Troop Camping Comments
Respondents were given the opportunity to provide any additional comments about troop camping in their council. Responses are listed below "as is" from the survey. They have not been edited for spelling or grammar.
- The cost to rent the camp is higher if you are a non- Girl Scout group.
- Because of the distance/transportation issues we generally do not use the Council camp. We use camps owned by church groups or state parks to camp.
- My troop loves to camp. Now that we are Cadetts they are ready for the next level but no resident camp for them to attend in our council.
- Our troop is newer (about 3 years) and our 01 has never offered camping as an option.
- We would much rather go to other locations than GS properties for troop camping. More things to do, new places, often better prices
- Council camps are extremely important to our troops. They provide a safe place with lots of activities and resources for our girls.
- Girls LOVE to camp. We have at least twice per year for the past 13 years; once for encampment (camporee) and once as just our troop.
- I have been to camps in two different councils, and taken my own troop camping in one of them. The troop-camping process needs to be simple and affordable, with plenty of information to make leaders comfortable, and lots of resources to help with those things they may not be as comfortable with. These are VOLUNTEERS! Make this as easy as possible.
- Mentoring needs to be put in place instead of book training. Troops should be taught rules, then go out with experienced members camping - instead mentoring is almost non existent. I know many members who would happily camp with other troops or go on a combined outing but the rules & paperwork stop them from offering & there's no database of folks who'd be willing to help or any easy way to request help.
- While the camp closest to us is used for only a handful of days of the year, it is still problematic to make a reservation. The camp is run-down and not being taken care of. Cost is also prohibitive and includes no cooking facilities.
- We camp at a local historical site. The GS camp is close, 1/2 hr, but I didn't know it was an option outside of programs advertised in the magazine Spark.
- I would like more training in this area but none ever seem available.
- Our Council Office Facility does offer a beautiful outdoor area with grass, sand and camping friendly areas for troops who desire to do an overnight or weekend camp. Our mountain camp offers weekly themed summer resident camps only for all ages.
- We used to be able to troop camp all year. The prices were slightly higher than other local councils, but doable. In one year, the price of a cabin went from $300 to $800. No explanations were give. When questions were asked, we were told that the price had not gone up... Currently, local camps range from $50-100 per night. Our council's camp range from $200-300 per night. Our councils camps do not allow troops to use any of the programming. In the last 10 years, council has idled and sold 5 camps. They just announced the idling of another camp and that they are open to selling the other two also. They have stated, "Girl Scouts should not be in the property management business." There was no notice. No discussion. I am sure troops would have rushed to camp one last time at the camp they are currently closing. That would not have solved the problems, but it would have generated some revenue and helped the membership adjust to the changes.
- I felt the "troop camp" summer program was quite weak - it seemed like we spent a LOT of time singing and waiting around. We do thoroughly enjoy renting buildings and doing our own troop amp. Both building we have used have been great. We get 1 (up to 2) free nights rental when we sell 1 case of cookies per registered girl during cookie booths (our individual girls do NOT get credit for booths.)
- Council is providing new buildings at Camp that are very high end. Although it is nice to have a modern building at some of the camps for winter camping, it would be really nice if the existing facilities were maintained. Council seems to be doing away completely with permanent and primitive camping to ad spray parks. Our council has decided to 'rest' our only opportunity for providing water adventure activities like canoeing, kayaking and sailing. I have watched for many years for 'small craft training' to be available for my troop but Council has never made this available.
- Our council should allow other groups outside of GS to rent our camps. We have suggested this several times but the camps are losing money and not being utilized properly.
- It is much easier to have an "unofficial girl scout camp" somewhere other than girl scout camp grounds.
- There is no longer any camping class (general, hands on, cooking, advanced) for leaders to take before they take there girls camping. They know none of GSUSA guidelines unless they happen to want to look them up on there own. Trainings were eliminated by new CEO. This is causing so much anxiety with many leaders that they don't want to take their girls camping.
- GSNETX is doing great for troop camping!!
- I would love to take my girls camping at Camps I used as a girl, but it is n't cost effective and there is no programming offered for them. My girls want to do archery, swimming, canoeing, they don't want to sit in a cabin all weekend.
- Many Troop leaders are unaware that they can take their troop camping at a GS Camp. They are under the impression that camping is only available thru Service Unit Encamporees.
- Camping is so important. It is a mystery how council can justify closing a camp facility because it is too costly. Isn't this cost an obligation of council so that it's available to the girls? What about the funds donated so these facilities exist? Does no one care about the donor's intent? This is sad for everyone especially the girls who the facility is intended for.
- Its cheaper to go to a state park to camp for 2 nights than to GS camp. Sad.
- It is much easier, cost effective and convenient to camp at our local state park.
- Lack of water activities or a water front at either of our council's camps effects our decision to camp elsewhere.
- Both of my troop have went to camp Blackhawk and both loved it. I was finally able to convince the parents that the cost was well worth the experiences the girls gained from attending. We are terrified at the thought off this camp closing. Horseback riding on site as well as the lake and outdoor activities are exceptional!!!
- Troop camping is always a highlight of the girls' year. We make an effort to go about three times a year. One of them is off Council property for a primitive tent camping trip/backpacking, one is a winter cabin camping and one is spring camping (tent or cabin). We have done this for years. The girls have become experts at planning a camping trip (locations, activities, menus etc...). Always fun and always worth it!
- Our camps should be open to other groups and family events when possible. They could also have local businesses to sponsor them.
- Council does not allow training from other groups. They only offer trainings that are all day Saturday going overnight into Sunday, and only a few a year. I cannot take all day Saturday to do a training.
- We love troop camping. We try to go 3 to 4 times per year. It is key to the GS experience.
- My girls love their camp. They wish they could spend more time there.
- Our council had been pretty successful in offering core camps for the different levels (Brownie, Junior, etc) in which the girls completed a badge while they were there. The weekends were always filled up at least 3 months in advance with waiting lists to get in. Now our council is closing the camp that we were using for our core camp weekends which is very disappointing since I do not know if they will continue this type of activity at the other remaining camp.
- Troop camping requires a form to be downloaded, printed and scanned and emailed with credit card, or mailed or dropped at Council with a check. The form states that response will be within 24 hours. I dropped form at Council in the morning and when I called to inquire on status 2 weeks later was curtly informed she would "get to it". We were told over 2 years ago that online registration was about to be implemented for council properties. The price is very reasonable. In addition, the form online is not fillable and saveable - has to be printed immediately or printed blank and scanned to send. they say to email it, but if you can't fill and save, you can't fill and email!
- I understand the financial angle of renting space to outside groups; however, having the State Police and their canine patrol at the neighboring campsite was disturbing to many of the adults in our group...
- Most troops like to camp, but some of the leaders are not experienced or motivated to take their girls camping. For troops who would like to go there are alumni who have volunteered to accompany them to make it possible.
- Many adults are uncomfortable with outdoor activities. We are adding a training that will help them transition to the level they need to go camping.
- I am an archery instructor. I have had troops come to me to ask to teach archery, but have been told by council that there are no dates available for 6 months. I know for a fact that there are not troops at the archery range every Sunday afternoon from now until after Christmas. The way council manages the properties is inefficient.
- Our council requires Troop Camp Leadership 1 before taking your girls camping or using camp properties. However, program staff have approved troop trip applications for troops who do not have someone with that training. Drives me crazy! I am an Adult Learning Facilitator for TCL1. Also drives me crazy that in our legacy council it was a weekend training with 1 or 2 prep sessions and a team of Outdoor Trainers (6-12). Now it is a 7 hour training with one facilitator, and it is soon to be restructured to have online prep and then 4 hours of hands on skills.
- Our council really doesn't offer troop camping. Everything is at the resident camp and it is individual.
- These questions were hard to answer because our Council owns 2 properties and they are handled very differently. The resident camp offers troop camping weekends- far but not costly, easy to get in but their are only 2 weekends to choose from. The smaller property is difficult to book, usually full and a great distance away. Our SU used to do a weekend up there yearly but that stopped about 8 years ago and I don't think they have been back since.
- Our troop loves to go to our local camp but the girl scouts is making it more and more difficult for the girls to enjoy this activity. Our troop has been introduced to archery, canoeing, outdoor cooking, and a host of other activities through the use of our local camp. If it is closed again these opportunities will stop and that would be a disservice to our troops.
- I'm finding the reservation process to be confusing.
- Girls love to spend the weekend outdoors, camping, cooking their own meals. Most of them develop life skills that they don't learn anywhere else. Not at home, school or in other organizations.
- My girls love camping, it is their number one requested activity in GS. We are so lucky in our council to have good accessible camps and programming. I wish and hope that councils across the country figure out how to do this, look at the model set by successful councils and try to follow in their footsteps. The selling of camps Nationwide is hugely distressful. This is green space that we will never get back for future generations!
- To expensive and they don't change the activities
- While they are many activities available for us to use at camp (canoe, kayak, archery). We can't use them because we either can't get the necessary training or cannot find a trained person willing to help.
- There are plenty of affordable public camps available in California. Sometimes cheaper than using GS property. We like trying new places. Ocean, mountain, desert, cabins, etc...
- We have been camping through council run programs. Will begin camping on our own this year.
- We have indoor program centers (neighborhood scout houses) that are 30min-1hr away where girls can sleep indoors on the floor or in tents on the grass in the backyard. I did not answer the questions for the scout houses, but answered them for our main camp for weekend camps throughout the year.
- Our Council offers "Core Camp" which is FABULOUS- overnight experiences for the girls coordinated by Council staff, and troop camp certification is not required. This is an outstanding program that allows girls to get outdoor experiences without leaders and parents intimidated by the training. Could be a good way to empower adults to get troop camp trained. I also loved the Troop Camp Certification with Girls option- this was a great training option!!!
- We are lucky to live in Alaska. Although, we do not have a "Girl scout" camp to go camping. We do have many alternatives that are both very far away or within a 1/2 hour drive. Outdoor skills and camping techniques are very important to us.
- We have a great rustic camp in our area, however it is not well maintained by council and we were told we had to pay to even visit for a day event. This makes it less likely we will use vs. other non GS properties in the area.
- We can do troop camping at other campgrounds and such.
- While I am trained up through the Camp Out level and am a former camp counselor, most leaders aren't as comfortable in the Camps or out of doors as I am.
- Our troop has twice gone to a camp in another council/state which is just as close to the nearest one in the council (90 minutes) and is much better equipped and easier to schedule
- I feel as though at the Daisy level fathers should be able to sleep in the same tent as their daughter. I do not think they should be able to sleep in the tent with any unrelated girl. This prevents us from going camping as we have a girl who only has her father, and a girl whose father is a leader. We cannot afford to purchase multiple tents for families.
- Not enough for troops to use
- My service unit has a camporee in the spring and fall every year
- I believe that whomever the Troop Camp Certified adult is in the troop should be required to re-certify after 5 years. I see way too many adults that have slowly "forgotten" the GS or LNT way of camping after years have passed.
- My troop wants to do activities at camp like sailing/canoeing and archery when we troop camp or go on service unit encampment, but council has still yet to tell me when/where/how i can be trained for those activities
- Camp Stoneybrook in Waynesville, OH is our "home" camp, less then 30 minutes away. The tents don't fit the frames, I was told (could be rumors) that the mattresses are from prisons, yet other camps have brand new mattresses in better condition, and the tents fit their frames even though some are ripped. Our camp is not used for resident camp, but is used for TAC. It seems the camps I have taken my troop to that have resident camp are kept in better condition.
- My troop personally loves to go to Camp Wahi but that is because I take them with help from my troop parents who also love to get their girls outside.
- We try to take our CSA group for an overnight 'indoor' camping experience at least once a year at our closest lodge. They have a wonderful time! We always incorporate some type of outdoor projects or activities
- Sadly our council no longer allows troops camping at our camp on Mt Charleston from October till May. This only opens up the camp to troops for end of August end September, since June and July are reserved for the council camping program.
- Lottery system for camp reservation three months out. They say to be flexible on dates on location, but that would be easier if lottery was farther out. Three months many people already have some plans
- My girls are young and there were only 4 (2 with attending moms) of 11 girls that attended our service unit's camporee. I am hoping that as the girls grow and I can continue to encourage outdoor skills with the backing of council opportunities we can utilize what is available.
- Sadly our service unit is in the southern end of our council and we have had a wonderful camp (Tweedale) that has been well used for many many years. But like most things in the southern end, training, activities and now camping is not a high priority to council. They seem to think we should travel to them.
- Not enough help from other leaders willing to camp.
- The camp is beautiful but expanding very slowly and unable to accommodate all who wish to go
- It is $500 to step onto our camps. We have had to go to other Councils camps or non Girl Scout Camps. Now we have had another of our camps closed.
- Most of our troop camping events have taken place at a non-GS camp that is located 15 minutes from our SU. In fact, that is where all SU outdoor events are held--which is crazy because there used to be a GS day camp facility in the same township, but it closed. (it's still there, never been sold).
- I am very well trained and have willing parents but to get my girls to troop camp is very hard through council. We are planning to camp this spring at local state park's youth camp. It is closer, easier to reserve, and cheap per per girl.
- SKILLS need to be brought back with better tent sites for Girls.
- The camp closest to us does not have many council sponsored activities. Most activities are at camps over an hour and up to 2 hours away from us.
- We still have troop camping in my council, but more troops need to be camping. The leaders are afraid of going camping sometimes. We need more official Outdoor Program so new leaders especially can look things up and know where to find help. New ways of streamlining trainings could help. We also need an A-OK for trainings in other Councils and via Boy Scouts, so people can have an easier time getting trained.
- We used to camp at least twice a year, but this was when camp was less than 2 hours away. We don't go because it is more than 4 hours IF there is no traffic -- can you find somewhere with no traffic on a Friday evening?
- While I LOVE the outdoors .... many leaders are not comforatble out of doors and thus do not take their troops camping which hurts the overall program - need to do moe to get the adults comfortble - OR to allow the girls to go camping with adults who do love the outdoors by doing more at the SU and/or council level.
- Most units at our camps include a basic chow box with cooking utensils
- Girl Scouts sucks. They need to change their program. They need to bring back the old badges. They need to offer way better events then those "girl ones" for younger and older girls. My daughter who is in 5th grade can't wait to join ventures which is a coed program. High adventure. Look at Cub Scout Boy Scout program much better
- Troop camping is not pushed or support much in our area by the council. It's just up to troops to do or not on their own. We personally do a lot, but that is just us.
- We only have one outdoor training a year, at high school graduation time, which is difficult for many to make it to.
- We have used camp properties every some for the last 5yrs and have enjoyed being able to explore multiple camp properties
- Keep Eagle Island a camp for girls!!!!!!!
- We've been lucky in that I've been able to take training and get certified in archery and low ropes courses, so we don't have to pay to hire facilitators in those areas. Of course, I had to pay for the trainings out of my own pocket. We also have a couple friends who are life-guard certified, so that has helped us, but I can see it would make these activities so much more difficult for other troops.
- We have lots of opportunities for using other types of facilities, so my troop no longer uses council facilities
- Due to poor programming, poor maintenance and required minimum headcount of 75 people, most troops look to state and local group campgrounds for their camping experience. We have a beautiful camp with every site being waterfront that is now closed for the year. It will most likely be sold within the next few years which is a shame as it has the potential to be a high adventure water based camp with good programming and good fiscal management.
- When I have checked other council camps for pricing I have always found hotels or house rentals to be more affordable than GS camps.
- I am also concerned as I have heard that many of our camp buildings will be closed during the winter months this year. My troop enjoys winter camping and has gone winter camping at least one weekend each of the past 3 years and will miss that opportunity this year.
- My troop camps locally, cheaply. But we then do not have access to special activities available at GS camp. My girls miss out on things if I am not able to find a volunteer who has the training. The spring they closed Fairwinds we camped there, but they had already removed activities what were available- there was another troop there that had registered and paid to use the paddle boats, but they had been removed from the property and transported to another camp they preferred to promote.
- Council closes camps. It's difficult to get training.
- My troop goes out of council to camp because it is significantly cheaper. I can camp in Skyline for $40/night for a winterized structure that is adequate for the entire troop. That same $40 would only pay for 2 people in my council, and it would be a 2-3 season structure or tent. In Skyline I can pay $1-2/person for primitive campsite. In my council, it's $20/person. In Skyline I can walk on the property day-use with no charge, in my council it's $10/day.
- It is almost non- existent
- In order to reserve you need to pay for 75 people minimum
- I have never scheduled an event for my troop
- Our troop loves camping but due to the limited dates available at our one remaining site we often select other sites to camp such as state parks or privately owned sites.
- My troop usually camps at state parks, KOAs and Jellystones, we spend about $25 per person for camp space, food and items we need to work on a badge, and we do work on a badge for the weekend or travel somewhere to learn. My council does not offer weekend camping with badge work.
- The camps should be open to other groups to help curb costs.
- Facilities are great
- I have stayed at majority of the properties in our council with both of my troops & at properties owned by other councils. My troops also like to camp outdoors, but in the winter or if we are working on a lot of badge work and/or projects having indoor locations are a great.
- We use state parks instead...MUCH cheaper
- 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.
- Make the camps available to the service units! Don't make it so difficult to reserve them. Our service unit is planning to go to a state park for spring camping because one of our camps is closed and the other is just too difficult to reserve. Our girls need to see their camps and use them!
- We always have difficulty when working with the council employee that does camp reservations. She makes it frustrating and is often rude or short with us.
- There is not enough help to troop leaders, when renting . Most of the staff members are not familiar with which amenities are available at the camp.
- Cost is not a factor for most things. Rental property cost I think is fair except for possibly the high ropes course. What is hard is finding trained facilitators and life guards to come out. For example the closest trained high ropes person available lately drove more than 4 hours and I don't believe they get any of the money unless the troop also makes arrangements to pay the person even more than the rental fee to cover gas as well. This is not fair to troops or the facilitator. Also right now there is a camp 30 minutes away that is amazing and another 2 hours away but if the councils plan continues the only camp left will be 4 hours away which we will rarely if ever be able to travel to unlike know where we are able to go a few times a year for troop/council/service unit events.
- I have been a leader for 7 years, go to a lot f council events, but never have been told using camp for troop camping is possible or how to do it if we wanted to.
- Camps must be filled to be allowed to use. Trying to shut down our camps despite our pleas. Possible solutions: Allow older girls and troops to teach badges at camp over a weekend. Saves on staff Provide easier ways or family friendly ways for leaders to become tent camping trained.
- We only have one-camp with a pitch-your-own tent area. It would be nice to have that at more camps.
- It is cheaper and closer to go to a State Park for camping. We do have a day camp that is closer that I've not explored.
- I take my troops camping at our camp twice a year and the girls love it.
- Facilities need attention.
- I think our council should rent camps to other groups. It would provide income to keep camps open and possibly lower costs for girls to camp
- Our camps are AMAZING! The saddest part was like this past weekend taking my daughter to day event at camp and seeing empty campsites...on a gorgeous weekend when troops could have been camping!
- Troops need to be sister scouts and share units AND be respectful of each other...Learn how to get along and share!
- Troop camping is not heavily emphasized by the council, which is too bad - the girls really enjoy being outdoors. There is an old YWCA camp near Albuquerque that some troop have used. The price is so much more reasonable! I understand that at one time this council could have obtained this property but instead invested in a corporate retreat near Angle Fire. I don't see how that helps girls at all. Albuquerque is central to the state and easier for the greater number of girls to get to.
- Our camps are ALWAYS scheduled, but it isn't because they are promoted or even because they are being used. Our Council blocks ALL available dates in case Council "needs" the camp or those running summer camps want to continue living there or keeping their supplies there for the weekend or because an outside group is using the camp. It is nearly impossible to schedule a weekend to camp even though the vast majority of dates, the camp sits empty.
- We have used Camp Butternut Springs. The health and safety issues there were horrific. It took over a year to get the council to even acknowledge the issue. We also used Camp Greene Wood and my girls were electrocuted in the bathroom by faulty wiring near the sinks causing the water to become electrified.
- I would love to get my girls to Council properties but to get in I have to travel 3 hours away! Very annoying and tragic that my local Council cannot get any troop in. Their focus seems to be "Women's Retreats".
- GSGLA has two camp properties and 4 program centers on their "retire" list which as of now has not been approved. Due to public outcry in regards to one camp property (La Casita in Claremont) and one GSGLA owned program Center (Chino Hills), the vote to ratify the retiring and then sale of these properties has been postponed until April 2014.
- My girls LOVE camping. Our biggest obstacle to taking troop camping trips has been a lack of help from our parent volunteers.
- The ones that we have been able to participate in have been great.
- The camp is NEVER full. In fact, most of the time when we go there is hardly anyone there. We are often the only troop there. The camp is VERY run down. But making reservations is difficult because of the back and forth and this persona and that person process you have to go through. On top of that we had offered to spend a weekend camping there and cleaning up the camp and making some needed repairs with our own troop money and our own man force. We could not get approval and we could not get it scheduled. We were made to feel that we were "being accommodated" rather than providing a service.
- We now use camps outside of our council bec we can find much cheaper options. Even going to other councils.
- Our camp director is competent in managing the properties but not the reservations and activities. A system needs to be put in place.
- We are far enough away that we do not try to use the council camp for camping. We locate other venues, usually state parks. This is a significant disadvantage for younger girl troops because that requires using tents rather than cabins/lodges/shelters. For first time campers that has meant that some girls have not attended troop camping.
- Our closest camp is only 45 minutes away but it doesn't have many options for fall/winter camping. Even the spring/summer activities are limited. The "fun" camps are all at least 1.5 hours away and that becomes more difficult to organize transportation etc. Plus, it fills up so quickly that we often can't find a date that works for us.
- Troops should have priority over council events. It is VERY hard to secure a space because council does not have to follow the same booking rules and they can bump a troops reservation if they decide they need the space. It is very frustrating for troops. We then have to seek alternative outdoor facilities, this is sometimes very costly.
- Too expensive. Not enough availability. Forced to share campsites with troops we don't know.
- One thing our girls really dislike about our camps is that we have to clean when we arrive and when we live. So much is broken or in really poor repair. We spend an hour trying to find everyone a cot that works. We actually have to take our own cot springs.
- Would like to do but not enough training available and need training closer than 2 hours away.
- As far as I know there is zero communication about camping availability. We never see emails like "here's how to reserve a camp site" or "camping reservations now open". You would have to go to the web site I guess - I have never done it.
- Our council has closed our best camp for the entire 2015 season. We're very unhappy about this prospect. One troop out of Richmond, VA has run a Leader/Daughter campout for the past 10 years. The camp is always filled beyond capacity. Why? Because parents want to attend camp with their kids. Our summer camps should allow adults to attend at a lesser charge than the girls. I go every year with my son to Boy Scout Camp, adults are always needed. We assist the class teachers and help the camps in all sorts of ways from cleaning, taking pictures, fixing items at the camps, etc. Our council is losing out by banning adults.
- Our troop loved going on TAC outings but they began to be drawn back under Barb, the Council CEO. Got the distinct feeling she is anti-outdoor activities.
- My kids would like to hike more, and have never camped. My problem is finding another adult able and willing to help make this happen. Have not tried using GSSC camp grounds - seems that few in our service unit do. For our mini-Camporee, our service unit chose to use campgrounds available in our own community - in part because of cost, availability, and the ability to get there during pumpkin season traffic.
- If the camping trip is cancelled due to weather or illness troop/leader/volunteers, council does not give a refund. Wish they gave troops credit on file for booking/rescheduling at another time. Things happened at the last minute that the troop doesn't have any control over and they shouldn't be stuck paying for something they do not use.
- We've had the discussion in our troop about using money earned for camp trips. We have done two successful CORE camps for our troop in the past. For some girls - that was enough of an experience. They liked it, but didn't want to do it again. Some girls really enjoyed but and would do it more often but when the troop is spilt, we can't make then all go. Our solution last year was to let the girls chose two of three activites: a swim park, a local camp run by girl scouts but not at a girl scout camp, and a theatre lock-in. The one chosen the least was the camp one and most of the girls that attended have brothers that are boy scouts. They had a wonderful experience and I'm glad they had that option.
- Typically my girls do not elect to use GS camps. They are selling or sold 3 camps that were desirable locations. The current "nearby" camp is still over an hour away and is loaded with poison ivy, the tents are not maintained, and it's generally not a very interesting camp.
- I do have a local "city" camp that has platform tents, shelters, and a log cabin. However, it is located w/in the city and therefore is not a true camping experience when it comes to hiking, activities offered at camps such as horseback riding, swimming, or archery. This camp is perfect for day events and those troops wanting to get their feet wet with camping. For serious campers or girls progressing, the nearest camp is over 2 hours away.
- It takes WEEKS to get a reply to a reservations request and the response provides no options, just requests another date... the weeks to get a second reply and back and forth. I just had an experience where I got confused and inaccurate email responses, called to clarify multiple times and still received a rejection three weeks after making reservation request. It is insanity! It's hardly worth trying.
- I haven't had a troop for awhile so don't really know at the moment, but I think the closest camp is not very heavily used and would be pretty available. I know of rental to outside groups prior to realignment, but don't know what the current policy is.
- A huge obstacle is our parents not wanting to let go. They have to be involved in every activity and some won't even allow their kids to attend unless they are present.
- We general don't go to council camps just to camp. We prefer to tailor our camping to what event we are going to.
- Our troop camps as much as possible. We try to plan at least 4 campouts per year as a troop
- BOLS training is too long, far away, etc. for a brownie leader to simply go on a nature hike ... so the scouts will have to skip doing nature activities :(. If there was a tiered level of training - aka a couple of hours is all that is necessary to walk through the basics, especially if as a leader I am more than trained/ comfortable with outdoor survival. More concentration on liability rather than skills..... like most of the trainings.
- I have only been to Lake Rickabear in Kinnelon, NJ and like it a lot. Would like to check out Jockey Hollow and Glen Spey (currently under renovation) as well.
- Our troop almost never used Council facilities due to the difficulty in communicating with our Council. It's much cheaper and easier to use public facilities (like Forestry Lands, State Parks, National Parks) or private property.
- I don't understand what the problem is. For most part trip camping not really available anymore. Taken over by council camps which are way more expensive.
- There is a complete lack of necessary equipment in our camps/properties even if you were able to get into the property to use it. There is no inventory and often we cannot use properties because the camp/building conditions are unsafe - all due to the fact that for the last 9 years our Board has not recognized camps in their budget, have not developed any property use initiatives or held our operations management (CEO) accountable for the rapid and continuing decay of these assets.
- GSUSA promotes an outdoor acclimation theory which means girls aren't tent camping until they hit the age when Girl Scouting loses its appeal (around Juniors/Cadettes). The result is a focus on comfort camping in an attempt to soften outdoor experiences. This removes much of the challenge and reward that goes with tent camping.
- We used to rent camp out to non GS groups for activities during the week, while girls are in school, but do not do this any longer. I think it was a wise use of our facilities/resources and we should again allow groups to rent our facilities as long as it does not affect troop/girl/service unit activities. We also rented a camp each year for a week (right before summer resident camp) and the group used our camp staff. It was a GREAT community partnership and brought in potential new girls as well. It was also profitable, so I don't understand why this was not continued.
- My troop loves camping and we used to go three times a year but in the last three years they have closed the two camps that were close to us. The only remaining camp is over an hour away and seldom available anyway. It is used for resident camp in the summer, often full in the fall and spring and not useful at all in the winter due to its location off a paved road and down in a valley. There is nowhere left for us to go.
- The closest camp to us is in an area that is not accessible by car during the winter if there is snow
- The only problem we have is finding a date that works for everyone in the troop. We are a older girl troop that had girls that go to 5 different high schools but that is our scheduling problem not councils
- I take my troop on campouts alone and during events. They love out door camping!!!!!
- Our camps are well maintained and stocked well. If you want an example of a council who does camp well, you should look to GSWPA. Yes, they've closed camps, but the one we have are excellent.
- Our troop goes camping 3-4 times a year, but we usually go to state parks when traveling or a local camp that we can go to for free
- Almost all sites are cabins or buildings and not tents or sites for tents
- Just wishing the camps were kept in better repair and more was done to entice girls to come to camp.
- Inability to reserve camps during May to August is frustrating.
- There are limited badges in the new program for girls to earn that revolve around camping and the outdoors. We need more badges. We like for girls to be able to earn things when they do events. We end up doing annual camping trips via our Service Unit at a non GS site.
- Our council is closing three camps and it has made reservations impossible at remaining camps
- I'm comfortable taking my troop camping and unfortunately, most leaders in my area are not so the camp close to us is used very little and usually available when I want to reserve it.
- We need more badges and programming for outdoors at all levels. You can only do the same activity so many times before the girls become bored with it. I'm extremely familiar with one camp, which helps a lot in planning activities. But other camps not so much.
- We often camp at federal campgrounds just for variety.
- I try to get my troop out to camp several times per year either just our troop or at Service unit and regional service unit events.
- All answers are top the best of my knowledge. I have not yet been able to take my troop camping due to training I have not been able to take.
- The cost is outrageous! Just to rent it out and then adding food and transportation is very prohibitive to my troop as well as the service unit!
- Not enough cabins close to is only a lodge or tents. So too big or not right for young girls. Should hold more overnights AT CAMPS! They do YMCA and other venues where they should use our owned properties.
- I am still waiting for a return call from the council about scheduling camp (it's been over a month, I left multiple messages)
- We often do not know 6 months in advance if we can go camping due to having numerous girls in sports. Therefore, by the time all the sports schedules are out the camps are already filled up. We have gone camping numerous times with the girls but use non-girl scout property locations due to this.
- We have a tent camping site near us and were successful using that (after we finally had a leader go through the two levels of training needed to tent camp). We've found it very hard to reserve sites for cabin camping, and the cabins were in poor repair and the latrines were in worse repair.
- I have yet to reserve a camp. I recently received my camp training. I plan on camping with my troop next spring.
- We would love to do it every month!
- More activities - Cleaner buildings - yes they are camp buildings - but maybe repaint each year to freshen them up.
- I'd like to be able to sign my troop up for themed partially planned camping weekends and know that every other month we can sign up. I don't care if we have to share a unit or cabins with other troops. if you plan some of it, then we'd like to encourage the girls to come.
- Since we don't have any Girl Scout camps I cannot answer any of those questions
- ALL camps in our area are being sold. We are all very upset.
- My daughter's troop is quite small, it is better for we have a troop camp weekend combined with other troops.
- Our council requires a 9-3 skills training to be certified to take the girls camping. I do not think that is enough.
- When I was running my own troop, there were quite often problems getting enough adults to participate, so camp type events didn't happen
- The biggest issue for me is the ability to get trained in outdoor Ed. They often do the class in the middle of the week hours away from my home. I'm not driving home at 2am on a Tuesday. They are also infrequent and not convenient.
- I'm embarrassed to say I haven't taken my girls camping on my own on council owned property. But when I've looked at the schedule, it seems that they offer plenty of dates and many troops take advantage of the property. I've had camp training but I want to go with a more experience leader my first time.
- We have 6 camps in our council. Would love to see more incentives to encourage troops to use all camps. Maybe a fee night for staying at all 6.
- We love to troop camp, but we can only afford to go once a year with the cost of renting our camps.
- I would love to see more encampments with all different program levels girls. In all my years of Girl Scouts, I've only made it to one.
- There are very few limited weekend's to troop camp using the GSOC camp. Mostly we have to troop camp at other facilities.
- They didn't let us start a big campfire like my troop did when I was a kid. Leaders and parents are not that fond of camping as before. Too much indoor interest vs. outdoors.
- We can camp fairly cheaply as we are willing to tent camp and use latrines. For cabin/lodge camping in at our resident camp, units are very large and expensive, each site having several cabins to hold a large total group. If your troop is small, you can't rent one cabin at the unit but must rent the whole unit. Small min van troops can't afford to rent the large units.
- I believe troops are still ill-equipped to camp due to poor training. However, in defense of our trainers, they try to hold trainings for the entire weekend for leaders.
- We camp at a local non-profit Farm / Forest preserve because GS camp is too far away and there are no benefit to traveling that far.
- If actually available, great info to know.
- Council continually either changes the certification policy, or when on-site, staff make exceptions (safety) for some groups not others. For example, we were told we could not cook because we had a cpr first aider and troop camper but they were not two different people (same mom had all three certs). The second mom going got cpr and first aid three days before trip, council staff still said no. However at event, a mother daughter pair were allowed to have two campfires (clearly the sole adult in their party had all three certs and no second person at all). Also at event, a troop brought propane to cook all three meals with, but forgot fire extinguisher. Camp rules state, if using gas must have extinguisher, not just water buckets. However, they were given permission to cook all three of their meals. It just left our girls and moms questioning safety of camp, and if staff were either related to or friends with the other groups, and therefore this is why they received special permission.
- My troop wants to tent camp, so we haven't even tried to camp at a Girl Scout camp. There are no group tent camping sites available. We can get a group camping site for $25/night other places.
- Our council has invested a lot in upgrading the camp to attract troops. Council events often do not sell out, but limit availability for troops to book units if they want to do their own thing. Council events are more expensive than troop camping.
- Council blocks off all of camp when 1 activity is being used. For a camp weekend, I was not allowed to take my troop there for our own personal 5kto access the perimeter of camp or the pavilion even when we would not be in anyone's way
- Better to camp on our own. Cheaper, and can chose a spot closer to home.
- It is cheaper to use another councils camp than it is ours. State parks are even cheaper than our camp.
- Our council charges $75.00 per person (adult or girl) per night to use our camp. This does not include food or activities. My troop has over ten girls in it. It would cost me $750.00 to take a minimum of 10 people to camp for one night. I believe this is a ridiculous sum of money, and it is the entire reason our troop does not use our camp facility.
- Troop camping is very popular... there is a troop camping skills challenge event that fills annually. More troops want to attend that there is space for, the difficulty is locating enough judges to support the competition (2 are needed per troop).
- The girls love the sites, but as leaders we find it so difficult to work with council it isn't worth the headache. Even though you can now book online, we ALWAYS have to call them because they do not provide enough information online. The programs available is incorrect and unclear (i.e. we booked a campsite online because it said it had archery, later we found out they only have archery for the resident summer camps). It is easier for us to camp elsewhere and find programs near other sites than use our councils’.
- I love the GS camps because they are SAFE. The council has also done a lot of work on them in the last few years to replace molded mattresses on cots and torn tents.
- Camping is treated as some kind of side bar in the program. Elements of camping and being outdoors should be taught at each level and should culminate in a camping trip(s). Requirements should be defined for camping skills and they should have clear objectives to meet the requirements
- GSGATL does occasionally rent out the camps, but only during the week, when no troops are camping, or on VERY low camping weekends (like early January, or cookie delivery weekend).
- I can't really answer a lot of the troop camping questions because so far we only have gone as part of Service Unit or council events. We were thinking about it last year but camps were full. Since then they have reopened some of the camps for troop camping so I am not sure about availability but I suspect it is better now.
- I believe most troops in my service unit camp at state park and private campgrounds because they are much closer and easier to reserve.
- Sad that council offers very little then Overcharges
- It is hard to get a reservation when we want it. and at times the prices are out of our comfort zone.
- The council will approve camping at non-council sites
- Less expensive, then we could go more often
- We love troop camping on council properties. The facilities are great, convenient, safe, and create a good atmosphere for girl learning & exploration. Great for Brownies & Juniors. As the girls age, we like to mix the known council experience up with the unknown of different locations and adventures.
- We have not camped as a troop at a GS property as we have several great campgrounds closer and lower cost.
- GSNEO closed camps because "troops don't camp". Now troops can't get camp sites because service units fill up the sites.
- We have great properties 1 needs a lot of work but the other 2 are wonderful and are used alot
- It would be very helpful if troops could make reservations online. It would be helpful if the council had an interactive website/calendar.
- Kateri is terrible in regards to ticks. In 5 hours we had over 40 ticks to pick off our girls at the camp site
- I take my girls camping about once a month none of them are girl scout camps, we usually pay $2 a girl or at the most $40 for a weekend. cant do that at a girl scout camp
- It is nearly impossible to get a response to messages from the person to reserve with. I have simply given up and go elsewhere. Very sad.
- Having a live-time open spot reservation system would be great. Typically, I call/email the council, get the openings, email my main parent helper, then confirm. Parents are upset that I can't check availability with every girl before booking, but it's often 4 months out and trying to get the reservation is near impossible if waiting for 12+ responses.
- I am able to make a reservation easily but not for the camp closest to me. We typically have to travel 2 1/2 hours for the camp readily available.
- We have never camped as a troop at a Girl Scout camp by ourselves. I only know the cost because I just took the outdoor training.
- They charge too much for troops to use the facilities and for facilitation of activities. it is easier and cheaper to go to the Y camp in the area and to other camps! It is hard to get a facilitator sometimes!!!!!!!!!!!
- Buddy camping needs to be enforced so maximum amount of girls can camp. If a troop is using less than half a unit then another troop whole be able to share it.
- Our Council is lucky to have quite a few camps is a small state, so typically distance is not a problem. Basic camping experiences do not seem to be a problem, it's only when Troops want to add a higher level of activity, such as using the waterfront or the archery course, that it becomes difficult to get the appropriate coverage. The additional fees also add up quickly.
- In the 90's and 00's, my Girl Scout Troop rented lodges at Camp Hawthorn Hollow at least twice a year, fall and winter/early spring. We could never utilize the ropes course because they didn't have the manpower to do so. We took the time to run great badge workshops for younger troops. Now I lead a Brownie Troop and find it very hard to rent the camp at all. The camp closes Nov 1st so that eliminates fall camping and doesn't open till almost May (when families are busy with spring religious stuff). We have participated in Core Camps (where the activities and meals are planned), though I would love to have the time and planning opportunity with the girls.
- Our council recently raised the rates so it is cost prohibited to go camping as often as we would like. It is very disappointing.
- We have one lodge that needs to be updated. Cabinets are in bad shape, the floor mats to sleep on have holes in them, bathrooms very rustic and small, poor lighting, kitchen appliances and utensils need to be thrown away and new items bought, more electrical outlets, etc. - a general overhaul of the whole building.
- I have never tried to use the local camp for a troop event.
- My troop loves to camp and they wish to go to all of our councils camps. We have been camping for a few years and would like to have longer trips. Being told that we can not have a week long camp because of an outside organizations day camps is frustrating. Plus it has been my experience that they do not treat our camps the same way that our girls do. I understand that it is about having enough money to keep the camps open, but GIRL scout camps should be available to GIRLS first!!
- The girls in my troop want to spend their time in activities other than crafts. there are few options available at the girl scout camp in our area.
- My troop typically stays at another council's camps. GSSEM charges way too much to rent a cabin. Our troop doesn't have enough girls to warrant paying $500 for two nights. We can go to a hotel/waterpark for that price.
- The girls prefer cabin camping. Many girls do not want to platform tent camp at all.
- We camp often and love it!
- The cost stops us first and formost. $500 to step onto the camp in a building. Then you have to add food and supplies. The camps are closed from Nov to March when we have the girls most consistantly and could go to camp.
- The traffic to get from Gwinnett county to any of the camps is challenging
- There needs to be better programming and activities offered.
- Several different troops have gotten together and planned camping events. But it is the leaders who have planned events. Not the council
- Troop camp sign up just changed last month so I am not familiar with the process. I am not usually the one taking care of sign-ups
- Troop camping is a very valuable experience and councils need to take this time into consideration when counting camp use.
- If they close our local camp our ability to enjoy council camps will be reduced to no more than once a year if we can afford the cost and travel once a year to council camps. We will be forced to find other options in our area or to use camps from another council.
- It is doubtful any other groups would be interested in our camp. Far from major city or travel destinations. Poor condition of buildings. Extreme hills. Not ADA accessible.
- Our service unit decided years ago to stop using the council camps. We can get much more for our money and great activities using a YMCA camp site.
- Our closest camp is Manipines which is a very basic facility. Martha Johnston is the next closest, with many more opportunities, but travel is over 1 hour away.... And camp OKIT and Concharty are way too far to travel for day activities! We would love to participate in the things offered at these properties, but they are just too far except for special occasions.
- We also have one camp that is exclusive for GS families
- We gave up on troop camp at a GS facility a while ago. Now, we just go camping at a camp site (established and roughing it). It turned out to much closer and cheaper. You should ask how many troops just go camping on their own! That would be an eye opener for council!
- Many of our camps have no flush toilets- just ""biffies"" for their latrines. While I personally think that it is important for scouts to learn to "rough it" sometimes, I have found that the lack of flush toilets is my #1 obstacle in getting younger scouts and adult volunteers to go camping.
- Our troop loves to camp! We see a lot of the same events offered over and over again and the girls would like to see more variety with more outdoor activities besides craft.
- Comprehensive hiking trail maps rated by level of difficulty would be a good addition to the camp info to help in decision making. Also, information about attractions in the surrounding area would help decide for one camp location over another.
- Yes it makes me really mad because the other camp close by is possibly going to be closed and the other one is very nice and often rented by other groups. It is just so hard to get camping reasonable that is not hours away.
- I wish that camp training was more readily available. Camp training is typically only provided by volunteers/facilitators and not staff which means camp training is only offered a few times a year which can be extremely frustrating for those troops that would like to go out to camp for the first time but can't because they don't have the necessary training yet. I wish staff was more knowledgeable and available for these trainings.
- I love to camp and have been fortunate enough to have the time and skills to earn all the certifications required to do so. Unfortunately these days most leaders don't have that kind of time or inclination. So I think the answer is to provide more certified personnel to make it easier for troops to go to camp. Our Council seems to be moving in that direction right now.
- We need camping badges for all levels, not just juniors.
- We are blessed to have a great camp within an hour drive of our troop. We use it at least twice a year. Additionally, many of our girls attend the annual day camp there, as well as resident camp. We've camped at other campgrounds, and the girls always say...there's no place like Conowingo. They love it there - memories that last a lifetime have been made there.
- We have wonderful GS camps in our council. Lakamaga, Elk River, and Singing Hills are all about 1 hour away and we also have smaller options for our troop: Lockeslea and Sagata which are about 40 minutes away. Most families prefer less driving, though, so we typically use Dakota County facilities if available, as they are only 10 minutes away.
- Equipment availability is unknown
- My troop does go camping for the past 7 years. We take them camping 3 to 5 times a year. Our girls have learned many outdoor skills and get frustrated that this does not go toward any badges anymore.
- I've seen other councils offer "campfire" activities without an overnight experience and other such activities. They offer evening camping "skills" to teach the girls without the need to sleep overnight... and they are far cheaper than our council events. Our council outdoor events are only overnight events... often two nights, and they do not "teach" them outdoor skills the girls need to learn... and they are often WAY out of our price range. Our council does offer some (not many) daytime events at one council camp, however it is over 3 hours away and not feasible to get there. Again, catering to Philadelphia and NOT the Lehigh Valley.
- With a large troop, I just wish camp was more affordable. We live in a low income community.
- We have a great troop due to a strong leadership base and don't rely on Council for programming or camp opportunities.
- Beds are $15 . horse start at 35 - 75 for an hour Kitchen $200 and have to hire a caterers. space to meet $200 swimming $10.
- We now camp at another council's camps since they are affordable and the camp is beautiful. At $500 for the weekend, just for the cabin, our camps are no longer affordable for us.
- I am a leader of a troop with 50 + girls. When looking for a GS property to have a Christmas camp in we were told that we would have to go to a Michigan camp. To do this we were told that we would all have to have additional background checks, etc. and that a related family member would have to be with each girl. This is NOT a family event though.
- It is just hard to get a hold of the person who can schedule our troop for camping. Everyone I asked told me another person I should ask.
- Our council doesn't really offer troop camping other than girl scout camp during the summer due to that being so far a way, it is hard to get there and the cost also prohibits us from going.
- We stopped using the council property since the boy scout camp (which is 30 minutes way vs 2-1/2 hours) costs only $20 for the weekend.
- As a trainer and former scout, I feel that teaching outdoor skills to new leaders is a MUST. Let's face it, camping is an activity many girls would not experience unless they are a scout. This goes for leaders too. If we are not training them to be outdoor leaders, they will not know what to do. We teach PROGRESSION in scouting, yet the outdoor curriculum was tossed out the window when the Journeys programs took over. I loved the old outdoor badges. As you earned the badge, you were slowly learning the skills you need to actually do that outdoor activity! Those badges are gone now and many leaders have NO idea where to start. Bring back the badges, bring back the training.
- It is difficult to get a reservation because Service Units get first choice. This is unfair. Service units don't even use all the sites. My troop loves to camp. Last spring we went to a state park to tent camp because we were unable to make a reservation at our closest camp.
- We are a new troop, but my girls have been involved in Girl Scouts for years and there have hardly been any options for outdoor activities.
- Our Cadette troop and another junior/Cadette troop basically are the only campers. I am the certified camp manager for our service unit but training was a joke. It was an online quiz. I run our service unit spring camp out every year. It is held off site at either a state park or reservation. It is too expensive to rent council camps for 70 girls and approx 40 moms. I am bringing back camping in our service unit :)
- I am lucky enough that our local township allows my troops to camp for free at the township camp. After the costs of supplies, food, etc. There is little left to rent a GS camp. This is the ONLY way my troops can camp.
- They need to generate money to keep camps open.
- We have camped at two of the sties that are located here in Colorado and hope to give others a try this coming summer.
- They used to allow other school groups to rent, but I do not think they are doing it anymore.
- We cannot check in to camp before 3:30 pm. If we want to do an overnight and we can only check in at 3:30 pm and we have to check out in the morning, our experience is compresses. We often do not even get 24 hours on a rental. In January, we want to rent a property and I submitted a request three weeks ago. We have not heard back from Council if we have the rental It is less than two months away from when we want to go on this trip. I sent in our intent to travel, property reservation request and full payment. I feel that our Council is not very interested in marketing our Council properties, responding to property requests in a timely manner and utilizing the Council properties for outdoor education for our Council. I would be glad to help with a task force or focus group to ramp up these efforts.
- As a troop we have camped at a neighboring council owned camp due to the extremely high cost within our own council. We paid $180 per weekend night (flat fee) in neighboring council as opposed to $350 (minimum) per weekend night within our council.
- The campsites are great. Our girls love camping at Council campsites.
- We want to be able to reserve camps before Dec 1 but have a hard time getting people to understand us.
- I'm not aware of most of this information which is troublesome to me.
- If council is doing a program or training they take the entire site for the whole weekend even off it's just an hour program. That's ridiculous. They should allow us to book around them or shared the site. They ask us to share with other troops. We would gladly clean out stuff out of they're way and go on an outdoor excursion to complete a badge while they did they're program. Maybe offer a discount if we were accommodating like that instead of taking a whole cabin for an hour class.
- We do more service unit encampment
- I was a Brownie leader in West Chester and took my troop to Tweedale twice a year. Tweedale is 90 minutes away. If we couldn't go to Tweedale we would not have gone camping. I would not have wanted to drive more than 90 minutes and the parents would not have wanted their daughters further away than that. Everyone's time is precious, and spending it in the car getting there is not a good way to spend it. We don't need bells and whistles. We need a place to lay our heads, to store our gear, so we can go outside, no matter what the weather, and be outside.
- Some of the troops in our service unit advised they had booked camping at sites, but were not able to use the services like zipline, or rockwall, archery because those activities were pre booked by troops that were not camping.