2020 Resident Camp Parent Guide - Girl Scouts · If your camper will be arriving late or needs to be picked up early, you must notify the Camps’ Manager as soon as possible. Worried

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Summer Resident Camp

Parent Guide

2020

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Important Contact Information

General Camp Questions or Concerns: Alicia “Bubba” Gust

Director of Camps & Outdoors

[email protected]

800-733-0011 ext. 109

Registration and Payment Questions: Michele “Starfish” Wagner

Activities Manager / Camps Registrar

[email protected]

800-733-0011 ext. 111

Camp Kachina: 14750 Camp Kachina Rd. Kaytlyn “Rafiki” Worner-Lieder

Belton, TX 76513 Camp Kachina Manger

800-733-0011 [email protected]

800-733-0011 ext. 822

Camp Texlake: 5700 Pace Bend Rd. N. Katie “PJ” Sweeney

Spicewood, TX 78669 Camp Texlake Manager

800-733-0011 [email protected]

800-733-0011 ext. 409

Equestrian Program: Amy “Daisy” Michalski

Equestrian Manager

[email protected]

800-733-0011 ext. 404

All Other Inquiries: [email protected]

800-733-0011

After-hours Emergency Only Paging Service: 800-733-0011 #9

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Table of Contents

Activities at Camp 4

Behavior 4

Buddies at Camp 4

Bugs! 4

Camp Life 4

Camp Names 5

Cell Phones/Technology 5

Check-In/Out 5

Communication 6

Health Check at Check-In 6

Health & Wellness for Campers 6

Kapers 7

Lost & Found 7

Mail 7

Meals 8

Medications 8

Missing Home 9

Notes from the Nurse 10

Open House 10

Packing List 10

Photos 12

Refund Policy 13

Special Needs 13

Swimming & Swimsuits 13

Visitors 14

Weather 14

What Counselors wish Parents knew 14

When do we call home? 15

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Activities at camp

Weather permitting, each camper gets the opportunity to go swimming each full day of Camp. Each program listed in

this guide gives a basic definition of what’s planned for that week however, Girl Scouts of Central Texas camps promote

girl-led program opportunities for our campers. We offer a certain amount of freedom for the girls as a group to choose

their additional program options for their stay, that way no two camps are ever the same! If you want to guarantee

you’ll do certain activities, such as sailing, kayaking, or high ropes, make sure you choose a program that lists those

activities in the description. Love horses? Make sure to choose a horse program! All resident campers will get to take

part in traditional camp activities like campfire, songs, arts and crafts and games. Every effort is made to follow each

sessions’ designs as closely as possibly, but weather or other unexpected factors can alter activities.

Behavior

Everyone is expected to live by the Girl Scout Promise and Law while at camp. We expect girls who attend to fully

participate in the life of camp – to attend activities, to share in daily responsibilities, and to sincerely work to get along

with others. The Camp Manager and staff will do everything possible to help girls adjust to camp life. However, if a

behavior or discipline problem becomes serious or disruptive, parents will be contacted. GSCTX reserves the right to

send home from camp any girl who consistently exhibits unsuitable behavior, endangers herself or others in the camp

community or whose actions towards others are unacceptable. Inappropriate behaviors include but are not limited to,

biting, hitting, bullying, excessive profanity, running away, refusing to participate in programs, not following staff

directions or creating an unsafe environment. On these rare occasions, the parent will be responsible for coming to

pick up their camper as soon as possible, and no refund for camp fees will be given.

Buddies at Camp

At resident camp, we place our campers into cabins by program. While one cabin may house campers in more than one

program, girls who are in different programs and request each other as buddies will not be housed together. While

many of our campers come to camp without a buddy, 100% of campers are sure to make new friends at camp, whether

accompanied by a buddy or participating individually. We allow campers to request one buddy at resident camp

however beds are on a first-come, first served basis. We are not able to guarantee buddies will be sleeping next to one

another. While we do our best to place buddies, we cannot make any guarantees. We do not allow cabin requests.

Buddy requests must be entered as part of the registration process and buddies must request each other.

Bugs!!

Bugs are a natural part of our outdoor environment. We treat ant hills, wasp nests, and spider webs where we can, but

can never completely remove the presence of insects from our camps. We ask campers to help where they can by not

bringing food, snacks, candy, etc. into the cabins, or carrying them in their bags. We also take care to reduce the

mosquito population where we can be eliminating standing water. However, recent heavy rains have increased their

presence dramatically. We highly encourage everyone visiting our camps to protect themselves by wearing, and

reapplying as directed, insect repellant.

Camp Life

For first-time campers, camp life can be a drastic change from their normal home life. There are a few things to keep in

mind and to discuss with your camper before her first resident camp adventure.

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• Anytime all campers are together in one place, it can get very loud. The dining hall at Camp Texlake can get especially

loud. Campers with noise sensitivities may want to bring noise reducing headphones.

• Trying to fall asleep for the first time in a large room full of other campers can prove challenging. The lights will not

be turned off until everyone is in bed. Talking and whispering may continue for some time. Girls will be getting up to

use the restroom throughout the night. Some campers like to bring sleep masks to help them fall asleep.

• Showers at camp are much quicker than at home. Campers are usually given 3-5 minutes to shower each night so

that everyone has a chance to shower and get to bed before it gets too late. You may want to have your camper

practice taking quick showers and still getting everything clean before coming to camp.

• We do A LOT of walking at camp. A good pair of tennis shoes and several good pairs of socks are important to help

make it a painless experience.

We want to ensure that your camper has the best possible camp experience. To help us do that, we need campers to

communicate with us. Are they still hungry? Don’t feel well? Scared to try something? We can help with just about

anything as long as we are made aware of the situation.

Camp Names

Ever wonder why the counselors at camp have such fun names? The relationship between counselors and campers is a

special one. Calling the counselors ‘Mrs.’ is too formal for the camp setting, and counselors are

advisors/teachers/helpers/guardians and so calling counselors by their first names is too familiar. Camp Names has

proven a great way to handle the ‘what to call them’ question and has now become the time-honored tradition.

Counselors choose names that remind them of things they like or places they’re from, or sometimes just use a

nickname from their own childhood. At camp, you may meet a Snickers, a Sunshine, a Boston, or a Pumpkin Pie.

Campers do not get to use camp names until they have completed their first leadership programs.

Cell Phones/Technology

More than ever before, this year’s campers have grown up in a world connected by technological devices. An important

hallmark of camp is to balance this reality with a high-quality outdoor experience aimed at inspiring respect for the

natural world year-round. To provide this important experience, we require campers to leave all electronics at home.

Any cell phones, mp3 players, iPods, handheld game devices, e-readers, iPads, tablets, or computer like objects brought

to camp by campers will be collected and stored in the camp director’s office until the camper is picked up. We also

highly discourage campers from bringing hair dryers or curling irons. We appreciate your family’s efforts to support this

important requirement!

Check-In/Out

NEW! In an effort to make check-in run more smoothly and reduce backups we are implementing staggered check-in

times for Resident Camps this year. Check-in will still be on Sundays from 2:00 pm–4:00 pm, but we will ask that you

follow the arrival times listed below:

Daisies & Brownies: 2:00-2:40 pm

Juniors: 2:40-3:20 pm

Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors: 3:20-4:00 pm

If you are bringing multiple campers of various levels, you may choose which times work best for you. We will not turn

you away.

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Check out, if the session ends on Wednesday, starts at 2:30 p.m. with a Parent Presentation and Departure is at 3:00

p.m. Front gates will open at 2:00 p.m. for parking and luggage pick up. Parent Presentation may begin earlier if all

parents have arrived.

Check out, if the session ends on Friday, is 2:00-4:00 p.m. (No parent presentation)

During check out, we will ONLY release the camper to someone listed on the Camper Release Form that also shows a

government issued photo ID, this includes parents so don’t forget to list anyone who could be picking up that child on

your form. Please be aware that there may be extended waits in line, particularly the car line for drop off and pick up

on Sundays and Fridays. We appreciate your patience as we make sure campers arrive and depart as safely and

efficiently as possible. We have limited amounts of parking and having too many vehicles driving on camp at one time

can create an unsafe environment.

If your camper will be arriving late or needs to be picked up early, you must notify the Camps’ Manager as soon as

possible.

Worried about making it to check out by 4 p.m.? Consider registering your camper for Extended Care. This option is for

Friday check-outs only and allows your camper to stay until 6pm.

Communication

It is very important that we have the correct contact information and person(s) on each camper’s paperwork

(including online registration, health forms, and camper release). Please ensure that the phone numbers and email

addresses are correct and that the person or persons listed checks them regularly. Any information that we need to

send to all camper families will go out via email, this includes emergency communications or changes to pick-up/ drop-

off information.

Health Check at Resident Camp Check-In

During check-in, all campers will be checked for head lice, fever and general signs of illness. In order to properly check

each campers’ hair, please do not bring her to camp with it in tight braids or complex hairstyles. We will need the hair

down and loose so that it may be moved around easily. Any campers found to have head lice or nits will not be allowed

to remain at camp. Campers will need to be treated off site and may return to camp during a later session when

completely lice and nit free. We cannot provide lice treatment or a place for campers to be treated. Please check your

camper for head lice and/or nits before coming to camp. Campers with an unresolved fever of 100 degrees or higher or

visible signs of illness such as vomiting or rash, will not be allowed to remain at camp. The payment for your session

will be applied to a future session if available, or a refund will be given, minus the $50 deposit.

Health and Wellness for Campers

Let Us Be Your Parenting Partner. Some parents hesitate to provide camps with personal information about their

camper’s behavior or past experiences. They fear the information may be misused or are concerned about their child

being labeled, singled out or treated differently. All parents want to see their child have a strong, fresh start at camp,

unrestrained by past problems. As seasoned camp professionals, we appreciate and understand these concerns. We

also know how invaluable such information can be in assisting us help your child make a smooth and happy adjustment

to camp. Having prior knowledge of a learning difficulty, ADHD, medical condition, recent loss or major change in the

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family for example can make a tremendous difference in helping us be sensitive to your child’s need for patience,

understanding and reassurance, especially in the first few days of camp. This is especially true for children who have

attention issues or anxiety in new situations. Children often use their behaviors rather than their words to tell us

something is bothering them. Having advance knowledge of areas that might be difficult for your child helps us

understand the messages in her actions. The better we understand your child, the more we can do to ensure a better

camp experience for her. Our commitment is to use such information only to help your child adjust to camp. It will not

be used unless necessary and will only be made available to those staff members whose knowledge is directly relevant

to the safe and positive delivery of camp programs for your camper. Remember, when faced with challenges, we can

help your child have success, if you help us. We encourage you to make us a full partner in planning for your child’s

summer success by providing us with as much information as you can about your camper. Our Health History form

contains space for this important information.

Your camper may come home with insect bites, minor cuts/abrasions or sunburn. While all attempts are made to

prevent these occurrences, they are a normal part of outdoor living and activity. The counselors will emphasize the

regular application of insect repellant and sunscreen but campers will have to follow these instructions. First aid is

provided to all campers, but campers must make us aware of their needs as they arise in order for us to help. If your

camper is unusually sensitive to sun exposure or insect bites, please let us know.

Kapers – What are they?

At Girl Scout camp, girls are active members of our camp community and are assigned daily chores or “kapers”. Kapers

may include picking up trash, setting the tables or cleaning the restroom. In addition, girls are expected to keep their

personal items picked up in the living area.

Lost & Found

Please help us prevent lost and found items. Label everything clearly with permanent marker and involve your camper

in the packing process. Please check the lost and found table during check out at each camp. Items left behind are sent

to the Kodosky Center the week following each session. Unclaimed items are donated to charity on September 1st. To

claim items, please send as much information as possible to [email protected]. Please note, GSCTX is not

responsible for items that are lost or damaged at camp so be sure to send only items that are ok to getting dirty along

with keeping items of monetary and sentimental value at home.

Mail

Campers LOVE to get mail. We have 3 options for camper mail:

1) You can bring camper mail for the entire week and save yourself some postage. During check in, we will have labeled

bins for each day of the week (Monday-Friday).

2) “Snail mailing” items to you camper. Use the camp’s mailing address listed below to send something to your camper.

Keep in mind anything mailed after Monday via USPS doesn’t always arrive before check-out Friday as we are in a rural

area. If shipping items, using Amazon Prime for example, be sure delivery is no later than Thursday because items likely

won’t arrive on Friday before check-out. Please do NOT send packages larger than a shoe box. Items delivered after

campers have departed will be returned to sender.

3) Emails! Send your camper an email to her camp’s email address: [email protected] or

[email protected]. Please include all information in the body of the email. We are not able to print attachments

or pictures. Emails sent before 11 a.m., Monday-Thursday will be printed and given to your camper that day. Any

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emails sent after 11 a.m. will be printed for the next day’s mail call. All emails must be sent before 9 a.m. Friday or they

will not be printed for your camper as our staff is busy making sure our campers’ check out day runs smoothly. Please

don’t send emails before your camper’s session starts. Remember, campers won’t be able to respond via email.

No matter which mail option you choose (our bins, “snail mail”, or email) make sure to include the following

information legibly on the item, for emails this information should be in the subject line of the email:

Camper Name (the name on her camper registration)

Camper Session/Program Name (S’mores and More, Hoof Beats, Ultimate Chef, etc.)

Camper Living Unit (as specific as possible please: Fauna, Starlight 1, Suncrest A, Wiki-up, etc.)

Please keep letters light & cheerful. Telling her about things she’s missed or how much the pets miss

her may add to any feelings of homesickness.

Don’t forget that campers LOVE to send mail home too so remember to pack stamps with your camper! Pro-tip:

including already stamped and self-addressed envelopes makes it very easy for your camper to write home during their

stay.

Meals

All resident camp meals are prepared in our professional commercial kitchen by staff who have completed mandatory

food handling, preparation and service trainings. A wide range of nutritionally balanced meals are prepared including a

full salad bar or fruit bar at each meal. Should a camper still be hungry, seconds, thirds or even fourths are available

and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are available with every meal.

If your camper has special dietary needs, you MUST contact their camp’s manager with any food allergies or

restrictions at least 2 weeks before their program starts. All food is purchased prior to the start of the week’s program

and every reasonable accommodation will be made if the camp manager is made aware in advance of special dietary

needs. If we are aware at least 2 weeks in advance, we can accommodate gluten allergies and vegetarian meals. Other

food allergies or dietary needs will be addressed on a case by case basis. We are nut-aware, but not a nut free camp.

We do our very best to work with each family to ensure no camper is left out of a camp experience due to dietary

needs.

Medications

GSCTX Resident camp infirmaries are well-stocked with over-the-counter medications found in most homes such as

aspirin, Tylenol, calamine lotion, etc. to treat our campers. There is no need for you to bring these items and it will

significantly speed up your check in experience if you do not. On the health history forms, please make sure to indicate

what medications you want us to use to treat your camper if the need arises. We need all medical treatment items to

be given to health staff at check in, including, but not limited to, hand sanitizers, vitamins, essential oils, pain relievers,

etc. If your camper doesn’t strictly need these items, we recommend you leave them at home.

• If your camper has any allergy, disorder or disease that could flare up while at camp, please let the Health Supervisor

know in writing on the health history forms. Remember food allergies need to be communicated to the camp’s director

at least two weeks before the start of your camp session.

• ALL MEDICATION MUST BE IN ORIGINAL CONTAINERS AND LABELED if brought to camp. Include on the forms

provided written and legible instructions, giving CAMPER'S NAME, DOSAGE, and DIRECTIONS.

• Please send prescription or necessary medications ONLY!

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• ALL medications should be together in a resealable clear plastic bag and given to the Health Supervisor during check

in.

• Please do not pack medications with clothing or you will have to retrieve them in order to complete the check in

process.

• All medications will be administered according to the prescription or packing label. Adjustments to medication

dosage can not be made without written physician instructions.

• If you have an emergency medication that needs to be kept on the camper or with their counselor instead of the

infirmary- such as an epi-pen or inhaler- please be prepared to discuss this need upon check in with the health staff.

Missing home

We prefer the term missing home to the old phrase of “homesickness” because there is nothing wrong with a camper

missing home. It’s a natural feeling and they aren’t “sick”. Missing home is the natural result of separating from home

and loved ones. Almost all children (and grown-ups!) miss home (aka: are homesick) when they’re away from loved

ones and in a different environment. People’s feelings simply vary in intensity. The camp procedure for handling

missing home does not typically involve phone calls between parents/guardians and campers as this usually increases

feelings of missing home.

What can cause missing home in your camper?

• Little previous experience away from home

• Having low expectations of camp

• Feeling forced to go to camp

• Being unsure whether adults will help them if they need help

• Little practice coping with negative emotions

• Parents expressing anxiety about the separation before the camper has even arrived

Surprisingly, research has shown some factors have nothing to do with the intensity of missing home, including

geographic distance between home and camp and the presence of a friend from home at camp.

Often, missing home is not problematic, but when the feelings of sadness and anxiety associated with missing home

become so strong that making friends, having fun, sleeping, eating, and participating in activities is difficult, we will take

action. The best remedy for missing home is a partnership between families and camp staff.

At-home prevention strategies include:

• working together as a family to select a camp, plan, and pack

• spending practice time away from home, such as a long weekend at a friend’s house

• experimenting with the best coping strategies during this practice separation

• preparing pre-stamped, pre-addressed envelopes to bring to camp so campers can write home

The most common mistake parents make is the Pick-Up Deal. It’s normal for children to ask, “What if I feel homesick or

want to go home?” Tell your child that feelings of missing home are normal. Try not to say, “If you feel homesick, I’ll

come and get you.” This conveys a message of doubt and pity that undermines children’s confidence and

independence. Pick-Up Deals become mental crutches and self-fulfilling prophecies for children as soon as they arrive

at camp. If, after spending practice time away from home, a child is still very anxious about overnight camp,

consider waiting until next summer for an overnight camp or trying a day camp. Don’t worry! Your natural reaction is

to call on the first day just about bedtime to see how your camper is doing. Your GSCTX camp staff are trained in

dealing with missing home/homesickness. If we have concerns about your camper, be assured we will contact you.

We’re partners in your child’s summer camp adventure!

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Following are some tips from the American Camp Association to consider before your child leaves for camp:

• If possible, visit the camp ahead of time so that your child will be familiar with the cabins and other general

surroundings.

• Consider arranging for a first-time camper to attend with a close friend, relative, or camp “buddy”.

• Do not tell your child in advance that you will “rescue” her from camp if he/she doesn’t like it.

• Discuss what camp will be like well before your child leaves, acknowledging feelings; consider role-playing anticipated

camp situations such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom.

• Allow your child to pack a favorite stuffed animal and/or picture so that your child will have a reminder of home.

Notes from the Nurse

• Each camper who attends Resident Camp must have record of a health examination (physical) given by a licensed

physician or nurse practitioner within 12 months before attending camp. This is included in the forms packet, along

with the health history.

• Keep in mind that pretty much all summer overnight programs require a physical, so we recommend you schedule

your appointment early.

• If your camper has a physical from another organization, we will accept a copy of that form with the doctor’s

signature providing the physical form includes the information we require on our form.

• Please fill out all forms completely and to the best of your knowledge. The more we know about your camper’s

health and needs, the better we will be able to treat them during their stay at camp.

• If there are personal or religious objections to the physical examination or immunizations, the camper must submit

an original Vaccine/Health Exam Exemption Affidavit, available through the Texas Department of State Health Services.

Campers with exemptions for health exams or immunizations cannot stay in camp without the affidavit.

Open House

Open House is a great opportunity to view camp facilities, tour the camp, and get a preview of some of the fun

activities your camper will do while at camp. The Open Houses’ are free of charge and open to all family members and

friends of campers. Please leave any pets at home. Each camp offers something different for girls, and gorgeous

landscape and surroundings all its own. You’re sure to find which camp is a perfect match!

Camp Texlake – Sunday, April 19th, 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Camp Kachina – Sunday, April 5th, 2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.

Packing List

Here’s a packing list for your camper’s stay with us! Make sure you pack enough for your camper’s ENTIRE stay at camp

(however two-week campers can use a washing machine during the Saturday of their session). Remember, your camper

may want to add things to this list, such as a favorite stuffed animal. You are highly encouraged to label each camper’s

items with permanent marker!

_____ Twin bed sheets, light blanket, Sleeping bag or bedroll

_____ Pillow

_____ Flashlight (with new & extra batteries)

_____ Insect repellent (non-aerosol, with DEET preferred)

_____ Waterproof sunscreen-at least SPF 30

_____ Bandanna

_____ Duffle bag or trunk to carry sleeping gear, toiletries, clothes

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_____ Day pack (shoulder bag that closes) or drawstring bag

_____ Bathing suit (one-piece suit or tankini recommended due to activity level)

_____ Large towel for pool

_____ Hair ties or bands (for hair long enough to be put into a ponytail)

_____ Hat with a brim

_____ Reusable Water Bottle

_____ Underwear for each day plus 2-3 extra pairs

_____ Socks (2 pairs per day recommended)

_____ Shirts (short and maybe one long sleeve, halter or spaghetti strap tops are discouraged due to sun exposure)

_____ Shorts (make sure at least 1 pair is jean or khaki material for cookout day. For ropes course programs, pack 1 pair

cotton or blue jean shorts that come to the knee, NO NYLON wind shorts or work out-type pants are allowed for

climbing)

_____ Sleepwear

_____ Closed-toe shoes (at least 2 pair) NO FLIP-FLOPS!

_____ Lake shoes (closed toed preferred, old tennis shoes work best)

_____ Article of clothing to Tie Dye (for example socks or a t-shirt, no underwear!)

_____ Books, cards, travel games for cabin time

_____ Mess kit for cookout night (non-breakable/plastic knife, spoon, fork, plate, cup & bowl)

_____ Dunking bag (mesh drawstring bag to put mess kit in)

_____ Rain gear or Poncho

Personal hygiene items, including but not limited to:

_____ Towel (in addition to towel for swimming)

_____ Soap

_____ Shampoo

_____ Conditioner

_____ Washcloth

_____ Toothbrush Brush

_____ Toothpaste

_____ Comb/Hairbrush

_____ Deodorant

_____ Tissues

_____ Feminine sanitary products if needed

For ALL Horseback Riding Programs:

_____ Boots or shoes with at least 1-inch heel

_____ Jeans for barn time

Optional Items:

_____ Extra blankets, especially if your camper is staying in a unit with A/C and gets cold

_____ Mosquito netting for girls staying in Driftwood

_____ Personal fan, especially important in non-A/C units; Be sure to check if the living unit has electricity in case you

need a battery-operated fan.

_____ Sit upon

_____ Water shoes for pool (No Flip Flops)

_____ Light jacket or long sleeve t-shirt for evenings

_____ Sunglasses

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_____ Camera, with extra batteries and/or extra memory card (cell phones cannot be used as cameras)

_____ Fun, silly outfits, particularly for Banquet

_____ Pre-Stamped, addressed envelopes and letter writing supplies

***The Banquet theme this year is “Changemakers!” For those new to GSCTX Camps, Banquet Night happens every

Thursday. During this event, campers dress up, act silly and celebrate the fun had during your campers’ stay with us.

You can dress up as little or as much as you like, and the theme is intentionally vague to inspire creativity! See you

soon!

What not to bring to camp

• Food or snacks (they are not allowed in the cabins or backpacks)

• Electronics

• Valuables

• Make up

• Jewelry

• Breakables

• Nice clothes or shoes (pack clothes she can get dirty in - not blouses, flats, nice jeans, dresses or skirts)

• Sandals are not allowed

GSCTX staff are not responsible for any items that are lost or damaged during your camper’s visit so be sure to pack

carefully.

Photos

We know how much fun your camper has with us and understand your wanting us to share photos of her camp

experience with you! While we do our best to get action photos, our top priority is making sure your camper is having

the best summer camp experience possible. Please also note that some families do not want their camper’s photo to be

taken or posted online – we absolutely respect their request. Thanks for your understanding!

Here are a few things to keep in mind:

• We will upload a group photo of each program by Wednesday evening of your campers’ program week.

• Candid shots of girls at activities and all camp events will be uploaded the following week, after your camper has

departed.

• Camp staff will NOT interrupt our campers’ experience to take photos, nor will we force campers to take photos if

they don’t want to.

• Candid photos are often taken while girls are doing various activities. If you really want to make sure your camper

gets in the photos, encourage her to keep an eye out for the camp staff member taking photos and to not be afraid to

get in front of the camera.

• Don’t worry if your camper doesn’t have a beaming smile in every photo. Sometimes campers are thinking or

concentrating on their activity and may not always have a big smile. If we ever have concerns about your camper while

she is at camp, we will contact you.

• We will NOT take or post any pictures of campers that don’t have a photo release on file with GSCTX, including group

photos. This permission will be part of your confirmation paperwork. Campers without a photo release on file will be

asked to wear something nondescript (like a neck bolo or handkerchief) to identify them.

• Campers are welcome to bring disposable or digital cameras to camp, in fact we encourage it to capture the fun from

their point of view. Keep in mind that only digital cameras are allowed. Other devices that can take pictures (such as

cell phones and gaming systems) are not allowed.

• Photos will be posted on our GSCTX Flickr page. They will be in Albums by Camp and organized by week.

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Refund Policy

While we hope that you are able to join us this summer for camp, we know that sometimes things happen and a

change has to be made to your registration date. Up to 2 weeks prior to your camp session’s start date, if we are

notified in writing, a full refund (minus the $50 deposit) is available. Should a medical issue arise prior to camp check-in,

your camper can be rescheduled into a later session, if available, at no charge. Rescheduling or a refund due to a

medical reason can only be made with a note from medical personnel.

You must notify us no later than the first day of your camper’s session of any illness in order to reschedule or receive a

refund. Refunds will not be issued if your camper ‘No Shows’ for her session. Refunds will not be processed until all

required documentation is received.

Special Needs/Considerations

In order to attend Girl Scouts of Central Texas’ summer resident camps, campers must be able to meet the following

essential functions:

• Move independently from place to place

• Effectively interact in group-based program content

• Be able to meet personal needs (bathing, toileting, dressing, diet management, etc.)

• Capable self-manager of chronic illness. A camper must be able to be aware of her own dietary restrictions,

medication requirements and potential restrictions on physical activity and can alert counselors when she

needs additional assistance.

Each program’s living unit is listed in the 2020 GSCTX Camp Guide and a small description can be found on our website.

Please be sure to choose a program that meets your campers needs if you require certain amenities for medical

conditions (such as air conditioning or electricity). Campers will not be able to live in a unit different from their

programs assigned space due to capacity limits.

Help us ensure your girl’s success at camp. Our goal is to provide a positive experience for all girls, and the more we

know, the more we can help her grow. Parents/guardians of girls with special needs or unique habits should contact

the appropriate camp director or [email protected] so the best placement and appropriate accommodations

can be made.

Swimming & Swimsuits

All campers are required to demonstrate their swimming skills regardless of prior experience. We use this

demonstration to allow our lifeguards to become familiar with each girls’ varying abilities and to decide which campers

will be allowed to swim in the deep end of the pool and/or utilize the jumping board or climbing wall. This is not meant

to be a swim ‘test’ or to take the place of a swim card and is not a pass or fail situation. All campers will be assigned a

different color wristband based on their demonstrated abilities, that will allow them access to the different areas and

depths of the pool, and all campers will be allowed to participate in free swims each day. We highly recommend you

send your camper with a one-piece swimsuit or “tankini”. Due to the active nature of camp and the large number of

hours spent in the sun, we want to make sure to protect your camper as much as possible and that includes

recommending the appropriate swimwear for your camper. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

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Visitors

Part of the camp experience is each camper discovering themselves and learning independence. For the security of the

girls, camp is closed to all visitors, including parents, during camp session. Parents/guardians are encouraged to tour

the camp and talk with staff at the time of arrival or during camp open house. Rest assured, camp staff will contact you

if needed. You may call the camp office or council after-hours number for emergencies. Due to the large number of

girls at GSCTX camps in the summer, campers are not permitted to make or accept phone calls. (Special circumstances

may arise and will be handled on a case by case basis by your camp’s director.) If you have a concern about your

camper or an emergency arises, please contact the Camp Manager, and she will be more than happy to help you.

Weather happens!

Our outdoor activities are dependent upon the weather. In the case of bad weather (lightning, thunder, and high

winds) it may become too dangerous to continue with the activity. The decision to cancel an activity due to bad

weather is left up to the expertise/discretion of the instructor/director leading and trained in the safety standards of

the activity. We will do our absolute best (but cannot guarantee) to reschedule any canceled activities, depending on

the weather and time/day of the week. Alternative activities will take place in the event of unsafe weather conditions.

We want to encourage you to not worry, our staff is trained on what to do and where to go during severe weather &

other emergencies. We do not want to put you in any danger trying to get to camp. If there is an event that we need

you to pick up your camper, we will implement our Emergency Plan and our camp team will contact you with specific

information regarding when and where to pick up your camper. Please do not put yourself in danger needlessly.

What if it is REALLY Hot Outside?

We still have a great time at camp even when it is hot outside. We encourage the girls to drink plenty of water, refill

their water bottles often with cold water from the many water stations around camp, and everyone gets a chance to go

swimming at least once a day. Campers staying in non-air-conditioned units are encouraged to bring personal sized,

clip-on fans. Please note, even though girls may spend time in air-conditioning, a majority of their day is spent outside

at camp. Please encourage your Girl Scouts to spend increasing amounts of time outdoors prior to arriving at camp so

that being in the heat is not a total surprise to her. All campers should bring a water bottle and sunscreen to camp. You

may also consider hats, light colored clothing and cooling towels or bandanas. Allow your child to get used to the heat

by encouraging outside play, teaching her the importance of drinking water, and showing her how to protect herself

with sunscreen and clothing.

What counselors wish parents knew

• If you pack with your camper, make sure she knows what she has and where it is. Also, please understand that your

daughter will be re-packing herself.

• Please let your unit counselors know if your child regularly wets the bed. This way, they can be prepared to discreetly

change the sheets and wash bedding/nightclothes in the morning, while the girls are away from the cabin at breakfast.

• You can help make your camper’s experience great by having mail for her each day.

• Please send pre-addressed and stamped envelopes with your daughter to write home.

• Bring separate towels for swimming and showering.

• Sisters do not necessarily make the best camp buddies.

• Please don’t tell your daughter she can call or go home if she misses home or gets homesick.

• Girls will be expected to help clean up after themselves. Let them practice at home with chores.

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• Girls need a small backpack or day bag to carry their gear for daily activities. It should be large enough to hold a

change of clothes, sunscreen and bug spray.

• Let your daughter practice taking quick showers and wash/brush her own hair before coming to camp.

• Please try not to make any major medication changes just before your daughter comes to camp.

• Put your camper’s name on EVERYTHING!

When will GSCTX Staff call home?

We will contact a parent or guardian if a camper:

• Experiences atypical homesickness (clinging to adults, needing someone by her side to fall asleep, disrupting

camp activities or crying constantly)

• Experiences behavior challenges including but not limited to:

o Hitting, biting, other physical violence

o Running away

o Bullying

o Severe inappropriate language

o Stealing

o Sexual harassment

o Endangering herself or others

• Spends the night in the infirmary or misses a full day of activities

• Has an acute, sudden illness

• Has a temperature of 101 or higher

• Has an active case of head lice

• Needs to be taken to Urgent Care or the hospital

Parents are welcome to contact the camp office at any time with questions or concerns.

Smoking Policy: Thank you for not smoking at camp. GSCTX policy prohibits smoking in or on council

property. This includes all electronic vaping devices.

Firearm Policy: The carrying or possession of any type of weapon or firearm, even with a concealed handgun

license, on GSCTX council premises (including all camp properties) is strictly prohibited.

Please do not bring pets to camp, even during check-in/out. Service animals are welcome.