Resident Camp Comments
Respondents were given the opportunity to provide any additional comments about resident camp programs in their council. Responses are listed below "as is" from the survey. They have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
- The only issue is that there are limited choices for older girls. If they do the CIT I program after 9th grade and the CIT II program after 10th there is really no place to go because they can't be hired to work in the camp until after they graduate HS or are in college. I also have a problem paying so much more than the usual camp fees for a cit program since I am paying for my girl to work at the camp.
- Although we have a Girl Scout camp in our town it does not do resident camping. It is however set up where it could do it.
- None of our girls will travel to resident camp
- There is not any challenge or extra things at daisy other than horses... and one 2 or 3 hour session with the horses in a week long stay is not enough time to justify the cost. Other camps in our council have challenge courses, pool, etc... Daisy has had more things taken away then offered as far as program. frustrating.
- We need a resident camp back in GS of Kansas Heartland council. One property, Camp 4 Winds has potential to be one again, but needs some money invested in it to run it as a resident camp.
- My daughter has not been eligible due to age.
- Never do them...to expensive.
- Resident camp is the one program that kept me involved in Girl Scouting from middle school on. I am now a proud Girl Scout alumni, a lifetime member, and volunteer. Our council has been slowly shortening resident camp programs, taking away specialties like the horse programs, since the merging. Now they have closed resident camping programs in 3 of our 4 camps. This is so very saddening to me, and makes me so sad for the girls of our council. This is what Girl Scouting is supposed to be about!
- The transportation offered is insane. Drive over an hour to the nearest transportation point or a bit over 2 hours to the camp. GSGLA again does a poor job of reaching the many geographical areas it serves.
- Transportation is more for the cities, and not me.
- My daughter has NEVER been able to afford to go & we don't qualify for financial aid.
- The cost is way too much
- Transportation to our resident camp is provided by bus from our Council HQ, but that is also far to travel, requiring over an hour of driving each way to catch the bus or pick up upon return. Many girls in outlying areas don't attend resident camps as a result and troops find more rural, local options to camp instead.
- My daughter has gotten her choice of camps because I sit by the computer to register at opening time. Camps fill up very fast because they are generally reasonable in cost and the girls have fun. The problem is that there just are not enough openings.
- We can not even come close to affording resident camp. Council offered a weird three tier payment option where you could pick which of three prices you could afford. I am really curious how that worked out for them.
- Our camp and staff are very nice - but there are no program choice options. My daughter has gone to camp in 2 other councils (3-4 hours away) for the last 2 years so that she can explore other program options. It seams like ours only has swimming, kayaking/canoeing, archery and crafts. She did a primitive type and horse at the other camps.
- My daughters have both enjoyed resident camp programs in the past but we have found over the years that Council has dropped programs, changed the programs so that the participation offers less challenge opportunities, and changed the programs for older girls so it was more difficult for them to participate.
- Want shorter camps for my Brownie daughter, while I'm her leader and would probably end up attending with her I would love for her to have the option to attend without me....BUT I'm not sure she is ready to spend 4 - 7 days alone. Want to see overnight and 2 day options for younger girls.
- I was very sad, when the current Regional CEO came to talk with our service unit and advised they had closed camp Oakledge because of the expense of the water plant. But we should sell, sell, sell cookies, magazines, candy etc for camp support that does not have resident camp opportunities any more. It was cheaper and more fun for our daughter to go to GS Camp in Oklahoma than locally in Kansas City. We are no longer involved with Girl Scouts due to a total loss of what girls want and no direction with the camps.
- Used to have different program themes every week. This year all themes were disposed of. All weeks were general camps. Girls did not like the change. Also, counselor slept in cabins with the campers. Sometimes only one adult (18 or older) counselor in a cabin with 8-10 girls.
- Again, GSNETX does great!
- We are not made aware of any resident camp opportunities from our council. This information should be shared among councils. We don't know what's available!!
- Not enough badge work offered to complete a bade during a week at camp. Also girls do not spend enough time doing the program they signed up for, girls/units are required to participate swimming, boating, arts and crafts thus leaving only about 3 hours in the week for horse back riding if that is they program you signed up for. etc.
- My daughter attends a non-Girl Scout resident camp that IS Wheelchair Accessible.
- VERY expensive especially if there are two or three girls in scouts
- My daughter gets into her first choice of resident camps but that's only because we register the DAY camp registration starts in early Jan! Many camps are full within a month.
- My daughter loved camp!
- It has been difficult for the council to staff the camp and get enough parents interested in sending their girls, maybe due to lack of advertising or late advertising.
- Too costly and not enough Outdoor themes. My son goes to Boy Scout Summer Camp for 6 nights and the cost is only $225. Girl Scouts has gotten too "girly" for my daughter.
- Camp Blackhawk is an amazing place. My daughter and i have gone to me and my gal ffor9 years. My daughter has spent up to3 weeks at camp beside me and my gal. It Is a place where girls can grow and learn so much. Every girl should go to camp.
- Camp should allow girls to earn badges at their level! It's great to have fun, but it would be better to to earn badges and have fun! If they do not earn Girl Scout badges, then why would girls choose Girl Scout over other similar camps that are probably less expensive.
- Once my daughter reached 8th grade, camp activities were no longer fun.
- Resident camp is geared towards younger scouts
- Spaces fill up fast
- My council's closest resident camp is closing on Nov. 1, 2014
- When our Council idled two resident camps, I asked as a delegate to Council what percentage of our one remaining camp is full. Council staff did not know (or did not wish to answer.) Six months later I asked the question again, and they got back to me later with an answer. Originally the answer was "no girls were turned away" but when the registration closes online when the week and program is full, how do they know if a girl gives up at that point? Our council served 806 girls two summers ago, the last summer for which there was data given to us. GSUSA suggested our council should have, given the number of girls registered in the Council, about 3000 girls served in resident camp. It would not be possible to put 3000 girls in the one camp in the span of one summer. We are running at over 90% capacity for the one camp. It does make that one camp more economically sound.
- The programs in recent past have become more fluff and less substance. The programming is not engaging to older scouts, who do not feel empowered, therefore leave Girl Scouts for Boy Scouts where programs contain more adventure and ability to gain real life skills.
- When signed up for a three day/ two night horse camp...the camper whet horse back riding only ONCE...thats a problem
- Many of the outdoor activities are held at GSA camps further South and no transportation is offered.
- She usually gets her first choice but again, it is usually not the most ideal week for our family because nothing is offered for her age group.
- We are lucky to have two resident camp options and two day camp options for girls in this council throughout the summer. They are fully staffed, with themes for each week and the opportunity to earn awards and badges. My daughter and several of the girls in our troop have taken advantage of this for many years, with no complaints.
- Not enough camps for older girls. Everything is geared towards Juniors and Brownies. This past summer, they did not print and mail a resident camp brochure to households which resulted in abysmal camp numbers. It is helpful for girls to sit down with a book with their parents, siblings, and friends to discuss what they want to do. Viewing stuff online is not conducive to this. Also, girls might be "online" but they aren't on email and they do not go to web pages to view things. They are usually on Twitter, Instagram, etc and don't venture far from those sites. Good old US Mail still works best in some instances.
- The resident camp system in Colorado is over priced and the money raised at camp doesn't even go to the properties and this causes them to shut down.
- My daughter loved her first camp experience and can't wait to go back next year. I wish more members of our troop could afford to attend resident camp.
- We have 2 resident camps with very limited sessions. One has about 4 weeks of sessions and then the staff pack up and move to the other and offer another 2 weeks of sessions.
- Platform tents are not being maintained.
- More opportunities to earn money for camp would be great for girls. It would give them a more definitive goal to work on as many girls are not always able to go on year end trips due to schedule conflicts. Being able to earn money (other than from cookies) towards the cost of camp, may allow more girls the ability to go
- We love Camp Menzies. My own daughters have gone by themselves, with just a friend, and with their troop. I encourage our girls to go every other year or so because of the cost. My oldest just did a CIT program and loved it tremendously! She wants to continue CIT next year and become a paid counselor during college.
- The sessions fill up quickly and many girls are not aware that they need to register before they are full. It would be good to add more weeks/sessions.
- My girls love Conestoga and feel comfortable there due to the amount of time we spent there as a troop and mom & me camp sessions. Having to attend Little Cloud this summer was intimidating to them and they chose not to attend.
- My resident camp is close but I know many other areas in our state the resident camps are very far away. Would like to see various resident camp options in our state.
- I love Camp River Ranch so much. My daughter went twice last summer, and told me she wants "to become an expert at Camp River Ranch." She hasn't been to any of the other camps in the area.
- GSWW has great resident camps. My daughters have attended every summer. I have heard that some of the older girls feel there isn't enough offered for their age or interest. GSWW has recently started a weird pricing tier system that a lot of parents don't understand. Many kids in our area do not attend GS camp because of the cost and they can go to church camps for a fraction of the price or free of what Girl Scouts charges for a week of camp.
- As her troop leader, I send my daughter to resident camp every summer, so she gets the experiences of sleeping and camping and making new friends without mom along. This year we are talking with our troop about using some cookie proceeds to subsidize costs so that the troop may go all together for a week :)
- Transportation to camp(s) would be great
- My daughter did not enjoy her time at camp this year. She was doing the C.I.T. program (councilors in training) She showed them she was a leader and the counselers didn't approve.
- To expensive
- My daughter did not go to resident camp this year because the camp cost more than all other camps available to her and last year that cancelled a few which cause major schedule issues,.
- A few years back they switched to Friday pick up, so parents have to take time off work, then drive in rush hour traffic, it is horrible
- Tiered pricing: Tier 3 $810 actual cost of camp for 5 days, Tier 2 $630, Tier 1 $395.
- Cost is a MAJOR factor - it's the only complaint that I hear about and the only one that I have about resident camp, even though I thoroughly believe in the value!
- My daughters are now adults so I was not aware of current prices until now. I find them extremely high
- Resident camp here is very affordable
- While I would love for my daughter to attend a resident camp, cost is a big prohibiting factor for our family.
- One of my daughters goes every year for the last 7 years and next year she will be starting her cit sessions. she works very hard to earn some camp bucks to help pay for her camp also the day that it opens for registration we are on the website signing her up immediately so to ensure her spot
- The only way a girl can earn her CIT or CIT2 award it to attend the program that costs $500-600. We can't afford that and my daughter wants to earn it. If we have to pay hundreds of dollars for the award aren't we buying it rather than earning it?
- I wish that my council would get summer camp program information out sooner - as my daughters attend other camps, and often the program that want is not available on a week they are free because we already registered for another camp 2-3 months before information was out.
- The cost for our resident camps is half of the cost of the local YMCA resident camps. Our troop can't afford the cost because of incomes. I was just informed by our council this past year that we can apply for financial aid for resident camp, so that may change for my daughter and a few others in my troop.
- This past summer I heard good things about the summer camp sessions. I hope it continues to grow and bloom next year.
- My daughter stopped attending resident camp several years ago as she became disillusioned with how things were run. Very disorganized, old equipment that did not work properly, overflowing toilets and showers...not to mention a lack of both to accommodate all campers. After 7 years, she had had enough. I was disappointed that the PALS training were only offered once each year. The year she decided not to go to camp as a camper she applied for being a jr counselor...was not "hired" as she was unable to attend the ONE weekend of training that they provided. :(
- Very happy that our council offers these programs and grateful for financial aid for those that cannot afford it. Girls love Camp Foxtail!
- I have two daughters in scouting so to do the programs they want to try are usually 2 week events only and $1100 + to attend EACH!
- No mega camps please we enjoy small camps.
- We used to have multiple weeks and camp themes. Now 3 weeks and 3 options.
- TOO EXPENSIVE. IF COST WAS LOWER MORE GIRLS WOULD GO AND USE THE CAMP
- The closest camp closed. Second closest camp is 1 1/4 hours away--BUT it was closed this past summer & ONLY camp available was 3-4 hours away. Not one of our girls went--too far.
- Some of the programs offered the girls are not interested in. Others fill up really fast. Then when the reports come out they say they had to cancel x amount of weeks at x camp due to lack of interest but they fail to mention some programs had waiting list long enough to add units to fill the camp every week.
- Not enough core badge options for the girls to earn while at camp. My daughter went to five weeks of summer camp this year, and has run out of badge earning options.
- If there was a closer camp my troop would be more interested in attending one
- My granddaughter has attended resident camp the last two years. It is one of the best things she gets to do.
- My daughter's resident camp was cancelled two years in a row. She ended up attending a church camp last year because she was frustrated.
- Did this for first time this summer. Loved it!
- The camp staff is great at our camps, I have heard, and so are programs. But the mistakes last year have taken a great toll. It really was a disaster in many ways. We lost girls who might have attended again. It will be starting over this year. We have a new Camp Director, and hopefully our camps will start to be popular again starting this year.
- Can't attend. Too far to travel. I would have to spend a night away from home in order to get her there.
- Urging to repair and restore storm damage from several years ago has morphed into additional reasons to close the camp in some people's minds.
- My daughter LOVES resident camp and goes most of the summer. However as she gets older the number of choices are fewer (but that is also because they do not fill out for the older girls --- If they were to fill more would be offered.)
- Too expensive.
- Way too expensive. Have to sell tons of cookies just to pay for a week at camp. Crazy. They should earn a badge or two. Check out cub scouts and Boy Scouts. When I send my boys to camp they always earn a badge
- Have never sent my daughters to resident camp because of the pricing for camp
- Eagle Island is one of 2 camps in the world that is a contain isle!! A treasure and an his tic landmark!
- They rent a school bus, and for $15-20 both ways the girls can ride down to camp.
- My daughter loved resident camp! GSWPA did an awesome job making my 9yr old feel comfortable at her first week away from mom!
- My daughter went to camp as a Brownie and as a Jr and refuses to go now. Not only are the programs not very interesting, the girls don't get to do much. For example, the Brownie camp was themed "Baking Brownies" but the closest the girls got to actual baking was to stir some batter once or twice. That is not baking. I don't recall the Jr theme, but I remember my daughter telling me how the girls watched the counselors do an outdoor cookout. they wouldn't let the girls do the cooking because they might get burned. Now, my daughter is looking into serving as a CIT at a Boy Scout camp because not only can she put her scuba and lifeguard certifications to use (no GS camps around here offer scuba) but she can get paid at 16 years old, whereas if she were to attend a local GS camp as CIT, she would have to pay for the privilege of working.
- My daughters usually attend Girl Scout camps in other councils due to the poor programming offered at our's.
- My older daughter went to camp until middle school. My younger went once, hated it and refused to go again.
- We should return to mailers for summer camp programs. When we stopped sending out the mailer, camp participation dropped. Many girls and families still do not have regular, home access to the internet.
- Cost has been doable through use of Cookie Cash and my girls know they only go to camp if they earn enough to pay half their way. Without that incentive they would not be able to afford summer camp at all. They are no longer allowed to go to Hawthorn Hollow for summer camp due to my daughter's last experience there. They are not allowed to attend "diva" camps because of the values that promotes. With the closing of Innisfree, it looks like they will no longer be allowed to attend Summer Camp at Council Camps.
- Council is opposed to outdoor activities. This survey speaks of high adventure activities. Not in the council.
- Our council used to have "cookie dough" that you could earn and use in the shop or at camp. This program allowed girls to earn their way to camp. I think transportation to/from a few main points in the city would help get attendance up (Midlothian area, West End area, East End area, Mechanicsville area).
- For the last three years, my daughter's first choice has been canceled due to lack of enrollment. At this point, she attends 4h camp instead as they NEVER cancel their summer camps.
- I would like to see more badge work offered at resident camp. I'm not going to pay for 'break the rules' camp or 'paint your nails' camp. We can do that at home for free...
- There is a good selection of programs, but the recent almost 50-100% price increase has priced out many of the prior participants.
- Cost for resident camp has tripled in 2 years. This is incredibly expensive and creates a barrier to those girls that want to go but can't afford it. We used to have 'Cookie Dough' which was an incentive from cookie sales, but our Council did away with that. I have more than 1 daughter of my own and I had to save entirely too much money for my daughters to attend resident camp.
- When my daughter was in elementary school the one resident camp she did, she earned a badge and enjoyed it. Last year she was a PA for 4 days and we will never do that again, it was too expensive, she was worked too hard, she did not get enough sleep and mostly fed cold food and not enough of it
- I would like our council to offer shorter overnight camps for older girls who are not ready to be away so long
- My daughter has food allergies and I lack confidence in our council's ability to assist her in making safe food choices while she is at camp. She has been to all of the camps in our council but only when a family member could attend with her. I wish that I felt safe sending her and could allow the independence.
- My council doesn't have resident camp. The neighboring council, Nassau county, has a camp in our county.
- Use of the resident camp as such depends on the schedule and planning of the camp alumnae group of volunteers that staff the camp. This group has uneven training, which impacts on the efficacy of the program and safety/oversight.
- I believe we have a wonderful resident camp & both of my girls & several girls from my troop have attended, however my girls prefer the resident camp options at GSSGC
- GSNETX offers equestrian programs at all levels, STEM programming, Ropes adventure and challenges, archery, swimming, sailing, canoeing, social programs and skill camps during resident camp as well.
- This data I have provided about resident camp is for the adjoining councils resident camp since my council hasn't had a resident camp since the early 1990's.
- Closing Camp Innesfree is a huge mistake. The property has much more to offer than the remaining camps and is the closest one to the majority of the population. It is the only place for equestrian programs that routinely follow GS safety regulations.
- My entire troop went to a 3 night taste of camp last year. My daughter came home is disappointed that they didn't do any fire building, hiking, knot tying, trail marking ...nothing she associates with camping. Too much time was spent on crafts.
- My daughter wanted to go resident camp this summer, but our first choice for camp was only offered in June. That was not an option for us. She had to select another camp that was being offered in our time frame.
- I use the gsofct camp timber trails because it is a far better facility than camp wind in the pines in eastern mass.
- Too expensive
- They used to have a bus, but it was discontinued. They also used to have cookie credits for camp, which was a wonderful way to get girls to go to camp. No cookie credits= no girls attending= no funding for good programs= closing of some of our camp.
- My daughter went to mini camp when she was 8, it was perfect. A week was intimidating to her, the three days was just right.
- We used to have 4 camps filled to capacity or near capacity until realignment. Then they started to noticeably decline the same year of realignment. 2010 was the last year there was traditional resident camp near us. There was just one camp not as close but still reasonable last year but in the future it will move and be 4 hours away. Supposedly not enough girls yet not that long ago they came and recently a volunteer service unit event has run a four day event that the last few years that has sold out at about 130 or more girls. The last two years the only reason there was not more girls was needing volunteers that can stay for 4 days is hard to find and the council did not have all of the beds and units even set up for use. I heard a few were eventually put up for the group but there were still many not set up.
- My daughter went to mini camp when she was 8, it was perfect. A week was intimidating to her, the three days was just right.
- No resident camp for Kansas Heartland council.
- Our council does not offer resident camp, so my girls go to resident camp through the GS of Eastern Pennsylvania council, they have attended two locations, but one camp is now closed (Tweedale) so they attend Mosey Wood now. Thankfully we register as soon as guide comes out so they have been able to get the programs they want
- Too expensive
- The nearest camp to us in an hour away but the more interesting programs tend to be at camps further away.
- Our resident camp programs are tied to badges. We have a very active troop that earns a lot of badges so when our girls went to register last summer it didn't seem worth it to pay for camp when our girls had the badges. Our family also struggles with camp availability because sessions may only be offered once and we take several other family trips so the sessions my daughter wants to attend don't match our schedule.
- We have three full camp programs to choose from, and my daughter has gone the past two years. There are probably over 100 themes to choose from. We can't complain, but the cost does keep some from participating, as with any activity.
- The only resident camp option for Daisies is the sampler camp, so even when they're ready and asking to stay longer they aren't given the option...even if you sign up for back to back sampler sessions you have to go and get the child and then bring her back. The nearest resident camp is almost an hour away, too.
- As a parent I found the expense of camp and trying to get my own girl to one very overwhelming. Trying to plan for my troop was nearly impossible. Council just kept pushing "cookie sales" to help but that really wasn't helpful.
- This is one of the best things offered by our council. It's well done, safe, has lots of choices, and includes family opportunities.
- Our council switched the resident camp programs to only offer two choices: regular summer camp or ranch camp. There is no focus for regular summer camp so girl do not want to attend more than once because they are just doing the exact same programming. It would be nice to go back to specific themed programs.
- Transportation is offered from a location that is an hour away from our home. Our council covers a large geographic area.
- Barriers: Cost but also the ability to get to day camp, transportation - only for certain camps and only day camps. I run an all-volunteer camp that is $180 per week once a year. We open Jan 1st and are full by the middle of Feb. with 100 girls. I would take 200 if we had the space! The camp has been going strong for 28 years, and we have been told that Council hates that it is more successful than their high cost camps.
- The expense is insane and full in 30 minutes of being available.
- Bus pickup an hour away
- Need to give better programming for older girls!
- My daughter has attended the Camp Todd Summer Round-Up resident camp for the past three years. She started going when she was only 6. She absolutely loves it. She would stay twice as long, if she could.
- We are blessed with good resident camp programs and facilities, many returning staff, and I think better support than in many councils. There is a never ending fear that the situation is precarious, though. Ten years ago, we had three resident camps (with horse programs). In 2008 two of these camps merged, then in 2010 the northern and southern camps merged into one staff that runs resident camp for half the summer in one camp and half the summer in the other (we also have separate council-run and day camp ops). This makes attendance more difficult and weeks max out more quickly, but our programs have still been well-received and numbers have been pretty solid at both camps at serving 1,000+ girls a summer, I think. However, I have seen another council use similar numbers in comparison to the total # of girls who attend GS events to try to say that those camp numbers -- strong, growing numbers -- actually represent a small percentage of girls served and therefore cuts need to be made. What? In order for camp to continue to grow, investments need to be made! This is my fear -- we're okay now, but I worry a decline in investing in camp (AND council retaining and supporting the best outdoor program staff, which has not always happened in recent years) will result in #s declining which will be used as fodder to justify cuts.
- The cost is too expensive.
- We love the resident camp program. I think it is a reasonable price and especially when you consider the cost of many other camping options. My only complaint is that girls are not given a reasonable opportunity to earn a week at camp by selling cookies. I feel that is a good motivator for selling cookies. But there is also a special pride in going to camp when you have earned it. I am sad that the girls today don't get to experience that.
- My daughter loved the camp she went to this year but sadly it took us almost 3 hours one way to get her there. Additionally it was very expensive.
- Wonderful programs
- We have many resident camps with lots of options. They still fill up very quickly
- I'd like to see resident camp options at our local camp.
- Many families have had bad experiences with the camp being unable to manage head lice issues--every girl is checked when she arrives yet ridiculously often camp is interrupted and parents are called to pick up girls early because they have been exposed to lice by another camper.
- Not enough dates if I can not make the date for her age at the one camp 2.5 hours away she will never see a girl scouts camp.
- My daughter loves it, but camp is under-attended. As a former GS camper, I would love to see a nation-wide advertising campaign about Girl Scout summer camps. - let's fill them!
- Parents and adults should be permitted to attend camp with their girls. If we allowed this, my daughter would have been going every year. Instead, she's only gone this past year as a 7th grader.......The council has missed out on a lot of money. I attend Boy Scout camp with my son every year. She and other girls in our troop would have gone to camp if they were allowed to have trusted adults attend. This really needs to be fixed. There is no reason we should be closing camps due to lack of usage. Also, during our Leader/Daughter Campout every year, the camp store isn't open. It's a real shame that our council misses out on making money. We had over 300 people at camp this one weekend and they could have a made a lot of money. This year they did actually have the store open but they were only selling 5 different items and each one pertained to the camp. It's a shame!
- My daughter was unable to attend because we could not afford it and probably will not be able to afford it next year either and that is a shame that it costs so much that she is unable to participate.
- Again, there is a campsite in Maryland but Resident camping isn't available at this camp. Bummer.
- Our council has leased the gas drilling rights to one of our camps. The well (yes, we are talking fracking) is offsite but the drilling is under the camp. I will NOT send my girls there. I do not believe that is using our resources wise and can damage the camp.
- Our camp directors and staff really try hard and are innovative in programming for the most part.
- There is never enough older girl camp opportunities. Also, the more popular programs fill quickly and girls are "stuck" choosing other camp weeks. It would be nice if a popular camp was offered twice so more girls would want to participate.
- I don't know where a resident camp is
- My daughter loved going to Wakatomika, since it is no longer a resident camp there are not as many options that work for us.
- The Cost of this for our council is super High. They don't work on any badges either other than Girl Scouts Way. And why can't parents/Leaders go. I think they need to do more like boys scouts and make changes.
- We have a closer camp that has been closed for a number of years due to a fire that burned down the lodge. The council recently adopted a property plan that makes it a fairly high priority to get this camp operating again.
- Cost is prohibitive.
- My daughter doesn't like the themes of the camps offered by our council.
- Our camps have not always been good. Seems to be improving. But the facilities need to be upgraded.
- Resident camp programs are poorly planned. Too many "fad" themes without badge earning opportunities. Only one choice for my Senior, CIT, if she isn't interested in that there is no other option for her at all. There is no core camp option either. Hence, leaders are not being introduced to camp and ways to offer outdoor experiences to their troops.
- Staff needs to be better trained - my daughter was so sick when we picked her up and no one called / most due to allergies and they never gave her her medication I left with the staff nurse
- We haven't considered resident camps yet.
- The most popular programs (on property horseback riding camps) were curtailed this year. Now girls must travel to a private facility for horseback riding and it was NOT a positive experience for most of the girls I work with. We have the facilities; stables, corral, pasture and riding area at camp and don't understand why they stopped using them.
- Our girls used to do resident camp every summer but the price kept going up and the financial aid kept going down. Last year and this past summer they did church camp instead. It was very much less expensive and they did so much more.
- Our council use to have more financial aid to help defray costs for camp. They now give only about 10-15 %
- The cost of camp is so high my girls can not afford to attend. We are going to try to raise funds so all the girls can go this year
- We provide limited transportation only to certain camps. My daughter has done resident camp for six consecutive years. our staff are awesome and the programs focus on what the girls want.
- Other than specialty camps, the resident camps do not incorporate any sort of badge or journey program.
- A bus from our area of council would be Nice since other areas of our council get that opportunity. If you do for one area you should do for all.
- My daughter has been so underwhelmed at resident camp that we have started going to other camps in other councils/states. They want to earn badges as well as enjoying the outdoors. I have held my tongue for most of this but it has to be said. For $225 my son goes to a week of resident camp and come home with from 5 to 8 badges. Last time my daughter went to resident camp for $435 she came home with 1, a fitness badge that was the theme for that week of camp.
- The largest barrier to resident camp is that we can't attend as a troop with our leaders, as we do with boy scout camp. Parents are not willing to send girls to.sleep away camp with no familiar adults.
- If girls apply early, they can get their choice. Even waiting two weeks after registration opens can mean some camps are not available, especially horse-related. However, I noticed that council actually made additional camping time to fill the requests.
- Our council does a nice job with the summer camp program.
- The reason they gave for discontinuing resident camp is low attendance so they are trying other options.
- Our resident camps are great and all the girls absolutely love them. My daughter has done residential camp at all three of our facilities and loves them all.
- We are seeing improvement in program options and hopefully prices. I hope to see the trend continue next summer. I heard great things about this past summers programs.
- Resident camp is so expensive, even with cookie cash, I don't for see being able to send her any time soon.
- I am disappointed that the council has not been able to make arrangements with American Red Cross to provide Red Cross certified swim classes. It is a shame that Red Cross demands $500 from the camp per year to teach such classes. Surely Girl Scouts can work out a deal with Red Cross since it is a non-profit.
- Should offer multiple weeks of older girl day camp. Overnight is usually good if you register early.
- My daughter loves resident camp but they do not earn many patches while there because everything is now Journey based as opposed to task based
- Cost is a barrier for our troop, but they receive full camperships every year from a fantastic fund by Council and some local newspapers. Every Council should have this! The girls are so grateful that they get to go to camp every summer.
- My daughter has not attended resident camp.
- Western Washington owns and operates three summer camps. They used to all offer eight weeks of programming each, but since 2010 only one does. The other two offer five to six weeks each. Costs of camp has gone up and we are now on three-tiered system of prices. Fewer going-off-camp programs (such as backpacking trips) are offered than previously, mostly because very few girls sign up for them. Staff are generally great, but often do not have a lot of outdoor skills or experience.
- We live in Savannah, but 14 of my 20 girl Troop goes to summer camp at Camp Pisgah in Brevard, NC because payment plans are offered and camp dates are released in November.
- I'd like to be able to volunteer, with some of my credentials and skills a week or two at camp would be great for both my children and the kids i'd be working with. My area says no this isn't possible, so I've been talking to 2 other camps, including doing one last year - I'll have to make my way to their staff training - but will be able to serve - and help campers too.
- We don't have any resident camps either
- The council has parents pick up mid day on a Friday, it is a pain to pick kids up
- High costs are the biggest reason girls in my troop do not attend.
- Resident camp seems to fill up early, so a family has to reserve early and make their summer plans around Girl Scout camp -- which essentially involves a full day for the round-trip for dropoff and pickup, as the camps are 3-6 hours away. It would be nice if there were more semi-local opportunities (even if it were just an overnight backpacking trip, or an arrangement for a Girl Scout week at a local camp, etc.) for families not ready/able to make the journey to the other camp facilities.
- We have never attended a resident camp due to scheduling conflicts between GS and family events
- Along with traditional camp activities, we offer horses, scuba, short travel trips, and some off site canoeing and bike and hiking trips. Our weak point is our water front, dark, deep mountain lake with creepy water plants. There are currently plans to try to address this.
- The cost of transportation for resident camp through the council is expensive. Driving my own vehicle 4 ways does not make sense either. There has to be other options.
- Where I am in Springfield, Oregon, Whispering Winds in Corvallis is the closest camp. It is less than 45 minutes away, but I have to take my daughter to Camp Cleawox, which is almost 2 hours away, because I am low income and need assistance.
- My girls LOVE resident camp and sign up for multiple weeks in the summer. My only complaint is that I wished they offered more badge oriented weeks. I get that "Spa Week" is popular and attracts non Girl Scouts, but I want my girls to earn badges. They do offer lots of outdoor programs, though. Both my girls loved "Survivor" themed camp.
- Very sad we aren't having resident camp next year. My girls went and I went and volunteered a the nurse or councilor several times. We all learned so much.
- My daughter often has reported "drama" amongst the adolescent or college age leaders at camp. She also sometimes feels more skilled at any activity than the instructors of an activity. Archery would be an example of that. Additionally, she reports that the Girl Scout camps are often "boring" in comparison to other camps she attends, YMCA camps at Catalina Island. She has more fun when our own troop plans and implements a camping trip than when she goes to a Girl Scout camp. The surroundings are beautiful at the Girl Scout camps. The opportunities are there on site. It just seems that the leadership leaves something to be desired.
- It would be nice to offer transportation to resident camp since the prices are so high.
- Our camps are fantastic!!
- We have only done GsHCC camps because they are badge/journey focused. Nor cal just listed activities with no purpose, not one journey focused camp. Then we were away for the troop camping.
- They should give more information about this.
- The price for resident camp is $300+ for only a 4-5 night stay
- We have preferred the other local council camps due to availability, cost, AND transportation
- The resident camp girls clamor for is horseback riding. Hopefully, that program will be re-established this summer.
- Terrible programming for older girls, my daughter went to a different council for camp
- My daughter went to our one camp in 4th grade and was disgusted with her week, unorganized, lame activities, nothing inspired her. As a 8th grader she went to England for three weeks to an international jamboree and Costa Rica outward bound for 10 days, though a GSUSA trip. That is a sad statement that a Vermont girl has to go to England & Costa Rica to get a good outdoor experience.
- My daughter refuses to go back to residents camp
- We have three awesome camps, but they are crazy expensive. Way more than in DC or St Louis, where I have relatives.
- Our council had resident camp until the 90's, and revived it for a few years ago with not much success. There is currently no resident camp.
- Ppl are being bright in from other countries and paid to run these camps, Council run camps have no real budget. No one knows where all the money goes. Our volunteer run camp has a set budget and always has a waiting list, my daughter gets to go so easily bc I'm a volunteer and I register the very first day
- Some resident camps are 4-6 hours away. These offer council transportation & I'm sure the cost in factored into the cost of camp.
- Transportation is offered at an additional fee. Camp themes are overcrowded and close early do to being full now that Camp Tweedale has closed to summer camping.
- My daughter would like to do more than just spa week and horse camp. She would like to do more outdoor activities.
- We have three resident camps that offer an assortment of activities, or are staging areas for high adventure events.
- The cost of the resident camps is so high my kids have never been able to attend. Some of my troop members have gone and loved it. Any events that are within our budget fill up immediately.
- We have only attended a troop camp weekend, with other troops, but it was honestly unimpressive. It was unorganized, and only one of the counselors was even interested in the girls unless they had to be doing something with them.
- I wish resident camps were offered in August.
- My daughter loves resident camp at KPC. They have air conditioned lodges so it's not true camping but they do spend most of their time in the outdoors.
- My daughter has never attended GS resident camp due to cost, location and lack of available space in the week when she could attend.
- Too too too expensive period. I understand the costs but my girls earned all that money for council by selling thousands of boxes in the freezing cold. Then we have to pay out the nose to use our camps...not right!
- Cost is also a factor but I believe GS camp is a cheaper alternative than many
- Expensive but my daughter loved it!
- Reasonable transportation options are only offered for the closest camp, which we have found is not the best camp. The ones further away don't offer transportation unless we drive 1 hour to catch the bus.
- Resident camps fill up almost overnight once registrations open. The resident camps are very far from our area: 3 hours for Stephens Ranch which is older and the girls aren't fond of and 5 hours one-way for Kiwanis which has much better programs.
- Our most unique resident camp is 4+ hours away and I have requested our council to offer transportation to enable more girls to have the opportunity to go there
- Cost is WAY WAY WAY too high! $250 for two nights is ridiculous!! Fortunate that we have additional funds to accommodate our daughter attending resident camp but can definitely see how it would present a HUGE burden for other people....
- One summer one of my girls went to Resident Camp & when she came home, her legs were completely broken out where she had been eaten up by bugs & had not received any treatment. Her mother was furious & other parents refused to allow their daughters to go after that fiasco.
- Resident camp really is not bad here when it comes to getting the girls to the location because you drop off on Sunday and pick up on Saturday. They are really good about that. The cost is high, but I personally think it is worth it at some of the camps. If I had a complaint about camp that would be it. Not all of our camps are created equal. Some are much, much better than others when it comes to activities, planning, volunteers, while others just stink and are not worth a penny let alone $400.
- It has taken us 3 years to raise enough funds for a week at camp.
- Our resident camps are very unorganized and costly. It is very hot in Southeast Louisiana so girls do not like summer camp.
- Girls used to be able to earn camperships easily by selling a few hundred boxes of cookies. This program is no longer offered. More girls would go if it was.
- We need new program choices. They've been repeating the same ol' thing for years now. Spice it up! Go with trends! Harry Potter, Frozen, Zombies, Super Heroes, Sports events, etc. There's more than the same ol' same ol' programs out there! Our girls are losing interest if we offer the same thing every year. They'll go elsewhere if we don't change!
- Need to add senior and ambassador level programming
- My daughter loves camp! She has gone for two weeks the last two years. The day we get the brochure in the mail she goes through and circles the camps she likes the best!
- Some fill up quickly. You used to have to register the first day to get horse camp but once price went up to about $400 it hasn't filled up as fast. Regular camp is still $300. They offer an older girl adventure camp each week which is off property.
- The resident program sorely lacks. it has gone downhill over the past many years. Very little programming. Counselors have very little knowledge and background. No progression. Expensive. No programs for older girls. no out of camp trips for the older girls. The PA program is a joke.
- My daughter has often found out on the first day of camp that her theme didn't have enough people and it is combined with another week or her theme is ignored all together! Make for a less fun experience.
- My daughter has been sad that my husband and I cannot come and participate as leaders at camp. We are able to go to Boy Scout camp with our son, and she feels like she misses out on that special time with us. If Girl Scouts allowed more parents to volunteer at camps, it might help lower cost of camps and parents would be able to share in those special times with their daughters.
- My daughter never chose to do resident camp.
- My oldest daughter attended resident camp every summer thorough junior high and the cost was between $ 100- 200. They did amazing programs with international staff. Many opportunities to learn and grow. Now my youngest attends the same camp. Totally different! Basic crafts and it cost 3 times as much. We pay for it because it means a lot to us that she grows as an individual and learns at camp. The resident camp has been cheapened while the cost has skyrocketed.
- They are just way to expensive! My daughter had a blast at camp but the cost was such a burden.
- Our council created theme weeks at one of the camps this year. My daughter is older and was not interested in the themes. luckily she had the choice of camp at a different camp but that option won't be available next year since that camp is closing.
- The choices offered to Senior Scouts is poor. Back when Camp Timbers was open, high school aged girls could choose from backpacking, canoeing, sailing, biking, camping. All had 5 year plans of trips and adventures. Camp now a days offers very few choices. Most camps try to push the girls to a "counselor in training" program. My girls do not want to babysit at camp. They want to go out and explore the world.
- Resident camp in our council is not competitive with other camps (christian, etc) for the cost. Platform tents and very, very basic programming vs. cabins/lodges (often air conditioned since we are near the gulf coast) with theme nights for the kids, lots of team competitions, horseback riding, and more included for the same $400 price. 2)While my daughter had a great time at camp (in a tent with some evening rain storms or afternoon showers), I could tell that there was a lot of time wasted and having movie night, cheerleading class (?!!?), etc, is not what she wanted to do at camp. Luckily I signed her up for a themed week of canoeing and she learned a skill and got her boater badge. 3) It is frustrating that a complete journey or brownie try-it is not built in to each of the week's themes. You should be able to finish at least 1 try it in a week at resident camp.
- I wish we had week long summer overnight and day camp options for NYC and Camp Kaufman
- I have been unimpressed with the resident camps. They are old and in need of repair. They are understaffed and the staff are not trained properly. The food is terrible. We have tried them three years in a row and will not be returning next year.
- We don't advertise our camps -- at all! Need to get word out about scholarships that are available. Fewer sessions offered each year.
- They don't teach any specific skills, they don't follow their own Scouting program. The girls do not come home with skills to earn a badge or a journey.
- Council offers transportation to camp for a fee. Cost for summer camp is a huge reason why many don't go to camp, which is a shame. I encourage my troop to go to summer camp if they can afford it. I wish GS would change their opinion about GS only being able to raise money through Fall Product and Cookie sales. Our local grocery store offers 5% back on money spent at the grocery store to nonprofit groups. Everyone has to buy groceries and this would be a great opportunity for girls to be able to pay for camp. My son's Boy Scout troop did this program and my son paid 3/4 of his cost to Sea Base in Florida. We were using the program for 1.5 years and had raised $700 in his personal account. All the money has to be used for scout purposes and receipts have to be shown to get reimbursement. No one can just say let me cash out my account. Maybe more kids could go to camp if GSUSA would allow GS raise money this way. Bake sales don't quite cut it in regards to raising large amounts of money.
- Would love to see continued focus on high adventure, outdoor skills--those are programs the alternative camps in the area are successful with. A sampler is great.
- We have only one full week of camp and during that week offer 2 partial week programs. My 4th grader usually attends full week camp.
- My daughter attended resident camp for 3 weeks over 3 summers. The last year she said it was too dumbed down for her. We switched to a YMCA camp on the Maryland eastern shore and she went there until she was 16. Much happier because they had fun activities and great counselors.
- Camp programs often get cancelled
- My daughter and I went to resident camp together several years ago. I was sorely disappointed in the quality of programming. Nature time was collecting leaves for a rubbing. No talk about what kind of leaves, or any kind of ecology. A creek walk consisted of a lifeguard telling us to put on a life jacket and have fun. No instruction - no education - no leadership. Sports consisted of a counselor saying, "we don't really have to do this..." A jello fight was the most memorable event for my daughter. Fun is good, but it's not the only goal of quality program.
- My daughters had both enjoyed resident camp before...but then they started changing the programming...and they no longer offer the camp at Camp Oakledge by the lake. My girls really wanted to enjoy the water activities including sailing and kayaking...but they have stopped providing those activities. They also changed the horse camp so they don't guarantee that you get to spend more than an hour of the week with a horse.
- Center camps around badges and not stupid crafts and Harry potter themes!
- My council does not offer any summer camp programs we have to go outside our council for summer camp programming.
- They closed down our camp, Magic Sky Ranch this year. We are heart broken. I got 4 of my troop girls to go last year. I am not sure their parents will be willing to make the drive to the new camp this summer!
- I wish there were more options for younger girls who want to stay over.
- The preferred program options fill up too quickly and she is left with whatever has openings. Older girls tend to dominate the sign up experience and the little ones are not guided properly through the sign up process before the activities fill up.
- Two Resident Camps are open half time. One in the north and one in the south are four hours apart. Families complain that girls can't attend the 3 weeks it is open due to conflicts of summer school, sports, family vacations, etc then girls miss getting to go to camp because the long drive there and back 8 hours twice in a week is prohibitive.
- We offer STEM related themes to our resident campers each week during the summer.
- In 2009, my Council nearly double the price of resident camp. I think this was a terrible decision, especially right during a huge recession. I realize that the price we pay doesn't even come close to covering the actual cost, but I think we should have ramped the fees up more gradually. As it was, we experienced a HUGE drop off in the number of girls attending resident camp. Which shouldn't have come as a surprise given the laws of economics.
- Only 3 weeks of resident camp are offered each summer. Vast underutilization.
- Resident camp is so important! It is one of the leading factors that kept me in the program growing up and it has provided me with the most rewarding job I have ever worked. Summer camp is able to spark and foster many important leadership skills in a safe environment (fire building, knife safety, basic horsemanship, beginning climbing and ropes skills, and skit designing and performance just to name a few things that help to empower young girls that we do at camp) and it is very important that these girls have the ability to let these skills thrive WITHOUT parents around. Camp is a safe place for all girls to begin learning who they are and how to be themselves with others as well as build basic leadership skills that they can carry with them into adolescence and adulthood. Even if the tasks sound small (learning how to cut vegetables with a kitchen knife, or learning how to brush a horse) these are huge for young girls. Many do not get the opportunity to do these at home and learning these skills excites and empowers them. I would love to see every girl get to go to camp.
- They offer limited transportation, only convenient to the major metro area.
- Never been due to crazy $$$$
- My troop scouts have not attended GS resident camp. Several have attended Camp Chippewa Methodist Resident Camp. When we looked into both to make a decision Chippewa was less expensive and offered more for the girls at a closer location.
- Council does provide grants to girls who want to attend resident camp.
- Men at resident camp. This is a women's organization and we don't need to take the chance of anything going wrong that would leave a bad mark on our program.
- My daughter doesn't have time for resident camp in the summer anymore because she has practices all summer for her National baton team. Other families in my troop feel it is too expensive or too far away so they tend to choose YMCA camps nearby if they do resident camp.
- Offering day camp transportation is nice to get to Camp Palos. It would be a beneficial option for Resident camps too, which are much farther away.
- I would like to be able to chaperone my scout at a resident camp. She leads a very sheltered life and even an overnight at a friends home has been difficult for her. She is 10 yrs old.
- My daughter enjoyed the years she was able to attend camp with a scholarship from an outside organization. After they stopped scholarships I could not afford to send her.
- Resident camp is very expensive and most girls do not attend b/c of price. I also am VERY disappointed that they cannot earn any badges while at resident camp. There are usually only 1 or 2 out of a total of 16 options for programs that can earn a badge... and then it is only offered to the girls who stay the entire week ( as opposed to the half week offered to daisies and brownies if they do not want to stay the entire week). However, in the book, they do not state that half week girls cannot earn the badge.. and do nothing to tell parents what parts they have and have not earned. I know other councils where a badge is offered with just about ALL weeks, and often the girls will earn more than one badge in one week... they often come home with 3 badges for a whole week, or even ENTIRE journeys completed. But ours have trouble earning even one per resident week??? It is entirely possible to earn 3 badges per week, considering that we as a troop can earn one badge in one troop meeting (or perhaps two meetings)... they are at camp 24/7 for 6 days. Something is wrong with that situation.
- Cost of the camp. Then all the extra supplies that is needed to attend. Like bed screen and poles mess kits depending on the camp
- Would LOVE to send daughters to summer camp but price is way too high
- Council relies too much on volunteers to plan and coordinate camp activities other that summer camp. There needs to be year long outdoor activity options for all age levels.
- The cost is pretty hard for some families. I would love to see several shorter sessions that are less expensive. There used to be a CORE camp for troops after resident camp was over. The troops got to experience canoeing, swimming, archery, etc at the resident camp over a 3 day, 2 night program. They camped as a troop and provided most of their own meals. It was more cost effective for many troops. I would love to see something like that again.
- We have three beautiful resident camp facilities in Montana and Wyoming. Unfortunately, they are long distances from a lot of the girls. For example, I live in Dillon, MT. If our girls are interested in attending an equestrian camp, they have to go to the residential camp in Wyoming which is at least 8 hours away. This adds to the travel cost considerably not to mention the time for parents to make two long trips.
- The GS Camp that I grew up at is 40 minutes from my home. It was a beautiful camp. Now, our entire area must travel 2-3 hours to attend camp. My young daughters will never experience the wonder of camp due to the distance. What a shame.
- My oldest daughter has attended camp in 3 different countries and at 3 camps in just Colorado. Her resident camps in Europe cost much less than what we have paid here in Colorado. I feel bad for my youngest daughter because her camps have bee cancelled for forest fires or we just couldn't afford it. Next year, I was looking at driving her to Arizona or New Mexico to save money and let her have the experience.
- My daughter has gone to GS Eastern PA camps the last two summers for specialty camps - kayaking/climbing, equestrian, also did Night Owl. Great facilities and programming. Would like to see more 2 week camps for older girls (Cadette and above). GSCSNJ has very limited offerings, is pricier, and really poor reviews. As a girl I did 2-week resident every summer and it was one of the highlights of the year.
- The reservation process for resident camp was better organized this past year...but still difficult. There are so many people accessing the system that after seconds of logging on, I was number 400 in line. Once my turn came, the only program that my daughter was interested in was full. Is there some way that this process can be handled differently? There are so many members in GSCNC that you are very lucky if you get the program at the resident camp you want.
- Daughter loves resident camp.
- My Daisy really enjoyed her 3 day mini adventure camp this summer.
- Our Council offers only very basic residential camping experiences for summer camp. I feel that our Council camp offerings are good for younger girls who have little or no prior camping experience.
- It is just too expensive.
- We love resident camps. My oldest has gone to camp for 4 years in a row, both here and with our previous council. She loves it, and hopes to go on to be a CIT soon. However, so many girls are missing out now, and will never have that passion for the reasons that I already stated. I feel like not having the ability to earn camp is against what we stand for as Girl Scouts.
- My daughter hasn't gotten to the age where she will attend a resident camp yet, but I am unaware of this information.
- My daughter quit going because they weren't what she signed up for. The first year was outdoor enthusiast and they stayed inside and played board games all week! The second year was supposed to be all about night stuff (crafts animals games and exploring) and the did spa stuff all day and went to bed early every night. My daughter said a couple times the sun was still up and they were told to go to their bunks and turn in. As a mom I was upset to spend $375 for a week of hair and nail stuff when she's not into that.
- We can not attend due to cost.
- Our Council has lost business in the past by releasing camp dates late. Parents who work and need child care over the summer book early. Our camp programs were considered more affordable so parents tolerated their girls' complaints about boring programming. (Ex. Go to three week long sessions of gs camp and I will sign you up for a couple weeks at the fancier non-gs camp$. With the raised prices, our camp programs are not competitive with other camps that provide more amenities and perceived better supervision (such as a counselor in the cabin or camp site). Our camps seem to be caught somewhere between raising the cost to meet growing expenses and not having the resources to raise the level of experience through better amenities and programs. We have some staff who are qualified to improve camp programming, but not the vision or support from the top. We need a leader/CEO who loves the outdoors. The majority of our staff seem to shun the idea of getting outside, therefore, they don't value camp or outdoor programming. They definitely see our camps as a cash cow for the chopping block and not a treasured asset.
- The pick off and drop off times for camp are the most inconvenient things for working parents.
- I wish that my council would get summer camp program information out sooner - as my daughters attend other camps, and often the program that want is not available on a week they are free because we already registered for another camp 2-3 months before information was out.