait every year for our SU Camporee, and that is usually the only camping their troop does.
- I was an extremely active adult volunteer, receiving the Outstanding Volunteer, Appreciation pin, and Honor pin. After the council mergers and new staff appointments, we all were ostracized to the extent that my involvement now is zero. These camps, once sold, will never be available again, and the character building experience of camping with other girls in a unique setting will be lost.
- I think it is unreal to think that camping/outdoor programming isn't relevant! Why would all these inner city groups be trying to bring the outdoors in to their students/ students to the outdoors if it didn't significantly benefit their students?! I know that EVERY day/overnight camping experience and every outdoor activity had an impact on my life for the positive. If it didn't I wouldn't have EVER been allowed to participate. I have a respect for the outdoors because of my experiences in Girl Scouts and it STRONGLY influenced my love of science! I also grew to understand my role as a steward of nature and all it provides.
- In my old council, GSEM when I first became a leader, it used to be easy to reserve camp space. The council published a list of camps, and their specifics. You'd call the reservations, and work out a date over the phone. Then they put the specs on the web, and reservations had to be mailed in, in tripliicate with payment, and weeks later, you'd get your yeah/or neigh as to whether you got your space. (hard to plan for) - After about a year, they took down the specs from the web, and the only people even knew what camps were available or what they cost to rent were the leaders who'd been doing this a while. Then council decided to only take rental reservations twice a year. (making it REALLY hard to plan for) - I haven't even been able to get an answer from our new council about HOW to rent council camps. I literally have no idea why it is so hard for them to publish the info and take reservations. Every other campsite manages to do it easily online.
- A Girl can learn so much with an outdoor experience. Coping, improvisation, team building, problem solving just to name a few. Teach them orienteering & navigation, shooting, archery, hiking, backbacking and them some. These activities will help them trust and rely on themselves forever.
- I am a science teacher. I considered several science fields. Camping at timberlane and Hilaka changed my life. I was able to experience life science and do many science projects (crafts such as making gak, gum, etc). School do not does these projects anymore because of state standards. Kids need this.
- Camp could be used for the kinds of STEM activities that relate to the environment, biology, nature, and so on. Girls could measure pollution in water, learn more about wild animals, eat local foods, and so on. It should NOT turn into a classroom setting or overly emphasize . The main advantage of camp is always to give girls a safe place to live without their parents and to have fun activities with friends. The camp setting is best used for physical activities, and social interactions. Technology, in fact, probably is the one STEM area that should be the least emphasized. They get too much of that at home and don't get outdoors enough for physical action.
- It seems as though all camps are being sold off although the business of camp outside of girl scouting is going strong. I think that there is a branching away from the role of camp in a girls life through girl scouting. I believe that GSUSA can accomplish keeping up with current trends, advocating STEM for girls AND keeping camping as a central mission. Camp can even enhance STEM and help keep girls centered and strong through the labyrinth that is pre teen and teenage society.
- Camps are a huge asset that can give girls an opportunity to grow in independence and gain experiences that can lead them to develop into well rounded individuals.
- The joy of the out of doors is about discovery and being out of your element to grow. Camp provides that element.
- The camp experience is very important to the girls, the program, and personal growth. There are not enough programs aimed at general camping skills and fun. Too much emphasis is placed on learning non-outdoor skills. Life skills and learning to have fun while interacting with others should be more important at camp than trying to teach things that they get the rest of the year in school. Camping should be a getaway from daily strains and strife, not a continuation.
- I'm an engineer with a master's degree, and growing up with plenty of outdoor activity opportunities certainly shaped my interest in science. Learning by DOING is much more effective when done outdoors, watching Nature by oneself.
- Camps could work if ran efficiently. The programming needs to change so it isn't the same old thing and there need to be more opportunities other than one program in the fall and one in the spring - which is the same thing every year. The crafts are way too basic and useless. Teach badges so the girls walk away with something - I mean if there were relevant outdoor badges
- Girls are switching to the Boy Scouts to get outdoor programs and camping. Many of our troops are now camping and attending activities out of state where the camps offer outdoor activities.
- We lose too many girls to the Venture/Exploring of the BSA, because they crave the adventure and the outdoor activities that the BSA offers the 14 to 21 age group.
- KEEP CAMPS ...expand programming for Older girls at camps!
- Camps and outdoor programming get the girls away from all of the many distractions they have and let them focus on learning and working together. Also, outdoor skills are good for everyone to have and without camps there are limited options for teaching these.
- Camps are underutilized because volunteers are not being taught about camping and the outdoors. Outdoor training is being dumbed down. Outdoors cooking methods like Dutch oven and box oven are only taught in advanced skills settings. Add the outdoor component back into the GS program. We care about our environment but need the tools to truly enjoy it.
- Camp is not the place for STEM. See previous remarks about stem. My daughter goes to camp for outdoor and nature activities not available elsewhere.
- Girls need outside/outdoor time in a safe place. In many cities it not save to be outside.
- If the camps are not there, troops won't be able to access them. Once sold, no Council will ever be able to get valuable property back. That Councils see selling camps/properties as the first line to balance budgets is a reflection of the national leaderships' de-emphasis on outdoor program. Yet the property values for outdoor spaces is small and the impact on a Council's bottom line negligible. Odd that GS is trying to navigate away from outdoor opportunities when your own research shows it is those experiences which girls most vividly remember and where they recognize they learned the most about themselves and leadership. Perhaps it is time to return to some GS basics rather than trying to have the slickest ads. Return more money to the Councils so they are not desperate to try to create quick cashflow by making horrid property decisions.
- Once the land is sold, we will never have enough to buy it back. I suggested my council run a capital campaign to build a trust fund dedicated to maintaining the camps. Instead, they asked me to run a campaign to expand facilities at a few camps at remote locations while CLOSING the camps in the most populated locations. We have been camping at Boy Scout camps because they are cheaper and closer and glad to have the business. They also send written confirmations and actually are ready for you when you arrive.
- It is sad to see camps closing. We try to book and it is always full. I do not understand why they are closing. I was also told that they do not open up dates until 2-3 months out. Leaders plan 6 months out sometimes, so we book elsewhere so we know we are camping.
- In order for camps to survive, we need donors who support them financially, and parents who want to send their girls to camp. In our council, we have many, many, many opportunities for campers, including options to attend with parents and/or leaders who don't have to do anything while they are there, and we still can't fill the slots. The folks who don't want camps closed need to redirect their efforts to raising money to pay for deferred maintenance of the properties, marketing for camps, and they need to volunteer their time to take girls to camp rather than complaining.
- Girl Scouts needs to change it's philosophy regarding summer camp. Summer camps need to be expanded so leaders and adults can attend with their children. Boy Scout summer camps are filled to capacity every summer, all summer. Why? Because adults leaders & parents are allowed to PAY & attend with their troop. I have a troop with 60 girls in it now. Guess how many went to summer camp last year? 2. Girls do not want to go alone to camp and parents don't want to send them off alone. Not in this day and age. If Girl Scouts accepted leaders and other adults then we would be getting double the amount of tuition. It should be set up so girls earn 4-6 badges during summer camp. Our council has a troop that has put on a Leader Daughter Campout for the past 9 years or so. It is the only time the tent camping camp is at capacity. Why? Because parents want to camp with their kids and share in the fun camping activity. We need to get kids outside again! Also, during the Leader Daughter Campout, our council did NOT have the council shop open. We had over 200 people walking around the campground and no store to purchase memorabilia. Very poor planning!
- Camping develops self-reliance and confidence to be able to function in different environments. Camping improves awareness of your environment and the consequences of everyday actions. STEM activities are a natural consequence of camping.
- Most camps cost way too much. Somehow we need to lower the price to make it more feasible for all girls. Unfortunatly, many girls do not get the camp experience due to the expense and those are the girls that really need it!
- Have camps open up to the parents and siblings to introduce the content to everyone.
- Our council sold our camp at more than a million dollars BELOW the appraised value, and is STILL not transparent about what they do with our funding. Although I am a Lifetime scout, I will not continue to give funding, and will step down as a leader because of the financial burden that continues to be placed on the girls and volunteers. The failure of GSUSA to provide organizational audits and assistance during reorganization is the smoking gun for our failure as a council.
- This is my 4th troop of older girls (33 yrs as an adult now) and they all love the outdoors and cooking all their meals over an open fire. Even leaving most of our cooking supplies home by mistake one trip didn't keep them from building their fire and cooking...we had our aluminum foil with us! just had to skip the brownies!
- I would like for camping to be about camping. I would like the girls to become comfortable with caring for themselves and others in the outdoors and to learn to love the outdoors. No need for extra science or journey programs here.
- When my camp closed, I discontinued my involvement with the Girl Scouts, and many of my friends did the same. Camps and other outdoor opportunities are necessary to the Girl Scouts program.
- Camp is a great way for girls to network and branch out.
- Camping and enjoying the outdoors is a huge part of Girl Scouting. Our camps are not embracing adding high adventure activities and therefore troops with older girls are going to other locations. There is too much focus on everything having to be STEM related. We are loosing the focus on a well rounded girl.
- I answered the first question the way I did b/c I didn't like any of the choices. I really don't know why camp usage is down, and there are probably some camps that should be closed - I really don't know. I would like to see GSUSA care enough to commit some resources to addressing this issue - finding out why. It seems the bigger issue is whether outdoor experiences are a priority for the organization as a whole, and that issue needs to be addressed first. I believe very much that outdoor camping experiences have been very formative for my children - and can be for all kids. If GS is about developing leaders - well, leaders need to be self-sufficient, and camp sure is a way to learn self-sufficiency. And there are many leadership opportunities - small and big - for girls while they're at camp. With regard to STEM - yes of course camp can support STEM activities - in fact, our upcoming town wide camporee is being co-directed by two leaders who are also scientists - and the theme for the weekend will be "Science in the Woods" or something like that.
- Many forget that Girl Scouting is a volunteer organization - and that extends to our camps. In Savannah, alumnae have come together and undertaken work days to do repairs and make improvements to our local camps. Once our adult volunteers were made aware of needs such as dock repair, tent replacement, etc., they also donated the funds to get the projects done and really took ownership of the camp. Girls also need to explore our state and national parks as well.
- Many girls don't get camp experience if not in girl scouts. Selling Camps is a HUGE mistake. If the councils don't have enough money, there is something wrong. Councils should be SUPPORTING the troops and the activities and events.
- It is unfortunate, but at least where I am, there are other, more affordable camp options with more amenities for Girl Scouts than the actual GS properties, at least for troop camping. Without the will to update and fund the camps, they will continue to underperform. It would be great if they were competitive in their amenities and pricing, but we would probably need some dedicated grants or donations in order for that to happen. (I am hoping to get the schedule for sleepover camp to work this summer for my daughter - last year, all of the best options were during the summer school program she did.)
- Absolutely! Teaches great survival skills for future environmental issues.
- My girls love to camp. We are one of very few troops left that actually go on our own campouts. Council doesn't support troops or promote camping. They have eliminated all but one camping badge and charge too much for some troops to use the facilities. Summer camps are way too expensive and are poorly run.
- It ties in so well to conservation and climate change....
- While the Wasatch Front has many camping options, my troop is very urban based. Having "Never the Same Weekend" is a great opportunity for the girls to get out in nature in a protected setting.
- Day camp options should be made available for older scouts. Not every girl wants to be limited to shower time. Makes them feel dirty & less eager to attend!
- We lost over half our members when our camp closed. It angered the girls that ther voices weren't heard. The remaining girls continue to volnteer at the day camp but it is not at a camp but centerd around a parkinglot ring...not venturing into the woods, exploring nature etc. Our numbers dropped at Day Camp and more than likely there won't be any this year due to the low numbers. The girls WANT camp and outdoor activities. Wake UP Girls Scouts and listen to your members!!! You won't have many left if you continue all these changes.
- It is very sad to see such limited options for camp. In our area, many kids attend day camp locally, but there could be a great benefit to camps that are directly following school ending or the period of time in the summer before school starts. As a working parent, I can't spend several hours driving my daughter to camps that are not close. I went to day camp at Camp Sacajawea and overnight camp at Kiawasa (Moraine Council years) and those are long gone. It was a formative part of my youth and scouting experience.
- We only do a one-night camping "adventure", (due to leaders' work schedules etc.), but it's the highlight of the season.
- I think parents/leaders should be able to attend camp with their scouts.
- Camping, whether troop camping or overnight summer camp programs, is integral to scouting and teaches life lessons that kids can't get anywhere else, particularly in this technology focused age. Yet today GS are divesting so many properties. The closing of camps has to stop. Our council is planning to close 2 more camps in the next year despite a very outspoken protest from membership and the communities that have included business plans to help fund the camps. As it is it is difficult to get reservations at the GS camps. It will get harder. Our council says that if they close these camps, everyone will use the remaining facilities - but traveling to a camp 3 hrs away on a Fri night after work is just not going to happen. Girls today need to spend time outdoors. They spend so much of their time indoors with video games, computers, phones. They need to interact with others w/o technology, to challenge themselves. GS Camp was a pivitol experience for me. It's what I remember best about that time in my life, it was a safe haven with safe nurturing adult and older teen mentors during difficult home situations, a place where people accepted me as I was even though I didn't fit in well at school, a place I learned so many skills I use today. Over the past few years there have been several occasions people have asked me how did I know something or how did I figure something out -- the answer is almost always, "Girl Scout camp". I learned to swim in GS - and I swam on my college team and got interested in fitness which changed my life for the better. I spent a lot of time canoeing at GS camp -- then took graduate progams in lake and watershed management. I spent a lot of time outdoors in GS, learned to love the outdoors - and met my husband through a love of wilderness activities and became a geologist. Experiences at GS Camps can change lives. Girl Scouts should be trying to do everything possible to keep camps open and to encourage all girls to challenge themselves to move beyond the technology focus and they might just discover themselves.
- I think our area is far dependent on volunteers to run our summer camps. One of our camps is going to completely volunteer run this summer and my fear is that there won't be enough volunteers and it will be shut down.
- My daughter's best memories are with the 2 troop camping trips we were able to do and the summer camps she was able to attend. The last 4 - 5 summers there have been limited opportuntites for camp - you either needed to be proficient at swimming as it went snorkeling/diving off site or they were spa themed. Total disappointment.
- again, make more program for older girls. What our council is doing is childish to the older girls so they are not interested, making it harder as a leader to keep them interested in scouts. Council seems very cliquey when looking for older girls to be program aides and do not work with other girls to develop them to lead programs.
- STEM will work with the exception of Technology. Science, Engineering and Math are all suited for outdoors and I can see big potential with the girls using these skills with outdoor activities.
- My troop (suburban girls in 3rd & 4th grade) love to go to camp. We're hoping to tent camp this summer.
- With having girl scout camp programs, this may be the only way that some girls would ever get to experience camping. I believe it is vital to the girl scout program and as for myself, I love to camp and I have learned alot of new things to help me when I am camping with my family.
- Camps are an excellent place to study natural sciences, such as biology (zoology and botany) and geology. Camps should teach girls how to use a compass, as well as read a map.
- We operate 4 resident camps and 9 day camps. Our numbers are solid and increasing at some of our sites. Our backcountry trips are growing in popularity. I don't believe that in another part of a country girls don't want to go to camp...
- I adore camp and camp activities. I do feel that many parents don't want to send their children, don't want to go themselves, and certainly don't want to go through the extensive training that is sometimes required. I end up having to be a cheerleader to these parents, convincing them it is important and fun for the kids.
- I work in a STEM field, my Girl Scout camping experiences had zero impact on that choice. I did a Cadette level computer badge, that did have some early influence. My troops are not that interested in camping, but they are interested in skills taught in the legacy badges that have now gone away in favor of the awful Journeys.
- Sometimes camp is the only place a girl can get outdoor experiences. Camping is in the top 5 things my girls are interested in. My experience is the girls want to go , but the adults don't.
- Can incorporate composting, wind and water energy/conservation to fulfill STEM education at camp. Camp is the best opportunity for girls to develop courage and confidence.
- For councils based in large cities, transportation to camp is a huge deterrent. Having buses will help encourage more girls to be able to attend.
- We loved camp last year cant wait to attend again
- I feel that a girl scout would learn more valuable experiences in a true outdoor environment. Sleeping in yurts and having all meals prepared isn't teaching anything. The girls should be learning how to make a camp and survival skills.
- Love all the camping experience! Which is more than outdoors! The opportunity to be away from home in a secure environment is verry important.
- Outdoor programming is the best part.
- camp brings out teamwork, appreciation of nature and in turn, the world as a whole, makes lifelong friendships, the feeling of achievement and confidence...we need to get sway from electronics and back into the woods. It also carries on a long history of gs tradition, that was one of Juiette's first goals.
- I believe that camp is a great way for girls to learn new skills, practice skills they have learned. It is also a great way to build confidence and team work. Camps opens a door to exploring the girls talents and limitations.
- They are absolutely important and the biggest thing my girls desire to do.
- Camping/outdoors could be so much more if we had more emphasis on the program rather than making it all about "fun"
- Camp is about learning independence, social skills (working in groups), and putting learned skills into action, as well as learning new skills.
- Camp is the best place to development leadership in girls. I am the program aide director at our local volunteer run day camp. Our program is in high demand and unfortunately we are starting to have to turn girls away because we can not provide quality program to the large number of girls who want to be involved. We train them in outdoor skills the 1st year, have them help an experienced PA teach the second year, and them teach the skills themselves in the years that follow. For some of my girls who are on IEP's camp is the ONLY place they can experience being in charge and leading others.
- I absolutely hate that they sold off our local camp and now we have to drive at least an hour to camp and for bigger better camps in our council it is more like a 2-3 hour drive. It makes camp not accessible for many girls.
- I also think the girls are limited to the "comfort zone" of the leaders. If the leader's don't camp, the girls don't camp. If we enhanced the outdoor skills programs, this might help guide the adults as well as the girls in this area. I believe that camp and outdoor skills is VERY important to our youth.
- It isn't all about camp and outdoor programming either. It is about relationships as well. My troop just got back from a weekend at camp. Girls chose to do crafts in a nice cozy troop house. They took several hikes, but did a lot of games, crafts, and goofing around. Everyone of of the 18 girls that went, said it was a great weekend. My daughter is a Junior, she was unable to go because of a team commitment, but she cherishes those campouts and has become an amazing leader both in Girl Scouting but also in Boy Scout Venturing, and High School Cheerleading. Council needs to support troops more with troop camping as well as day camping.
- The camp programs teach girls independence, rules, having fun on a budget, how to make friends and appreciate the out-of-doors. It is a great step in face-to-face network building and also builds great memories of singing, hiking, outdoor games, sleeping outside, night frolics and helps build personality and most of all leadership skills. Any program at camp just enhances the experience and learning, especially STEM and ecology and sewing or crafts & cooking etc. It gives the girl a SAFE place to try things and to make mistakes without bad consequences, and to discover herself and her character. It's all good!
- I work with girls who are earning the GS Gold Award and we ask for their favorite GS memory - 98% respond with a camping experience with their troop.
- When Juniors, my troop could not identify an oak or maple leaf. One asked what an acorn tree looked liked.
- Our service unit sponsors 3 weekly summer camp programs, 8 days of horse camp, mom& me camp, and service unit campout each year. We still use the outdoors even if there are no outdoor badges that they can work on. We still do outdoor events. They just have fun in learning and earn patches we purchase from other sources, not at the council store.
- Camping and other outdoor opportunities should be offered to the girls. When a leader, I saw "girly girls" open up to the outdoors enough to try new things and to return to camp again. Girls become more confident by learning camping and life skills. Attending summer camp grows girls independence, curiosity and learning. It is a completely all-girl camping experience which frees the girls to do activities in a non-judgmental environment, meet new friends and to lead activities. GS camps should remain open! They should be easily accessed by the girls so that more girls can afford to attend and to lessen the hardship to parents of extended travel/expense to transport the girls.
- My council, which is in an urban setting, has sold 2 camps. One was in the heart of the NC mountains. It was our summer camp. Since selling this property, our council has had to use other councils' summer camps. The other camp that was sold was near our council, on a lake. It was small, but it offered girls in an urban setting a chance to camp overnight and experience nature, swimming, and canoeing. In the summer, it even offered day camps for the urban girls to come to.
- We need to keep our camps and give all girls the opportunities to go - make it affordable for ALL - give them the socialization and the FUN - where is the FUN in GS anymore?????
- More badges and programming need to be created for camping & outdoors. The local Boy Scout camp has a rifle range, archery range, etc. My girls LOVE these activities & enjoy fishing. We don't offer enough outdoor variety for them. Kayaking or canoeing gets old after awhile. Make programs that build up camping skills (level 1, level 2, etc.). Our council holds weekend long training for the needed skills & this is crazy. Who has time for all this training? Make the programs so that leaders (if needed) & scouts learn at the same time.
- Scouting is one of the last places where girls can interact with nature and learn skills that cannot be learned in a classroom setting. It builds self-reliance and teamwork more successfully and quickly than most other activities.
- Our Council is in the process of divesting some properties and expanding others. I feel it must be done. My biggest concern is maintaining capacity during the transition.
- We saved our camps by electing board members that are loyal to the girls, and not money.
- Girls don't get enough opportunities to just be kids and play outside ... camp provides this opportunity and so much more!
- The girls really need this....
- I think camp/outdoor program has a place in the Girl Scout program, but I think that girls today are less interested in it than they were in the past. My daughter enjoys camp and outdoors, but not all the girls in my troop enjoy it. It depends on the girl. I think every girl should be exposed to at least one camp experience and then she can make up her own mind about it. For some girls, GS is the only way they will have a camp experience. Camps are a part of the overall GS experience, in my opinion, but they are not THE singular GS experience. Some STEM activities can be connected to camp. I have run MANY STEM programs at our local camps and it can work. The logistics are sometimes difficult to work out, i.e. enough access to electricity in some of our camp buildings, but it can work.
- Of all activities the GS do this is the one she likes most - outdoors/camping. There are enough other activities such as Eng/Technology etc that they get exposure to through school etc....GS is one of the few that offers the outdoor experience with their friends!
- My current troop is made up of girls that had never camped before, they love it now and are even game for non flush toilet options that get them more out in the outdoors. Itr is a process. If you don't try it as a kid, you may not try it as an adult - childhood is the time to try new things, let's give them those options!
- Some councils are doing very well with camp closures, listening to membership and keeping them informed and engaged. My own council did charettes, but then they didn't continue any engagement. Communication is the key, and some are doing it well while others are deplorable.
- I believe council made up its own mind without any input from any of the troops funding it...the camps that were closed were absolutely beautiful and conveniently located. The camps left open are pits without indoor plumbing and comforts, they are in poorly located or maintained areas. How about acting as a girl scout owned and operated organization rather than running a-muck and doing whatever you feel is appropriate...
- The survey did not provide an answer option that describes me for the question, "What are your feelings about the closure and sale of camps around the county?" My answer is that I support the direction the councils I know about are taking, less property that is better equipped. This direction provides excellent stewardship and is responsible approach, it also encourages more girls to camp.
- The camps are too costly for many of the girls to attend. Parents do not print out pathway passes because they are too lazy to click buttons. The troops should have access to these. They just go unused.
- Even more so because girls need to be outside more
- Camp is too far away for me to get all my girls to camp. My parents do not have ways to drive my girls 45-60 each way to camp properties.
- Camping is good for the girls. When done correctly they learn to budget, cook, get along/work with others, nature, and how to survive without our modern appliances. It indirectly builds leadership and self confidence. I think it is better for a girl to have that sense of accomplishment from starting a campfire on their own, or cooking their own meal on a fire then doing some exercise out of a Journey book! It is also a good opportunity to do those activities or crafts that can't be done indoors.
- My mother and mother-in-law (both Girl Scouts) camped. I camped (I was a GS from 1967 to 1978). Both of my daughters camped (oldest is now a Lifetime Member and a Gold Award winner; youngest is an Ambassador and is pursuing Gold). Those outdoor skills helped my oldest break the ice when she went away to college. As a bonding exercise with the incoming freshman class, they took them on a weekend camping trip. My daughter was one of the few there who knew how to site & pitch a tent, why you attach the rain fly (LOL), how to start a campfire, and how to cook over an open fire. EVERYONE wanted to be in her group.
- As I stated before, we r losing girls. Highland evening camp lost interest of my daughter 2 years ago
- I am a BIG camp supporter. My boys went to organization camps, as I, my parents and husband. They make a world of difference in the shaping of their character and values. They enriched their life, and it enriched mine. I cannot even begin to tell you all the wonderful, positive areas of vocation my campmates are involved. Advocates, all. Whether education, law, volunteering in their spare time, and more. It has made me a better person and mother. It has made me able to move mountains. And I have! Who/what enabled me to believe in myself and others? Girl Scouting. And I mourn, for I see it become less relevant and becoming more of a corporation.
- I did not become a GS until my daughter needed a leader. I am a mechanical engineer and active in the environmental field. STEM came first but it is so easy to teach in the outdoors...it is simply there. You do not need a computer to teach technology but can. We use a laptop and microscope to study water and it's inhabitants. We also study clean air problems, the stars, wildlife by tracking. There are so many simple boxed programs that any leader can do on the spur of the moment at camp. Girls and adults can learn together. We learn a lot of science building a fire and cooking outdoors and pitching a tent properly. We learn to value our world and what it gives us by being close to it and leaving it better than we found it. Girls learn leadership doing these things cooperatively and helping each other, teaching their peers.
- Going to camp is a life long memory. I don't believe that GSUSA is actually doing everything they can to "save" our camps. If the camps aren't making enough money from GS events, then 1) create more GS events and 2) camps need to opened to other groups.
- Property maintenance is a HUGE expense. I understand why camps are closing. I don't like it, but I understand it.
- Camp helped me build 'courage, confidence and character.' Growing up, I was very shy and introverted in school. Once I started going to camp, I came out of my shell and it built my self-esteeme. It helped make me the woman I am today. My daughter feels the same way about camp. She can be herself, learn about a multitude of topics, meet new friends and reconnect with old friends and especially "be silly" and not have anyone judge you.
- "Camp" is a great deal more than s'mores and knot tying. It is an integral part of developing independence and confidence in our girls. The team building, life skills, and environmental appreciation carry through to other aspects of a girls life. As to the STEM/camp question, it's high time GS realizes that STEM encompasses a great deal more than can be done in front of a computer!
- I'm offended at the first question's severe bias. The answer I would've given is that some camp closure is necessary and that more thought/brainstorming should be put into program at those camps as a means to try to keep them open. But having two GS camps within 30 minutes of each other is just not feasible even if money is not an issue, which it always is. I don't know of anyone who lives in two houses next door to each other. Vacation homes are always somewhere else. Even people who live in the country with an apartment in the city would agree that they sacrifice and budget to make it work and if it won't work, they don't do it.
- Outdoor programs provide a wealth of learning for STEM. What better classroom can you have than the outside world. I learned so much that my parents were not able to teach me because I had a wonderful scout leader who took us outside and got us to try things we never imagined doing. We went backpacking, whitewater canoeing, gliding (inside a plane), and much more. What I learned was---1. I might not like this activity, but others do. 2. Weather might not be best, but I can still have fun. 3. Being tested to my limits showed me my limits can be stretched. Who would have thought an 85 lb. weakling could hike 8 miles carrying 22 lbs. in a backpack and like it? 4. I learned lots of plants and animals by sight. 5. I learned how a group can pull together. How a leader can steer a group to accomplish a goal like getting dinner completed. 6. I learned to build fires with all sorts of materials in all sorts of weather. This taught extreme resourcefulness. 7. I learned to live with anyone---communication, group dynamics, appreciating differences. 8. I learned to use what was on hand to accomplish a task. (ex. need to wash dishes but forgot the bucket, now what?) I could go on and on. Being outside in minimal environments is the best way to teach so many personal skills. There is no end to the STEM skills that can be taught while on a trip. I think our outdoor programming is key to our success as a girl program. Without it, we will probably loose membership.
- GSHPA has a building called the Star Center at their Camp Small Valley location where they do science and nature programs. My daughter has participated in a few of these along with one other girl from my troop and they have enjoyed them thoroughly. I think the camp setting is an ideal place to do science that involves the natural world and environmental studies. Go down to the creek and check the water quality and see who lives there. Check in the meadow for invasive plants and see their effect on native species. Take readings on the weather and make observations. My troop attended Troop Adventure Camp this year and it was a great experience but, the horseback riding program and this applies to boating as well seems to have a major gap between beginning and advanced. There is a serious need for an intermediate level of both of these. Horseback riding included pony rides (which my girls are too old for) and trail rides (which many were not ready for), there was no in the ring lesson available to prepare them.
- Camp is essential.
- Camp is sometimes the 1st chance for the girls to be away from their parents. It gives them a little more freedom to explore and try activities that they may not have had the chance to otherwise.
- Girl Scouts is one of the few avenues girls today have to get outdoors and experience nature and form meaningful relationship that aren't driven by technology. It would be a shame to lose this core component of Girl Scouts. It is already difficult to reserve space at a camp, closures will make it even more so.
- Camp sales need to STOP!! Camp is a wonderful place for memories. If advertised and run properly camps can be benificial to even those girls whom do not like the outdoors. Girl Scout camping needs to catch up with the times. Camps should be a safe place girls can expierence the outdoors at any level comfortable to them. As a young adult I enjoyed being a camp councoler so much I dreamed of the day my daughter would return to the same camp I did and make her own memories. I was devistated when my childhood camps were sold. Now where are the girls going to go to create their own legacy?
- I have a child with an anaphylactic peanut allergy, we don't use the camps because I'm not confident that she would be safe.
- I think camp is a great place to conduct STEM programming. Alternative energy projects would be super cool to learn about! Learning how to make clean drinking water would be neat also! When it rains, have them learn to write code!!!
- Many kids don't ever get a camping experience, or even outdoor education through their schools anymore. For many, Girl Scout camp is their only outdoor/environmental education experience ever. Please do not forget about the "opposite" of STEM...history, language, writing, culture, etc. In the schools, and now, it appears, in scouting, we've forgotten that in order to be "literate" in the sciences, we need to be LITERATE in language. One cannot write up a experiment proposal and results if one can't write.
- I believe every girl should have a camping experience, whether it's camping in tents or cabins. Councils should do more encouraging of troops to rent out their facilities for troops and service units for the GS Program
- My girls love to camp. They like high adventure and do not like to sit on their laurels. Most kids are sitting in front of the tv playing video games and getting fat. We need to get these kids out into the environment and show them how to survive if they are lost and don't have a electronic device to save them.
- But it does not apply to every girl. Some are just not interested in camp.
- GS Camp and what it does for girls is the ONE thing that sets us apart from other organizations. Instead of trying to make inroads into the inner city, which we cannot hope to compete with organizations like Girls Inc, or the YWCA we should be looking for ways to bring our amazing outdoor program to those organizations and thus get the girls involved in girl scouting. Instead of closing camps we should be working on how to get more of our girls out to camp. Instead of tearing down old buildings we should be looking for ways to restore and keep the history of our sites. Other organizations like the ACA and YMCA are shocked and disappointed with the Girl Scout organization and our divestiture of sites. In our council our six resident camps were thriving in the 3 councils, how come when we merged all of a sudden we weren't able to fill them? Because we LOST GIRLS, and volunteers became frustrated and realized that nobody cared or were listening. The board has been stacked with people that believe the same way as the CEO so there is no hope of a board that encompasses the feelings and desires of the entire council, so decisions are made without the opinion of the general organization.
- Stop selling camps. The Councils should support any and all camp activities. The CEO's just sit in their offices and tell everyone what to do, without any idea of how it affects the girls and volunteers.
- camping provides a place for a girl to learn new skills, gain confidence, and just have fun that is not available anywhere else, not with family or friends in school.
- If we do not watch it in our tech world soon girls will not be connecting with the outdoors. This would be a huge loss!
- This was a HUGE bonding experience for me when I was a scout--in fact, besides crossing the actual bridge at each level, camping is the thing I remember most from scouting. It's essential! I wish there was more opportunities for adults to take the training so that we could bring our girls camping--it's only offered twice a year and it's always at a bad time for me!
- Camp is great. Troop camping is even better and follows LNT principles more so than group camping.
- Even in a rural state like Vermont, we find girls who have not had the opportunity to interact with their natural surroundings except through their camp experience.
- What a girl remembers most about being a Girl Scout is going to camp. Ask anyone of them.
- Camp is beyond relevant, it is essential! It gives girls a chance to get out on there own and use the skills G.S. has taught them. It also fosters their independence and self esteem. Absolutely essential! 2) As far as STEM goes - any and all programming directly related to it needs to stop. G.S. was started privately and I don't feel a government program has a place. Remove it and girls and troops can focus on individual skill relating to these categories. There has always been patches related to the fields of STEM. There is no reason to specifically emphasis it. All girl scouts get STEM naturally through participating in G.S.
- we don't get to do the camping things because of my work hours but we have go to do sleeping with the sharks and that was very very fun wish they would bring that back
- I think there needs to be a balance. Camps which have been allowed to run down may need to be closed.
- Make reserving a G.S. property easy and transparent!
- I think this area is FAR more important than cookie sales! Our council charges outrageous prices to use our facilities after the merger. Many of my girls are sleeping away from home for the first time during our camping trips.
- We throw everything at kids today, especially STEM, Except for outdoor skills. A fresh new set of skills that they will ONLY get from scouting unless their parents are outdoors people too. Many are not.
- If she can function comfortably outdoors/at camp, adapt, flourish without family (or communication devices!) learn skills, transfer knowledge - she can do it the rest of her life. Mommy & Daddy may not have to helicopter over her at college and beyond!
- Camp experience made me the confident & independent person I am today. The love of the out of doors was made possible by being able to leave the city environment and spend several weeks living, working, team building and sleeping in a safe camp supervised by caring councilors.
- My experiences at camp defined who I became as an adult...my social, political, environmental and religious views were all positively influenced by my experiences at camp. They formed my love and care for the world around me including developing an empathy for people and wildlife. The lessons in the essential nature of ecology and conservation and in how important the role of humanity is in those areas was a major part of living at camp, in the outdoors, challenging myself to live in accord with nature, instead of taking advantage of it, like it is mine to own. Camp taught me to be a steward of the earth. Unless people know the importance of that, then any other knowledge...financial, or otherwise will have no matter. Without an earth that is sustained, we might as well forget any other lessons.
- Camps are one of the only GS programs that are effective for and interesting to a broad range of girls. They should have a much greater focus in the GSUSA planning.
- I grew up going to camp and worked at a camp for many years. I feel that this experience shaped the woman I have become and has affected every job I have had since. I think the experience is a complete necessity to self esteem building, teaching independence, outdoor skills, and nature appreciation.
- Camp is an important part in teaching the girls independence and doing things that are normally related to men. We live in a rural area and a lot of my girls have not had a chance to camp. But in our area being able to survive in the woods is an important life lesson.
- Camp and outdoor programming helps girls to realize their potential as self-reliant individuals - leadership skills, problem solving, teamwork, and an appreciation of the natural world.
- Outdoor programming is a key component to the overall Girl Scouting program. Girls learn so much from being away from their parents, learning to be self sufficient and being without electronics for a few days.
- YES! Camps and outdoor programming should define GS! Girls come back from outdoor experiences with more courage, confidence and character than when they left for the outdoors. Courage, confidence, and character are harder to develop at craft day when you create spa items to use on an indoor troop overnight at a GS lodge or a hotel.
- I think camp is vital to the Scouting experience and camps should be supported to the fullest extent possible. If camps are not drawing sufficient activity to justify keeping them open, I think programming/facilities should be evaluated to determine if they can be improved to make the camp more attractive to potential campers and others who might use the camp facilities. It is worth investing in camps to make them more accessible and meaningful to those who could benefit from them!
- Summer 2013 was my 10th summer at camp, and my first summer as an employee at camp. Some of my greatest memories are my camp experiences and Girl Scout camp has made me a more independent, social, adventurous, and fun-loving person.
- We do not need to close our camps!! Camping experiences build strong healthy girls. GSUSA needs to support local councils to keep camps open rather than tell them to close and consolidate services. It will NOT work Girls will go elsewhere for outdoor activities.
- My troop has always been a "camping" troop. This is the main reason I retained so many girls until their graduation from high school. The challenges camping offers to the girls cannot be taught in a Journey. Camping offers real life lessons from planning and executing meals to finding your way in the wilderness and basically surviving for several days with everything you need in a backpack on your back. Learning how to "Leave No Trace" makes the girls really think about the world they live in and how they can make a difference with their impact on the environment.
- With the merge we ended up with 12 camps. We have shuttered some, sold one and still have camps not used. It is also the cost for a troop to use a camp that has increased that effects camp usage.
- I think some members are leaving because many of the outdoor programs and camping are being eliminated. Our girls love to camp and it is very hard to get into one of the few remaining camps. A number of times we have camped at state parks because we couldn't get in to a G.S. camp. Outdoor programming is the reason many girls join scouts.
- In some ways it is relevant but I don't think it's as relevant as other aspects of the girl scout program.
- The Boy Scouts continue to do outdoor programming. The GS constantly keep changing programming. It's hard for the general public to ifentify what the gosh if GS is!
- I absolutely feel the camp program is essential for Girl Scouting. In fact, I feel like it is the part of our movement that is most true to the ideals of our founder while still being entirely relevant to modern girls, particularly in this digital age of decreased activity and interpersonal contact. When planned and run well, girls of all ages, interests, ability levels and backgrounds can live in community, live out the Girl Scout law and leave camp having grown in their courage, confidence, and character. Building up our camps and outdoor programs should be a top priority. If they're not being used or not used successfully, the question needs to be, what can we do to make them better? I also think there should be more collaboration between councils/sharing of ideas and programs that work, particularly between the actual camp directors and outdoor program staff.
- Camps help girls develop so many essential life skills and beliefs: confidence, self esteem, social skills, leadership, planning, cooperation/collaboration, and so many more. They really help girls learn to like who they are and to be themselves.
- I'm extraordinarily upset with the loss and sale of Girl Scout Camps. Girl Scout Camp was the only reliably happy place in my childhood. Everywhere else I was the weird kid who couldn't handle social situations or people, with what we now know was undiagnosed Autism. Girl Scout Camp was where it was OK to be weird, to be kooky, and where I felt safe for a few weeks a year. A Camp Counselor was the first thing I wanted to be growing up, because those were the women in my life who didn't judge me, and who genuinely seemed to care. 2) I understand the importance of STEM. I'm currently a data analyst. But there are lots of places that work on that. Girls need to spend some time outside, and to have the self esteem boost that comes from succeeding at creating something, like building a fire or fixing a flat tire. Learning to do these things builds a feeling of competence, something that is very important in combating 'imposter syndrome', where women who are experts in their fields feel like they are faking it, like other people really know better, and that they shouldn't speak up. Imposter syndrome is rampant amount women in my field, we've talked about it at conferences and trainings. Learning to do things when you are young helps combat that feeling of inadequacy.
- My girls favorite memories are when camping!
- More parents and girls would better be able to enjoy camps if they were lower in pricing somehow. $125 + for an overnight experience is much more than many can afford. If private and or corporate donations could somehow be allowed or gathered, perhaps more girl scouts would be willing and able to participate and experience camps.
- Camp experience talks girls far more than being comfortable in out-of-day. It teaches working together, problem solving, ecology, STEM, working with a group, etc. All the skills that employers are looking for when hiring employees. Girl Scouting NEED to keep our camps, grow our programs, and develop future leaders
- Camps are where girls learn the most & create their best memories. There are opportunities at camp to learn about any number of topics, and it is a crucial place for the girls to learn leadership & self reliance.
- Since there are less camps in our area there aren't enough to go around. We have to go outside the GS organization to find somewhere to provide camping for the girls. We obviously would rather only camp in GS camps, but that choice has been taken away from us.
- Twenty five years ago, I went camping with my Brownie troop. This was my first time away from home, and the first time I ever cooked anything on my own. I grew as a person, and it most definitely shaped the woman I am today.
- My girls love to go camping and love learning experiences about nature and the outdoors.
- Our troop has offered and even begged to be allowed to attempt to save our local camp - to be told by council that we are not allowed to participate in any service projects having to do with rehabing the camp for other usage, or fundraising activities to attempt to save our camp - which is completely practical in our geographical area!
- The girls in my troop look forward to camping over all other activities. They ask nearly every week when the next time we will go is. It is definitely all of their favorite part of Girl Scouts. With fewer camps in our area, it is more difficult to travel to the camps and also get reservations.
- Since when is camping suppose to be about schooling? I really believe that the more we are forcing children to grow up at a faster rate, the more depressed and unhappy our children are becoming. Bring the girls to camp and the main focus should be to let them be children. Building on the strengths they have and helping them to grow as individuals in a group setting.
- being out doors ..in the sun, snow ,rain, grass an dirt can make one appreciate the luxuries that one has.. seeing how a spider spins a web or a flower releases seeds or how a turtle shell is connected can start a curiosity that can carry through a life time.. If kids and adults don't know and understand there own back yards and camps how will the connection be made to the bigger world... save the rainforest is a common chant... but it means nothing in a visceral level...education in the outdoors is essential for physical and psychological wellbeing...studies have proven this time and again.
- camping is a way to bring much of what girls do in troop meeting into real practical experiences. Camp properties are an asset not a liability-more work should be done to help councils realize it's potential, working with other community groups to better utilize the properties. These properties hold vast resources that have not even been tapped, but could be used and in the right settings, better utilized, by outside groups, for profit groups as an income revenue stream-not a liability. More should be done to help out councils in this area.
- As a leader of a funded and urban troop, it is so important for the girls to have outdoor camping as an option. They ache for being in the outdoors, in the green and fresh air.
- Let's be more creative. Can some programs be offered there that are non-traditional camp activities? Make fashion the draw and toss in some outdoor activities ..,,, say an outdoors fashion shoot? Can we rent our facilities out to nonScouts during week? Can we offer an after-school or school holiday program for girls? Allow Scouts to hold meetings there? Troop, service units, cookie kick offs ? Can we hold fundraisers at camp so the community can see what we have
- Camps give the opportunity to try new things, interact with others, learn basic life skills, encourages independence and self-confidence, etc. A true STEM program is very difficult to have if it doesn't include nature. Nature is the very core of STEM.
- I'm unclear of what you mean with these questions. Therefore unable to answer properly.
- Camps NEED to be part of the girl scout experience. Part of the goal of Girl Scouts is to grow independent thinking women. By girls going to camp, growing up, learning how to "survive" without their parents for a week, learning to think on their own, use their own good judgement in a safe environment, this is how we grow girls into their own persons. And as they get older and have a chance to become camp counselors themselves, this gives them leadership experience in a familiar, yet challenging setting.
- See my comments above. I was a resident camper, a camp counselor, a leader who camped with my girls, a day camp leader and assistant director, and an outdoor trainer. When I was a teenager with no self-confidence, I believe Girl Scout camp turned my life around. I believe outdoor program is still capable of doing that, and is the kind of program that only scouting can do.
- Many camps are quite a distance from where the girls live! While we have a vibrant camp, it is a tough sell to ask parents to drive their kids out in traffic on a Friday night, and pick up on a Sunday when each round trip could be 5 hours! Our council has one camp that could serve many more girls, but with the busy schedules of girls and adults, we don't fill up. Also, back to the STEM question above, it's tough to get volunteers to "climb the mountain" and provide a shorter program. Ex. scientists or techies who would participate if the program was closer.
- I think camp CAN support STEM, but shouldn't. Camp should focus on traditional programs; aquatics, archery, nature, etc. STEM can easily be built into existing camp programming.
- I would like to see more activities at camps that are for just the day, perhaps all day on a Saturday. It would be much easier for us to participate in day activities than to have to commit to an entire weekend.
- I do think camping and outdoor programming is vital to the program. Kids need a chance to reset. They need to be immersed in nature from time to time and they need to be reminded of what really matters. On top of that, the skills they learn while camping are vital to developing their confidence.
- If you truly want a girl to go into environmental engineering, as an example, having exposure to the outdoors and allowing the ability to become one with nature will peak there interest in furthering their studies in those areas. I grew up in a big city, but was always part of the local forest preserve/park district programs(sports/fishing programs/service projects), boys and girls included, lived near the river and was very active in outdoor exploring (hiking/fishing/bike riding). I think most of my interest came from hands on learning in the early years.
- Camp is so much more than a place. For many I went to camp with -- or worked at camp with, campis a state of mind - a place we can escape to when life gets too hard -- the friends made at camp are life-long friends and whether they were made in a cabin with electricity and hot showers or a tent with a latrine down teh path -- those camp friendships are forever. The support system built at camp has not only supported me but has become a part of my children's lives and I hope they can have similar experiences. Camp taught so much about self-reliance -- where else can you learn to cook, clean up after yourself and prepare you for leaving the proverbial nest?
- Camping offers an opportunity for girls to experience "real life" physics as they build fires, stack wood, string clothesline, use tools, etc. Girls develop more manual dexterity through camp activities. Also, girls will experience more consequences in their preparation for camping - from following the packing list to carrying out their kaper duties.
- Again, as the girls get older this gets more difficult. I learned great things at camp but parents are more resistant to allowing their girls to attend camps. For many girls, camping is not attractive.
- Ooo. Staying away from mot and daddy for a weekend or week teaches self sufficiency, trust and self confidence when learning and trying new skills and being in your own away from home. We are SO disconnected from the earth. Camping is a way to re connect and appreciate it. That way you might understand more why conservation etc is important. The earth is our other we must take care of her.
- Not just relevant but crucial!
- My daughter goes to two or three camps every year.
- Not only do the camps promote learning and basic outdoor skills they provide a chance for bonding and friendships that can last a lifetime. They also get kids out if the electronic world they are living in and allow them to interact with other girls and give them a chance to power down
- I have 2 troops...my girls would rather sleep in a tent in the out-of-doors and cook over a fire rather than sleep in a building and cook on a stove...
- For many girls, Girl Scouting is the only way they are exposed to outdoor camping, hiking, nature etc. Hands-on learning about nature is very important for all girls to become leaders and make a difference in the world.
- In our area the camps are fine- but there is only one for summer camp, programs are at least 4 days long- but that includes a half days travel each direction- so they are too far away to be of use for short term things. Then the camp that is supposed to be for service units to use is too far away and booked so far in advance because the council merged and is too big- we never go to it anymore...
- Girl are nature deficient. They need to learn about the outdoors They learn about themselves by being and doing in nature.
- I absolutely think camp/outdoor programming will always be relevant to the GS program. My husband is an Eagle Scout and I was a GS for 10 years prior to becoming an adult. We do many outdoor activities with our kids and teach them outdoor skills at home. Kudos to the council that still urge leaders to teach these to our girls! I am very pleased that we learn how to do this at our outdoor training (knot tying, knife safety, cooking, starting a fire, fire safety, etc.). I also think we need to go back to teaching the girls more LIFE skills. I was amazed that my the majority of Juniors did not know how to do a simple running stitch. Girls should be able to sew on their own badges. Teach them how to do things and they will amaze us with their abilities!
- Outdoor education is critical. I hope that councils without properties can find ways to include it in other ways. If maintaining properties is bankrupting a council then they need to get rid of them. There are other ways - rent from another organization, use city, county, state and national outdoor facilities. We can overcome this if we all plan together. councils do not need to bleed their bank accounts just to own a camp. So many girls have zero experience in the out of doors. It is essential to connect to the Earth and nature. It helps us all understand the interconnectedness of all creatures with our environment. But there are many ways to do this without spending all your resources on properties. BTW an outdoor/camp setting can support Arts & Culture, Leadership, Wellness & Healthy Living and Business Smarts. It doesn't have to be all about nature or science. Just being outside doing other activities is GREAT!
- Camp is a time of bonding and a chance to not be so attached to the wired world. It definitely gives girls an opportunity to problem solve in a non threatening environment and to experience the natural world.
- Camping/outdoor activities are important to girl scouting. However, outdoor activities can take place at lodges, or other "camps" where archery, rock climbing, hiking, etc.. are available. Not necessarily Girl Scout owned facilities. The most important thing to me, as a leader, was to offer my girls opportunities that they might not have had if not in Girl Scouting. These opportunities included canoeing, rock climbing, using a sewing machine, using basic tools, visiting nursing homes and other service projects, serving as a 'big sister' to younger girls, and field trips. Its the total package!
- Camp is great an it changes people and makes them into stronger more self sufficient girls
- Camp was a vital part in my life as a parent & leader and also for my daughters & the girls in my troop. I volunteered at the camps as a Unit leader both of my daughters have received all of their camp training including and are employees with GS as summer camp counselors & all the girls in my Troops had received their PA training. I believe the outdoors was/is a vital program to Girl Scouts.
- I think the camps are an important part of scouting and it's sad to hear camps closing.
- Our troop loves to camp!
- Camp is very important for our Scouts. I wish that the camps were offered much more affordable at a troop and girl level.
- I wish there were more camps that just had tent sites, rather than cabins.
- I think that everyone needs a camp experience as a youth be it a Girl Scout camp a Church camp, Boy Scout camp, YMCA camp or other. The best job I ever had was working as a chaplain at a Boy Scout camp for 2 summers! My 9 years of experience as a Girl Scout was an excellent prerequisite!
- The nearest camp here is 5 hours away. We used to have a camp only 30 minutes away. Do you think we have many girls go to camp? Of course not. This is without any consideration to the costs involved, and the fact that there is nothing anywhere around for the parents to do. There is very little that I have seen on other outdoor programming. I tend to look at what the Boy Scouts have that interest my girls. They just don't get badges.
- We need less spa parties, father/daugher dances, and mall lock-ins to get back to our GS roots...Skill building, new experiences, STEM, camping, and getting out of our comfort zone is what makes great leaders!
- I do not see camps as being very accessible to many girls, and camping should start much earlier than it does. I was a girl scout from 1st through 12th grades, and camp was a HUGE part of my experience, but my daughter has yet to go to camp, and even then, it is not accessible. Pricing is outrageous for those of us in middle class, and unreachable for many. 4 day programs are too long for many, and no shorter options are available. Camp opportunities are very limited and its sad.
- Watched too many over the years that went from scared of the outdoors to becoming quite successful in that. Many have learned valuable life skills while at camp. My family has always tried to help any girl that wanted that experience the opportunity to have that experience
- As a Cadette I could see myself grow and mature in my few weeks at camp each year, and during troop camp outs. There are areas of personal growth, bonding with friends (girls and adults), and critical thinking almost exclusively provided by camping. Appreciation of nature, learning to relax, laughing through adversity, accomplishing more than you thought possible, singing around the campfire .... There is not enough room here to list them all. Juliette Low would be HORRIFIED at the loss of emphasis on the out of doors. I do believe it needs to be available to girls at all levels, and in a variety of interests. An ambassador should still be able to enjoy a simple camp out without feeling like she has failed to grow just because she has found that backpacking or rock climbing is not for her.
- Camps are a vital part of STEM programming. When the council discontinued resident camp less girls used the camp because of lack of program and then they wondered why girls did not come. Not to mention poor marketing of the limited program provided. If they have a good program they will come.
- I think camps are VITAL to the organization. It breaks my heart to see so many camps close because individual CEOs choose to spend money in other areas than camps. For example, my own council decided to close one of our program centers (the only one in South Jersey) in order to "save money." Immediately after they "saved" all this money, they went and spent it on renting a new office space for MORE than what they were "saving." We alienated at least 1/3 - 2/3 of our population so that the CEO and a small army of staff could RENT a much more expensive office space directly across the parking lot of an already established program center. Ridiculous!
- Many of the camp closures started happening after the councils merger. I know it was done to help several councils who couldn't make it, but it has hurt several of the communities from these councils. Many times the councils are so big, they forget about the smaller communities and ones that are not as close, they feel forgotten. Now since they have closed camps, possible in their area, many are not going to want to drive to their nearest camp, because it's too far. and nearby councils, make it hard to use their camps. Extra insurance, wait longer before you can register and higher cost. First things first, why isn't there outdoor journeys? There should be several that include, camping, outdoor cooking, hiking, boatins, learning about nature, plants, bugs, snakes, etc.
- The only problem I have with camp, is that when the trainings come up for this, they are usually cancelled due to lack of participation. We would like to take our girls camping, but we don't want to travel over an hour just to take a training session. Maybe start having some of these training sessions online.
- More intensive training of leaders need to be REQUIRED. Most girls love being outdoors, but too many leaders are scared to take them.
- Leaders are not being given opportunities to be properly trained in how to involve girls in Outdoor activities. All emphasis is on Journeys and Leadership, Outdoor activities "used" to be included in trainings, now trainings are so bare bones there is no opportunity for leaders to learn how to share with girls. There are few opportunities for leaders to network in the larger councils that are being run like a business so embellishment trainings are non existent
- The sense of accomplishment and the challenges and friendships developed are not found anywhere else in the program.
- Camping is expensive for many families and you cannot expect to keep camps open if families are not sending their daughters. It's a very expensive proposition keeping so many open, but there must be creative people that make it their mission to find a way to bring this programming to girls.
- We need to show our parents that camp is necessary. Unless the parents see what we older adults know and have done, a girl will be left behind. Camp needs to get back to basics. Camp needs to be the girl, friends (new and old). Camp was a very important part of my life and I think a girl needs the time away from family to appreciate them.
- My girls are very into camping. We went on a 5-week cross-country camping trip in 2008 and they had the time of their lives. We camp almost everywhere we go.
- Camps give some girls the best time of their lives. For many inner city kids it is there only chance to be in nature. Also camps teach many skills I would not be where I am today if it was for the skills I learned at camp. Many girls think as camp as a safe haven where they can be themselves and not worry about what might happen or they see it as an escape from some bad conditions at home. I always love seeing the girls expressions and excitement every year.
- There are so many opportunities to teach girls leadership in the outdoor setting which still interests a large number of girls. We are loosing member to other scouting organizations with the de-emphasis on outdoor programs. If we don't teach this generation of scouts who will be there to protect our outdoor spaces for future generations.
- Camps can definitely have a STEM focus, but that should not be the only focus. A Lego robotics camp that includes all the fun outdoor stuff as well would be a very welcome addition. 2) There are girls for whom the outdoor experience is necessary and relevant, but whose families cannot provide that experience within the family unit (our family cannot camp without excluding my disabled husband due to the nature of his disabilities, for example). It is critical that kids get away from their family into safe situations where they can try new things and "be on their own" for short times to build confidence and new skills.
- The biggest problem when it comes to camps is accessibility! The nearest camp to us is 45 minutes away and it books up quickly year-round, making it challenging to find a free weekend where we can use it. The next nearest camp is 90 minutes away and serves a major metropolitan area AND is used for summer camp and council-wide programs - again not always available for the troops. The more camps that close, the more troops are using the few that are left. I get that there is a cost issue of having and maintaining the facilities at the camps, but am wondering if there may be other options than closing or selling them.
- I'm not sure my daughter has ever gotten or learned anything worthwhile from a camp.
- There are a lot of studies that show that developing outdoor skills is just as beneficial girls as learning financial / leadership skills that GSUSA has placed a major focus on. I camped a lot as a girl member. My daughter as a girl member has not. I wish that she had the option to be able to do that more. Unfortunately, our local camp was one that was closed and sold by our Council.
- Camp is essential to building a strong foundation for girl scouts. It teaches independence, tolerance, as well as multitude of other important characteristics. All Girl Scouts should have the opportunity to go to a camp that they love.
- Girls need to have experience away from electronics and learn how to communicate without a cell phone or media distractions
- I am very upset about the selling of camps. My troop goes at least twice a year. GSEP is selling the camp which is close to where we live in Bucks County. There are a very large number of scouts in Bucks County, Montomery county and Northeast Philadelphia. The only camps left at 2-3 hours away. This makes it impossible to do a day trip. It also makes is very difficult to do a overnight at we arrive very late. Sometimes we just don't camp at GSEP camps, we go to NJ Girl Scout camps or go to private camps. Please keep Tohi open
- Camping provides opportunities for girls to learn new skills, team-building and decision making . They learn they can do many things on their own and become moire self-confident and independent. The recent deliberate actions which have pushed Councils to divest camps in the name if "financial responsibility" were not well-received and if the actions taken were representative of the general attitude of the National Board and Staff, they should resign immediately.
- This is a great setting for girls to learn they CAN do new things. It gives them confidence in themselves and their abilities that they develop.
- I live in a part of the country where everyone needs to have outdoor skills to be safe. It is very necessary for girls whose parents are not familiar with the outdoors to have the ability to learn these skills. I have one daughter who works in outdoor experiential learning because she learned these skills in Girl Scouts
- GS is one of the only organizations which introduces girls to camp and outdoor programming. There are plenty of organizations for music, reading, leadership, volunteerism, etc but most don't offer outdoor and camping opportunities.
- There should be one camp for general use in the state. There is a wonderful camp in our area provided by the Walton family. Camp NOARK served it's purpose years ago when girls were more interested in the roughing aspect of a camper in the wilderness. This is sad because our older leaders have such an emotional attachment to the camp that the ability to make sound objective decisions are not made.
- Without Camp Nawakwa, I wouldn't be the person I am today. I had encouragement from my counselors and peers that it was okay to be the weird kid out and that being goofy is nothing to be ashamed of. If I didn't have the encouragement to be outside of the line, I wouldn't be in the line of work that I am now (firefighting and paramedic). If it weren't for the continuing support that I have from my fellow staff members and directors, I would not even be alive today. Do no underestimate the use of Camp. SAVE OUR CAMPS
- Camp is so important because it allows the girls to take a minute and look around at the world from a different point of view than their normal daily routines. I think girls can become inspired to make the world a better place from having experiences at camps.
- Clearly GSUSA already know what they're doing wrong based on the questions you've asked so far. A big reason why I have 12 girls still registered in high school is camping.
- In the mid-70's to mid-80's, as a GS, I LOVED camp, camping, summer residential camp. I can't image Girl Scouts without camp/camping!!
- I think camping and outdoor skills have always been and should remain a huge part of the Girl Scout experience. Every Girl Scout should know how to pitch a tent, how to read a map and compass, and how to be self-reliant in the woods. The troop I lead are first grade Daisies and they are very excited about camping. I hope to make it a big part of our troop's program in the years to come.
- With my troop I have found that camping experiences are often the first time a girl is allowed to try skills on her own! I often hear, "my mom doesn't let me cook" or "I don't know how to pack my bag by myself" and I am so glad to be giving the girls these opportunities.
- I think there are many other opportunities such as Lake Camping - KOA - and many more and they are usually less expensive...
- Camps and camping are huge to our troop. We go to at least 2 camps per year and an extended travel trip. These activities are the highlights of the year.
- Camp is a basic. For many girls, this is the only exposure to the outdoors. Camping teaches self reliance, filmmaking, development of awareness of inner self and surroundings. There isn't enough space to talk about camps. Camping heavily influenced my career as the only woman tool&diemaker in four surrounding states. Council tried to make our service unit hand over our camp--WRONG ANSWER! Council raped our camp but had to return several items that I personally donated to camp. Nothing like the threat of a lawsuit to have things returned. After that, I made damn sure that my company NEVER donated a single penny to Girl Scouts. Send donations to camp. Quite a few people know what I do and what I represent and have stopped donating to Girl Scouts but we do support the girls and our camp. Council's attempt to gain and sell this camp has backfired financially and created an unnecessary riff that will linger for generations. People don't forget this stuff and trust, well, never again. Lesson well learned. Pay that pension fund with that.
- Learning to camp teaches girls how to be responsible for themselves and their belongings sometimes for the very first time in their lives. It requires all of their academic and social skills and teaches them some new ones. What better gift to offer a girl than the knowledge that she can prepare her own meals, arrange for her shelter and coexist in nature while having the most fun she's ever had. There's no greater confidence builder than success. Children bloom and grow in nature, they need it, we all do.
- As we move from camps and outdoor programming we are losing much of what our founder based the program on. Many opportunities for that lead to careers in agriculture, forestry, outdoor trip leaders such as outward bound, urban planner, that list is endless. Even basic survival and cooking is being missed.
- Camping & day camps were our favorite parts of the GS experience. Then Journeys came along. They sucked the fun out of meetings and made the year drag. Ridiculous levels of paperwork for everyone (parents, troop leaders, camp volunteers) for both the Journeys and everything in general (health forms; permission slips for each and every event and outing, including walking down the sidewalk from the meeting place; driver forms; separate permissions for each sales event; separate permissions and health forms for bring-a-friend events and for camps (day and overnight camps have different forms too); having to go by the council's MOST restrictive jurisdictional and health rules (MD's for a VA camp, specifically); being required to take first-aid training yet being told we weren't allowed to administer medications of any sort - just to use soap and water and call parents (if simple) or 911 (if complex or life-threatening); having some kids you can and some you can't take photos of; having to carry a bag of epipens and inhalers around everywhere; having cookouts go with the most restrictive diet for the group rather than having alternative meal options; camps cutting back on the amount of food served at all-camp meals to the point that both of my kids and I were hungry after each this year - I feel used and unappreciated. My older daughter doesn't even like the day camp where I volunteer any more. She got tired of the lousy food and the unhelpful counselors (who didn't even follow GS safety rules for campfires) at overnight camp. My younger one has more recently gotten tired of the lousy food and not-nice counselors at the same camp; doesn't help that she ended up with lice, magically, between sessions there and had to skip the second session. We still aren't sure if she got it from another kid or from one of the counselors; at the time, the counselors didn't check for lice on themselves often enough.
- Most girls don't get the opportunity to get outside and just be a kid learning outdoor skills. Computers/technology are all around them in everyday life. They get STEM stuff all of the time. It would be nice to be able to unplug them once in awhile.
- Schools are pounding the STEM issues and so are Girl Scouts. Is it any wonder girls in rural areas are flocking to 4H and other groups that give them a diverse growing up experience. Big difference between rural and urban girls and yet Girl Scouts tries to address them all the same. Girls play sports and choose that over Girl Scouts. Why? Because they are looking for more than just schoolwork.
- Too many camps closing making it harder for girls to go to camp because of distance. Even if transportation is provided, distance is still an issue for some. And, just because girls think they might die without technology for a week they will probably greatly benefit from it. If their parents can't see that, it's sad but marketing to the parents reminding them of the benefits could help.
- If you ask older girls what they remember from Girl Scouts, camping is nearly always in the top two things they remember. My troop loves camping--even the girls who aren't happy away from electricity and living with bugs have a great time.
- STEM can be taught at camps as an option but I would not make it the only solutions or focus. My job career is in the environmental arena working indirectly for the EPA, and other government and local entities, I fully understand the need for women in STEM but GS isn't why I have my career I chose.
- Getting girls outdoors, in a girl-centered program is incredibly beneficial to girls and their adult leadership. We all learn that we can do things we never thought we could. Watching a first year Brownie figure out how to tie a specific knot for the first time is absolutely delightful. Teaching them fire safety, and how to light and manage a campfire, and cook their own meals over it, putting up a tent, these are little things, but they lay the ground for the confidence that tells a girl she is capable, she can do things she has never done before, she is brave and can overcome difficulty. They can do all these things with teaching and supervision at young ages. They can learn that it;s okay to make mistakes, and they can learn from those mistakes.
- I have to say I am disappointed in Girl Scouts today. It is being used as another arm of education (school) than real world experience and participation in our communities. It feels more like home schooling and regulations rather than creativity and participation. I am sure for some girls this is what is needed as they do not have the opportunities in their communities or schools but for others they want to experience nature and activities related to our beautiful world and there does not seem to be a middle ground anymore. The focus is on money and STEM and most of the girls are overloaded at school already and just want to have fun while participating in activates at Girl Scouts. Cooking for a shelter, cleaning up a park, assisting neighbors to spruce up their yard, visiting museums and historical sights and camping. At least that is what my girls feedback is?
- Going to camp is a chance for girls to get away and do things they don't have a chance to do elsewhere. Survival & outdoor skills: building a fire, cooking over a camp fire, archery, canoeing, etc. These may seems small, but these are the things the girls in my troop long to do as they don't get a chance elsewhere.
- Ok - YES you can teach STEM in the outdoors and camp. That is real stupid that someone would think you cant. I have to say that I have one girl that in my opinion puts a real face to what the girls want in the outdoor program. She LOVES all the outdoor activities. BUT needs Flush toilets- needs dry warm sleeping environment. Yes she camped for a three day weekend in a GS Platform tent. She loved the weekend -wanted more. But she didn't use the outhouse all weekend. She is ten so really I had no idea until Sunday. Her parents picked her up and first stop down the road took her to a public restaurant restroom. Our troops next camp out was in GS camp Cabin. Yes regular bathroom. Entire troop said yes they want to do this again- same set up- real bathrooms. Girls did not care about the electricity or did not need technology connections (But as a leader- it could help me teach the program).
- Camping can develop the skills and confidence needed to survive in a world of many conditions and environments as well as changes. For example, awareness of one's surroundings - water, geology, geography, terrain, plant life, animal life, etc. can be critically important.
- I think camps and outdoor programming do have a place in GS however living in a major metropolitan area my girls are not camper types. I know in some parts of the country camping is a big thing, but here it is a give and take. I would venture to guess that the areas that are big into camping may not be as interested in some of the things that girls around here are and vice versa.
- make it affordable, we LOVE TO CAMP, but cost is a factor and what to do at camp. We can't afford to do a lot of expensive things in the areas and want to stay busy but stay at camp. In our busy world of electronics camp is the perfect place to slow down and enjoy nature, programs at camp or material at camp to help leaders - identify trees, astronomy, we need to help all girls love nature.
- Stop filling the camps up with conferences and let the troops in. It took me 8 months to get my girls into a council property. That is unacceptable. My girls don't even look at these proper tot anymore due to frustration.
- Camping and outdoor activities were the most important part of Girl Scouts for me when I was growing up. I know many girls who have dropped out because it was not a focus for their troops. It defines GS for me. The other activities are available from many other sources.
- Camping teaches girls that they can care for themselves in any situation, which translates to confidence in life. Too many children also suffer nature deficiency disorder, where they are uncomfortable outdoors, and this must be corrected.
- I think they offer growth, development, and learning opportunities not available in other settings
- Many women working directly with girls in a troop pathway are not interested in the outdoors or camping. This can have a serious impact on how the girls in those troops view the outdoors and camping experience. Not everyone wants to camp as traditional Girl Scouting views camping. But I can see the value that it brings to the Girl Scout experience. Teamwork, self-reliance, skill building, etc. are all relevant to what girls need in today's world. These things are an integral part of the Girl Scout experience, but not the only one.
- Our Troop leader is fabulous at teaching camping skills and I believe my girls enjoy it.
- Outdoor programming is critical to the future of GS
- Yes, I think that the STEM can be used in a camp setting but that it isn't necessary to do so. The school systems are changing so that STEM is prevalent and girls do get a lot of it in school. Girl Scouts should be about exposing girls to different areas and encouraging them to explore them if she so chooses. Not everyone like STEM. Many careers, although they may contain elements of STEM, are not purely STEM based. I don't like the way Girl Scouts are pushing girls into things they don't take an interest in. It drives girls from GS and also can make them feel like they aren't up to par if they don't take an interest.
- Camp is one of the best places to learn practical science, engineering and math skills. I think the problem lies in the people setting up the programs not knowing real STEM skills. Whether it is estimating the height of a tree, learning about erosion along a creek, gathering statistics on nocturnal animals in camp, or just identifying the chemistry to bake a great cake over a campfire, girls can do a lot of things that would help the camp and learn new skills. And don't be caught in the trap of "girl just want to have fun". A lot of girls enjoy physical work if it does something useful and interesting. Girls can rebuild a bridge across a creek that is washed out by a flood if you provide proper supervision and training; they can even help in the design. The adults need to start thinking outside the box; you may find the girls can accomplish things you don't know how to do.
- I think people need to understand that girls today are different that we were. They are trying to make girls live in the past and many don't want to.
- What is a better place to learn about science and the environment?
- A camp in my council just announced they are closing. The camps in my area are always booked. We need more, not less!
- I took my troop camping many times and we all have many wonderful memories of it. And both my own girls went to GS camp, both locally and one went to two destinations; both located at another council's GS camp.
- I commented about camp above in why I am very disappointed with GSUSA. But in short, i attended Camp Nawakwa in Wisonsin for 9 years when it wad still a resident camp. Camp Nawakwa has and always will be my home. Camp is where I grew up, its where I felt safe, its where I could be myself and escape the worries I had, where I could escape the abuse and hell I was living in at home, (personal info removed) at growing up, camp wad my refuge, camp is where I became me, camp shaped me into who I am today. I am so incredibly lucky to have had the experiences I had at camp and would not be the same person I am today without them. I feel it is a great disservice and disappointment that Camp Nawakwa has experienced the changes it has. This summer there are no programs being offered at Camp Nawakwa and words cannot truly express how saddening and disappointing this is. My heart is broken.I have always looked forward to sending my future children and grandchildren to camp so that they can experience what I have. And unless something changes I won't be able to :(
- Camp experiences give the girls confidence and build self-reliance. Camp experiences help them relax and recharge in our fast-paced, electronic charged society. Camp experiences help them connect with other girls and with nature and build new and renew existing friendships. It helps them appreciate being female in an all female environment - a place where they can be themselves without the pressures of society - feel the wind, smell the trees, hear the waves lapping on the shore, see the vast sky at night, hear the owls, see the fireflies -listen to the rain -
- More camp opportunities around the state.
- My daughters love their camp experiences! Camp gives them an opportunity and safe environment to be independent from family. As a leader, I feel comfortable taking girls to safe location, set up for girls to explore themselves in a different environment than they are used to. Please save our camps and offer more programs that utilize their resources.
- Camp is so important to developing life skills. I learned more about interpersonal relationships at GS camp than anywhere else in my life. Camp develops confidence, independence, and leadership in girls.
- Children do not get to be "children" and just play, explore and hangout any more. Every minute is programed and filled with stuff most of it inside a building. YES- We need camps, nature. Girls and Adults - I think they are more relevant now than ever...but how do we get them there?
- We can utilize the winterized parts of camp to do winter STEM programs as well as more outdoor programs. Then perhaps schools and businesses would also rent camps in our off times. Juliette Low believed girls could do more- she would be so sad that camps and outdoor programming is going away.
- Studying nature is SCIENCE!!! How much closer can you get to nature than at CAMP!!! The recent closing and selling of camps is the most ridiculous step that Girl Scouts has ever taken!!! Girl Scouts was founded on the very principles of getting girls involved in learning camping skills! That is the MAIN reason many girls have sold cookies all these years....so they could go to CAMP!!!! Selling off these properties because they aren't turning a "profit" is asinine! The profit comes when the girls who love camp turn into GS leaders who bring their own daughters to camp. When you keep closing the camps and making it hard for troops to use them, you're going to see GS fail because there will be reducing numbers of people who will be supporting it. I think there has been MAJOR communication problems since the restructuring into large organizations. There are people who will help support these camps...they just need to know and be allowed to help!
- At least in our council, the cost is prohibitive for small troops. There has to be a way to remedy this. My troop was able to camp at state and county parks for much less than at council properties. As they were Cadettes / Seniors / Ambassadors, they did not use many of the program facilities at GS camps. Also, why does a troop of less than 10 members have to pay for 8 yurts when they are only going to use 3?
- Our council has closed two camps in the past 5 years. One is unused and unsold, the other has been sold outright. I understand that camp properties are expensive, they should be maintained for the use of Girl Scouts. The cost of summer camp has continued to climb each year. We had stopped sending our daughter to camp due to the high cost. Something should be done to bring the costs back down.
- but it is too expensive...my kids will never be able to go.
- If Councils don't want to own the camps--- then pay the rent on them-- then girls and leaders can still have the camping experience.
- Outdoor programming is an essential part of the Girl Scout program and has always been so. Girls don't get these experiences anywhere else. It's not only fun for them but they learn many, many skills.
- Our camps have been priced out of reach for most troops, and the paperwork process is so cumbersome - we tend to go elsewhere. For example, I recently organized a Cadettes and Up ropes course trip for our service unit. I had hoped to use council's facilities. But, they required an exact number of participants and complete payment in order to reserve a date for the course. This doesn't work. I need to get a date, then advertise to troops, get girls to sign up and pay - - - then finalize the number with the facility. Every other non-scout facility in our area was fine with this process. GS council insisted on a process that doesn't work - - and then wonders why troops aren't using their camps? Likewise, all the private camps in our area provide lifeguards at the pool. Provide boating people at the lake. Provide certified instructors at the horses or climbing wall, etc. I as a leader can't possibly be certified in all of these things myself. But, if I try to go to GS camp, I need to be responsible for providing facilitators myself. Makes it too difficult - so we go to local private camp so the girls can take advantage of all these opportunities, instead of wandering aimlessly around camp saying, "can we do that" and me having to say, "Sorry, we don't have a trained facilitator for that."
- Camp teaches the girl many different aspects that they will use throughout their lives. I believe it's a program that should continue.
- Why not make it more like a Boy Scout camp where the girls actually learn outdoors stuff, not do arts and crafts all weekend.
- Camp is huge. Everyone of us who has had the experience benefited from it. Camps need to be supported and made affordable so girls can attend.
- Scouting means being outside. Outdoor skills should be at the heart of the scouting program. We are so disappointed in the GS offerings that our troop worked on the Boy Scout's Tenderfoot badge this year. Take a look in the Boy Scout store sometime for a real eye-opener. It's like a mini REI. Compare that to the GS store, which more closely resembles a Hallmark store. Not even a pocketknife. What message are you sending our girls, really? That their place is at home, scrapbooking, making jewelry, taking photographs, making simple meals. Gak.
- I have seen how the outdoor/camp aspect of GS has impacted my girls. They learn self reliance and how to depend on others and work as a team. I have often heard them talk about how if they can survive outdoors they can do anything.
- Keep the camps open
- I grew up attending camps, and they made a huge impact on my life. I believe all efforts should be made to provide a camping experience to the girls.
- As I said earlier, with all of the natural disasters we've seen around the world in the last few years, camp skills have been highly treasured. Girls have been able to help their families cope with day to day needs. Girls have also used these skills when volunteering for Americorps or the Peace Corps. 2) There are too many schools in our state that are financially strapped due to aging buildings and the majority of the students on reduced or free lunch. Teaching them outdoor skills teaches them to be a little more independent and self reliant. People have forgotten the latch-key terminology of my children's era, but they are still out there with many more hazards around them and without the skills to make them safer. 3) I personally know a transgenered scout who without the camps may not have blossomed after their family discarded them. I know that a scout who did their Gold award on bulimia may not have survived without her "camp friends". 4) Camps especially resident camps can teach anything, but without the "camps" they don't learn about a beautiful, peaceful (no harsh yelling, hitting, neglect, degradation, etc.) place they can go and be one of the group! A true sister-hood that lasts generations as in our families case. 5) You see all of the forest service ads about families getting to know nature. We already have it and have the memories to prove it. We know a place ... it's called GS Camp.
- Camp is appropriate to STEM as long is it is outdoor learning: i.e. soil samples, building a bridge over a creek, making water barrels, etc. A technology center with Wi-Fi has NO BUSINESS in a camp setting.
- The sale of camps has some to do with not enough girls attending, so I think that it would be more effective to spend time on getting girls to go, not figuring out how to run a camp with fewer girls.
- Yes, I absolutely think camps and outdoor programming are relevant and an important component of the GS program! I say this even though as my troops have grown older, they've become less interested in outdoor programming. But I can't imagine having Girl Scouting without it! I think it is a must! It would not be Girl Scouting without camping and outdoor program options.
- My daughter is pursuing a PhD in botany because of her experience in camps. We ran a STEM camporee recently that included model rockets, robots, catapults, and more, totally in a camp setting. Camp is essential. That is the tipping point for Girl Scouts for me -- no camp, no Scouts.
- First of all, my home camp in Indiana is no longer a residential camp. The council there has managed it so that it is still being used in other ways and is maintained beautifully. However the camp I worked at, Eagle Island, which is a Historic Landmark is being treated as a retirement fund for scouting professionals.
- Camp experience has impacted ALL areas of my life as a woman. I use those experiences DAILY to enhance my parenting, teaching (educator), leisure experiences. This is the primary gift of scouting to the youth today and it is not covered in other areas of their techno-life!
- If we want a world to live in for the future generations, we learn to respect, understand & nurture our environment. Camp was also the place I learned to cook. I still place a high value on the friendships I made during my camping years.
- Save our camps! Why are we closing camps that were at full occupancy last summer!?!?
- Camps are essential - but are so out priced ... I haven't had any girls go in the
- Camping teaches the girls how to work together, survival skills and cooking skills. It also teaches them planning tools and allows them to enjoy the outdoors with girls their own age.it also teaches them responsibility about the outdoors and the fragile eco system
- My camp experienced gave me the leadership skills and confidence I have as a high school teacher today! We have reunions every 2 years due to our wondrous camp experience 40 years ago!!!
- Sometimes I think Council/GSUSA forgets that just the experience of the camps is a huge benefit to the girls, they learn so much about themselves, being on their own, self confidence, love of the outdoors and nature, and basic survival skills....I think it's become underestimated.
- like to see the camps get use more there is so much they can do with the camps like simple overnight events tea party Christmas party outdoor training cooking skills outdoor cooking skills
- Girl Scout Camps were originally used for STEM activities but STEM didn't exist back them. WHY do you think so many former Girl Scouts became engineers, scientists, foresters, Work in Fish and Wildlife, are Veterinarians? The stupidest thing the National office did was close National Center West in Wyoming. It was the only place in the USA and this Hemisphere where Girl Scouts and Guides could get together and explore these areas of interest. National needed to expand the program opportunities there instead of eliminating them. I know this first hand as I was staff there for 2 seasons.
- What other organization has this ability to work with girls in this environment. Girl Scouts has really missed the mark in not enhancing outdoor programs.
- Since parents do stem, GS not a factor. At the time as a kid we only did crafts which bored me. Much better on Boy Scouts. They got to do fun stuff....now a mother with son and girl in scouting...boy scouts still do more fun stuff...
- Camping is a time when the girls get to learn to depend on themselves. There is no parent to step in and a good leader knows the importance of the girls doing things on their own. The experiences in the out-of-doors can not be replaced. Living with other girls, surrounded by nature and learned to be a part of the natural world is VERY important.
- YES, how else are girls going to learn basic outdoor skills if not at camp and have the experience of knowing what to do when in the outdoors, if they were ever put in a situation that would have them use the skills acquired as a GS in the outdoors.
- We spend so much time indoors trying to complete journeys, patches, and community service there is no time for camping.
- Camp should be an option for every girl and every troop.
- Camp is essential to the Girl Scout experience. For some it is a weekend away from the everyday bombardment of tv, social media, every day life in general. For some this is the only experience they may have to learn some self sufficiency skills (taking care of your own area, cooking your own food, etc.) It's a great time to learn to work with others. And for some it is a great time to get to activities that take more than and hour or two.
- Please stop selling our camps. Girls and leaders need a space to feel safe while participating in outdoor programs. Leaders already spend a lot of time on programs and events, having to recreate the GS Camp experience in a non-GS camp is one more thing for non-paid volunteers.
- Our council has cut back so much on what they offer at camp that there is not much to keep girls coming back. They also have poorly timed the camps for older girls. They conflict with important school activities. It seems as if they are deliberately trying to make the camps fail because they do not want them. I think there should be more people working for Girl Scouts who have actually been scouts. There should also be more people who have actually been leaders. I think that a lot of people at council do not know what to do to create good youth programs. They should hire more professional people. Also I don't think that the membership people who come to all of our service unit meetings are necessary. I think they are a huge waste of money. All they do is hand out flyers, wasting paper when the same information is available online. Girl Scouts could save a lot of money if we did not have these people. We really only need them for cookie training.
- Are camps are vital, although since our merger with another council who only like day camps they have let our resident camp slide because of their view that girl scouting has outgrown sleep over camps!
- Camp teaches group living skills in a way that no other experience can. Diversity, cooperation, cultural awareness, personal confidence, group work... and outdoor related skills were just some of the important lessons I learned at camp.
- How can girls be expected to care or understand about our world if they haven't had a chance to experience or appreciate it?
- Camps should be easy to get to, because of closures troops need to travel 2+ hours to get to a camp and therefore cannot attend as often
- My daughter is (name removed), is working on her Gold Award. I was appalled at the many road blocks she faced trying to set up her STEM event. The biggest one was the lack of response for 6 weeks we waited to hear back. Twice! The girls that apply should expect a response within one week and then they the girls should start asking why there has been no response instead of waiting for six weeks
- outdoor program gives girls (who otherwise may not have an opportunity) a chance to experience outdoor activities. this experience gives girls the opportunity to not only participate in traditional outdoor program but also to explore current environmental issues such as pollution and global warming.
- Outdoor programming is what most parents think of when they sign their child up for scouting. I have seen the disappointment and regret when they discover scouting is not what it once was.
- I went onto become an Ocean Engineer at MIT because of my sailing and camping experiences with GS, so YES, its super important, and most parents don't do this with their families, so GS is the only opportunity a girl gets!
- Camp is something that you don't get anywhere else in your life as a girl. It is one of the greatest things girls can experience. I remember during Hurricane Andrew and Wilma bringing out my camp skills in hundreds of ways. It made our life easier during a very difficult time. My husband said, how do you know all this stuff? I said, Girl Scout Camp!!! It would be the biggest mistake Girl Scouts does. We are not a "cottilion" we are Scouts. Let's keep the scouting in it.
- I think GS camps are essential for the younger girls so parents are willing to let the girls camp. As the girls get older they want to explore outside the gs camps.
- The school I teach in is preparing to become a STEM school. The success of any GS program rest on the training and commitment of the volunteers. I don't think that the present GS organization recruits community involvement, (other than money) We volunteered. We were out there and visible in my community. In my full uniform, I sold poppies for the American Legion, marched in every community parade, sang in various churches, served in color guards at church, at PTA meetings, special programs, etc. We organized and carried out Ecology based "clean up" projects. I can't remember everything. My mom wore herself out with the cookie sales. I remember the truck delivering cookies and it was a "to your door" delivery. The driver did not unload the truck. It arrived while my dad was at work and while we were at school and my mom had to unload the truck. She believed the money went to support the Girl Scout Camps and that it would provide an opportunity for disadvantaged kids to attend Camp and escape their negative environment to learn positive things about themselves and the possibilities for their future. She believed they could find out that they controlled their destiny. I believed this as well.
- I think the girls are missing out when their isn't outdoor program and we have leaders to make up our own
- Camp experiences have proven researched results in development of all youth,
- I would LOVE to see a space and science camp session or two!!!! (check out www.spacecamp.com and astrocamp.org)
- This generation of children is less likely to spend much if any time outdoors experiencing nature. At a time when the planet is suffering some major environmental concerns the next generation is learning less about how it works. GScouts should be leading the way with bringing girls outdoors and teaching them about nature. One could easily tie in STEM activities to environmental concerns in a true to life setting rather then indoors with walls around them.
- I think that the camp setting can support STEM activities, and I think that there are STEM elements in a lot of what is done at camp, but I wouldn't want STEM to overtake camp completely.
- Camping and outdoor activities are needed as tangible assets to the GS program.
- progressive camping skills to primitive skills promote independence and leadership. Girls learn skills that they would have no other opportunities to practice. Even if they never need to utilize primitive camping skills, it is something they know they can do. My daughter is on one of the strategic long term property planning boards in our council and is fighting to keep at least some non-building types of camping opportunities. She has led boundary water trips through our council camp multiple times, and the challenges of this type of trip has always helped develop leadership and confidence in the girls who participate. More lodge type facilities are being planned, however this should not be at the expense of progressive camping opportunities- tents, A frames and primitive sites.
- Camp is more important than ever. When I was a child, I played outside nearly all summer and still felt I learned new things about the outdoors at camp. Now parents are afraid to let kids play outside, much less get dirty, swim in a creek, cook over a fire, etc. It's important that girls try things outside of their comfort zones to build this "grit" people are now talking about successful people embodying.
- I don't see why the girls can't just learn camping skills, why does it have to be tied into STEM related activities???
- There are many reasons for camp experiences for kids. Michael Eisner wrote a book called Camp and in he shared how Camp made him the man he is. There are also so many reasons that being a camp counselor has made people better rounded employees. People that have been camp counselors are better with people, think on the feet better, more flexible and so on. These are all skills learned while working at a camp.
- Girls either love it or hate it, but they need to opportunity to try it. The camps with challenges and activities are very important. Canoeing, archery, the ropes courses and so important. Girls can really challenge themselves and also do a lot of team development with outdoor programs.
- I believe that any improvement in the availability of outdoor programs including camp, kayaking, hiking, etc. would be very beneficial to the girls.
- Camp is an excellent place to learn leadership, develop self-esteem, and learn to be a part of a group and work together. It amazes me how much a girl can grow and change in one short session. As a past camper, my decisions are still based on things that I learned at camp.
- There is something special that happens when a group of girls build and organize a camp site. Team work, confidence building, and self sufficiency are natural in an outdoor setting.
- Outdoor camping is imperative for our girls to have access to in the scouting world.
- I grew up going to Girl Scout camps as well as my 3 daughters. There experiences at resident camps as well as troop camping were extremely valuable in increasing their self confidence and ability to work closely with peers. Spending a weekend or week with other scouts provides the opportunity to work together towards common goals and learning about the environment. These and many other skills and values are not found at a girl scout meeting.
- Camp is unique in providing challenging and adventurous activities that girls can't get elsewhere without being limited by boys. Camp gives girls a chance to lead, shine, try new things, fail, and be supported as individuals. Opportunities like these are critical to developing strong, resilient, confident young women.
- Camps should be opened to more events than just summer events, there should be more programs all year at camps to draw usage, create revenue and fund the camps. We are lucky to have 4 in our area but many others are not so fortunate. These need to stay as part of scouting. Can't we look to corporate funding? Boy Scouts seem to have this figured out what are we missing?
- Camp is vital to girls' development, but has become prohibitively expensive and inconvenient due to camp closures and new restrictions.
- GSUSA has shifted the emphasis AWAY from camp skills in recent years and this has not necessarily been a good decision. If you want to empower girls, teach them basic survival skills and demystify things like knot-tying, compass reading, etc. BSA teach these at a basic level and reinforce these learned skills by using them in camp settings, competitions, etc. GSUSA outdoor skills badges are a watered down version - do you think girls are not interested or not capable? Funny, since STEM would fit right in - knots/lashing is engineering at its most basic, and compass skills are fundamental technology skills!
- STEM is one of the things that works well in a camp week but many of the outdoor camps probably aren't funded for high speed internet and computer programming. My daughter attended a week camp at a college and it was wonderful. That is probably the best place for STEM camps. The programming can link up with professors, introduce girls to a college setting, link with businesses and technicians in the field. A week long coding class or the build a computer from scratch and other fun activities bring this field alive because of the extended time available. It would be great if swimming or other outdoor time was included. 2) Weekend camping is essential to the talk about outdoor programming. The focus seems to be on week long summer camps but the troops need to have more opportunities during the year and the summer. Especially the summer and spring break, when girls are out of school. High quality programming that helps the girls make progress towards their requirements for leadership levels or completion of a journey or badges. If it's just a potpourri of things then the girls don't have anything to take away from the experience. That badge that they receive and sew on their uniform means a lot.
- Let girls lead camps. Our troop hosts 3-4 camps a year where girls lead and teach other girls of all ages everything. The leadership skills earned is amazing and it is a fantastic learning opportunity on a financial basis as well because our troop uses this path as a fund-raising opportunity for a 100% self funded trip to Europe.
- This is one of the major reasons we have lost so many older girls over the past decade and more to the Boy Scout Explorer program--much better outdoor options in most places. VERY SAD!
- our camp programming stinks... same year after year. camps themselves are very dated and I see other councils that look better.
- My girls and their parents are all about camping and being active out doors!
- STOP LOCAL COUNCILS FROM SHUTTING DOWN THE CAMPS.. My daughter only ever wanted to go to Camp Chenoa, she has gone every year and was a dreamworker couldn't Walt to return this summer and then the Council closed the camp. I daughter feels betrayed by the GS and our council and while in the middle of her Gold award is leaving GIrl Scouting all together.
- I don't think I can stress enough how important camping and other outdoor programming is to the Scouting experience. Programs and facilities should be easily accessible and well-advertised.
- my troop are all 13-14 years old, camping is their favorite GS activity
- Camping teaches girls to explore new things and problem solving in unique ways. It's still relevant today and should be packed accordingly. Don't make it fluff though
- The camping experience is a GREAT opportunity to build friendships and leadership skills in our girls. I cherish my camping memories.
- Our troop LOVES camping and the outdoor experience. I wish there were more badges or rank related things tied to camping. On the cadette level the only camping badge is a backwoods badge that requires us to go on a backpack camping trip. We are on a "sleep in a cabin at GS camp" level right now so I wish there was a badge dealing more with that type of camping. Leave No trace, camp cooking, hiking, etc.
- Camping builds self-confidence - the real thing, not some touchy-feely Journey version. Girls can be themselves at camp, and can learn a little - or a lot - about self-sufficiency, leadership, and develop some practical skills along the way.
- Yes - Girls need to learn about survival skills? We hear alot about people lost in snow, on mountains, in a broken down car on a deserted highway, people trapped in stopped traffic for 26 hours, etc. Camp is a safe controlled environment to learn how to survive on very minimal things.
- I think as a lack of outdoor programming being taught in girl scouts, more girls are choosing not to come to camp or do not even know that camp is an option for them. There needs to be better marketing (to girls, community members, and organizations such as schools) to use the camps throughout the year and have programming offered throughout the summer.
- outdoor activities are essential to scouting, feel we have sadly lost this focus when our girls need it most! in our wired world, there needs to be an opportunity to connect on a different level with others and our world and this is what outdoor experiences do
- My girls love camp and camping with their troop. They enjoy gaining new outdoor skills and gaining confidence in themselves. They utilize leadership skills to work together to solve problems. I am highly concerned that lessons learned at camp are not being valued by councils or the GSUSA and therefore are being lead to selling off our camps. We need to revitalize how we are utilizing our organizations assets to make them profitable and essential to the Girl Scout experience.
- My child LOVES GS camp every year. She goes for 2 weeks.LOVES the STEM programs in our area as well.
- Camp gives girls many opportunities to develop skills that can not be learned in other settings. It also builds self confidence! My girls are Freshmen and enjoy getting away in an all girl environment. They call Camp E-Ko-Wah their second home!
- Camping is absolutely #1 in Scouting. Not only the aspect of outdoor skills, but the team building and confidence in instills in girl power is by far one of the best lessons yet. Taking away camps was the biggest mistake the GS organization has made.
- IF YOU COULD ACTUALLY SWIM IN A CAMP AND USE ELECTRONICS THEN YES CAMP IS GOOD!!!!!
- The camps offered by our Council do NOT support STEM activities. It is a dirt hole. Improve the camp offerings or end them.
- I went to Camp Tocanja back in the 1970's, as a camper and then as a CIT. I feel that benefited me alot in life today. I am saddened everytime I hear about a camp closing and being sold. This means that the girls now will not benefit from the great experiences and life lessons learned from camp. I was in scouting from a very young age as a Brownie. all the way up to senior scout. It definitely helped me become the person that I am today.
- Day Camps saved my childhood. Employment at Resident Camps gave me my career direction: Recreational Facilities Management. I was a Field Executive for Santa Clara County GS Council for 10 years; County Fairboard member and chair of Ravalli County, MT for 16 years (first woman); Director of Bitter Root Humane Assoc. for 10 years. Resident camp is VERY important. with residency of two weeks, the kids stop "visiting" and learn to bond with their peers and with the outdoors and with their own identities and confidence. It is a vital part of the program. Camp can be the heart of and integrated with any tech programs, it doesn't have to be a disconnected alternative to science, technology, math, etc. We will have to integrate technology in order to have a role in saving the planet. Do not further disconnect the out of doors and the importance of camp from the future....they are one.
- Girl Scouts is the only place some of the girls will ever see camps/outdoor programming.
- Camps are essential for assisting in girls to learn about how to care for themselves, live off of nature, build team building, last friendships, companionship, Camps need to continue in the old way. Technology is not a part of camp. Girls learn how to help themselves think for them selves become good leaders in the future.
- I am disheartened by the possible loss of local camps. I believe that we MUST maintain at least one camp in each of the previous council/regions and increase programming opportunities at our camps to help leaders introduce and excite girls about essential outdoor activities. I'm also concerned because I have learned that one of our camps used to have horses on camp during the summer for resident camp and they will not offer this anymore. My girls were excited to go to this camp to have a greater opportunity to learn about horses and to ride and now they won't have the opportunity to spend extended time caring for horses, but only get to go to a non-girl scout facility to ride, but not get the intense hands-on opportunities that were offered in the past.
- I feel the programs that are offered at camp are a big reason why cams don't fill up, the programs that are camping or horse backpacking boating archery biking fill up the drama spa and such are never full those are the ones we should drop and put camp things that attract the girls back in
- Camp is not just sleeping bags and s'mores. It taught my girls independence (from parents) as well as cooperation with each other. We learned budgeting, planning, how to pack for yourself, cooking, and housekeeping skills. Then there were the crafts that we couldn't do indoors at a school or usual meeting place (buddy burners, sand candles, anything with fire, messy paint, wood projects). There were outdoor activities galore--including the courage to stay out in the dark at night--animals, plants, and weather. And STEM at camp? There was always the WHY of how what we were doing worked, or didn't work. Of all the trips we took and places we went and things we did, the girls always wanted to go back to camp, any time of year. Losing Timbers Girl Scout Camp in Traverse City MI was a blow and a loss that I am sure is not understood by the people with the power to close it. To hear an adult woman say that Timbers saved her life--literally--or that another woman was told she had to quit Girl Scouting because it taught her too much independence--is heart rending. It catered to older girls and provided outdoor trip experiences and team building not available to the average child.
- When the leaders and girls were asked how many events they attended at a camp location, they did not know their responses would be used to give a reason to sell the camps. They also were not given an area to explain why they did not attend more camp events. The properties were not being maintained and the volunteers were not allowed to do any of the work or donate money just for the properties instead of paying salaries.
- There is no stronger bonding experience to girls than time spent at camp. This bonding is what is so important in their future relationships and careers.
- My daughters really love camp. Our council has tons of selections and they get multiple opportunities to choose different sections/themes. I only wish that I did not have to re-register into a different council each summer to attend a camp outside of my home-council. I was under the impression that my $15 registration made my daughter a member of GSUSA, not to just a specific council.
- I think the camps are hugely important, but the camps are run down and often not the best/safest locations. If the camps cannot be revamped, then partnering with other camp facilities to offer the Girl Scout organization discounts to make camps affordable would be ok.
- should not have closed any of the camp sites. Too hard to get in now, need to plan ahead and have no idea what is planned that far in advance.
- I really appreciate our council staff and I think they need a living wage and benefits just like any other job. Camp usage is down unfortunately in many councils and I think that councils have to make tough choices. If you don't like it get on the board- they are the ones making the decision
- In our council, camps have bugs and tics and so parents arent letting kids attend, need to spray and improve this thru use of plants and insecticides
- Camp training should just be a part of each leaders training before they get a troop. All girls deserve to go camping. More emphisis should be placed on outdoor activities.
- Our girls love going to the camps. The troop leaders need to take the girls to the camp to make it relevant. One local camp just installed a zip line and has rock climbing walls so they are evolving with the girls' interests.
- Camp is essential to Girl Scouts and to Girls in general. I would like to see our focus go back to Camping and Camp/Outdoor Skills.
- Camps and Outdoor Programming are essential. Time and time again I see girls who think they "can't" but then they come to a camporee or other outdoor event and they have a blast and can't wait to come back. Outdoor activities are a great confidence builder.
- I have been camp staff since 1995. I also developed and facilitated the Theater in the Woods Unit for 17 years.
- My troop loves our Council camps!!!! As a leader, it would be great if the outdoor training was not 2 days. We give so much of our time and it's hard to take an additional 2 days away from our family to get this training. If we could do one day of online and one day of face to face skills training that would be great!
- I was really disappointed with one of the camps that they decided to close and sell (Yaiewano). It was VERY popular and often hard to book but b/c of its location, it lost out to a camp that was closer to a larger girl population and easier to access.
- More camp sites need to exist. Camper ships need to be advertised a lot more
- I do think camping and outdoor program is very important. My experience is that the benefit is mostly from the get away--being independent, planning their activities. The being out of doors experiencing nature is the icing on the cake. But camps are very expensive to maintain. I do believe that while councils must do whatever they can to promote camps, they should be financially responsible and not go in the red to keep camps open. I spent years going to GS camps as a girl--and have a career in business.
- If you are creative and innovative enough you can make anything out of anything. There are now camps that specialize in everything. Museum's of science have STEM programs. Let's just make scouting for girl scouting a little of everything. Arts, crafts, nature crafts, outdoors, swimming, boating, hiking, camp crafts.
- Girl Scout camps were a very important part of my childhood and early adult years. This had a very positive influence on my life!
- Our troop and several others enjoy camping. Camping needs to stay a part of the Girl Scout program.
- I think the camp closure situation is complicated and too difficult to be shoehorned into one of the above choices. Fortunately, my council has not had a lot of controversy in this area although I do believe that it has been suggested to sell a camp or two. (We have many properties.) I would hope councils are doing the best they can but get the feeling this is not always the case. I would hope any closing decisions are being made with full disclosure and in the best interests of the girls and the future. If there are volunteers who want to help save a camp, this should be thoroughly and honestly given a hearing. I very much believe in the outdoor program (was a GS camp counselor for three years) and hope it will continue to be an important part of GS supported at all levels with programming and resources.
- There are many leaders who find camp training to be overwhelming - there needs to be other options to help them get outdoors.
- The camping training, at least in our council, requires a full weekend of participation. It is a wonderful program and you learn so much. But many leaders do not have the time to do this training in order to take the girls camping the first time. This lessens the number of troops that go camping, use our camps. There need to be other ways to get girls to the camps to see them, use them, learn from them. The summer camps are a week or two long. They are extremely valuable, and well priced. But there is a problem when working parents need summer day care coverage for the entire summer and most places require full payment even if you spend one of "their" weeks at GS camp. So fewer working parents are using GS camp.
- G.S. camps are one of the best memories I have of Girl Scouting.
- I realize there is a smaller number of girls and troops camping. Unless there are adults willing to include these programs, the numbers will continue to decline. I do think it is very important for girls to be exposed to the outdoors and the skills needed for camping. Unless girls are exposed to the experience they will have no way of knowing if they like the outdoor activities and related experiences. Outdoor skills also help girls to develop self assurance.
- I believe the camp and environmental activities are the most important part of Girl Scouting. Girls learn about themselves, others, interacting and sharing with others. A great place to learn and practice leadership skills.
- Again, more for the older girls to keep their interest -- there are many conflicts for summer activities for high school age girls.
- Outdoor programming is even more important as we become more and more of an indoor culture. Lots of studies have show the value of outdoor experience in a child's life, and they get less and less of that now.
- I think girls need time in nature to have fun, but many leaders don't promote or offer activities at camp and with resident camps closing it makes it harder for some to experience it. The council doesn't seem to offer as many events at the camps either.
- I was a camp director for the Girl Scouts for 13 years. I resigned in June 2013 because the working environment became so controlling and depressing. Our Council is making decisions that are negatively impacting the use of our camps.... The membership is asking to use them and the council leaderships is not working with the members to provide the kind of programming or use that would benefit the troops and girls. I became very tired of having to make excuses or back up the Council's position on these things when I knew they were wrong. I believe they want to see usage of the camps decline so much, that they have a justification to close/sell the remaining ones we own.
- Camp activities provide the girls with opportunities they don't get at home. For many of my girls its the first time they get to cook, or be in the out of doors exploring. They need more of this. And not camp hiltons
- I'm entirely biased as I have worked at GS camps for six years and counting, however I have seen STEM be effectively used at camps in the GSSEM council and would like to see similar programs elsewhere.
- As stated before, you HAVE to bring camps back. Children learn through experiential learning the best and camp does that for them. Camp creates a healthy, safe environment for girls to gain the courage, confidence and character girl scouting is all about. They are able to learn about themselves and not worry about hot cultural issues or looking a certain way for others.
- Stop trying to cram STEM into everything. Outdoor experiences can be "just" for enjoyment of the environment. This is also a learning experience, just not one that can be measured.
- I think camp is important however, the cost of camp (especially for families with multiple scouts) is expensive. Even though families can receive help with these costs it is still too expensive. Myself and many of my Troop parents are living on a limited income and at current prices or without sponsors there is no way we could dream of sending our girls to camp.
- Camp, and resident camp in particular, has been extremely important to me in finding myself, creating myself, and building a family of friends who I know will support me in everything I am and do. I'm afraid that this part of our program is losing importance in the "modern" setting, when it is one of the best opportunities to teach girls the confidence and respect that can be applied in ALL settings. Also, not for nothing, but I and at least 80% of my camp friends have written our college application essays about what we learned at camp and how it has shaped us. Camp is in no way irrelevant or unimportant to us and we are all deeply upset and concerned at it being put on the sideline. I would love to see more STEM stuff up at camp -- making new science programs easily available to non-science-y counselors would be super awesome and very helpful. Right now all most of counselors can really do is make recycled paper or look at water under microscopes. In the past I've had awesome units like "Ready, Tech, Go!" where we took apart floppy disks or USB drives and learned about mainframes and such; it's definitely more than possible to do STEM at camp if you have the materials and the program available.
- In this technological age, the outdoor experience is essential, especially for urban youth.
- Outdoor education need not only occur within a camp setting. With such a wide variety of outdoor arenas in the Pacific Northwest, there is no excuse not to incorporate outdoor education in every troop meeting.
- Girls need these programs more then ever.
- Many kids today, the outdoor camps is the only way they learn today. There are just too many restrictions on schools for them to learn it there.
- Re: Camp setting support of STEM activities ...is this REALLY a question??? We did hydrology, geology, speleology, meteorology, cartography, surveying, orienteering, chemistry, biology ...look for a list of these at http://chemistry.about.com/od/mathsciencefundamentals/a/ologylist.htm and ask yourself which ones can be done outdoors! I would imagine just about all.
- PLEASE keep the legacy that was given to our girls. The camps belong to them, and we will not be able to recover what we have lost. Camp is vital to GS, and a love and understanding of the world around us teaches STEM better than any program. Camp is not intended to be an extension of school or home -- the very difference is what gives it value. It should not be wi-fi accessible, flush toilets are a luxury that can be passed up for a weekend. Camps should not have "themes" other than the outdoors. I am VERY concerned that a very few companies (i.e. Domokur and others) who are conducting the surveys and then building their dream camps. This is a clear conflict of interest. I grew up in GS, and share a love of camping, hiking, and enjoying nature with my daughter. Please, please, preserve this for the future.
- The outdoor experience is an integral part of the Girl Scout experience, but if a council must close a camp, I can guarantee it is due to reasonable concerns such as cost to maintain, and partial capacity. In this event, smart business decisions need to be made to more effectively use Girl Scout philanthropic dollars. If every council keeps just one camp - that means there will be 112 amazing...full capacity...high adventure...larger investment properties, where girls can get the FULL camp experience. Girl Scouts can use the cookie program to fund and travel all over the United States to visit different Girl Scout Camps each year! More travel opportunities! (instead of 500 moderately maintained, semi-attended, expensive to staff - camps) Think about it!
- I went to school to become an architect and am in the process of becoming registered. This was entirely influenced by the camp I attended as a girl. Architecture is a VERY male dominated field. I went to a camp that was once the estate of James Kirby the inventor. The camp was littered with historical adirondak homes and unique engineering features. It was a STEM wonderland and it opened me up to wanting to learn how mechanism worked and how things are made. Since returning as an adult, the camp facility has allowed me to encourage girls to explore engineering and architecture. We learned about hydroelectricity at the millwheel, learned about tensile and compression at the various bridges, and much more. We even built a trebuchet together. Now this camp is closed. We hope to purchase it with a conservancy to preserve the history and unique features for the community and future generations. It would be such a horrible loss if we are unsuccessful.
- They should be affordable to the girl scout. The price is outrageous.
- Recently, a Boy Scout Venture Crew started in my town and MANY of my Girl Scouts joined, because they just weren't getting the outdoor experience they wanted from Girl Scouts. GSUSA is going to lose more girls to Venturing if they don't bring back the outdoor aspect of the program.
- My camp and leadership experience helped me in college and career.
- I think the camps sites in my area need to be improved so they are useable year round. Heating and area, windows with screens and lighting within each cabin. More field activity games and equipment etc..
- When I take my Girl Scouts camping, they learn responsibility and empowerment first hand...cooking over the fire, doing their own dishes, finding/identifying animal tracks, older scouts teaching younger scouts. STEM activities don't teach these skills.
- Some girls would never have a camping experience if it wasn't for Girl Scouts
- There are more girls wanting to get out and experience the outdoors
- I think accessibility and cost to current members need to be priorities, over attracting new members. If GSUSA kept girls in scouts from Brownies on up, we would have plenty of alumnae, volunteers, scouts, and donations! Camp needs to be close to the vast majority of girls and there need to be plenty of spaces for peak spring weekends.
- Some of my daughter's best memories are from her time spent at summer camp.
- The camps are currently the best, most beneficial part of scouting for my scouts, esp. for my two daughters. The other programs and scouts are okay, but this is really where my daughters had the most fun, and gained the greatest sense of personal self-reliance. If these get closed down (or greatly limited due to budgetary constraints), then as far as I am concerned, the best part of scouting is dead.
- As a volunteer I have helped host a number of camp weekends. Winter camp, STEM camp and more. There is always a waiting list for these programs. Some girls want to come back year after year. They are so proud that they have slept out in a yurt in January in Wisconsin!
- This is a safe place for girls to discover themselves and try new things. My daughters always came back from camp more confident.
- Yes, camp is absolutely important. Without it we will end up with little princesses never looking up from their iPads. STEM is everywhere.
- Camping together builds community with a troop. Girls can try new things they may not otherwise experience - such as baking in a cardboard box oven. The girls in my troops loved hiking - the more rugged, the better! They learned a new outdoor cooking method on every trip. They preferred a tent over a cabin. They learned a respect for nature. They went stargazing and creek !!!
- It is wonderful life skill building! !
- STEM is too overemphasized - as stated before, this has become too much like school. Offer more out door programming
- I think that the camps need to actually have activities available for troops to make it a more desirable option. After all, how many adult volunteers have no clue? Why are there no tech camps? I would think each council should have one where girls can have a video studio, access to computers to help build / support their own council / service unit / troops. Teach the girls the tech they need to know now.
- Please keep the camps, allow more camping resources, and maybe look at different more affordable (even if much smaller-scale) camping options so more girls can participate. With two daughters, I cannot send both to camp for $200-400 each.
- When our troop was in second grade, we went camping once per month. When we reached third grade, the girls were in charge of menu planning and food purchasing for our camping trips. By fourth grade, we were at different facilities for MANY different reasons, cost and lack of programs that worked were the main reasons. Now 10th graders, we would love to camp on a Friday night for a meeting, work on those dreadful journeys, have a campfire, a night hike, stay overnight and go home the next morning prior to sports commitments! What fun! What a sense of accomplishment! What we are missing is a secure feeling of being "at MY Girl Scout camp!" Instead, we go to different camps for a fraction of the cost. We learned just how many boxes of cookies we needed to sell for ONE overnight at GSUSA, 4H, environmental ed, YMCA or BSA camps. Then our scouts choose wisely.
- I loved being able to go to Girl Scout camp, and having lots of choices as to where I wanted to go, so sad seeing the decline of girl scout camp. I loved going to camp and learned so much, earning cookie dough by selling cookies help my family so much when paying for camp!
- I attended Camp TeAta in NY for 10 years. My outdoor experiences shaped who I am today! Choices made in college and career paths have been influenced by my outdoor knowledge. I have suffered from childhood asthma and camp was the last place that I thought I would fit in. Activities and programs outdoors done to support my ability level taught me that I could succeed past my illness!
- Camp is what made me who I am. It is the only part of the Girl Scout program that I credit with this. It is the reason I have stayed involved in Scouting and the reason I am currently a volunteer despite not having children of my own. Camp experiences create strong women who respect the world we live it.
- How can you train leaders to take girls camping when the leaders themselves are trained via a power-point presentation and they never go into the woods, sleep in a tent, or build a fire? If there is a lack of interest in camping, it is coming from the GSUSA leadership, not the girls.Girl Scouting has trashed camping in favor of promoting "socially relevant" topics/activities that really have little or no place in Girl Scouting and are things girls can learn in school; from guidance counselors; or other personal growth outlets. 2) You are losing members because you have let go of that one thing that distinguished Girl Scouting as unique, as compared to all other youth organizations: camping. GSUSA currently targets the 5-12 year old crowd because it has lost its ability to provide programming that is interesting and meaningful and will retain older girl members. When girls are introduced to camping at an early age---not the summer kiddie "resorts" which councils are building now through Domokur---they increase their desire for more challenging experiences as they get older.
- Camping and outdoor activity should be a part of the GS program. It is very important, especially for girls in urban environments like my troop. As a troop leader, I don't have enough information about how to use the camp for my programs. Why can't there be a set of classes given at the camps that will help the girls earn certain badges once a month or during certain seasons? Troops could sign up to participate. Everything in this program relies too much on troop leaders to create the appropriate experience for the girls.
- I think it should be VERY relevant and am disappointed that it is becoming less and less. There is too much focus on Journeys. A lot of girls that are joining Girl Scouts have never been camping. That is one of the main reasons I joined Girl Scouts back in the 70's. I loved camping and have great memories of all the fun and learning I got from camping with my leaders not parents. As foe the question about STEM at camp, I think is can be a part of camping but should not be the only focus at camp. It really depends on the activity. I am sure there are some STEM projects that would be perfect in an outdoor setting.
- It appears that the Domokur Architecture Firm has achieved so much influence over GSUSA that local councils are incapable of seeking other opinions, and are blindly allowing Domokur to lead them into unwise sales, then "giving" Domokur the contracts to expand remaining properties.
- What better way to study science than in a natural setting?! Math can be incorporated since it is closely tied to science. Kids today are exposed to more technology than ever so why not put it aside a couple of weekends a month to enjoy peace and quiet?! Our kids are OVERSTIMULATED! Certainly, technology can be brought in to keep track of discoveries. Somebody missed the boat when they decided camps didn't provide stem activities!
- Camp is so very important to help girls achieve independance and self esteem. Isn't that what scouts is all about. When the girls are outside enjoying the air and out of electronic device environments in a loving caring environment they are stimulated! KEEP CAMP TWEEDALE! It is beautiful!
- I believe that cost is a major factor in why our camps are not being used as much as they could be. In my past, use of camp facilities in trade for service was a possibility. This is not offered to my troops/service unit, and funds are not available to pay the fees / travel expenses incurred to utilize GS properties. It is, therefore, cheaper to camp elsewhere :(
- NEVER lose the camps and outdoor programming! It's the heart of GS for my girls!
- I'm very sad about the closer of the only camp in NH, Chenoa. It was a huge part of my childhood and I have continued to go there and had planned on making it a career option. It was the best opportunity to make friends also involved in girl scouting and was a great example of how one can continue to participate in the program and make an impact on others outside your group i.e. councilors.
- Camping both troop camping and resident summer camps are an essential part of Girl Scouts. As a leader for more they 20 years I can tell you that there is no better way for girls and adults to bond then spending the weekend or a week together. The girls have a unique opportunity to learn problem solving skills and self reliance in a safe supervised manner.
- MY GOODNESS.. some girls would NEVER KNOW about the outdoors if not for Girl Scouts. Even when I was a Girl Scout (in the 1960s), many of my friends had no opportunity to sleep outdoors, make a fire, cook- These days parents are AFRAID to let their child out of their sight... save (possibly) for trips with a trusted adult- camping teaches so many important life skills. ARGH. Shame on you!
- In today's world, getting the girls outside to remain active is so important! Starting a love of nature and the environment will be a love that continues throughout their life. Sitting in meetings "discussing" the Journey topics does not accomplish this goal. I think it's time to step back a bit and remember what scouting used to be, providing girls with activities and opportunities to grow and develop into strong, confident young women.
- Camp is WAY too expensive. Again--look to BSA. For what I would have to pay for a 3-4 day DAY camp program, I can send my son to a 7 day resident program. WAY too expensive for GS camp. I think if prices were reasonable, and if it was actually camping & outdoor oriented, it will enhance scouting. "Hotel' style camping isn't something the girls are interested in doing. Outdoor skills are still VERY relevant. I was told by council trainers that it was removed from the national program because "most of the girls are in the city and don't need those skills". Well, what happens when one of the girls ESCAPES the city?? Do they have to wait for Boy Scouts to save them? That's just an embarrassing point of view. ALL girls need to learn to do for themselves. Building fire is a handy skill for power outages. Cooking over said fire an even better skill for those times (think Hurricane Sandy?). I see being capable and independent as a life skill for ALL, not just Boy Scouts & country kids.
- An interesting side note: My co-leader's son and my son are Cub Scouts in the same pack. We sit together every pack meeting and take note of the differences we notice between BSA and GSA. Boys get many more built-in opportunities at public speaking and being "on stage" (maybe they need it?). But the boys seem to have camp type activities integrated into their den and pack experience. 2) In the 5.5 years we have been a troop, we have never overnighted as a troop outside. (Some of us overnighted in the field house on astroturf, but it is not the same. ) And I wonder why not. My co-leader is not particularly outdoorsy, and I have skills but don't trust myself with a dozen young women in the wilds of Alaska - in great part because I'm pretty sure most of them don't have outdoor training. Not all make it to camp in the summer, and even then, that is cabin camping - not backpacking, or canoe tripping, etc. How do we get our girls ready for the incredible outdoors in our own back yard? I see LOTS and LOTS of training on selling those d___ cookies, but not much offered in getting girls ready for the outdoors. If these girls are going to grow up to be stewards of our Earth, they need to have much more intimate experiences with it.
- I'm very glad that girls can attend the Girl Scout camps in the other councils. For some reason the cost of the camp in San Gorgonio is so outrageously higher then San Diego's council. So my 19 year old spent several years attending the camp down there and now works as a councilor there. If it wasn't for their council's camp she would not have been able to ever attend.
- Camp should be an important part of Girl Scouts. It has had important impacts on my experience as a Girl Scout and on my daughter.
- CAMP is essential to girl scouting.
- Camping is a tradition and a great opportunity for our girls to experience that tradition. Sometimes girls get lost in technology and gadgets and forget about the great outdoors.
- Individual health as well as the health of the out doors affects everyone. Being outside and keeping the outside healthy should also be of concern.
- Yes, but I think we need more training from a council standpoint on how to encourage troops to utilize these camps. Most often, they are ONLY utilized as summer camps or scheduled activities. More troops should be renting them for weekend activities and training AND having the opportunity to invest community service and bronze/silver/gold award planning on maintaining and improving them. I haven't heard ANYTHING from my service unit or council about any opportunities like that. If we knew more about these properties, the girls might fight harder to keep them!
- we haven't taken our first camp out yet but we are setting it up and our brownie/daisy girls are excited.
- The girls in my troop want to go camping more, but there is no longer enough badges to work on while camping to justify going on a camping trip. "Camping" trips now seem to be focused on the the "all-inclusive" rather than the "do-it-yourself" type of experience. When my girls do go camping, they love it and wonder why we don't go more often. I have done my own research and found some camping activities that they are loving (knife skills, cooking skills, fire building) and they are earning beads for every level they complete. They will earn a patch at the end.
- Camping is the #2 reason most girls in our area join Girl Scouting in the first place. (#1 reason being their friends are joining).
- I think camp can provide experiences that help girls in their later careers, but only indirectly. My "high adventure" activities boosted my confidence as I set out in my STEM career (one of few women on my network administration team) -- jumping off of rocks was scarier than dealing with asinine people, and I'd jumped off rocks successfully.
- camps are needed but the price is way out of most girls affordability, cookie sales should offer a free night as an incentive for sales, 400.00 per girl for a week is outrageous and the troops need to be able to rent the camp for a smaller fee and be able to use the horses and etc.
- Closing camps are doing kids no good! I'm from beulah nd and there is nothing close for us cuz the sakakwia camp closed
- I think it would be really great to have current/former campers or counselors visit troops and talk to the girls and parents about camp and everything it can offer. I think this could help the parents especially understand just how great camp is and how it could possibly really help their girls. Talking about camps in other councils and what they have to offer could be beneficial as well, I think.
- Take a look at the STEM camp in Delaware. We went to a weekend camping activity there run by our Service Unit it was great.
- STEM activities can be part of camp, but not ALL of camp. The girls can get STEM activities in many ways. Outdoor activities (non sports) are hard to come by and scouts excel in that. Our school systems are so good that often our STEM activities are old hat to girls. They have no idea how to cook, sew, set up a tent, ID plants, etc.
- Some of the best times I had as a Girl Scout in my youth was at camp. I made new friends, learned independence, and found new skills.
- While not all girls embrace camping, many are exposed to it that would not otherwise experience it through scouting.
- Camping is a great way to teach girls things like survival...which in today's world we need. It teaches leadership, finances, structure, morals, support, and so much more that can't be taught or learned in a meeting room or other events. It teaches girls to rely on themselves and their peers instead of phones and computers.
- Camp needs to be more multi-aged groups to accommodate girls with special needs.
- I think camping is fun and strongly associated with scouting, but I don't think it should be the main focus.
- Camp and outdoor skills teach, above all, confidence and promote camaraderie. Why wouldn't you encourage that? My girls do not beg me to spend cookie money on indoor, sedentary activities. They want to go camping. My girls are keenly aware of environmental issues and ecology. They want to do things to improve the world around them.
- Our local camp was sold. We were told it was not being used when in fact our troop held meetings twice a month there. Our council hired an outside firm paying them a huge amount of money to pick which camps to sell. We didn't find out until the town meetings to present their findings. They say we were invited in the planning sessions but we were not.
- Camping was a great gs experience for me. Getting the camp for an such or troop event has been problematic and difficult so I stopped trying and look for other places to take my girls when they want to camp.
- So many girls would not camp or have outdoor experiences if it were not as a scout. Closing the camps shrinks the amount of.girls who will have the opportunity. There needs to.be a return to the basics of.what scouting was...and more sharing.of.info, ideas and facilities between existing troops/SU/Councils.
- There is lots of research to prove that connecting children to nature is necessary to child development. I became a Girl Scout as an adult volunteer and although I grew up on a farm, the information and experiences as an adult member of Girl Scouts is key to the world views I hold today regarding the environment and issues impacting the environment.
- When girls go camping, they have fun! It doesn't matter if they've done it before or not, it doesn't matter what activities you do - overall most girls enjoy the outdoors. The bonds and togetherness that are created around a campfire are timeless. Many children don't get the outdoor experience otherwise. When it comes right down to it, nature is the most important thing! STEM activities are fine, but girls need to learn to appreciate, improve and protect the world around them.
- My daughter loves to camp and is disappointed the only opportunity provided is during summer/resident camp. These camps are also very far from home and due to the price of camp, distance and length of stay they sometimes are not feasible to others.
- The requirements for adult training make it less likely that girls will camp with their troop.
- We went to Troop Camp Plus in GSHOM. We loved it. The girls enjoyed being outside and learning Outdoor Skills. I believe that this is very important. Our girls (all children in the USA) need to be physically active and I think camp can help with this.
- There need to be more economical stem programs. When you have 10 girls the cost adds up quickly
- Girls learn and get to use a wide range of skills by going to camp and also by learning to work with each other while at camp to get kapers done. Camps allow girls to gain a wide range of skills and are critical to the GS experience!
- Camping is a great tool to show girls they can accomplish things they didn't think they could. My troops self esteem, belief in themselves have been multiplied many times over by camping. They are learning communicate and how to trust each other in a society where it seems those skills have been lost.
- While STEM activities can be incorporated into a camp setting, they should not be allowed to detract from the true value of the camp experience, which is teaching children confidence and self-reliance to develop a strong independent character. I work in a science-related field not because I was exposed to STEM through Scouting, but because I developed the confidence and strength of character through Scouting that allowed me to complete a degree in a challenging scientific field.
- When you ask new people what they think Girl Scout is about they always camping and learning outdoor skills. I think some get disappointed when this does not always happen, because this is what people think girl scouts is about. I think this should still be a big part on girl scouting, all this other stuff (journeys) is not interesting for the girls, more like more school work.
- Absolutely, the camps should be used for STEM initiatives! Girls shouldn't learn STEM in a classroom - everything for them should be hands on and as REAL as possible. Hiking, identifying plants, learning how to survive with only natural resources, these are the skills our girls should be learning!
- More camping less journeys
- Appreciation of and understanding nature can affect a person in many good ways and I love that Girl Scouts offers opportunities for todays girls that most don't get any other way. They can access experiences in any other subject from school, family, sports, or other organizations but the wonder of the outdoors is special to Girl Scouting.
- for some girls this is their only exposure to outdoor related activities. It goes back to the root of scouting.
- The fondest memories I have of GS in my youth revolve around camp and travel opportunities. I feel I gained more leadership skills from my time spent as a Camp Aide/Program Aide than I did with anything else.
- Camp has been such a good thing for my daughter. She started attending summer camp at age 7 and has only missed when council canceled camp. She is now 17. She loves it. It is the only reason she is in scouting! She has learned so much about herself and has gained leadership skills, self-confidence, and life-long friendships. Now the council has closed our camp and are trying to take that summer camp experience away from other girls. We have no camp that is able to handle a week-long camp anymore!! It is not right and both council and national have turned a deaf ear to these girls.
- I know GS teaches us to stand up for what we believe in, but there is a bigger picture and the loud mouth negative adults need to do more listening and positive thinking. We are leaders and need to model behavior that our girls will gain respect using later in life. Our girls are resilient, they need to have a camp available to them to use, but their goals and experiences can be accomplished just as well using a local park district with flush toilets as a GS owned property. think outside the box!
- Girls gain confidence when they can set up their own tents, plan an outing, light a fire, etc. Being outdoors is SO relevant to health and spirituality and growth. Girl Scouts without camping or outdoors would just not be Girl Scouts.
- Camps are an important part of the GS program
- Out of doors opportunities helps today's young women in learning the how to in overcoming challenges. Stem is a wonderful program to help young women learn how to problem solve whilst working in a team environment.
- I know many girls including my autistic one was crushed over Indian creek closing. It was a second home and family to them and council blowing off ideas and fund raisers to save the camp sent a message of I don't care about your feelings. My girls now refuse to go to camp and while we do activities do not want badges because they don't want to support a council that does not care about their wants.
- It is so important to teach the girls there is a life beyond electronics!
- Troop opportunities to camp need to be expanded. Camp sites should accommodate troop meetings.
- A lot of girls are not exposed to outdoor activities except through scouting. I am a leader and a mother and I am not happy camping but I feel my daughter should have the experience to decide whether she likes it or not - which by the way she does. More girls need to get back to basics to understand what life is about and understand it is not all technology - and this is from someone who works in technology.
- Seems a little late since the new camp brochures are printed and our camps are closed. Our girls will NOT be camping at your mega camps (that are not yet built) and will most likely be leaving scouts altogether soon. Please see all of my comments from above about my feelings about camp. I have very little trust in GSA now and feel that my comments will be ignored since they were not in the "proper" sections. No one has listened up to this point - and now that it is too late this sudden concern for our feelings -- infuriating. GSA has lost its way.
- Growing up I participated in Girl Scouts (earned my Bronze award before moving to another state), and my brothers participated in Boy Scouts (both Eagle Scouts). My father, as well as our troop leaders, took us on many camping and canoeing trips. I have many great memories, but learned so much about taking care of myself and planning. These are skills that can be applied to so many things in your adult life.
- I love my Girl Scout sisters. They are why I stay in this organization. Go to trefoilintegrity.org for a timeline of events. We had 13 camps at GSNEO- we are down to three. Many volunteers and girls left because of this. No one will commit professional suicide and disclose what they experienced.
- It is difficult to be very vocal one way or the other about the camps issue. My girls express interest in camping, but don't make it a priority to plan the camping trip or to participate in the events offered by Council. I personally feel that camp needs to remain part of the GS way.
- I believe that both camps and STEM are vital parts of the Girl Scout experience and that they are not competing with each other. Nationwide, there are camps available for Girl Scout usage, whether councils have to foot the cost of maintaining them or not, however, there are far fewer opportunities for girl specific STEM learning.
- My daughter went to Camp Azalea last summer and had a wonderful time.
- Girls join Girl Scouting to experience the outdoors, for many this is the only chance they get. We need to fight to keep this for them!
- I would like to see an article about the camp closures and reasons for closures, so that I can educate myself and my daughter on the reasons.
- We have sold one camp already in our council and now another one is "temporarily" closed for a year (which we interpret to mean it's the next to go) because it's too far from the urban headquarters so not worth keeping for the outlying areas to enjoy! And you can't provide the high and mighty STEM program out in the wilderness where there's no technology or wifi to plug into!
- In my opinion camps should have both good programming and excellent staff the people make the difference between a thriving program and a failing one.
- Girl Scouts of the USA need to move headquarters from New York to the MidWest where they will be able to better fund programming and pensions. Camping is the # priority - take the lead and identiy for Girl Scouts. Girls do more than sell cookies. Recognize that Girl Scouts, since 1012, have been the pacesetter for developing outdoor leadership program. Girl Scouts should advocate linking girls to the land. Recently published.books and reports talk about nature deficit disorder, 60 minutes active and nature connections are emphazised by National Football League. The Outdoor Foundation provides girl targeted programs. The YMCA and others do also. Girl Scouts has always taken the lead. They need to continue their role in promoting out-of-door adventure based programming. Take the Lead...and keep it!
- VERY important. Where else can the girls go to get quiet time? I agree that camp can be used for STEM activities along with other more traditional camp activities, not instead of. We all need time to be more in contact with the earth and our environment. We need the opportunity to hear water running, leaves moving in the wind, animals scampering ahead of us as we walk. We need to watch the stars come alive, whisper in the dark, and grow by experiencing new and novel situations. My adult children all sing camp songs, they all talk about fun times they had, they all talk about how camp time helped them grow and learn about themselves.
- I grew up going to GS Camp every Summer & loved it! I wouldn't trade those experiences for the world!
- I think camps have become very expensive and is limiting attendance. If the girls had the opportunity to attend as a troop more would go. I think camp programs need to be updated to involve STEM. We tried to register as a troop a few times the girls wanted to stay together. That was frowned upon with no clear explanation.
- Camp and outdoor programs are a HUGE part of the GS experience. It began with JGL as a foundation of our programs and should continue!!!
- Girls need camp they need that time away from technology to learn basics see what a bug looks like, learn about plants and animals. Camps have become so expensive and parents can't afford them. If you have to drive 2-3 hours to camp it may be worth it to put the girl in a non girl scout camp. I think more camps should be opened and they should be opened to all girls. The non Girl Scout girls would just need to pay the registration fee and then we could get them into a troop in the fall if they want to stay with it.
- The lack of camp activities in my area has discouraged my older girls and disappointed my younger girls, especially those who watched their older sisters attend camp for years, and couldn't wait for their turn. Camp is an excellent opportunity for girls to learn skills of all kinds, but especially to learn independence. One week at camp can change a girl's life and attitude forever!
- my camp experience gave me a lot of skills that I still use to this day.
- All types of camps (resident, day, backyard camping) provide a fresh and new location to teach girls things they can't do in school. Schools are cutting recess and the arts at a record pace, kids are doing mounds of homework, and camps provide an excellent outlet to let them be KIDS. The beauty of it, is they become sponges when not in a classroom setting and are more receptive to learning and absorbing at a camp setting. GS Volunteers are NOT trained teachers, we do the best we can to manage a room full of energetic girls while trying to teach them good values, cultural differences, environmentalism, leadership, etc. Camps are a magical place, where the staff is usually far better trained and experienced, with a few more resources than your run-of-the-mill leader who is "winging it". From a parents' point of view, the KEY to justifying the price of camps, is what the value is...what will she come home with. While we all know there are intrinsic & hidden values girls' learn at camp (self esteem, independence), a parent needs to know they will come home having completed a badge, a journey, or at least a large portion of one. Otherwise, they will send their kid to soccer camp, or the local YMCA camp that is half the cost and down the street.
- Camps are extremely important. In many cases our camps are to only outdoor experiences these girls get. With some leaders not wanting to camp or experience the outdoors, the Councils must step in and provide affordable programming so that girls can explore a wide variety of activities. And we need to best camps possible in terms of a large variety of activities: boating (sailing, canoeing, kayaking), swimming,first aid, water life saving, hiking, learning about trees and insects, geocaching, archery, ziplining, rappelling, rockwall climbing, learn about the environment and how to take care of it, geology of the camps and area, etc
- My girls have not done any camping because there are no resources out there for leaders to be comfortable to go away for a night and camp with the girls. There needs to be more than one weekend in the spring and one in the fall. There needs to be more instruction for the leaders than an online course. There are not enough options, the overnight training is ridiculous. No one has the time or desire to leave their family for a night to learn about overnight training in order to go camping. It should be done in a day. There is no reason why I should have to sleep over to understand what its about.
- I don't know a Girl Scout who doesn't love camp. It is one of the only memories I have of scouting from 2nd grade. It is a place to build long lasting relationships, bonding the troop and discovering the world. I understand closing some small camps where there is a close alternative for girls, but closing camps far and wide to support your pension is so wrong. GSUSA should develop STEM programming at camp...makes perfect sense. My daughter wants to go to Girl Scout Day camp, but is not able to b/c council does not run one anymore and there is no bussing. Again, nothing is girl centered. I am not a camper and need council's help with facilitating some of those experiences with the girls.
- It is the best experience my Junior group enjoy... My own daughter had gone at 8 in 3 years she has been GS
- Camp is what got me back into the movement as an adult. I had grown up attending camp until my troop was disbanded. Some of my fondest memories with my troop are from camping. My first camp job was at the camp in our council, which thankfully, has not closed. I now work at a camp in a different council and have loved it. There, I rediscovered my passion for scouting, which got me involved in my Campus Girl Scout group and from there, I became a troop assistant, in addition to serving as the CGS representative to our service area. One of my campers is NOT a Girl Scout. Her ONLY contact with our movement is through camp. Closing camps closes access to girls who are not Girl Scouts.
- Not just relevant but necessary
- It's hard to get girls into camp in my area because the programs fill almost instantly. There is a whole range of time that could be used/filled that would give more girls a chance to go. There should be more offerings of each type of camp! I'd send my daughter to a fall weekend or even a winter one. But she has been a scout for 3 years and I haven't gotten her into one session, for Pete's sake we have like 6? Camps in our council and I think it's sad she nor her troop has been able to camp!
- There are lots of programs out there that provide leadership opportunities to kids, many of them housed right in their schools (and often for free if you are in a high poverty area like I am). The outdoor component is one thing that sets GSUSA apart.
- Juliette would be very upset if GS did away with camping.
- Girl Scouts needs to implement better camp programs with higher quality activities for the fees charged.
- I believe that cooking and cooking outdoors is definitely STEM. There is so much a girl can learn in the outdoors.
- Our council is actually planning to focus more heavily on the outdoors this summer and we are excited and hope that it draws girls back to camp for the fun basic camping.
- The cost of camp facilities for camporees in this council has more than doubled, this combined with kitchen facility use restrictions has made it difficult for service units to offer the kinds of camporee opportunities provided in the past.
- Girl Scout camp was a significant factor in making me the person I am today! It allowed me the opportunity to be myself, take risks in a safe environment, and have many outdoor experiences. It allowed me to work cooperatively, take leadership roles, and improve interpersonal skills. All skills necessary to be successful in today's workforce.
- Regional camps, councils sharing camps and the costs is the answer
- because of these skills my children know how to react in an outdoor crisis (ice storm, frigid weather) and how to survive. They survived at college because of skills taught to them at Polar Bear Camp and camping in general which included much needed first aid skills.
- There needs to be outdoor programming. Girls are not getting outside and when they do go outdoors, they are afraid of everything. Camps will be used if they are promoted, changed to meet the needs, and if there are more outdoor programming.
- Are camps and outdoors programs relevant to Girl Scouts today? Are you kidding?! Absolutely! This question just shows how out of touch the current national leadership is with the spirit of Girl Scouts.
- Again, camp and camping skills really help girls develop leadership skills, self confidence, and a host of other skills.
- The reduction of cookie program credit verses the cost of camp is affecting participation in our area. I know camps cost, but many of the scouts in our service unit use their CPC specifically to help fund their camp experience.
- Camp should be about the outdoors, not air conditioning, wifi, big screen TVs
- Colorado lost a summer of resident camp income because of wild fires. Alone that would devastate any council but then GSCO dumps the retirement costs as an additional expenditure and Colorado has no choice but to sell property that for years provided income. Resident and day camps are still part of the scouting experience and should not be abandoned because the journeys doesn't address it. They should. Women like to camp and be outside having different experiences. It is part of being A confident, competent woman. Not all girls want to camp and they don't have to but a lot of girls still want to and should have the opportunities. The fact that GSUSA has not assisted with the maintenance of council properties for councils I trouble is sad. What is worse is that the retirement under-funding is part of the reason many councils are looks to cut the cost of camp areas. Nice job GSUSA!
- I think GS Camps need to provide Council run programs by trained Council women. The worst thing you can do is send girls to camp with a Leader who can't handle the out of doors. But if you give her someone to go with, where she can learn to become comfortable, she'll become a life long lover of camp! That will feed the girls love of it as well.
- I would love to see more support and attention placed on camping and outdoor activities. If not for older, more experienced leaders we would have no camping support.
- I think the camp program is VERY relevant to the girls and important to the GS program. I think councils need to aggressively work to promote the camps to new leaders and have the camps used by troops at the maximum level - this is not done now. I think my council is very poor at this, although they do offer a fair amount of council run outdoor programming.
- Love our GS camps; life long friendships are formed; life lessons learned
- I became a trainer at 12 when my camp director asked me to teach the new councilors knots and fire building. Camp made me comfortable speaking to groups, let me meet a wide variety of people, and taught me self-reliance. It allowed me at 17 to become a head councilor and take my 15 girls hiking for a week on the Appalachian Trail with my co-leader. It allowed me to meet governors, lt. governors, senators, and representatives as well as mayors and other local leaders as we worked through environmental issues around our local camps.
- Many girls still want to have lots of outdoor options available to them and it seems that these opportunities are being limited.
- "When girls learn they have what it takes to “hang with the guys,” they feel a sense of internal strength, like they can conquer the world and take care of themselves." ~Theresa Vail
- Sad to see the camps I enjoyed as a girl sold off.
- Camping is great ... but some of the things that happen at camp can have an equally strong impact on the girls -- leadership, camaraderie, problem solving, skill development -- in other venues too. For example programs on college campuses or travel experiences offer girls the chance to be away from home and in new environments.
- If you take camp out of Girl Scouting you might might as well take the scouting out of the girl!
- When I was a camper (Jersey Council), my council sold off Hidden Valley in Pennsylvania and it broke my heart. Now they're trying to do away with Camp Dewitt as well in New Jersey and I just can't stand by and let that happen. Please reach out to them and make it stop. Camping was a fundamental part of my development as a woman and as a Girl Scout and it MUST remain.
- I love the day camp. We are hoping to do a week long camp this year too. I look forward to volunteering.
- if council activities would use the camps more rather than other places it would make more since than staying the night at the mall, camps have more than just tent camping and cabin camping
- My favorite quote from a Boy Scout leader: learning to light a fire by rubbing two sticks together is not the point of camp...what the scout discovered about herself and her world in the process of accomplishing the seemingly impossible IS the goal
- Camp and Camping is the Girl Scout way Period! Everything a girl is interested in can be explored at camp! Connecting to the outdoors is essential to Girl Scouting!
- CAMP....
- I believe that the campgrounds are an important part of the Girl Scout experience. Over the years, many camps have been established to fulfill the needs of the girls. Yes, times have changed, but I also think the management has lost sight of what made these camps possible – dedication to the principals. Confidence building comes from self-assurance and the ability reconcile difference of opinions and personalities. The camps provide these important theaters for these young scouts to learn and grow. Selling the properties is very detrimental not only to the core offerings of scouting, but also to the emotional attachments the girls have formed. Yes, we celebrate the good times, the new friends, but the girls cry at the loss that the camps, activities and all that the directors promised. There are many, many other options to covering the financial requirements of operating a camp. Shame on you for not finding those resolutions.
- Camp made me who I am today! Some of my fondest childhood memories come from Girl Scout camp.
- Maybe because I have been involved in Cub Scouts, but I see the need. We do family tent camping and the girls love it. They are free to explore or just be with each other.
- Camp is one of the best experiences for girls! Nothing else has increased my daughter's self-confidence like camp. We look forward to it every year, especially Me & My Gal camp. I think camp needs to be promoted by troop leaders and other adults to get some excitement going!
- My girls are only in scouting because of camping! They love the outdoors. We hold many troop meetings outside when the weather is good (or even not-so-good). My Brownie troop has gone on several dozen camping trips since they started as kindergarteners. They want to go more often! We do many STEM activities while camping or even just day hikes. It's hard sometimes to translate Journey activities to outdoor activities so having programming already made for this would be great and make it easier on leaders. Girls who spend time outside will grow up to be women who spend time outside - and more likely to contribute to conservation efforts to protect natural resources!
- Outdoors is STEM. Engineering? build a bridge to cross that stream. Build a fire & learn science. Tie a knot and hoist a rope into a tree? learn about food storage, nature. Learn to navigate by the sun, a compass, stars, learn to be self reliant and that there are many solutions to a need.
- We do not use camp Sherman because of the distance and the availability of campgrounds and activities closer to home. We need to separate the camps issue from the outdoors issue. I think outdoors journeys and badges are essential but I am not sure we need the camps to do that.
- Camp and outdoor skills are very important. It seems that now neither are stressed much.
- STEM should be more highly emphasized. I have really only heard about this a couple of times. I would be VERY interested for our troop!
- Camp has gotten so expensive that it is difficult to attend. Even with the tiered payment options, and the opportunity to scholarship I believe that most kids in my troop, don't attend because the fee is too much compared with other activities they participate in. I believe it's comparable to other types of sleep away camps, but it's still a significant expense to many families. We went as SU to Camp Sherman in 2012, and when the opportunity to go in 2013 came up, not only was the program dramatically different, but it had increased in price by over 50%.
- Camp and outdoor programs are essential to the Girl Scout experience. They are not only a beneficial and valuable environment for STEM programs, but also for fostering other types of subjects that are just as important to offer to girls as STEM. It is also one of the best ways to foster leadership and independence in girls from a young age and then for them to continue to grow in it as they get older and have more opportunities to lead younger girls. They also build more character, since they are given a unique opportunity to explore who they are and shape themselves as they want to, since outside influences and restrictions are stripped away in a camp setting.
- YES! I don't think most girls get exposure in other ways, and the girls are always fascinated by it when they are exposed. It's a super-important component to building confidence and empowerment as well. Girls love to see they could "survive in the wilderness" and gather, cook, get shelter...
- For some scouts, the camp experience is the ONLY opportunity to be exposed to nature and out door programming. Not every troop camps and children seem to spend more time indoors than out. I wish pricing for camp was more affordable but I really appreciate the opportunity to use cookie dough and the tiered payment plan that was previously in place.
- I personally grew up attending and now work at a Girl Scout camp and can 100% say that it contributed to my decision to become an Environmental Science major as a current university student and it has also contributed to my current need to become an outdoor educator because the value of putting kids into nature is more than I can say with words. I learned more about my surroundings at camp than any other place I can think of. Camp is what taught me that I can make an impact in a child's life and if I can interest even one kid to go into an environmental field the way some of my counselors drove me to, than I'll have done what I'm setting out to do.
- While we all love Camp and girls do too, helicopter moms don't want to let their daughters out of their sight. The decline in attendance is just as much a sign of the times as it is due to lack of programming. Too few girls go to camp and the overhead costs are unbearable.
- you MUST keep camp and need to support it with more programming and help councils to keep at least 1 camp each. especially for city councils girl must be able to attend camp but alot can not afford it, there needs to be more financial opportunities to these families.. and not from a struggling council.. GSUSA needs to help!
- Camp and outdoor programs should be central to girl scouting - camp made me who I am today and provided me with the independence and confidence to join the Peace Corps and teach environmental education to middle school children, I even ran a camp of my own while in Peace Corps - I would not have been able to accomplish that without my GS camp experience.
- Definitely, many of these girls would not be in a camp setting without Girl Scouts.
- Camp is an unparalleled opportunity for girls, and adults, to experience life outside of their usual concerns and responsibilities. They are able to try out being a different person and learning different things. There is no replacement for this experience. Camp experiences are vital to Girl Scouting and should NEVER be lost.
- Yes they teach life skills and are fun experiences for girls
- I am still here in GS today because of camp. Camp with my troop when I was young; day camp; camp with my Senior troop; working at resident camp. It was what made GS GREAT for me. I could have done without all the rest. I found myself at camp. I gained courage and confidence at camp. I learned self sufficiency at camp and survival skills and I could go on.
- Camps are way too much money
- Camp is life changing for girls from the city- to sell the properties makes me want to cry. My best summer memories are from camp. Find ways to make them more profitable. Rent them out for corporate retreats- but do not lose the soul of our organization. My kid does STEM at school- let her hike and experience science outdoors!
- Your choices on the camp closures are clearly biased on the responses you'd like to see. Bias does not lead to survey results that are valid.
- My experience at camp made me sign my daughter up for scouts. They need to get away from home and grow
- our council gives outside organizations priority at the camps over the girls. the Boy scout troop has reserved the weekend we request at the camp on more than one occasion. You can't submit the request until a certain day so the applications were mailed on the same day. The girls should have priority not the YMCA ot the Boy scouts. We always have to camp at the state park.
- Camp was the reason I stayed in scouting. It was the reason I sold hundreds of cookies each year. It helped me become the person I am today. It helped me develop critical thinking & problem solving skills. It helped me know I could handle anything. The cost of camp prices many people out. In Guam we have ZERO safe camping spaces not on a military base. I put together a service unit campout earlier this year & for most of our girls it was their first outdoor activity. My leaders were TERRIFIED & not willing to try camping on their own. Now some are, and every girl who attended - EVERY ONE - asked to do it again. EVERY ONE!!
- With so much emphasis on the issues of obesity in children and on children not being physically fit, camping programs should be added, not cut. What better way to encourage fitness in our youth than interesting camping programs?
- Would love to see Day Camps that go for a whole week versus 1 day, feel that the girls do not get the whole camp experience.
- When my daughter asked me about joining girl scouts when she started kindergarten I was elated. We talked about the activities and camping and she could not wait to go. Now I am worried that she will be disappointed and not be able to go to camp with the closers I hear about
- STEM is great for what it does, but the girls need to go to camp and get AWAY from technology and learn traditional outdoor skills.
- The facilities and opportunities offered by our camp properties are critical. There's no more to be said about it. GS camp is the only trusted and affordable alternative to private camps. I have more faith in the training and background of staff in GS camps than in any other.
- Camp is so important for building independence and creating problem solving skills. I can't say that I chose STEM because of camp, but I can say that camp gave me the confidence that I could do anything I wanted to try and that it taught me to solve problems and just a base level of common sense that grounds me even today. 2) Technology builds on old technology. Camp is a great way to realize what about modern life is not magic but the work of real people who do things that keep modern life going. We don't need to raise a generation who cannot cope if the power goes out. 3) Girl Scouts (and 4H and boy scouts) use a campsite in Navarro, CA... that is also used by a much more expensive camp called ""Digital Detox"", for STEM and technology workers. Almost all of my STEM friends who are parents spend a lot of thought getting the kids outside and away from screens and electronics... they want their kids outside, getting themselves dirty, doing hands-on building and 'engineering'.
- As a brownie in the 70s, I did not have a leader to continue on to Juniors. However, we always attended two weeks of day camp in Durham at Camp Enoch on the Eno. I think I attended for 10+ years and I learned everything in Girl Scouts. It was this camp experience that prompted me to be a leader in the 90s when I was single living in Raleigh. Kids still need to be kids and need to get away from the technology. Where else are they going to learn outdoor skills if the scouts don't teach them?
- Camping and the respect of out-of-doors is very important. the respect of the earth...environment. It was the most important part of my life growing up.. , I don't think that I would be where I am today without camp.. camping experiences, friendships and opportunities.
- What's Girl Scouts without Camp!
- I think it is ridiculous for GSUSA to close any of these Girl Scout camps. They should take pay cuts before closing camps. Whoever designed these Journeys should be fired, they are boring and the boring badges with no chance of outdoor skills is what is driving girl scouts away. Not to mention that to only give a troop only .57 a box for sale of cookies is highway robbery!! These girls and their leaders stand in cold weather, rainy weather and a lot of times suffer to earn this pitiful amount of money. I think the government should look into this and see if child labor laws are being broken. Shame on GSUSA for the inequity of the split of money with the girls that actually earn it. Then this new program of partnership for girls sucks. Again the leaders earn all the money for fundraising and get the privilege of keeping half and required to give half to the council here in NC. What a joke. It is another example of getting leaders to do the fundraising work of the Girl Scout council. Leaders and girls do all the work it seems, GSUSA selling off girls campgrounds, pensions still underfunded due to bad management of the GSUSA and the heritage of Girl Scouts is robbed and destroyed by greedy GSUSA who don't even live in the states they are robbing.
- Camps are expensive to maintain. I don't like the closing of any camp however if the council does not have the funding available to keep it open then what choice is there? I know we don't like to think of GS as a business however it is one in the end. There is no good answer to this problem.
- Camp is such an essential part of the program. It allows girls to build skills that they are proud of. They leave a camping trip knowing they can do many things for themselves. It also is a place they get to try things they can't often do elsewhere. Additionally, it make them aware of nature and why it is so important that we protect it.
- There are plenty of camps across the movement. Invest in half of what you have and make them great. Sell the others to accomplish that.
- Science is the outdoors! It cannot get more related than that. Every part of nature is science!
- Outdoor skills are very important... but auto and home improvements should be added... Every girl should know the basic in both of these topics for her all around well being and basic knowledge in life.
- Stop the closures of the camps. It has directly affected my daughters' lives. I have one daughter who is still a Girl Scout (9th grade) but I will NOT let her sell cookies any more!!!
- Many sciences start in the natural world. Scientific study is a learned skill (observation, experimentation, replication of results). Nature IS science. Understanding the world around you IS an integral part of STEM. Outdoor programs is where girls learn to trust themselves and trust each other. Girls NEED this experience. It's one of the reasons that GS had been successful for so long. With schools having less opportunities, GS needs to do more, not mimic schools and do less. GS needs to be a haven to let girls explore, not be an extension of schools that are not meeting their needs.
- Camp is essential to the GS program, so not only should sites be maintained as much as possible, but camps should be promoted to GS better.
- The outdoor program is very relevant! Girls need to go outside and appreciate our world. They need time "unplugged."
- You would think that by the time a girl gets into the 6th grade she would know how to wash dishes. This is not the case. My experience was that my girls were extremely active is school, sports and church. Their parents took care of their household needs to enable them to exell in these other areas. Consequently, they were not getting training in basic life skills. Send a girl to camp for a week, she'll learn to make her bed, take care of her stuff, cook dinner, and wash the dishes (without a dishwasher). This is IMPORTANT. Girls who go to camp are better prepared to be adults. Camp also provides an environment away from home where girls have leadership opportunities. The patrol system works. Patrols are, in my experience, heavily used in the camp environment.
- Open hidden falls again! And metro! How can funds be given to support these camps?
- Camp programming is absolutely critical to the Girl Scouts. For me, it was the most memorable aspect of being a Girl Scout as a child. My mom was a GS in the 1950s, and she still talks about it! There were experiences camping that I have been unable to replicate for myself although I hope to find them for my daughter. A love of nature, friendship, and curiosity are all central to GS camping.
- My best GS memories as a girl revolve around camping. I learned cooking, not to be afraid of the dark, to be responsible for myself & my belongings. to live with & appreciate nature and to love the out of doors. I swam in a lake and learned to row a boat & paddle a canoe. I can identify trees and flowers and take the temperature of the soil and build a fire that will cook a meal or keep me warm. Where else can I learn those skills?
- Honestly, it astounds me that anyone would even question whether camps/outdoor programming is relevant to today's girls. I'm trying to be open-minded, but I have to wonder whether those who don't think camp and the outdoors are relevant are people who have not experienced them (or who experienced them when they were not run well). To me, singing Girl Scout songs around a campfire is an essential part of the scouting experience, and my daughter, who attended camp from first grade through the first couple years of high school, would agree.
- Camp was one of the best influences in my life from childhood through early adulthood. I'd like to think this is still true.
- STEM can be incorporated into camp but I don't think it should be a main focus in camp. Of course lashing a bridge is an engineering feat so maybe if the focus was outdoors and STEM was slid in it would be ok.
- Camp is essential! So many girls have their best GS memories from camping trips! Especially resident camps!
- Camp is an essential part of the Girl Scout program/experience. Without traditional Girl Scout camp there could be no point for some girls joining GS at all.
- Camping/outdoor programs played a huge impact in building my confidence and growth as a girl and shaped my future career direction. I believe that camping is still an important part of scouting and may be the only opportunity that girls have to connect with nature and the outdoors. The idea that the Girl Scouts would maximize the value of the land and sell camps to raise money to put toward other needs is shameful. The land occupied by scout camps should be treated as sacred and if there is no longer a need for it for a camp by a Council, there are ways of making sure the land is protected while yielding some return (e.g. conservation easements), sale to other nonprofits. GS do not have an obligation to maximize the value of the land by selling it for development.
- Camp and outdoor skills are some of the best experiences for girls - they need to be reorganized to appeal to today's girls.
- I run a day camp that is oriented around outdoor living, nature, crafts, etc. Our campers love our camp because they don't get these experiences anywhere else.
- Camp supports girls in developing skills they literally cannot get as effectively other places. Subsidized camp programs for girls living in urban settings especially connects them with nature and provides a break and sometimes a safe haven from a chaotic, plugged in city lifestyle. For girls living in rural settings, it exposes them to girls from different areas. For all girls, camp programs provides them opportunities to build confidence in their independence. Camps expose girls to hands-on environmental science opportunities as well that many would not get other places.
- One of the best or among the best experience of any former GS memories is camp.
- At camp girls learn many skills they do not get in other settings. They learn how to be independent. They do not have their troop, troop leader, or parents with them to show or do tasks for them. They learn how to make friends on their own. They work on activities that are different then they get in school like leadership activities and lower and upper obstacles. Girls find out what they fear, they feel accomplished when they move past their fears and grow as people. Camp is an essential part of girl scouting. It is one of the goals that Juliet Lowe had when creating Girl Scouts. She wanted to give us every opportunity men had in Boy Scouts. Camp is essential to Boy Scouts. It breaks my heart to see less and less programming in this field!
- Camp is VERY important to the Girl Scout experience. Attending camp has helped me grow as a person and become more confident.
- Although I don't consider myself an outdoor person, I do like and encourage the idea of girls disconnecting themselves from electronics and their daily grind and reconnect with nature. How can we be stewards of what God has given us if we never see it beyond our front windows!
- Summer camps would more than likely make money just by simple advertising and a return to traditional Girl Scout values. Obviously the number of original camps was needed earlier in time so what happened...GSUSA abandoned traditional values. And anyway, in my experience as a counselor, we were more often than not at capacity every week of the summer and I attended that camp as a 2-year CIT and 3-year staff member. We had to deny last minute sign-ups because we ran out of beds! Tell me that isn't producing a profit! 2) Everyone may say how "different" young girls may be due to media and technology. It does not mean they are uninterested or incapable of hiking, knot tying, belaying, kayaking, orienteering, making crafts, playing games, or building a foundation of friends and self-esteem. It is an outrage to utilize and deprive these children and teens of indescribable experiences at camp. What the hell would Juliette Low say? Please help me register my future daughter/s in the Girl Scouts and allow her to grow as I did within my troop and my summer camp.
- If you close the camps, please cancel my Lifetime Membership. Camps are the best part of scouting! My Junior Troop can't get enough of going to camp!
- With my older daughter (23), I saw how the camping experience really helped the girls strengthen their leadership skills and independence. It was a very positive experience for us. My younger daughter is just beginning to camp and I'm sure it will be the same.
- It is my opinion that camping and outdoor programming are a huge part of Girl Scouts. Girls still need to play outside and enjoy learning about nature. I take girls to camp frequently. It is their favorite activity as Girl Scouts. We need to offer the girls opportunities to grow and experience things are not available to everyone.
- Being outdoors and having minimal technology is what makes camp camp. I personally do not prefer a campground with flushing toilets, air conditioning, televisions, computers, etc. I believe camping should be nice and simple. Just because the world around us is changing does not mean that the camping community must change too. Camp is a great way to look back onto what it was like before technology ruled our lives. In my opinion, camp should be a technology free zone (with the exception of watches and cameras, etc)where we can be completely at one with the earth. Girls from the beginnings of girl scouting did not have flushing toilets, and they most certainly did not have air conditioned dining and sleeping areas. My home is being closed this summer, and it is tearing me apart. Yeah, I'll get over it, but I will never forget the pain that comes along with having to not be able to go back to my home away from home. Camp Tweedale will live forever in my heart, always. I strongly believe that camping conditions should be kept rustic and primitive as they started out. Please do not take the outdoorsyness out of camp, without it, I don't know if I'd consider it camping anymore.
- camps are outrageously expensive and financial aid is a joke. I would love for my girls to go to camp but can't afford it... especially for 2
- Camping is an integral part of Girl Scouts, it is most definitely still relevant to girls today if you let it be. By not offering Outdoor programs and by closing camps Girl Scouts is taking away the choice of the girls to decided if they like learning outdoor skills and camping, many of the skills learned in Outdoor programs can be translated to real life. It seems that Girl Scouts is making the assumption that camps and Outdoor programs are not relevant without asking the opinions of the girls. I believe STEM activities can most certainly be integrated into camp programs if you seek to take the time to look at how it fits together.
- As I've previously stated, I grew up going to Girl Scout camp and being in Girl Scouts. It saddens me to have seen it become a shadow of its former self in recent years, and I think a large part of it is due to programming. Working at the camp, I have received many talks from council people and directors of program, and that has only made it more clear that girls aren't coming to camp because the opportunities are not worth the price, as advertised. The brochures do not showcase the camp properties to be as exceptional as they are, and the program descriptions sound like a ripoff once you see the price. The price is expensive, but as someone who has gone to Girl Scout camp for 14 years, it's worth it. To a parent looking at the brochure for the first time, it seems like a ludicrously priced babysitter where their daughter can roast a s'more. I love the camp aspect of scouting, and I hope that it can become a bigger part of Girl Scouts, and not just property sold for profit. Give it a chance.
- Being outdoors and not glued to TV or computer is so essential so kids growing up. I love camping still and am 52. It was my favorite of girl scouting, especially sitting around the camp fire at rock hill and singing songs..,..
- Get back to the original Girl Scout values. Camp is EVERYTHING! How will our daughters learn to respect nature, and want to preserve our world if all they learn at camp is how to make s'mores over a portable grill? Let Our Girls Get Dirty !
- Camp is such an important part of girl scouts, and a great opportunity for girls to foster independence, build self-esteem as they develop and master new skills, learn to work together, develop leadership and an appreciation for the planet and world around them. My best girl scout memories are camp based. Today I don't remember how many cookies I sold or badges I earned but I remember that time it rained the whole weekend and we still got the fire started and dinner made. I remember the pride in earning my 20 nights in a tent pin, my 70 mile hiking pin, my polar camping patch.
- Some girls never get to go camping. I took my troop to our local GS camp last summer. I had 4 girls who had never been camping. They had so much fun. Many girls never get this chance.
- I grew up in the Girl Scout program and we used the GS camps a lot. I loved going to the camps and I think the other girls in my troop did also.
- Girls can learn all of the program goals by going camping. They need to learn to pack for weather and other activities or suffer the consequences. Team building, getting along with others. Cooking skills, too many families today don't cook. Budgeting. Safety and survival skills usually are taught at some time. Plus just the issue of connecting with nature.
- The best way to have girls grow into adults who care about the environment is to get them outdoors to experience it when they are young! We should bring back some of the Eco-Action ideas from the 70's and adapt them to today. Camps could/should be fitted with energy saving programs, solar & wind power come to mind. Some school districts do outdoor education field trips, GS camps could be a great source for these! I went into Museum Education because of Girl Scout camp--and I used many of the things I learned at camp at my job.
- Camping builds independence, critical thinking, and overall knowledge bases.
- I valued girl scouting as a child/adolescent/young adult because of the opportunities to be outdoors, not because of weekly/monthly meetings with other girls who gossiped and were mean. Going to camp gave me a safe place to be in a world that was pretty awful to me as a chid. Being outdoors in nature gave me the skills and confidence to be who I am today. I got the confidence to build a fire and encouraged to be inquisitive about the world around me. I think using the term "STEM" is simply part of the corporate branding and not about creating opportunities for the girls.
- How can questions like this be being asked. Camps are the one leveling factor among all Girl Scouts and they are one of the main experiences that everyone in Girl Scouting used to share or was encouraged to try. Even people who do not like to go camping still might like a girl scout area endorsed for swimming and other activities that Girl Scouting can provide a safe environment to do activities that people normally do not get the chance to do and where parents do not have to worry.
- With the national rise in obesity rates in children, basic lack of exercise for many children, and the way most kids spend most of their time glued to their technology (texting, social networks, games, etc.), it is more important than ever that the girls get an opportunity to spend time outdoors. Most of the girls I take camping have never been camping before, never even been to a state or national park. Our Girl Scout camps give us a unique and safe camping environment. And nothing can replace the leadership skills, responsibility, and self confidence a girl gains attending a Girl Scout camp.
- I think camp should focus on outdoor activities rather than STEM, but obviously it can be incorporated together. For many girls, the camp pathway is the only one they're interested in, so to close camps leaves a gap and takes girls from GS. I understand the financial aspect of closing the camps, I'm just disappointed to see them go.
- Our camps in GSNCA had waiting lists for weekend troop camping prior to the merger. I don't believe that girls' interest in the out of doors has changed dramatically in the last 5 years. So it seems logical to me that it is not a problem of girl interest in our area. Certainly there are financial issues, but as to what they are, members here are being left in the dark. Until we know what challenges we face, I have no idea what course of action would be the best. 2) The camp closings have highlighted the change from a democratic organization to a top down ordered herd of sheep. I am proud of the members who have spoken up from their own values and forced discussion of where we as a organization are going.
- MORE CAMPS AND OUTDOOR PROGRAMMING! Kids spend enough time inside already, and many kids don't have camp opportunities otherwise. Aren't we supposed to be giving them new experiences? Broadening their horizons? Outdoor programming and education will do it.
- camp is an experience like no other in a girl's life - they can learn so much from being outdoors & not just from books or computers. Our girls need camps, they are essential! (ask ANYONE what girls scouts do & they will say cookie sales & CAMPING!!)
- Camping and the development of outdoor activity competence is the CORE of scouting, any removal of its relevance to girl scouting is detrimental to the organization.
- I love that the Boy Scouts (6th grade and up) take responsibility and learn so much in their 8-10 times a year camping experiences. Most troops in our town do no more than one "camping" event a year - in cabins with electricity and hot water and the full program designed for them. I think the girls are really missing out. Learning a progression of skills, making mistakes, and knowing that not everyone "wins" each time are important parts of learning.
- I have many times given ideas for how camps can help support STEM activities, but of course the counsel does not listen. They want to close camps, so they really only pretend to listen. Camps support Earth Science mostly, because hello, its nature. And I know that camps like Tahigwa are both out far enough for good telescope usage as well as has many geological locations that I learned about in camp and then later getting an earth science degree. You can include math and science in any environment, people used math and science to create many things outside for thousands and thousands of years. It just takes creativity. Girls need places AWAY from computers and technology. They need places where they WANT to be outside. Michelle Obama is our honorary girl scout leader, is she not? Camps go with her get up and move initiative.
- It is sad that some councils are getting rid of their camps. I understand that they cost money to maintain but what is girl scouts without summer camps? Are we willing to completely give up what GIrl Scouting was originally? I hope not. I hope we can hold on to those experiences and give all girls the opportunity to build confidence and skills.
- Girl scouting IS about camp. Learning how to be self suffient within the framework of team building and guidance. Can girl scouting also include other activities? Of course it can. But can girl scouting drop the camping and the outdoors? Absolutely not!
- Having Girl Scout camps are very important for troop events and outdoor activities, without them many girls may never have the opportunity to camp outdoors and learn those skills
- Camps are one of the best things that GSA has to offer, and they are all closing. I hope this will stop, we need camps. Going to camp helps build girls into women; strong, independent, reliable, etc! women.
- I think there is a lot of inefficiency with the use of funds. I'm not familiar with the pension but if new hires still get it, it needs to stop. Keep the vested employees in it but do not offer it to new hires. There are very few companies with pensions anymore. And why would our CEO need to earn $400k per year. I know it's much less than the Boy Scout CEO but still high. I can honestly see. $285k but that's about all. $400k is shameful
- To win here we need to get 70% of the girls (3rd grade and above going to camp once a year if only for a day long program. That will speak volumes to each council board. Also, if you can show that camping keeps 5% of the girls in Girl Scouts that would quit without the camps it would be a big plus. 2) I was shocked at how few girls go to camp in my council and we have not lost any camps that have platform tents/cabins that are owned by our council - we are looking to purchase/lease a camp in an area where our council doesn't have camps to be more equitable. I think that everyone that loves camps needs to concentrate on getting more girls to camp and also show how many girls are going to state parks, other organizations' camps, etc.
- I think camp and outdoor programming go hand in hand with girl scouts. I think girls will lose interest if their is no camp experience.
- I feel that our area camps are in need of refurbishment and updating which would make them more attractive for use.
- Here is the thing the camps cost way to much. There is no support for GS from GS regulated places such as camps.
- I find the STEM question interesting. While we need to work toward more STEM Education in this country not every instance of everything needs to be STEM related. Camping surely can be. You are in Nature, Environmental Sciences especially are a natural extension of the camping experience. If they are looking for STEM funding build an environmental lab in an outbuilding. But enjoying nature for sake of nature and making friends of a lifetime are also valuable in and of themselves. I am an electrical engineer so I completely understand the importance of STEM education but there are so many other aspects to life that you can get out of camp.
- My daughter loved camp last summer and will continue again this summer.
- I think that camp is a great place for girls to connect but we need to take our resources and provide better experiences for girls throughout the year. Summer is a busy time for families. The Southeastern WI group has a whole book on activities within the community that are given to leaders that encourage more of "todays" issues and concerns. Kids learn hands on and they need to be doing more of these types of trips instead of camp.
- I am a Fisheries Biologist and Environmental Educator my time at camp greatly influenced my decision to go in to the science field. Even during the years of others telling me I couldn't because I was a woman Girl Scouts helped me prove otherwise. I would not be the person I am today without my Camp experience. Even girls that do not plan to going into the sciences learn things at camp that will help them through out their lives. Including how to get along with others and they are put in "uncomfortable" conditions. ( Hot, cold, wet, using a latrine) This just helps the girl learn and grow. This helps them become a stronger more independent woman. They learn what they are capable of doing n their own away from Mom and Dad.
- My daughter has gained friends, confidence, and independence from her camp experiences. She can't wait to do her Wilderness (kayak) Trip this summer and then do CIT training next year. It's a week where the girls are away from electronics. They get back to basics. They TALK, they read, they are outdoors. As for STEM -- what better than teaching them when they are purifying their drinking water? Or what is needed to start a fire - fuel, oxygen, etc? Camp and being out in nature is STEM. Ropes courses and activities like that? Perfect for leadership skills, delegating skills, learning to work as a team, learning to trust.
- I believe Camps and outdoor programming should be a core for GS! Camp is something that most of the GS would NOT experience if it wasn't for GS!
- Need to reopen/ bring back activities to Camp Wasatoga in Effingham, Illinois.
- The girls want the outdoor fun. With kids being so lazy these days with video games and phones we need to really work on this aspect of scouts.
- Some of the camps need a a lot of improvements to make them. MOre appealing.
- I learned teamwork and leadership at camp. I learned to teach at camp. I learned to explore new areas both physically and mentally at camp.
- Camping and outdoor adventures are one of the very few unique things we can offer girls! They can get service projects, self-esteem training, STEM, and product sales a lot of other places; why are we purposely discarding one of the very few special things about us?
- I think that the camps should stay and be marketed. Fundraising for camps to be used solely for camp renovations and upkeep not any other council programs. I would support my local and home camp if that was the case. I think lifetime members and members only not a board should have the only say in closing a failing camp. I think any donated land should have a stipulated agreement that it cannot be sold off and restrictions on usage since it was donated for the purpose of scouting and camps not for profit.
- More kids would go to camp if the camp choices were better and it was cheaper! Last years options were not that great for my 11 year old. She loves camp! As I stated above, with the lack of cookie dough she can earn she will probably not go to camp unless she gets a campership. It is TOO expensive.
- Camp teaches girls an incredible amount of things. Problem solving pre planning what happens when you don't pre plan it gives girls am opportunity to grow and learn whole enjoying the outdoor activities and it makes friendships that last a lifetime. I have been a camper and a staff member and am still in contact with both staff and campers from these experiences. It is sad that we are getting rid of the one thing that all Girl Scouts look forward to.
- Spending time in the woods is good for the mind, body and soul. It helps promote self-reliance and you learn skills that you would have never learned if you didn't get out of the city. It is important for girls to have the opportunity to choose to share in camp related programs!
- My troop LOVES.camping. I want to give them more opportunities but I am limited by my experience/abilities so need help with programming and learning opportunities at camp.
- I said this in the comment email. In life one maynot always has a/c, high end digs, but what they learn from camping and other programming is to learn to cope and survive I adversity.
- Camps are a great way for girls to grow and have experiences they may not normally be exposed to.
- If STEM activities can occur at meetings then they can certainly be done at a Girl Scout camp!!!!
- Camps are very essential to scouting! My girls are involved with camps all year round. Two of them have been CIT's for camp. they have learned leadership, made long time friends, some they only see at camp and learn skills.
- I absolutely believe that camping is a major part of the program. I've seen many kids on their first trips. They may never experience this type of trip if they didn't go with us. I also think that the guidelines for archery and canoeing need to be looked at. At our council it starts late for girls. I've had my girls doing Archery since Daisies. WIth the appropriate staff and help from leaders, this is absolutely doable and an activity they love. The same with canoeing, they have to be juniors. I think this should be 2nd year brownies with possibly older girls or adults in the canoes to help. My girls (both troops) love camping. We do it at least once a year. Please save our camps and give the girls the opportunities to experience it and learn to love the outdoors. Its important we start when they are young to preserve our environment and is a very important part of scouts. It builds their confidence and makes them well rounded individuals!!!
- I use what I learned from camp ALL THE TIME. Something as simple as networking. Before I attended camp, I was as shy as you could imagine. However, at camp you are placed in a group with 12-14 other girls that you most likely had never met. It was at camp that I learned to be outgoing. I go camping frequently with my college friends and I have now started going with my colleagues. Several years ago, I saved my toddler's life with a rudimentary CPR that I was taught at Girl Scout camp. I became an engineer because my camp counselor-- years ago-- was going to school to study engineering.
- Why close the camps? Camp for many of us was the first time we've been away from home for any period of time. It let us be ourselves, and be in nature. How many girls will never have the opportunity now to have that time outside? How many artists and scientists will not be inspired by being in nature? How many skills will never be taught and will be lost? Camping was the best part of my scouting experience. They first started taking away the camping programs besides CIT for older girls, and that was the beginning of the end. I longed to go, but that was no longer open for me. It broke my heart, and it breaks my heart to see the places I love gone forever because of poor decision making and financial planning on the part of the Girl Scout council.
- Even if camping is not "relevant" for today's girl...the girls still LOVE to camp. They have outdoor cooking, archery, camping, etc...There are so many opportunities afforded to the girls that they do not get at home. This is why girls LOVE camping!
- The girls look forward to camp all year and talk about their experienves months after. Great opportunity for city girls to unplug and get away from everything thst is causing kids to grow up too fast these days.
- In regards to camps and outdoor programming being relevant to the GS program, at the GS camp I've worked at for the past 2 summers, they have incorporated journeys and the new badge work into the regular program seamlessly, showing that it clearly is relevant. 2) In regards to the question on my involvement in a STEM field being influenced by my camp experience, I cannot possibly emphasize how much of a difference that made for me. I'm an environmental science major planning on going into environmental education to essentially provide children with the same sort of experiences I received at camp that connected me with my planet and science, so the tradition of outdoor education camps and summer resident camps can live on.
- Little formal programming tie-in and assistance makes it difficult for the camps to take time. Add in poor advertising and it's a disaster.
- Girl Scout camp is what inspired me to believe in myself, and is what got me interested in applied sciences -- learning about plant id (at GS Camp River Ranch) or about marine biology (at GS Camp Robinswold), for example, inspired me to go home and do research on the subjects and opened up biology for me in a way school hadn't really done. I also learned how to be a leader at camp, and gained a lot of confidence in myself -- after all, when you're surrounded by confident young women, and you're in a safe environment where it's okay to try new things, it's hard not to become more confident. Personally, I believe that GSUSA should be doing as much as possible to prevent the closure of camps, both because of the benefits they provide to young girls, and because they often can give young women a chance to enter the working world in a safe environment -- which gives them a chance to get experience on their resume and feel more confident when applying to jobs elsewhere.
- I think the more and more Girl Scout camp closes the worse the children are getting. Going to my Girl Scout camp shaped who I am today and without it I would have chosen the wrong path to go down. My camp counselors from the age of 12 have mentored me in making the right decisions and no one has been more influential to me especially since I have a broken family at home. If we close the camps the girls like me are not going to get the positive role models in their lives that they need.
- While a young Girl Scout I traveled to the local Camp with my troop. I learned a great deal about living and working in the outdoors. This helped immensely with my current work in Construction Engineering which keeps me out of doors and I am comfortable being there in all types of weather. As an adult leader I was diligent in making sure the troop was on a camp out at least once each season.
- the camps and outdoor programming was what keeps me in scouting today. i ma a senior in High school, without the outdoor programs, i would most likely have dropped out of scouts
- Absolutely!!!!!!!
- Camp made me who I am today. Outdoor programs are the heart and soul of my girl scout experience and I would love to see more of an emphasis on outdoor skills and experiences.
- I feel that nature, the out of doors and camping are beneficial for the welding of girls and adults. Where else can they find peace and quiet for the mind and body?
- My girls LOVE to CAMP. It is what they do most.
- Camps are where girls can bond and do activities they otherwise would not get to experience. Creek stomping and bug discovery, horse riding and showing compassion to animals, swimming and learning the velocity of a dive, unity at the flag, indoor and outdoor cooking, creativity of design through adventure by finding an appropriate table setting and making magic out of nothing at all. Camp is a crucial and vital part of Girl Scouts.
- I believe STEM can be implemented at camp in a non-traditional way. Focus on practical skills and relate them secondarily to STEM. For instance, the fun activity is a stream study, first they are exploring and discovering where different types of animals live, secondarily you're talking about water quality and biology as it relates to the creatures you've found. This would be in contrast to having to have a science lab set up with test tubes and titration equipment. It is too reminiscent of traditional school and immediately bores girls. Star gazing is another great activity, make it first about discovering the constellations, engage them with the mythological stories and then talk about magnitudes of stars and different types of light waves and how it relates to physics. I think we need to focus on engaging their interest first instead of trying to pound knowledge into their skulls for some post-test. If we have their attention, they will be learning in a more meaningful way.
- Resident camp is a vital way to establish connections to a community oriented to preservation of our natural environment. Two days in the forest are nice change, but two weeks establishes habits/attitudes that will have a more lasting effect. In times past, Girl Scouts had more connection to their communities, and troops and camps were aided by local service groups and businesses. These giant councils have damaged the local connections and we need to start looking for that kind of support again. I am extremely distressed at the increasing reports of councils ignoring plans to keep camps open and blatantly distorting financial information to justify sales.
- Creating self confidence, independence, emergency preparation, cooking, and a love of our natural environment is part of the mission of GS. These are all skills that grow when girls are in a camp environment. Other skills learned at camp include leadership, group dynamics, governing skills, inter and intra personal relationships, reverence, respect, patriotism. The list goes on and on.
- Our local council has made going to camp so expensive that most girls & families cannot afford it. Last year if the troop sold an average of 200 boxes of cookies per girl, the troop could spend 18 hours at camp. The girls got really excited about it. I guess too many troops qualified and they didn't want that many troops at camp, so they changed it for this year. Now you order (before sales start) and average of 330 boxes per girl in the troop to qualify to go to camp!!!! That excluded so many girls that got to camp for the first time ever. It is sad that we have a paid for camp that the council will not utilize!
- I think camping and outdoor activities are a key part of the Girl Scout experience! I have lots of anecdotal evidence from female friends who didn't want to become Girl Scouts or did not enjoy Girl Scouting because there was not enough focus on outdoor activities.
- Camp Koch appears to be hanging on...by a thread. Very underfunded and underused. Council leadership are almost all non-campers.
- I think camp programs help girls find and participate in fun, healthy activities outdoors. It also helps them find activities that promote team building, whether canoeing with other girls in a canoe, putting up a tent, etc.
- Camp, like cookies and many other things GS's do help build confidence which is an essential piece if the GS experience. Yet, not every girl NEEDS camp to get confidence. I have had LOTs of girls go camping with me and many who never did. I can't say that the ones that did are better adults because of that. True, many of them have favorite memories that others don't but, I have not seen an adverse effect because a girl never went camping.
- Daughter loved camp and we need more real outdoor camping experiences
- Baden-Powell helped found the girl gudes. The original intent was to get the girls outside. Kids need the outdoors more than ever, when they are getting obese from sedentary lifestyles and lazy parents who don't get them active in and appreciating the outdoors. ADD is known to get better when kids are in nature, for example.
- So many life skills are learned in an outdoor setting and often this is the only time a girl gets to be herself and spread her wings without "Mommy" overshadowing her. At camp, girls can become more independent, confident, and self-assured while learning about their natural surroundings.
- Girls spend so much time indoors that they need the opportunity to be outdoors. The Camps should be one of our top priorities for funding and quit funding program centers that are really only for staff offices. While I understand the need for office space for staff, our Council Center could have done with less bells and whistles. Thankfully, I don't believe any of our camps are in jeopardy but we can't even get into use the council conference rooms without an "act of congress". I helped to lead several council sponsored camps at the Council for 4 years and I was constantly told to keep the noise down with more than 50 girls so that we didn't disturb the staff. We held the Silver Award camp for our Service Unit there in the evening and because we put tape down on the tile floor to mark off an activity requirement and it took off some of the finish, we lost our deposit even though it would have just taken an little varnish to fix everything back. While I don't condone destroying property, I would have been glad to put in the time to fix the floor instead of losing the money and all Council properties should be more open to use by the girls.
- There will always be a need for the camps. If you get rid of the camps where are the girl going to learn the skills they need in case of emergency situations? We teach them outdoor survival skills that very important. There are a great number of girls that want to learn this. Closing the camps is leaving the girls that want to learn more or are interested in new activities to further their social skills with no where to go. This will lead them to go to different camps and I fully believe will lead to further decline in membership when they find other avenues to fill the outdoor skills they are wanting.
- I ran a GS camp for 3 years and worked in GS programming, as staff, for 5. Outdoor opportunities are what kept many girls in the program. Horses at camp - a huge draw. Girls get financial literacy training at school, but many have no other chance to experience outdoors. In the out of doors, they learn leadership, self confidence, and exploration, and programs can easily integrate science and technology - botany, weather, medical (altitude, hydration, first aid, etc.) and more.
- Closing camps just reiterates that Council is more interested in retaining their jobs and funding their pension than serving Girls.
- About half of my troop is interested in camping. Of those, half have parents who have camped with them before. The other half of my girls refuse to camp and stay home from camping trips if we decide to go on one. To break it down, I have 12 girls. 6 like to camp, 6 do not. Of the 6 who like to camp, 3 of them do it with their parents and are used to camping.
- I am a Math teacher. I think that my own camping experiences allowed me to try new things in a supportive environment. This builds confidence in trying new activities, and thinking about non-traditional female careers. I really feel that whoever is asking the STEM question needs to go back and read about Juliet Lowe and how her scouts went beyond societal expectations for women. This is what the focus of STEM education for girls has been the last 10 years.
- Who was the idiot who thought liquidating camps would be a good idea? Girls love going to camp! Camping is a huge portion of what makes Girl Scouts what it is. Plus think about it. 3-12 days away from parents, camping, having fun, learning things you might not get to in your home town, meeting new people. You can't tell me that there are no loner girls who are interested in camp. The only reason I stopped going to camp, was because council refused to set up programs for older girls (as in 12 or older) because they ASSUMED there were no older girls interested in camping.
- I loved day camps as a scout and my scout really lives them as well. She attends 2 camps each summer in our counsel. One with our service cluster and in another cluster in our counsel. She learns how to make new friends and how to step out of her comfort zone.
- Scout camp was the reason I stayed in GS for so long.
- My biggest concern was stated above - non-scout groups using the facilities the same time my girls are - this is not a safe practice. Otherwise, my troop has enjoyed the scout camps very much!! We love going as a troop in the fall/winter/spring and as individuals over the summer.
- this was always the high point when I was a girl and it has given me a life long love of camping that I still follow
- My Girl Scout joined because of two things, cookies and camp. These were drew her attention to Girl Scouts and without these activities there would be at least one less troop. Because of her desire and lack of parent volunteers I did this for my granddaughter.
- I'm sure the camps are a financial strain but there are lots of state parks the scouts could partner with.
- Absolutely in this day and age, kids come home from school and siting front of a computer or game box machine- for hours. If you cruise through neighborhoods between 3-5 PM you won't see children playing- they are all inside. Camping experiences are important for girls and a very necessary part of Girl Scouting. We need to do all we can to get kids to be active and allow them to develop a health relationship with nature and conservation.
- Camping pushes girls outside of their comfort zones. The confidence gained from doing something you didn't think you could do is extremely valuable. As girls grow older, setting goals & achieving same is harder to do when there is a fear of failure. Conversely, when plans fall apart, learning that it isn't the end of the world is also important. We all know that failing can be a greater learning experience than succeeding. I believe that failing in a "safe" environment can help develop strategies to deal with those "roadblocks" that crop up in life.
- Hold up! Don't close the camps. Camp is a very important part of Scouting. I think GSUSA may need to help out the local councils come up with ideas for better programing, strategic planning, and marketing of camp activities.
- I grew up on girl scout outdoor activities, earning badges and camping. it's not like that now...let's bring back some basics. leave the hairdryers and nailpolish and cell phones alone for a while and step outside and take part in nature and your environment and learn the world from the outside in! let's get back to that. it was a rewarding experience for thousands of girls my age, why can't it be that way today?
- camps should be open for public use in order for councils to reduce their camp costs.
- Camp is where I've grown up every summer and learned to be a leader. I will be staff for the first time this year. Every time I hear that camps are being closed, I wonder what they could have done. While other camp's attendance is declining, mine is increasing. What are we doing that could help other camps? We've gotten an amazing new director who has amped up the programming and brought in many new girls from her school and troop. Maybe this needs to happen at other camps.
- As lovers of outdoor education, we need to be realistic about how many girls attend camp vs. how much it costs to maintain a year round camp property. In some cases, councils may be better off renting property to offer camp programming.
- The camps and councils do not seem to want troop camping any longer. The cost is way too much for the troops to afford. Yet for some girls the only experience they get is when the troop takes them.
- The girls love to be outdoors. They learn how to work as a team, problem solve, cook, archery, zip line and so much more.
- they need to be even more relevant today than ever before since children are so involved in technology and staying indoors in the current generation.
- The experiences I had at camp made me a more confident, independent and more out-going person. I was a very shy only child and camp made me less shy and more able to be a leader. It also gave group experiences and the ability to work with others. I still see my camp friends from near and far on a regular basis even after over 50 years. These experiences left me wanting to lead several troop during my adult life (some with my husband) even though we did not have any children of our own.
- Girls today do not typically have as many outdoor experiences as girls in the past. I believe GS should provide those opportunities for camp attendance. I think GS needs to do a better job creating camp themes and activities that are interesting to today's girl and do a better job getting information out to troop leaders.
- My daughter loves camp. When creating camp programs, those in charge of programming needs to adjust and adapt to modern society while keeping traditions alive. Finding balance
- The GSHOM thankfully hasn't closed any camps, but the staff doesn't seem to know what is going on at their camps. The council offices don't know what amenities are at camp. You can only 'use' the resources like archery or boating or rockwall a few times per season .. .unless you happen to network with leaders from the camp area who know who to contact. What a farce!
- The camp I am currently most familiar with is being poorly managed on many levels (I live nearby). The camp is not being promoted as the fantastic resource that it is - adjacent highly suburban/urban areas. In fact, the council wants to put a completely unnecessary regional industrial warehouse at the current entrance to the camp. *It would cost the same amount of $ to BUY a vacant building along a highway and leave the camp for the girls. There is no sense to it....
- Our camp that was close to us (Camp Trico, in Guntersville, AL) closed, but GSNCA has managed to reopen it on a limited basis, and we are already signed up to use it. We were told that the camps were not being used enough to keep them open, but our Service Unit used it at least once a year, and many of our troops used it for individual troop camping. When we would try to reserve the camp, we would be told there were no weekends available. How is that possible if it is not being used? I feel that they were scheduling so many Council events and then they were not well attended. The girls would rather do stuff with the girls that they are closest to (Service Unit and Troop instead of council events) and it was difficult to find time to do that if the camps were always "busy."
- When asked why the girls wanted to start a troop, every single one of them said, "camping!" It is my fondest memory of Scouting, too, and should be easier to do. There's too much bureaucracy. The girls love learning new skills, developing teamwork away from the school library, etc. It's important for girls to know how to tie knots, build fires (and put them out!), be good stewards of the environment, and get away from technology, their parents, and other distractions.
- My only real memories of being a GS as a girl was everything I did, tried, learned and was exposed to at camp. Not my weekly meetings.
- Camps should retain their forests and natural areas. Councils should NOT degrade green space to build industrial storage buildings in their camps.
- If gs wants to sell properties to make it harder to get your girl to camp, look at patterning up with local parks and recs to make classic girl scout camp even if day camp more readily available.
- Anyone who thinks the camp closures are a local problem is a fool. This is all being driven by GSUSA. Camp properties represent a big asset, but camping itself represents risk and liability. And with a huge pension bill hanging over everyone's heads, we are losing camps. When the argument is made that girls don't want to camp, that is crap. They want to CAMP, not do these stupid camp programs like "Duct Tape Divas," "Bling Is My Thing," and "WOW Mermaids." Really? Bring the horses back, and let them get dirty and have fun!
- Everyone I know who has attended camp has benefited from camp in more than one way. Camp has highly influenced my life, and I believe that girls in the future should have that experience as well.
- Very relevant! My experiences as a girl member, now an adult life-time member have mainly revolved around camp settings. The self-confidence and maturity gained through camping skills are not something that can be quantified. Girls of all ages benefit by being together & sharing experiences with other girls who often become their life-long friends.
- Need camps closer to our area
- I would love to see more girls have the opportunity to go to camp. My daughter has loved all of her camp experiences. I believe that the outdoor programs are extremely important to the Girl Scout experience and should continue to be encouraged.
- Delving into new territory and unfamiliar activities provides the greatest opportunity for personal growth, many girls do not have that chance in their home or school settings. Outdoor forays in a protected, well organized, and safe environment provides the setting to attain our mission.
- Girl Scouts is more about the activities and the people, and NOT about facilities. Councils don't have to have costly, run-down buildings in order to have a good program, including one that teaches girls to value the outdoors. There are plenty of local government-run parks available to ALL girls, not just those that can afford to attend/travel to camp.
- As for STEM Camp opportunities, basic STEM can be done at the camps. Higher learning experiences can and should be partnered with other organizations to provide summer or overnight experiences due to the type of equipment and resources the camps could not provide on their own.
- In an age where technology is driving everything it is more important now to provide girls with an experience that will help develop in them a sense of ownership and appreciation of the outdoors. To see that you do not need to be tied to a computer or cell phone 24/7. That you are connected to the earth. This will help stimulate everything from creative thinking to innovation and environmental awareness.
- My girls may leave Girl scouts as soon as they hit 14, unless they decide to stay involved and finish a gold project. They want to venture. Girl Scouts does not support outdoor programming anymore. As a parent and leader I find it extremely frustrating.
- I think that the camping experience is essential to scouting. It's the best part. STEM programs are good, but they are available in several other venues. Camping is fairly unique to scouting organizations.
- I have a CIT that recently posted the impact that camp has had on her life as a whole. I have only personally known her for two years, and it brought tears to my eye to know that she was so impacted by her early years. She has eluded to the fact that her outlook on life in general has drastically improved since she found people who value what she does, and treat her better than she is in school. 2) It provides a pathway for girls to become involved when their school year schedules don't allow. 3) It also is providing me an experiential learning opportunity as a 35 year old future educator to learn how to connect with the age group that I will be teaching in a couple of years.
- My daughters appreciate active camping/outdoor activities. They want to learn the skills.
- Camps should offer a variety of activities. Everything from survivalism, hiking, swiming, and horseback riding to singing, crafts, STEM activities, self esteem workshops, and basic life skills (cooking, cleaning, communication, etc)
- Eliminating so many outdoors activities is setting girl back to the days of woman belong in the kitchen outside stuff is for men...is that really the message Girl Scouts want to send to the future woman leaders of the USA?
- camping and learning how to be outdoors and camping (or survival) skills in the outdoor is ESSENTIAL for girl scouts. Its what Juliette Low wanted for girls. We shouldn't just exist in kitchens and malls and department stores. We need to know outdoor skills like how to make a solar oven or how to cook over a fire. Im being completely off the wall here but if a nuclear apocalypse should happen Im betting on Girl Scouts no matter the age being survivors because they know how to make the world a better place. (I live in a place where nuclear weapons are very close and common so a nuclear situation is always at the back of my mind)
- I am giving a talk to GS leaders in 2 weeks about the benefits of getting girls outdoors! I owe so much of my life to GS camps!
- Maybe the Camp can do an assembly for the younger GS Daisy's,Brownies and first year juniors,
- For many girls their only contact with camping is with girl scouting. Taking this part of scouting away takes away many chances for them to discover and connect. Camping fosters teamwork, confidence and leadership......isn't that what scouting is about?
- For some of these kids, it's their only chance to experience the outdoors.
- Camping is what made Girl Scouting and it is what differentiates Girl Scouts from all the other activities. This business of having events in Malls reducers girls to consumers and promotes conformity to a number of negative stereotypes of girls and women. It strips them of the opportunity for proactive creation of themselves. When I was a brownie and a cadet I wanted to go camping, not sit and embroider. I would have liked the opportunity to find out about how government works, e.g., the Citizenship in the Community badge the Boy Scouts have by GOING to the city council meeting NOT by reading a book! Boys are seen there all the time here, but NO GIRLS. 2) As far as stem activities go the vast majority of STEM careers will involve field work at least in the entry levels. Biologists work in the filed all the time. Botany assays recording the appearance, stats and location of a flower, can be part of a hike. Ecologist's water quality assays taking samples, executing a checklist of observations can be part of a canoe trip. Wildlife biology, recording a fish's vital stats, decision making about catch and release, review of the regulations as well as the fish's habitat, can be part of a fishing trip. Sitting and reading will never adequately prepare girls for what biologists, ecologists, and other natural scientists do. Not even for what many electrical engineers actually do in the corse of their jobs. I know a woman EE engineer who recently took an aluminum skiff out on the Gulf to test an electronic system they are developing for the military. At some point everything invented is going to have to be field tested. The leadership has revealed the expectant of their ignorance of science jobs in trying to eliminate camping fro the program. All you need to do is make PARENTS aware of the link between outdoor activities and STEM careers to attract participants.
- Camp helped me become a better person. It prepared me for college more than high school ever did, and provided me with leadership opportunities. This was how I stay connected to Girl Scouts even after my troop disbanded when I was very young.
- Camp is such an important step in the development of confident leaders. It's integral to developing awareness of self and the environment and being part of a team.
- Camp was the reason I became so involved in Girl Scouts. It provided me with confidence, a family, and so much more. Camp is essential for a girls growth.
- Camp is one of the main aspects of Girl Scouts and should always be important. It gets girls outside learning new skills like swimming, boating, fire building, being more independent, ect. Girls also have a blast at camp where they can be their self, act goofy, learn songs, and build great friendships that can last years even if you don't see each other or live hours away.
- Camps are vital to the Girl Scout experience.
- On a personal note, my experiences as a Girl Scout as a girl shaped my love of the outdoors. My parents are not very outdoorsy, so GS is where I got to go camping, hiking, cooking outdoors, pitching tents, etc. I am currently training to become an outdoor trainer. I find it to be very high in importance in Girl Scouts.
- Essential part
- Schools are the place for STEM and the Journeys. Girl scouts need to focus on what our founder had intended. That is teaching girls skills that the we're not getting in their home life. And being able to teach that skill to younger girls.
- One of the G.S. camps where I participated as both camper and counselor, Camp Pennyroyal in Utica, KY, has been threatened by the past two years by a strip mine that is planned to be built less than 2,000 away. Our council's stated reason for not becoming more involved with the issue, which could potentially affect the camp's air and water quality and contribute to noise pollution and deforestation, was that GSUSA does not take a stance on mining. I understand the council's position and its not wanting to alienate girls from mining families, but I feel that, as an organization that supports advocacy and taking a stand on environmental and social justice issues, our council could have done more to make members aware of the situation -- i.e. send out an email or article in the newsletter or post on the website about the situation and who (name of volunteer) members could contact if they would like to get involved. Most members I spoke to had no idea about the issue until they saw a petition another GS volunteer and I started. This issue is ongoing, and I feel that there should be more transparency.
- Modern facilities and relevant usage of the properties will improve camp outcomes.
- I strongly believe young girls and women should have the opportunity to learn true leadership skills, which in turn boost their confidence and build their character. Camp is one of the best places for this to happen. Girls are given the chance to explore new things, test their limits, and be challenged to learn. As both a former camper and counselor, I grew as a person and learned more about myself in my weeks at camp than any other time of year. As a pre-teen and teenager, camp was also the only place I felt comfortably being myself. At school I didn't quite fit in, but at camp every girl was a friend. At camp I was able to escape my life, my worries, my fears. While hiking on a trail, laying in my tent, or singing songs around a campfire with friends, I could just breathe deep and know everything was going to be ok. I felt both accepted and celebrated for my uniqueness and talents. This feeling is what kept me coming back summer after summer. Even after I went away for college, I came back to camp. Camp Little Cloud is my home away from home and my safe haven.
- Camp was an important part of my childhood. I made life long friends and was a councilor. Camps should not be forfeited because of councils failure to listen to the people who made the camps run in the black. They once made money until the merger and decided that they had to kick everyone out from heart of Florida and took (name removed) out from the director position the camp failed. You refuse to listen to people who actually know what the camps need and keep putting incompetent people in the director position. You will probably ignore me know as you have ignored every other attempt to tell council what they need to do to fix what is happening.
- Camps gave my daughter, my "girls" and even many adults their only outdoor experiences. They are also needed to not have a lopsided program where boys get all of the experiences.
- Camps help teach leadership and Girl Scouts MUST continue to teach that or we will crumble.
- Camps Grow Character!
- Camps are a great atmosphere for scouts to discover additional abilities. They are vital to the program as they allow girls to openly experience areas that they may not otherwise be exposed to within their every day lives - especially in more urban settings!
- I think the camp should be utilized more. There used to be a lot more events for the girls. I am disappointed in the lack of event choices our area has.
- Maintaining a camp is expensive. We need to find ways to engage girls and leaders to spend more time during the day at camp. I don't think leaders realize they could spend a day at camp, or half day after school at camp. And you don't need planned program to spend at camp. Just hike and let our girls play outdoors. Let the girls use their imagination.
- Outdoor experiences create people that are concerned about the environment and care for the earth. Girls have to get out of the city and really see the stars and smell fresh air to know what they are missing,
- It Is Vitally Important For ALL Children And Youth To Fully appreciate The Environment And Their Role In Saving The Increasingly Fragile Balance.
- Camp has so many benefits: independence/ adventure/ ecology/ etc.
- There are so few organized activities for girls to live and learn in the outdoors that I would think girl scout camps should be THE place to offer these services. There is no technological replacement for hands on learning for nature/natural resources/outdoor sports/camping and the camaraderie it creates between participants.
- Girls should be encouraged to go outdoors and hike, explore nature, swim, do sports, camp overnight, etc. And earning badges provide an incentive, as well as give the leaders some direction as to what they can do with the girls.
- leaders need girl scouts org. help with camping.. we need outdoor training that is accessible to us as working parents.. most parents do not have the time to travel a distance to go through this training. I am disappointed that I am personally not able to use the camping experience I have had outside of girl scouts as something that could exempt me from this training. it is a hardship for me (and other parents ) to leave our families and travel over an hour to the woods in the winter/cold to get certified.
- Many longtime friendships are made through the camping experience. Skills for survival are learned from activities experienced at camp.
- While I am not currently active in scouts, I have made a financial pledge to support Camp Eagle Island, if and when it can be returned to use as a camp facility. I am not as familiar with other situations, but I am under the impression (from news accounts and Facebook etc.) that there are many individuals who might be willing to support capital campaigns for camps.