Summer Outdoor Experiences

Camp Is Where I Need to Be

Girl Scouts and Girl Scout summer camps are special. When you come to Camp Dean, Camp McCormick, or Mary Ann Beebe Center, you join a family who stands by you, encourages you, and cheers you on! You have camp counselors, Program Aides, Counselors-in-Training, and friends who love you for your true self. They remind you that you are brave, strong, and you can do this! You can ride that horse, climb that wall, hit that target. Girl Scout camp is a place to go on adventures, develop new skills, build new relationships, and strengthen existing ones. Camp is where you need to be, and Girl Scout camp will always be your home.

Benefits of Summer Camp

If you’re one of our former campers, you know all the positive effects Girl Scout camps can offer campers of all ages. Here at Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, we structure our summer camp programming to provide campers with the opportunity to:

Make true friends
Explore nature
Learn social skills
Enjoy free time
Gain independence
Develop lifelong skills
Unplug from technology
Gain resiliency
Experience success
Spend their days being active

2022-23 GSNI Camphlet

Download the 2022-23 GSNI Camphlet HERE.

General Summer Camp FAQs

Where is summer camp hosted?

Our council-sponsored summer camp programming is hosted at Camp McCormick and Camp Dean from June 21 – July 31, 2023.

I’m not a Girl Scout. Can I go to camp?

Girl Scout membership is required for participation for all resident and day campers. All family campers must have at least 1 registered Girl Scout in attendance. Troop camping is open to Girl Scout troops only. Campers from other Girl Scout councils outside of GSNI are welcome to attend!

Current non-Girl Scouts can register as Juliettes by visiting www.girlscoutsni.org and clicking “Girls Join!” and “Get Started Today”. Complete all information and at the “Ways to Participate” screen, search the word “camp” in the Troop # field, and select “Individually Registered Member.”

If the friend is outside of GSNI’s council jurisdiction, or if registration assistance is needed, please contact Customer Care at 1-844-476-4463 or customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

How old does my camper need to be to attend summer camp?

Camp programs rely on progression. Each activity is broken into levels ranging from easy to challenging with the idea that campers will progress through the stages over many years attending summer camp as well as reflect age and development of campers.

Summer camp programs reflect ages and grades for 2023-2024 school year. Please register your camper for the grade she will be entering for Fall 2023. Camp programs are structured around grade levels they are advertised for, and we ask to please refrain from registering your camper for an event for which she does not meet the age requirement. All day campers must complete kindergarten before attending and all resident campers must be entering appropriate grades for program. Family camps are open to all ages.

Can my camper bunk with a buddy/friend?

All campers are assigned to tents or cabins (site specific) before their arrival at camp. During registration, you will be asked to provide a buddy’s name if your camper is coming with friends. Buddies who requested each other will be bunked together and additional friends will be bunked based on capacity of tent/cabin. Please note: sisters in different levels of Girl Scouting may be in separate cabins/tents due to bunking campers within their appropriate age range, but will see each other regularly for meals, all-camp activities, etc.

Camp is all about meeting new friends from all over our council. Programs will take place to assist girls in meeting and getting to know the girls and staff at camp.

Do I need to pick up my camper myself? How do I add an additional authorized pickup?

ActiveNet does ask for an individual to be listed as an approved pick-up person, but each camper will complete a paper pick-up release form for each camp session listing who (in addition to you) is allowed to pick them up and who is not. This additional form confirms for camp staff who can pick up in an emergency or on carpool days with other campers while maintaining the camper’s safety.

Campers do not need to be picked up by their primary guardian, so grandparents, troop leaders, or trusted family friends may be listed on pick-up list. All campers must be picked up by an adult over the age of 18.

For safety, teenage campers, friends, and siblings will NOT be allowed to pick up any campers or release themselves. CITs/teen campers are also not allowed to drive themselves to/from camp for their session. An adult over the age of 18 is required to be present for pick-up and drop-off for all teenage campers.

How is weather handled at camp?

Camp happens rain or shine! Part of Girl Scout camp life includes learning how to be prepared for the outdoors, including wearing cool clothing or rain gear, drinking water to stay hydrated, and wearing sunscreen and hats. There are no refunds for cancellations or no shows due to weather.

At our resident camps, staff monitor the weather at all times. If severe weather develops during the camp day or evening, appropriate measures will be taken. Indoor shelter is available for all campers and staff.

The safety of your campers and camp staff is of upmost importance. Therefore, we implement the following communication methods to keep everyone informed of actions taken during inclement weather.

If severe weather such as tornadoes, hail, damaging winds, excessive heat, etc. are expected, the Outdoor Program Manager or Camp Director will send a preliminary email to parents and post information on the camp's Facebook page. This will include details on our processes for taking shelter should we need to use them.

When camp staff take action to move regular programming indoors or take shelter, the Camp Director will contact the Outdoor Program Manager. The Outdoor Program Manager will send out updates via email and post on the camp's Facebook page with details on the situation.

Once the inclement weather has passed, the Outdoor Program Manager or Camp Director will email parents and post on social media with the "all clear."

Our camp staff, including camp director, need to be 100% focused on keeping your campers and staff safe. Therefore, we need to let them do so and not have their attention taken away to answer emails or social media posts.

How do I obtain pictures from camp?

Camp administrative staff will have cameras and take pictures of every unit and camper as the week progresses. At the end of the session, camp staff will upload pictures to the camp’s Facebook pages and another private photo sharing site, which will be shared closer to camp. Due to technology and internet restraints at camp, photo uploads may be delayed. All photos will be uploaded at the end of the summer.

Where do I find out about lost and found?

Lost and left-behind items are collected each day. Staff will do their best to reunite owners with their belongings daily. Lost and found items will be displayed during pick-up at the check-out table. However, please understand that reuniting with all lost items is not always possible.

Please write your camper’s full name on everything of importance—if it’s left behind, we’ll make every effort to contact you by phone or email. All lost and found items left at the end of the summer will be posted on the camp’s Facebook pages. Any item not claimed by September 1 will be donated.

Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois is not responsible for loss, theft, or damage to personal belongings, money, or items left at camp.

Is there transportation to and from camp?

There are no transportation options through GSNI for arrival or departure from summer camp. All campers must provide their own transportation to and from camp from a family trusted adult. No one under the age of 18 may pick up a camper from camp.

Camp Jargon

Camp Staff Nicknames - During staff training, each camp staff member may choose a “camp name.” A camp counselor is a unique position between big sister and authority figure; the camp name allows staff to create a memorable relationship with your daughter distinguished from that of her teacher, other authority figure, or even yourself. Camp names add to the “magic” of Girl Scout camp tradition that has been passed down for generations, beginning with Juliette “Daisy” Gordon Low.

All Camp- this is a time when every camp session comes together for a large group activity. This can include camp-wide games, singing around the campfire, special guest presentations, and more. These activities are planned by our program team.

Camper's Choice – as a camper-driven program, we encourage campers to participate in as many camp activities as they can. Camper's Choice is a block where many camp activities are open at once, giving campers the ability to choose without worry about what the overall unit wants to do. Activities vary each session but will include one of the following: aquatic activity, arts and crafts, archery or crate stacking, badgework, outdoor skill development, games, themed-based activities, and nature/environmental activities.

Kapers - each unit and each camper are requested to partake in kapers, or camp chore, each day. This is to ensure we leave every place better than we found it and promote responsibility and care towards our camp property and equipment. Girls gain a sense of pride in their units and camp and do their best to care for their home away from home.

Kapers last no more than 15 minutes and include activities like hopping (setting the tables) in the dining hall, cleaning the dining hall, cleaning the pool house, serving as color guards for flag ceremonies, collecting sticks for campfires, caring for camp butterfly garden, and more. Cleaning buildings, such as dining hall and pool house, involves quickly removing trash or lost-and-found items from sitting in these spaces. Campers assist in sweeping, mopping, wiping down counters, sinks, and toilet seats, and removing trash. Each unit works as a team to leave the building better than they found it, and many hands makes the work go quickly. Campers never handle chemicals - staff will spray very diluted bleach/water mixtures or use sanitation wipes while cleaning.

Swim and Tip Test - swim and tip tests are performed by certified lifeguards prior to allowing campers to partake in some aquatic activities, including entering the deep end of the pool or entering canoe/kayaks. Campers that pass the swim test (swim one lap of the pool's length and tread water for 1 minute) will be given a colored swim cap or band to indicate permission to swim in the deep end. These swim caps/bands are worn every time a camper is swimming in the pool. The tip test teaches campers how to reenter their canoe from the water if they fall out while in the pond. Campers are guided by lifeguards in the pool before entering the pond to ensure each camper's competency in the task in case of emergency. These tests are conducted in the beginning of each session based on if campers wish to utilize aquatic activities during their time at camp. To promote safety of all campers, swim and tip test are conducted each summer regardless of camper’s previous status and experience with our pools.

Packouts - campers will cook out in their units over a campfire at least once during their session. Campers collaborate with their unit to create a menu involving appetizers, main course, and dessert. Camp staff instruct campers on fire building and cooking techniques during this time. For packouts, campers will need their own mess kits (plastic plate, bowl, cup, and utensils) and a dunk bag for washing. Mess kits can be purchased at the trading post.

Trading Post - the trading post refers to our camp store. Families can leave money (cash, credit cards, or checks), Cookie Dough/Cashew Cash/S'mores Dough with the trading post for their campers to shop throughout the week. The trading post is also available during check-in and check-out for families to shop. Items sold include camp apparel, camping supplies (mess kits, flashlights, water bottles), stationary, stuffed animals, fun patches (not badges), and novelty mementos.

Volunteer-Led Day Camps

Many service units across GSNI host their own day camp programming for their Girl Scouts. These camps are hosted by Girl Scout volunteers and vary between regions and service units. Any questions about attending your local Volunteer-Led Day Camp should be directed to your service unit or troop leader.

Registration and Payment Information

How do I register for summer camp?

You can register for camp via online or at any GSNI resource center. If you complete the registration online, you will be immediately registered in that session. Online registration is the easiest and fastest way to make sure your girl is registered correctly. Due to delays caused by the Postal Service, we no longer accept mail-in registration.

Registration opens December 1, 2022

If a camp session becomes full you will be put on a waitlist.

I was put on a waitlist. What does that mean for my camp session? Registering early and on time not only assists in ordering equipment, food, and supplies but provides summer camp staff the knowledge and planning for hiring and scheduling summer camp staff for the week. To begin registration, camp sessions will be kept at a low capacity until we can ensure the proper number of staff-per-camper ratio can be met to reach the full capacity. A waitlist will be created for each session, and campers may be added if space becomes available.

Paying for Camp

Camp is an amazing adventure for girls! We want to make sure that every girl may attend camp at GSNI. We offer several ways to off-set the cost of camp.

Credit Cards or cash ONLY. No checks.
Cookie Dough/Cashew Cash/S'mores Dough, earned through Fall Product and Cookie programs.
Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois gift cards.
Campership
A limited number of Camperships are also available. Please see our Camperships section.
If you register by April 1, 2023, you can save $25 on most camp registrations!

Using Cookie Dough/Cashew Cash/ S’Mores Dough to Pay for Camp

Girls can pay for all or part of their camp registration with the rewards they earn through GSNI product and cookie programs. A desposit must be paid for online, and a parent must contact our customer care team (844-476-4463) to pay the camp balance over the phone if using e-codes.

Deposits

There is a $100 deposit due when you submit your registration. This is non-refundable. The deposit is required to hold your girl's spot in the camp session. Deposits must be made via credit card or cash paid at your local resource center. Vouchers may not be used for deposits or family camps.

Are payment plans available?

Our camp registration is set up to pay in increments if needed. Please log back into your registration account to make payments or call GSNI Customer Care at 844-476-4463. Full payment for camp is due May 15, 2022.

Final Payments / Balance Due

The final payment for camp is due May 15, 2023. Active Net automatically withdraws starting at midnight on May 15. If funds are not avaialble or a credit card decline GSNI staff will attempt to collect payment the next day.

Payment in full must be paid before camper can attend camp. If payment cannot be fulfilled, your camper will be removed from the camp session and her spot will be opened to another camper. Your deposit will not be refunded.

All registrations after May 15 will require payment in full at the time of registration.

Camperships

If your Girl Scout would love to attend camp as a camper but doesn’t have the resources to do so, we may be able to help! Families can apply for Camperships by paying the initial $100 deposit for camp and submitting a Campership application. Applications open December 1, 2022 and can be completed once initial registration is made. Campership applications are due by March 1, 2023, and awards are granted after March 15, 2023. We recommend you send in the application as soon as you submit your online registration.

Camperships are awarded based on household size and income. Financial assistance is available only to registered members of GSNI. Applications will not be processed without the deposit and registration form. All campers who apply for Camperships must participate in GSNI’s Fall Product and Cookie Programs and should apply product rewards (Cookie Dough, Cashew Cash, or S’more Dough) towards their camp fees.

Camperships are only available for active registered Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois youth members. Adult Girl Scout members and members of other Girl Scout councils do not qualify.

Extra adventures, day camp overnights, Camper Care Kits, CIT programs, troop camps, and family camps are not covered by Camperships. Camperships cannot be requested for troops to cover members attending troop camping. Due to third party activity fees, camp sessions related to horses or adventure camp will not be eligible for full-ride camperships and instead offered as a discount on the total camp session cost. Due to optional add-on status, Camper Care Kits and day camp overnight fees will not be covered by or refunded through camperships.

Campers can only apply for financial assistance once per the 2023 season for overall registration, not individual sessions. If you wish to receive financial assistance for multiple sessions, one amount will be allotted across multiple sessions.

CLICK for more information or to apply for a campership.

Cancellations and Refunds

If a session or event does not meet the minimum registration as of the deadline date, GSNI reserves the right to cancel. Notice will be made by email.

Refunds

Deposits, extra adventure fees, Camper Care Packages, and prepaid Trading Post account funds are non-refundable. A full refund, including deposit, is made only if a camper cannot be placed in a program or if it is necessary to cancel the program. No refunds will be made for campers arriving late, leaving early, attending only part of the program, for those who fail to attend, or for campers who violate camp policies and rules and are sent home.

Contact Customer Care at customercare@girlscoutsni.org or 1-844-476-4463 to obtain a Refund Request Form. After camp ends, partial refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis and only in the case of extenuating family circumstances or medical reasons supported by a doctor’s statement. Any authorized refunds will be issued starting in September 2023.

Active Net Communications

Don’t miss our camp updates and emails! All of our important camp communications come directly from ActiveNet. Make sure to go into your account in ActiveNet and check mark the boxes to receive “promotional emails and text messages,” which will come from GSNI. This is particularly important so that we can communicate any last-minute event updates via text, send monthly camp newsletters and updates, and to be able to send confirmations for individual camp sessions via email.

Late and Additional Registrations

Did your camper attend their first week of camp and absolutely love it? We are thrilled we could create a thrilling and memorable experience for your Girl Scout!

We would like to remind parents and families that once we hit June, our summer camp program, regarding scheduling staff and ordering equipment and food, are set and purchased. Camp registration ends June 1, 2023, to ensure everything is set in place and not forgotten or lost during the summer. Camp registrations can NOT be opened once closed as this will affect pre-ordered supplies and staffing. Capacities after registration closes does not reflect availability to take registration as staffing may have changed to reflect what camp is expecting.

If you believe your camper will want to attend multiple camp sessions, we strongly recommend registering for more than one camp session. Additional camp registrations cannot be taken once registration closes.

Program Changes

Although rare, the Girl Scout council, for a variety of reasons, may occasionally cancel a camp session. If this occurs, you can expect the entire camp fee, including the deposit, to be refunded. Other times, certain activities described in the camp sessions must be suspended or changed due to circumstances beyond our control, such as inclement weather, equipment availability, and staffing. In these situations, we may provide alternate program options. Under circumstances of this type, refunds should not be expected.

Something changed with my daughter’s registration / I wish to add a buddy. How do I do that?

If you need to make minor changes or pay off your registration, you can do so by logging back into your registration account through Active Net. If you are unable to log back in and adjust your registration, please email customercare@girlscoutsni.org.

Accessibility and Accommodations

Can you accommodate campers with accessibility or special needs?

Caregivers of campers with special needs—including those with disabilities or health concerns—should contact us prior to registration at customercare@girlscoutsni.org or calling 844-476-4463. This is to allow us the opportunity to provide accommodations and adequate support for her camp experience. Our staff can also help you choose the sessions that are the best fit for your girl.

Can you accommodate campers with special dietary needs, restrictions, or allergies?

Every camper will be provided meals at camp, and camp staff will make all accommodations necessary for all dietary needs and restrictions. Please notify us through camper registration or by emailing customercare@girlscoutsni.org before camp session so kitchen staff can order and prepare for their meals. Families do not need to provide their own alternative meals but are welcome to bring your camper’s favorite brands, snacks, or meals if desired.

My camper is a picky eater. Can we bring our own food?

Camp meals offer a variety of health and kid-friendly meal options. We encouraged campers to try all food offered and find new favorites. A salad bar and sandwich fixing are available at each meal (breakfast bar for breakfast). Please do not pack food in camper’s belongings as it will attract animals to their tents or cabins.

Council Sponsored Day Camp

What is the day camp schedule?

Day camp runs from 9-4:30 Monday – Friday.

Drop-off each day of session: 8:45–9:00 a.m.

Pick-up each day of session: 4:15-4:30 p.m.

Tentative Schedule

8:45–9 a.m. Check-in

9–9:30 a.m. Group games

9:30–11:45 a.m. Themed/badge activities

12–1 p.m. Lunch

1–1:15 p.m. Kapers (camp chores)

1:30–3 p.m. Aquatic activities

3–4 p.m. Outdoor skills, activities, and games

4:15–4:30 p.m. Check-out

Is there transportation to and from day camp?

GSNI does not offer transportation services to Camp Dean. All campers must provide their own transportation.

My day camper is a picky eater. Can they bring their own lunch?

Hot lunches for all day campers are provided by camp staff each day. If your camper wishes to bring a sack lunch, they are more than welcome. Microwaves are not available at camp.

Are there early/late hours for day campers?

We do not provide before or after care for day campers. All campers must arrive between check-in times and leave by check-out time each day.

Do I need to pick up my camper myself?

Each camper will complete a pick-up release form for each camp session listing who is allowed to pick them up and who is not. Campers do not need to be picked up by parent and grandparents, troop leader, or trusted family friend may be listed on pick-up list. All campers must be picked up by an adult over the age of 18.

Do I need to have my doctor complete my camper’s health paperwork?

Our camper health histories require a recent physical and a signature by your doctor. Physicals must not be older than 2 years and can be school, sports, or standard physicals. A copy of school-required vaccinations must be attached as well. Your camper’s doctor must sign off on the health history this summer before attending camp.

What if my camper needs medication while at camp?

During Monday check-in, adults can leave lunchtime medication with our healthcare staff. Day campers attending Thursday night overnight may bring nighttime medication during Thursday drop-off and left with healthcare staff. Our camp staff will ensure your camper will receive their medication during mealtimes or at bedtime.

How do I add on Wilderness Medicine class?

All campers attending the coinciding week of Little Medical School’s visit may register for the Wilderness Medicine class. This class has limited capacity and registration must be done prior to camp session.

How do I sign up my day camper for the Thursday overnight?

The day camp overnight is a separate add-on session found with camp registration. All day campers must register for the overnight previous to camp session’s overnight. Campers attending the overnight will bring their belongings Thursday during check-in and will be stored in lodges for the overnight. Parents do not need to pick up overnight campers Thursday night. Thursday dinner and Friday breakfast is provided.

My camper decided to attend the overnight the day before. Can we still register?

Camp staff do not handle cash or registrations at camp. All overnight registrations must be completed online before the Tuesday of that camp session.

How do I get ahold of my camper during the day? Can they bring a cell phone?

We do not allow cell phones at summer camp. We want the campers to truly engage in their camp experience and enjoy their time outdoors with their new camp friends! If a camper has a cell phone at camp, it will be confiscated by administrative staff for item’s protection and returned to the camper’s guardian at check-out.

If you must contact camp, the camp’s cell phone will be released with your camp session’s newsletter. You are also free to email at dean@girlscoutsni.org during camp season. Please remember camp staff do not have regular access to camp’s Facebook pages and cannot receive messages through Facebook.

Sleep Away Camp

What is my camper’s schedule?

Campers will come together to decide what they want to do at camp. Their opportunities range from facilitated outdoor activities, outdoor skill development, aquatic activities, games, arts and crafts, badgework, and more. Schedule and activities will vary by week and by unit as campers plan out their time themselves.

Example schedule:

7-7:30 a.m. – Wake up and prepare for day

8 a.m. – breakfast

9:15 a.m. – flag ceremony

9:30-11:45 a.m. – morning activities

12 p.m. – lunch

1-1:15 p.m. – kapers

1:30-2:30 p.m.- unit time

2:30-5:15 – afternoon activities

5:30 p.m. – dinner or packout dinner

6:30 – 8:30 p.m. – evening activities

9:00 p.m. – prepare for bedtime

10:00 p.m. – lights out.

My camper wants to attend the full week of the mini camps. Can they stay overnight during Tuesday night between the two sessions?

We do not offer overnights during Tuesday nights between mini camp sessions. This night off allows for mandatory staff breaks as well as cleaning/sanitation and preparation between campers. If you camper wishes to attend for a full week, there are many full week camp sessions to attend.

Do I need to pick up my camper myself? How do I add an additional authorized pickup?

Do I need to have my doctor complete my camper’s health paperwork?

What if my camper needs medication while at camp?

How do I get ahold of my camper during their stay? Can they bring a cell phone?

We do not allow cell phones at day camp. We want the campers to truly engage in their camp experience and enjoy their time outdoors with their new camp friends! If a camper has a cell phone at camp, it will be confiscated by administrative staff for item’s protection and returned to the camper’s guardian at check-out.

What if my camper gets homesick?

It is not uncommon for campers to experience some homesickness while away at camp. Homesickness typically disappears within the first two days at camp as girls adjust to the new people and routine. Staff are trained to work through this with your camper, and they’ll be there for your camper 24/7. If homesickness persists, camp staff will call home with camper and discuss options with you about continuing the camp program. We encourage families to foster independence during the school year to ease campers into resident camp. You are also welcome to write your camper letters, send a personal comfort item, or pack a gift for them.

Can I mail letters to my camper?

Our camps are located in rural areas and mail can sometimes be unreliable. We encourage any family member to pre-write letters to their campers and drop them off with the check-in table before leaving during check-in. Mail from campers will be saved and given to parents at check-out. Camper mail that arrives after camper has gone home will be returned via the Post Office.

Horse Camp

What is the horse camp programs?

Juniors and Cadettes can join campers at Camp Dean for an extra equestrian adventure!

Horsin’ Around is the camp session is for horseback riding beginners. Camp sessions will include two 45-minute riding lessons around an indoor arena during the three-day session. Campers will also learn horse etiquette and how to care for and groom a horse. Campers during Horsin’ Around may not participate in all camp activities due to off-site riding lessons.

Horse Trekkers is our week-long camp for more experienced riders. You will expand your skillset by learning to maneuver horses around obstacle courses to build up to a trail ride! Campers during Horse Trekkers may miss weekly themed activities while off-site for riding lessons but will have more traditional camp opportunities available during their longer stay.

Where do horse camper stay?

While at Camp Dean, these campers will sleep in a unit of sleeping cabins with the other resident campers.

Counselor In Training (CIT I and CIT II)

What is the CIT program?

Camp is a perfect opportunity to take on a leadership role and be a role model for younger campers! Girl Scouts is the premiere leadership organization for girls, and camp provides unlimited options to hone leadership skills. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a great way to learn about leadership, group dynamics, outdoor skills, program planning, and more. The CIT program is designed so high-school aged Girl Scouts participate in leadership training and then apply those skills with younger campers the same week. In addition, CITs will receive additional activity training such as ceremonies, outdoor skills, fire building, and more. Activities during the CIT program will go toward earning the CIT I or CIT II Award. If girls want to earn CIT awards, they must attend and complete CIT I before CIT II. Sessions can be attended without earning of the award. All girls must apply by filling out the CIT Application to be considered for the CIT program.

How do I become a CIT?

All NEW CITs must complete a CIT Application and be selected to participate in the CIT I, CIT II, and CIT-Leadership programs. These applications will aid in understanding your CITs interests, strengths, and needs for this summer. Please do NOT register for these sessions until you have received approval from the council.

CITs and Staff Training

CITs will be invited to attend camp staff training for specialized trainings, certifications, and more. Information to register for certifications will be released closer to summer camp, but trainings are anticipated for between May 20 – June 17, 2022.

I’m a Cadette. Can I be a CIT?

The CIT program is for Seniors and Ambassadors only. We encourage Cadette Girl Scouts to complete their LiA awards and Program Aid trainings instead as these are the leadership opportunities for their age.

Family Camp

GSNI camp staff will be hosting family camps every Friday through Sunday throughout the summer at Camp Dean and Camp McCormick. All meals will be provided by camp staff. These meals and snacks will be a combination of family-style meals in the dining hall and unit cookouts. Camp staff will assist in cookouts. Families can participate in all available camp activities for the weekend including all facilitated outdoor activities, badge and themed activities, outdoor skill development, and more. Core camp staff will be on site to assist groups during their weekend stay. Camp staff will facilitate outdoor skills and activities, themed arts and crafts, games, and badgework throughout their session.

When is check-in for family camp?

Check-in Friday – 6:00 p.m.

Check-out Sunday – 10:00 a.m.

What are the sleeping accommodations?

Each family will receive a private cabin or tent per household and share communal space, such as latrines, within the unit.

Families will utilize the Oak Grove and Hickory Glenn units at Camp Dean. Sleeping cabins sleep up to 4 or 8 people.

Camp McCormick families will be placed in OpeeChee and Turkey Ridge units. These platform tents sleep 4 and Adirondacks sleep 6.

Families are welcome to pitch their own tents.

Do I need a Girl Scout in my family to attend?

Yes, each family must have at least 1 registered Girl Scout in attendance who is under the age of 18.

Can my non-Girl Scout child attend? Can my husband attend?

All ages (from toddler to grandma!) and genders of your family are welcome to attend. Camp program will be tailored to include everyone in your family. Each family must include one relative/guardian age 18+.

How many members of my family can attend?

At Camp Dean, we can accommodate up to 8 members in 1 cabin. At Camp McCormick, we can accommodate 4 in 1 tent or 6 in 1 Adirondack. Larger groups are welcome to spread between more than 1 cabin/tent or pitch their own tent. Larger cabins and Adirondacks are limited so register early!

What is the cost of family camp?

Cost for family camp is $135 per participant regardless of age.

Can I leave early or come late?

Yes, there is no change in price for leaving early or arriving late.

Will there be camp staff on site?

Core camp staff will be on site to assist families during their weekend stay. Camp staff will facilitate outdoor skills and activities such as archery, crate stacking, canoe and kayaking, and our mobile rock-climbing wall. Camp staff will also engage families with themed arts and crafts, games, and badgework throughout their session. Camp staff is not responsible for direct supervision of children and adults must always provide supervision for their children.

What is expected of me at family camp?

Families must provide supervision for their children at all times and abide by GSNI’s camp rules.

Troop Camp

Can you reserve space for my troop while we wait on confirmation who is coming?

No; due to the popularity of the program, we do not hold space for troops and groups for our Troop Camp events. We do take a deposit for Troop Camp registrations, so groups can pay a partial fee while they wait on who is attending camp. Space does fill quickly, and once space is full, we will not have more spots.

Can my troop have the lodge/unit to ourselves?

Due to popularity of our Troop Camp events, all troops and groups will be sharing lodging and unit spaces with other troops.

Why is Camp Dean and Camp McCormick unavailable for my troop to book during the summer?

Summer camp utilizes all of our camp properties even while a camp session is not active or on off-weekends. Our camps provide a home to our out-of-town camp counselors as well as dining hall equipment and craft spaces.

Camp Dean and Camp McCormick are reserved for our council-led summer camp programming from June 1–August 15 each year. Troop camping opportunities will only be available through our troop camping program on certain weekends and not available for self-led troop reservations during this time. If you wish to come out to camp for your own self-led adventure, we encourage looking for bookings after August 15.

I want to book a particular unit/lodge during troop camping weekends that’s not listed.

Our available units are based on our summer camp programming. Lodges such as Whispering Oaks, Dean Lodge, Whitetail Lodge, and Friendship Center are utilized as program space, dining halls, and staff quarters. They are unavailable for troops to book during summer. Some outdoor spaces, like Oak Grove and Turkey Ridge, will be reserved for families only.

Do leaders need training to attend?

Leaders do not need GSNI Outdoor Overnight Training to attend but will need GSNI’s Beyond the Troop Meeting to bring Girl Scouts to camp. Are you an experienced leader with your GSNI Indoor Overnight Training? Your troop can rent out a lodge for the weekend for an additional fee!

Do we need to be a troop from GSNI?

No! Any Girl Scout troop from neighboring councils is welcome to attend our troop camp program! This option is only available for Girl Scout troops.

Does each Girl Scout need a parent?

Troops do not need each camper to come with family members, but troops must provide adequate child-to-adult ratios.

All adults, children, and attendees must register to stay for the event. Groups without proper registered adult-to-youth ratios as stated in GSUSA SACs and Leader Trainings will be turned away.

Will there be camp staff on site?

Core camp staff will be on site to assist troops during their weekend stay. Camp staff will facilitate outdoor skills and activities such as archery, crate stacking, canoe and kayaking, and our mobile rock-climbing wall. Camp staff will also engage troops with themed arts and crafts, games, and badgework throughout their session. Camp staff is not responsible for direct supervision of children and adults must always provide supervision for their children.

What is expected of me at troop camp?

Troops must always provide supervision for their youth campers and abide by GSNI’s camp rules. Troop leaders and adults should interact with all campers in their troop during camp activities and assist staff when needed. Troop leaders will be responsible for waking campers, leading from station to station, bedtime and overnight care, and supervision throughout the weekend.

Summer Camp Staff

Do you or someone you know want to make a difference in girls’ lives at our summer camps? Do you have the enthusiasm to present your best self, a great attitude, and dedication to providing challenges, learning experiences, and a summer our girls will never forget? Critical to the success of summer camp is finding and hiring the right staff! Staff members can be high school graduates, college students, teachers, stay-at-home parents, retired persons, and so much more!

We are looking for summer staff with passion, drive, grit, amazing personalities, and willingness to learn Girl Scout songs, traditions, and leadership skills! Our paid training may include outdoor skills such as cooking, fire building, archery, crate stacking, small watercraft, lifeguarding, and more. Imagine what your resume could look like by the end of summer!

To learn more and view all our summer camp positions, visit www.girlscoutsni.org/summerstaff in early Decembmer for all of our summer staffing opportunities. Staff must be at least 18 years old on the first day of training.

Property Rentals for Troop Camping

Why is Camp Dean and Camp McCormick unavailable for my troop to book during the summer?

Camp Dean and Camp McCormick is reserved for our council-led summer camp programming from June 1 – August 15 each year. Troop camping opportunities will only be available through our troop camping program on weekends. If you wish to come out to camp for your own self-led adventure, we encourage looking for bookings after August 15.

Please use the following table to decide who to contact about camp.

Method	Purpose	Contact Information
Camp Facebook Pages	-Weather updates -Photos and videos of campers -General "what's happening at camp?" updates -Share how much you love camp!	Camp Dean Camp McCormick
Customer care	-Camp cancellations -Camp registration questions -Camp payment questions -General questions about camp	customercare@girlscoutsni.org. Please include the camp name, session name, and camper name if applicable for quicker service.
Camp Directors	Unplanned late arrival or early departure	Contact information available through June 14 - August 7. Email - dean@girlscoutsni.org (For both resident camps)
Outdoor Program Manager	-Pre-camp questions -During camp if there is an emergency and camp director cannot be reached	Angela Musial - customercare@girlscoutsni.org, (844) 476-4463

Please note: each camp has a Facebook, but on-site camp staff do not have access to these accounts. Any questions or travel updates should be directed to camp directors via email or phone calls, not Facebook messages.

Once you have registered for a camp session, you will be added to an email list of monthly camp newsletters. These newsletters will contain information about what to expect at camp and contact information for our camp administrative team.

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