Camp Birch Trails is our beautiful 240-acre resident camp in Northern
Wisconsin. Birch Trails surrounds private Lake Olivotti with a sandy
beach, swim and boating dock, and a Mermaid bridge that connects the
main area of camp to our Low Ropes course. We also have a floating bog
and island for primitive camping to explore.
Our FacilitiesIt also features a Graebel Lodge with electricity, bathrooms showers, and kitchen, Outlook cabins with electricity with access to our updated shower house and bathrooms and Yurt Village with access to pit toilets, Maple cabins with no electricity, and access to pit toilets and platform tents with no electricity and access to pit toilets.
Dining Hall and MoreOur large dining hall serves up to 140 campers at a time with a large deck for games and activities. Other activities in camp include Low Ropes teambuilding course, Archery range, Gaga pit and 9 square, ginormous playfield for various games, hammocking area, and canoes, kayaks, paddleboards, and corcls for the lake. Maple lodge provides space for our arts and crafts activities like tie-dye, candle making, wood burning, and more! Oak observatory is our newest building at camp for all of our Nature and Science activities.
Girl-led Camp ExperienceGirl-led, Girl Planned- In Girl Scouts, girls are the boss and that means they choose their own adventures. All campers will do all the awesome things her particular program offers. But each session also has tons of traditional, camp activities, games, songs, and more! We let the girls take the lead on choosing how to spend some of their time at camp!
Check out some great photos from camp seasons past!
ACA Accredited CampCamp Birch Trails is an ACA (American Camp Association) accredited camp. The ACA logo is your assurance that our camp is fully invested in understanding and implementing policies that reflect industry-recognized standards in health, safety, and risk management camp operations. Accredited camps are willing to have their operations scrutinized and reviewed by camp professionals who know and value quality camps.
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Learn More About Camp Birch Trails
COVID-19 Specific Updates
Masks or other face coverings that cover both the nose and mouth must be worn by all adults and campers while at camp. If you are sick, waiting for test results, or have been diagnosed with COVID-19, you must stay home. Mask will not be worn when sleeping, swimming, eating, and showering.
Daily Temperature and symptom checks will take place while your camper is in camp. Should your camper show symptoms they will be sent home.
All Girls WelcomeQ: Can I go to Girl Scout camp if I'm not a Girl Scout?
A: Yes! You don’t have be a member of a troop to go to Girl Scout camp! All girls are welcome to have a wildly fun summer with us. Those who haven’t already joined Girl Scouts will need to become registered members but that’s really easy to do! Just log onto gsnw.gl/reg, sign-up, and pay your $30 fee. Adults who attend camp through our Outdoor Adventure Days also need to be registered Girl Scout members.
Grades
Q: Should I pick sessions based on the grade my girl just finished or is going into?
A: Session grades reflect the grade your girls is going into, in the fall school year.
Buddies:
Q: My girls wants to make sure she and her friend(s) are together. How do I do that?
A: Girls can sign up as ‘buddies’, they need to register for the same program during the same week at camp and list the girls name as their buddy when registering.
Campers will only be housed in a cabin with one other buddy. Buddy groups larger than two will be split into separate cabins..
Do not include troop numbers as buddies, please only provide the campers names as buddies.
What do the other little circles with housing pictures on
them in the brochure mean?To give parents and girls a better idea of where they will be staying, we added this key to the brochure.
Where is my daughter going to stay?In whichever icon it says next to the program in the camp book.
Outlook Cabins – bunk beds with electricity near the shower house facilities. This summer each cabin will only sleep, 4 girls.
Yurts – round cabin-like structure with bunk beds and
electricity and near pit toilets and running water. This summer each
yurt will only sleep, 4/5 girls.
Lodge – large building with bunk beds, bathrooms, showers, and electricity. This summer each side of the lodge will only sleep, 6 girls.
Maple Cabins - cabins with bunkbeds and near pit toilets and running water. This summer each cabin will sleep, 4 girls.
Platform Tents – wooden platform with a canvas tent, cots with mattresses and mosquito netting for each bed, near pit toilets and running water. Each tent only sleeps, 4 girls.
Can parents attend?Q: Can parents attend camp?
A: Only on weekend day programs, the overnight camp programs are just for girls. We have highly trained staff to lead them in their camp experience.
Even though Troop weekends have traditionally been for Troops, this is a great time for caregivers to take their daughter to camp and experience it together. Outdoor Adventure Days at Camp Birch Trails is a great option if a parent wants to attend camp with their daughter/child. Please note: All adults who attend camp must be registered adult Girl Scout members with a complete background check on file. Adults who do not register and go through the background check process will not be able to attend camp.
To attend a weekend day program you do not need to be a part of a troop.
Lost and FoundAt camp, we have a bin of items that have been left behind. We will keep these items until the end of the summer and sort out the items campers could use again (raincoats, flashlights, etc.), and donate the rest.
Girls are encouraged to look in our lost and found bins at the end of each week they are at camp. Camp Staff will also show everyone in camp what is in the bin in hopes of reuniting girls and with their things. At the end of each week, Camp Staff will also bring all the Lost and Found items out for parents to look through when they are picking up their child.
Please be sure to label ALL items with your campers first and last names so we can be sure to get them back to her during the week.
Cell phones, smartwatches, and electronicsYour child will be both safe and cared for at camp. We know that in today’s world parents depend on being in contact with their children in an instant via smartphones. Sometimes it is difficult to remember a time when knowing what children were doing minute to the minute was not a guarantee! But we’re here to remind you that it is healthy. And normal. And necessary. In order to experience the full benefits of camp, campers are not permitted to have cell phones, smartwatches, or devices that keep them plugged in and connected to their responsibilities at home. We believe, and research supports, that time away from screens and free from the expectation of connection to anything but the green space in front of them renews the soul. Girls will connect with nature, each other, and most importantly their inner selves as they learn new skills and tackle new challenges with the caring support of counselors in a safe and nurturing environment. Girls have also lost many smartwatches in our lakes and on-field trips-please do not send these with to camp.
So, please do not expect photos, texts, or phone calls from camp staff or your child during their time with us. Parents should rest assured that our staff are highly trained and dedicated to providing the comfort and encouragement campers crave while helping them adjust to their time away from home.
If campers do bring electronic items to camp, the Camp Director will take it and put it in a ziplock bag with their name on it and keep it safe and return it at the end of the week.
Want to take your camp love home with you? Our Trading Posts are filled with toys, cuddly buddies, cozy shirts, tie-dye swags, jewelry, goodies, stamps, snacks, and more! Trading posts will be stocked with the latest in summer fun so be sure to send your camper with a few extra dollars in her pocket to spend at the Trading Post. Souvenirs range from $1-$15 and apparel is $16-$35. Most campers bring $10-$50 with them. We also sell snacks and drinks during the week for girls.
Trading post funds can be purchased at the Trading Post when you drop your camper off (any dollar increment you choose). During camper check-in, parents should bring an envelope with their campers’ cash, Cookie Dough/Fall Bucks, check, or credit card to put money on her account. Fall Bucks and Cookie Dough can be also be used at the Trading Post - campers must come with their Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks information in order to redeem it.
Please note, after your camper’s time at camp, any unused trading post balances over $5.00 will be refunded in cash and sent home with your camper and any unused trading post funds in an amount under $5.00 will be donated to the GSNWGL Camp Financial Assistance Fund.
When is it open?Our trading post is open during the arrival and departure of campers each week. This summer parents will be given an order guide to shop outside from their vehicle and a staff member will take the order and delivery it back to the vehicle shortly thereafter.
During the week each camper group will sign up for several visits to the trading post to shop for items they may choose. Campers are responsible for the items they purchase to be brought home at the end of the week.
Pre-purchased items
ordered during registration-Camper care kits, t-shirts & sweatshirtsParents can pre-purchase camper care kits, t-shirt, and sweatshirts at the time of registration. If pre-purchased, they will be given to your camper shortly after arrival on Sunday (or Wednesday for short stay programs).
Camp CaresThis year we have adjusted, changed, and added measures to ensure your girl explores camp in the safest way possible because your girl’s safety is always top of mind.
We will be following CDC, ACA, GSUSA, local county, and state health code guidelines this summer. These guidelines will likely change before your camper arrives at camp. Please reads through all information on this website and continue to check back for the most up-to-date safety information.
Please see the screening and illness guide to determine if your camper is healthy enough for camp.
Things your camper should be prepared for while at camp Snail MailEveryone loves to get mail at camp! Some campers write often, and others not at all. However, your camper would LOVE to hear from you! Sometimes, the cure for homesickness is mail from family and friends.
What to send:
Letters are preferred for your camper while they are at camp. We suggest you bring mail on check-in day with the day of delivery (which day you’d like her to receive) written clearly on the front or mail the first letter a day or two before their week at camp begins.
Sending letters to camp:
Mail should be addressed as follows:
Camper’s Name, Program Name
Camp Birch Trails
W5860
Olivotti Lake Rd
Irma, WI 54442
Want mail FROM your camper while she’s gone?To help us ensure that your camper can mail letters home, please send addressed and stamped envelopes with her to camp.
Be aware that you might receive a letter after her arrival back home, mail delivery is slow!
Late mail will be returned to sender after a camper has gone home from camp.
Bunk Notes and Letters sent while a camper is on a Wilderness Trip or Van trips out of camp will be given to the campers when they return to camp.
EmailThanks to our partnership with Bunk1.com, parents have a secure and easy-to-use one-way email service to keep in touch with their campers. If you created an account in the past, you can use the same login and password. There is a small fee for this service.
Please note: Camp can have unreliable internet and because of this we may not able to print Bunk Notes every day, we will make every effort to give each girl her letters each day if possible. If you would like your camper to receive an email on Friday, it must be sent Thursday.
To set up a new account:
Bunk1 FAQQ: How do I send a Bunk Note (one-way email) to my camper?
A: After registering, sign in and click on the Bunk Notes button. Enter your camper’s name, select the correct cabin, type your message, and hit Send.
Q: Why do I have to pay to send Bunk Notes?
A: Each morning, the Bunk Notes system bundles and sorts the messages for us to print out and distribute to campers. It also protects us from computer viruses and allows us to easily manage these emails. Your payment helps us cover the cost of the system, ink, paper, and more importantly, it frees us up to do what we do best—spend time with our campers! Bunk Note credits cost just $1 each and can be purchased in packs of various sizes.
Q: Can other relatives use this service?
A: Absolutely! As soon as you login, you will notice a button under the heading “Quick Links” to “Invite Family Members”. Click that button, enter their details and they will be sent an email. PLEASE NOTE: this will prompt them to set up their own account. It does not provide them access to your account OR your Bunk Note Credits.
Q: What if I lost my username and password?
A: Your username is your email address. If you forgot your password, visit www.bunk1rollcall.com and click the Sign In tab. A screen will appear and you can select “Forgot Your Password?” You will then be able to reset your password.
Q: When will the Bunk Notes get delivered?
A: All emails sent by 10 a.m. will be delivered on the same day. Emails sent after 10 a.m. will be delivered the following day.
Additional questions or problems? Call Bunk1 at 800.216.9472 or email support@bunk1.com.
Any programs that leave camp?Two staff are always required to go with anytime a group of girls leaves the camp property. We keep our ratios of girls to adults at a maximum of 8 girls to 2 adults when leaving camp. When the girls are younger in age that ratio goes down.
Typically, any field trip that leaves camp will ride in a 12 or 15 passenger van. On some occasions, we have rented a bus if we have more girls than space but that is very rare.
Emergency ContactsMake sure that you or your daughter’s emergency contacts will be available while your daughter is at camp. Reasons camp staff would contact you include but are not limited to:
Every girl who channels their wild side at Camp Birch Trails will get to swim, shoot archery, go boating, learn team-building skills, play field games, learn about nature, make some art, and cook a meal over the fire – how she does each one is up to her and her campmates! Campers have the opportunity each day to swim. There is one shower house at camp, therefore girls will shower a minimum of twice per week.
On the opening and closing nights of camp, we have an all-camp -campfire for introduction, skits, and songs. Thursday night each group is invited to the stage to give us a quote from their week, put their wish boat into the lake with all of camp.
Other evenings in camp may be spent camping out overnight on the island, cooking out, and doing other activities. Girls will be active most of the day, a one-hour rest time is provided each day after lunch for campers to rest and relax, write letters, read a book, or take a nap.
Daily ScheduleWake-up bell | 7:15 a.m. |
Breakfast | 8:00 a.m. |
Unit/All Camp Kapers* | 9:00 a.m. |
Morning Activities | 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. |
Lunch | 12:30 p.m. |
Rest Hour | 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. |
Afternoon Activities | 2:45 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. |
Dinner | 6 p.m. |
Evening Activities | 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. |
Lights-out | 9:30 or 10:00 p.m. |
*Kapers are camp jobs like
cleaning, organizing, and helping around camp.
*Bedtimes vary by age level – the youngest going to bed between 8 to 9 p.m.
Meals and MenuThis summer our meals will be served cafeteria-style (traditional they have been served family-style) to meet safety guidelines during COVID times. Mealtimes will be staggered slightly so that we do not have all groups together waiting in line. Camper groups will head into the dining hall to receive their meal from the kitchen staff and then head outside to eat with their group at a picnic table that is spread out around the Dining Hall area. When campers are finished with their meal, they will clean up their plates and wash them before returning these items to the kitchen to be sanitized.
All campers are encouraged to try all the food that is being served, trying new foods promotes healthy eating habits and girls might find something new they like. Girls are given a ‘no thank you’ helping to try. If they do not like the option for breakfast, then there is a cereal option and for lunch or dinner peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are the alternative option.
MenuBreakfast items include but not limited to pancakes, eggs, French toast, oatmeal, cereal, and fruit.
Lunch items include but not limited to pizza, sandwiches, salad bar, grilled cheese and tomato soup, and macaroni and cheese.
Our salad bar this summer will be served by a kitchen staff member instead of self-serve.
Dinner items include but not limited to tater tot casserole, lasagna, meatloaf, tacos, spaghetti, vegetables, rolls, and desserts.
Water, GORP (Kool-Aid), milk, and juice are available for beverages at mealtime.
*Menus vary by week and may change based on food orders and group size.
Gluten-free, vegetarian, dairy-free, etc. food can be provided, please contact the camp two weeks prior to the camper’s arrival so the proper food can be ordered. Girls needing an alternative option for food will need to go into the kitchen during the meals to get the items they need. You are more than welcome to provide your child’s food for the week to the kitchen staff if needed for special dietary restrictions. Please call the Camp Director two weeks prior to her arrival at camp to discuss.
Please remember-if campers are hungry outside of mealtime, they can ask their counselor for a snack or purchase snacks when they are at the trading post.
Thursday at campSummer 2021 we will not be offering sleep-in, Me Times, or All Camp games as we traditionally had. Campers will do activities with only their group during the week.
Thursday night dinner is our longest and largest meal of the week – think of it as Thanksgiving Dinner camp style. Camp staff will dress up a little bit and then sing a traditional grace to the campers before the meal, we will eat turkey or pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, cornbread, stuffing, and of course a dessert cooked by our kitchen staff. Girls are also encouraged to dress up if they would like to, nothing too fancy – we are at camp after all. A sundress or nice shirt, or fancy hair clip are appropriate.
After dinner, we have our closing campfire at the waterfront fire scar, the girls bring their quotes and wish boats. Once our campfire is finished we will watch a slideshow of the pictures from the week and listen to the bracelet story. See if your daughter can tell you about what happens during the bracelet story and what they receive
Sleeping ArrangementsCampers sleep on mattresses on cots or bunk beds in cabins, yurts, platform tents, or a lodge. Each living unit has a pit toilet or bathroom nearby with an outside light to light the way to the bathroom. Camp is a safe environment for girls to learn independence, therefore our staff members do not sleep in the same room as campers. Counselors sleep in a separate cabin, yurt, or platform tent within earshot of the girls. Counselors are always on duty, occasionally checking each sleeping area. The Lodge for younger girls is a building with flush toilets and showers in which counselors sleep in the next room and can help them throughout the night if needed. Girls should always be willing to ask a counselor for help at night if needed.
Laundry FacilitiesWe do not have laundry facilities available for camper use. On the health profile, please indicate if your camper is a bed-wetter (which is not unusual and nothing to be worried about). Your camper should talk with her counselor or another staff person with whom she feels comfortable if she has an accident. Our Health Supervisor checks each sleeping area while the girls are at breakfast each day for bedding that needs to be washed-they will launder the items (bedding & clothing) and put them back as discreetly as possible.
Camp StaffCamp Birch Trails is proud to have staff from all over Wisconsin, the country, and all around the world! Bringing together people of different backgrounds allows our staff and campers to learn and experience new cultures and customs. Each year the staff goes through a two-week training. During training, they learn how to work with our campers, how to lead games and songs, team building activities, conflict management, age level development, how to help with homesickness, and much more. This training gets them prepped and ready to help our campers become girls of courage confidence and character that make the world a better place. Every adult staff member is at a minimum First Aid and CPR/AED certified with many becoming Lifeguard certified as well. All Trip Leaders are certified in all of those as well as Wilderness First Aid and additional trip training.
The safety and well-being of our campers are always first and foremost. We lead with that in mind in our programming, our facilities, and the interactions between staff and campers. Being a girl in the world today is more difficult in many ways than in decades before. At Girl Scout camp we are seeing an increase in behavioral issues and challenges and are doing our best to support every girl in a welcoming and supportive environment as she grapples with the challenges of navigating our increasingly complex world. Camp staff will do everything possible to help campers and adults adjust to camp life. All girls and adults are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and the Girl Scout Law while at camp. Occasionally at camp, campers may share private, salacious, or sensitive information with her peers that may be potentially upsetting to other campers. We encourage you to speak with your camper before they arrive about conversations and interactions with peers and what is appropriate or inappropriate to share with others while at camp Please encourage your camper to report any upsetting conversations or topics to their counselor or other staff members while she is at camp so that we may work with our campers to understand appropriate boundaries and coach them with their cabin-mates to resolve these issues. If a situation arises, every effort will be made to correct the issue and ensure a positive camping experience for all campers. At the discretion of the Camp Director, parents/guardians will be notified of troubling or disruptive behaviors. Camp Birch Trails reserves the right to send home from camp any girl or adult, who consistently exhibits unsuitable behavior, endangers the camp community, or whose actions towards others are unacceptable according to the Girl Scout Promise or Law. In such an event, we will not grant a refund of session fees.
The following are the expectations of all campers:
Girls will also sign a Camper Code of Conduct Agreement when they arrive at camp to ensure the safety and well-being of every camper is at the forefront of their experience.
HomesicknessThe following are researched suggestions from camping professionals at the American Camp Association:
Before Camp:
During camp:
Parents should rest assured that our staff is highly training and dedicated to providing the comfort and encouragement campers crave while helping them adjust to their time away from home. Occasional bumps, bruises, stings, and scrapes are part of life at camp and will be treated with care and concern-parents will not be contacted for these minor instances. The Camp Director or Health & Safety Director will contact the parent/guardian should your camper make frequent visits (on a case by case basis) to the Health Center that are out of the norm (such as illness) or she requires further medical attention for an injury or illness which will be determined on a case by case basis. Parents will be contacted in a timely manner in such cases.
CampDocs
- Health Profile
GSNWGL Summer Camps has partnered with CampDoc.com to better serve our campers and staff. CampDoc.com offers an electronic health record system for camps, and you can now complete your camper’s health information electronically. From here forward the Health History Form, Wilderness Physical Form, Camper Confidentiality and Camper Release forms will be referred to as Health Profile. All campers and adults attending Camp Birch Trails must complete a Health Profile within CampDocs.
The security and privacy of your camper's health information is important to us. The CampDoc.com site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. Only GSNWGL Camp’s health staff and Directors will have access to camper health information.
After signing up for camp, you will receive an “Invitation” email from CampDoc.com.
CampDoc.com sends out periodic reminder emails for incomplete health information and will save your camper's information from year to year. These notifications will come from campdoc.com, so please add this to your safe sender list to avoid accidental delivery to junk and spam folders. We don’t want you to miss important notices about camp!
Please note that CampDoc.com supports the current and previous major releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari which provide improved security and performance for health information.
Parents/guardians cannot wait until the day before to complete your camper’s health profile online. The lockout dates are a week and a half before your camper’s programs start. It should take approximately 30 to 60 minutes to complete the forms online, you will be able to upload immunization records, insurance cards, and Wilderness Trip Physical forms (only if needed) to your campers’ profile. Girls will not be able to attend camp without this form completed in its entirety.
Be sure to report everything that may affect your camper at camp: recent illnesses, injuries, allergies, etc. Omitting items will not help us care for your daughter while she is at camp.
Wilderness Trip participants must also have a licensed medical professional sign the Physical exam form within 24 months of your daughter's stay at camp and can be uploaded to her profile. Please make a copy of the form for your records once it is complete. A copy of the form dated within 24 months of the date of attendance is acceptable.
If your daughter has special health needs that the camp staff should be aware of, please contact the Camp Director at least two weeks prior to her camp session. We want to make sure every girl has a great experience. By letting us know her needs we can better serve your daughter.
While we take every precaution at camp, illnesses and/or injures can occur. All staff members are trained, at a minimum, in First Aid/CPR, but many staff have higher level certification. Our Health Supervisor is responsible for the well-being of everyone at camp. All visits to the Health Supervisor are documented in our logbook and you will be notified of incidents beyond basic cuts, bruises, and scrapes.
10-14 day Pre-screening. Parents will need to complete a 10-14 day pre-screening checklist before their camper will be allowed to attend camp within CampDocs. For the health and safety of our campers and staff members please complete these pre-screenings before your camper arrives. We want camp to stay healthy all summer long.
Medication
All medications (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, topical ointments, and vitamins) must be collected by the camp Health Supervisor upon check-in. Only medications listed on your camper’s health profile can be dispensed, so please make sure you note all medications that are sent with your daughter.
Please expect a phone call during the week before your camper arrives at camp from our Health & Safety Director. This will be to go over your camper’s medication needs for her week at camp. You will need to be sure that all medications she is taking are listed and confirmed within her CampDocs profile and that each are within their original container and brought to camp in a clear Ziplock with her name on it.
Pack all medication in original medication containers within a zip-lock bag with your daughter’s name on it.
The Health Supervisor will keep your daughter’s medications, vitamins, ointments, etc. in the health center during her stay at camp. If she is on a trip, we will send these items with her and her counselor will hold onto them.
The Health Supervisor will ensure that your camper receives her medication. Emergency medications, like those required for allergies, are kept close at hand by her counselor if needed.
NOTE: If your camper is not taking normally prescribed medication while she is at camp, you MUST still inform the staff at camp of her condition.
Illness, Communicable Disease, LiceDo not send your daughter to camp if she has been exposed to a communicable disease (Lice, COVID-19, etc.) or if she is ill.
We encourage all parents to check their children for lice before they come to camp. Camp Birch Trails has a no-nit policy, which means that we will not allow anybody with lice or nits to remain at camp.
All girls are screened upon arrival at camp; any child with lice or communicable disease will need to leave camp. If head lice or symptoms of communicable disease have been detected the camper will be sent home, and they cannot return until 24 hours after treatment is complete or their quarantine period is over. We will expect the parent/guardian to pick up the camper as soon as possible.
My daughter is
gluten-free, vegetarian, allergies, diabetic, ADHD, etc. can you accommodate?
Yes, but we do ask that parents complete this section on their child’s CampDoc form so we can make any needed accommodations. We also appreciate phone calls to the camp the week before the child arrives, so the parents and camp staff are on the same page as far as restrictions, etc. Emails to the Camp Directors are also very helpful so that we know specifics about the girl and what she likes to eat.
Typically, if a child has an allergy or aversion to a certain food, the kitchen will adapt their meal based on what is planned for everyone in the camp. For example- if we are having spaghetti and the girl is gluten free-then she will just get gluten-free noodles as a substitute etc.
If parents would like to send with specific food that their daughter would eat as opposed to the brands or kinds we may have at camp, they are more than welcome. Please make sure they write the child’s name on their food and send it an inappropriate cooler or bag for storage at camp.
No bussing is being offered this summer. Parents/guardians will need to drop off and pick-up their camper at camp.
Drop off ProcedurePlease follow the correct drop off time for your camper’s arrival. Please see our Camp Guide/Planner to see which part of camp your campers’ program will be living in for the week and plan accordingly for drop off and pick up times. *Sisters can arrive at the same time. Please do not arrive early, you will need to wait until your camper’s unit check-in time.
Parents will remain in their vehicles with masks on during the entirety of drop-off. Please make sure you have used the restroom before camp arrival as there will be very minimal restrooms open for use. Please limit the amount of family members (no Pets) so we can ensure a quick and easy drop off for everyone arriving at camp.
It may be helpful to have your camper arrive to camp in their swimsuit, with a towel and a change of clothes packed on top so that shortly after drop off is complete they can head down to the waterfront to start their swim tests.
Stations-please follow the signs and directions you will need to stay within the line of traffic to enter and must stop at all stations.
Check-Out for Parent Pick-Ups at CampA staff member will meet parents at the front gate. Parents will need to have their drivers license readily available to show and sign their camper release form. The staff member will then walkie to the campers living unit to let them know to be ready for pick-up.
Parents will drive to their campers living area and pick them. Please follow the speed limit on our roads as there are children that may be at or near the road.
The counselor will have your camper and her items ready at the road for pick-up.
Should the parent or camper need to make any last-minute purchases at the Trading Post (camp store) they will drive up next to the building and be given an order. Items will be delivered to the vehicle at that time.
Please arrive at your camper’s check-out time and no earlier.
Check-out Times:
Driving Directions to Camp Birch TrailsCamp address: W5860 Olivotti Lake Rd. Irma, WI 54442
Please be sure you have the correct Camp Birch Trails in your GPS-there is another camp outside of Minong, WI and we want you to arrive at the correct camp.
From the north:
From the south:
**Please note: Most GPS units and MapQuest may not get you to the correct side of the Highway. If you are using Google Maps type in ‘Birch Trail Girl Scouts Camp’ to get the correct directions
Please label ALL items with your camper’s first and last name.
Work with your camper to ensure everything gets packed and she knows what items she has along. Also ensure that she can carry all her items. To keep her extra items together (like pillows, stuffed animals and sleeping bags), please send along an extra laundry bag or sturdy trash bag with her name on it, so all items can be put together within the bag. Girls should only need 1 bag for clothing, please do not send multiple bags with clothing in it. They should also have one bag for their sleeping bag and pillow to be put in together.
Required Items at Check-In on Sunday
Medications in original container within a zip-lock with her name on it. Pack all medication in original medication containers within a zip-lock bag with your daughter’s name on it.
Completed Health profile through CampDocs.com
Money for trading post. Please place money in an envelope with the amount and your camper's name on it. Money can also be put on your camper's account ahead of their arrival through the registration process or by calling 888.747.6945 to add funds
Swimsuit, towel, and water shoes worn to check-in and a change of clothes packed at the top of her suitcase for the first day swim checks.
Packing ListClothing
Footwear
Personal Items & Toiletries
Equipment
Optional Items
Horse Programs
Do Not Bring
Council policy states that girls and adults may not use weapons, alcoholic beverages, non-prescribed drugs, or tobacco products including e-cigarettes and vaporizers, etc. at Girl Scout functions or on Girl Scout property.
Packing Tips for Overnight Campers
Pack clothing/equipment into one duffel bag, tote, backpack, or old suitcase your daughter can carry. Girls should help pack their own gear, so they know what they are bringing to camp. Put campers name on all of her clothing and equipment. Use nametags or a laundry marker. If you bring a laundry bag for her dirty clothes, please label that bag with her name.
The packing checklist is for your convenience. Avoid unnecessary purchases. If you can substitute something on the list with an item you already have, feel free to do so. Remember, she will be outdoors most of the time and, therefore, needs clothing suitable for warm days and cool mornings/evenings, as well as rain. We suggest she brings enough clothes to have a complete change every day. Leave anything of value at home. We cannot be responsible for missing articles or items ruined while at camp.
Frequently Asked Packing Questions
Q: Why two swimsuits?
A: And why one-piece or tankini swimsuits? The girls will swim everyday (weather permitting) and sometimes multiple times in one day. It’s nice to have a dry swimsuit to put on. Girls will be very active when in the water, we prefer swimsuits that allow for this type of activity. We ask for one-piece or tankini swimsuits for the girls so that we can help to prevent sunburn and to make sure the girls stay covered.
Q: Why do I need to pack a fitted sheet if I’m packing a sleeping bag? And a rug, really?
A: Most girls find it more comfortable to have a sheet lining the vinyl mattress and use their sleeping bag more as a comforter. This is not required but comforts the girls. Some girls also like to pack a small rug (no bigger than 3ft x 2ft) to stand on when they get out of their bed in the mornings or to sit on, on the floor while in their living area.
Q: Do I really need to pack two pairs of shoes? And why can’t she wear flip flops around camp?
A: Living outdoors, girls can get wet and messy. Sudden downpours happen at camp and can leave a pair of shoes wet for the rest of the week. It’s best to plan for that by packing an extra pair. Flip flops are not sturdy enough for the activities at camp, girls will be running, jumping, and having fun at camp. We want to ensure that her feet are well taken care of while at camp and no longer allow flip flops to be worn around camp during the day. She can wear flip flops to and from the shower house and while showering.
Q: Does she really need a mess kit and what is it?
A: Campers and their counselors will cook at least one meal over the fire, if not more if their program requires it, or the girls would like to. The campers will need their mess kit to eat their meal. A mess kit is a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork, and knife oftentimes in a mesh bag (Dunk bag-to be able to dunk the entire kit in sanitizing water once it has been washed). If you do not have one, your daughter can purchase one in our camp Trading Post, online, or from sports stores in your area. Please only send metal or plastic, nothing that is breakable.
Q: Tie-Dying, why should I send it and what should I send?
A: Everyone gets the opportunity to tie-dye something on Tuesdays! 100% cotton shirts work best. Please make sure to label her shirt or item with her name since tie-dye changes how the items look and often times the girls don’t recognize their shirt once it is dyed. These items will be washed before they are sent home with the girls. Be prepared to have to wash or rinse it again before you put these items in the laundry with the rest of your clothes as we cannot guarantee that all of the extra dye will have come out in our washing of it at camp.
One Week ProgramsOur adventure programs like Wild for Water, Northwoods Adventure, Urban Adventure, Amusement Adventure, and Dakota’s Adventure will likely come back in 2022 as long as it's safe to do so.
Grades 1-3 Programs-Art-o-rama, Beach Bummers, Slime Balls,
Summer ExplorersThese programs are Sunday to Friday. The girls will live in the Lodge for the week.
Girls will focus on activities that were listed when she signed up and also be able to partake in other activities throughout camp.
Grades
4-6-Abra-ca-doodle, Night Ninjas, What-Chu-Wanna-Du, Wizarding University
These programs are Sunday to Friday and the girls will live in the Yurts.
Wizarding University parents will be asked for permission to watch a video during their camper's stay upon arrival.
Night Ninjas campers will be able to stay up late and sleep in during their time at camp. Their group will decide what kind of fun night activities they would like to do.
Abra-ca-Doodle campers will spend a lot of their time in our arts and crafts building (Maple) but will also do other camp activities as well.
What-Chu-Wanna-Du campers will get to test everything in camp out and see what they like best!
Horse Programs-Horsin’
Around, Stable Stompers & Cowgirl Round Up
Q: Do they really have to be in fourth grade?
A: Yes, we won’t budge on that.
Q: Do they have to have completed the prerequisites?
A: We hope they do, but if they have riding experience, and as long as they meet the age requirement for that program, they can sign up for a more advanced horse program (Stable Stompers and Cowgirl Round Up).
Horsin’ Around campers will spend Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the stables.
Stable Stompers camper will spend Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the stables.
Cowgirl Round Up campers will spend Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday afternoon from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the stables and then head back Thursday morning for a trail ride at 9:00 a.m.
Girls need to wear long pants or jeans to the stables to ride in and it is preferred that they have a boot with a heel on it to help keep them in the stir-ups.
Horse campers will also shower each day after they arrive back at camp.
Grades 7-10
These programs are Sunday to Friday and the girls will live in the Yurts
Apprentice Counselor in Training campers will spend their week learning what it's like to be a counselor, testing their skills, and learning how to become a leader. This is the first step for campers who are interested in our Counselor in Training program and eventually working on staff.
Night Ninjas campers will spend their evenings exploring the night by stargazing and playing games all over camp. They also get to sleep in most mornings and have a late breakfast.
You Can’t Do THAT at Camp
Q: Can they bring electronics?
A: Yes, there will be set times that campers will be allowed to use their electronics, but campers are responsible for their own belongings, camp is not responsible for any lost, damaged, or broken items. When not in use during their scheduled time the girls’ electronics will be kept locked in the camp safe. This will keep them secure and offer camp staff a better way to engage with the girls during the rest of their activities. Each girls’ items will be placed in a Ziplock with their name on it and returned to them on Friday.
Examples of electronics include iPod, tablets, handheld video games, kindle, smartwatches, laptops, etc.
Please know that our WIFI is not very fast and cell phones have issues connecting to data.
Inner Goddess campers will spend their week learning to destress from their home lives and learn some new techniques. They will also get to participate in other traditional camp activities.
Counselor in Training Programs
Counselor in Training campers (CIT’s) will be at camp for two weeks. CIT’s will build on their skills to become the best leaders possible! During CIT I they will learn about leading campers, develop their outdoor skills, teach songs and games and follow different staff members around camp to see what their job is.
CIT II campers will continue to build on what they learned during CIT I and also spend a week as a co-counselor with a group of girls.
Many of our CIT’s are excited to become a camp staff member. In order to do so, girls must have completed both CIT programs to apply to work at camp. If the girls have more questions they can speak with the Camp Director while they are at camp during the summer.
Wilderness Trip InformationEach trip is unique in its own way, many of the girls find that being on the trail is AMAZING! Learning to live without modern conveniences can be an incredibly growing experience. While in camp, the girls will help their Trip Leader and Counselor plan their route, meals, and packing necessities. All items brought on their trip will be looked over by the Trip Leader and Counselor to make sure they are adequate and useful during the trip.
All participants and staff attending wilderness trips are trained in emergency signaling procedures, where the nearest help is for each day of travel, and how to obtain help if necessary. In addition, all trips carry an InReach Device or cell phone with them for emergency use. Since trips are in backcountry areas, we cannot guarantee that the cell phones will work in all areas. Even with cell phones, additional emergency assistance on trips may take hours or longer to reach a group. Camp will drive the group to their starting spot and then pick them up when the trip is over and bring them back to camp.
All trip leaders are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED, Lifeguarding, and participate in an intensive training prior to camp.
All trips carry certain risks to persons and equipment. These risks include but are not limited to the following: falling, animal encounters, encounters with the public, injury from equipment, natural disasters, drowning, severe weather, etc. Camp Birch Trails does all it can to reduce risks inherent in trips by following American Camp Association and Girl Scouts of the USA standards.
All campers are expected to be in good physical condition to go on Wilderness trips. Girls are strongly encouraged to do conditioning exercises before coming to camp. If new boots are purchased, make sure your daughter wears them many times to break them in before camp.
If a camper has any special medical conditions, her physician should be made aware of the type of trip she is going on and the accessibility of professional help in case of emergencies. This is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.
Camp Birch Trails will provide specific equipment for Wilderness Trips, if your daughter would like to bring something of her own she is welcome to however staff may decide that, that equipment is not able to be used. Equipment is set up, gone through, and packed before the girls leave for their trip, counselors will help the girls go through everything to make sure they have everything they need and that everything is in working order.
Q: Description says trip is X days long, what do they do the rest of time?
A: Girls will spend time learning to work together as a team, get prepared and packed for their trip, and then clean up after their trip as well as doing any other in-camp activities they choose
Q: What does experience mean for wilderness trips?
A: We want to let all girls have a wilderness trip experience, if it says experience recommended or required, we ask that the girl has some tent camping experience, cooking over a fire knowledge and is comfortable being away from home
We will not turn a camper away and we can help them find the best trip for their experience level! Contact us.
Pre-requisites for Trips-these are important for the girls to follow so that they are developing the skills they need for each level. If they skip around too many they will have a tough time trying to learn a skill that someone who has done multiple years will find easy-this also creates animosity in groups who have been going on trips together for several summers and the new person in their group. We hope that each group of Wilderness Trippers will continue to grow in their strength and bond as a group year to year-this creates amazing trips for them.
Level 4 and 5 Trips have specific pre-requisites so that girls are ready for the longer level trips. This must be followed and are not allowed to be flexible.
Campers and parents with further questions or need specific information for a certain trip should contact the Camp Director.
Wanderers one-week programThe girls will take a day trip down the Wisconsin River in canoes and will backpack and kayak around camp to decide which trip they would like to participate in, in the future. They will also camp out in tents around camp one night during the week.
Please use the in-camp packing list and not the wilderness trip packing lists.
Super SurvivalistThis is a great program for girls who want to get back to nature and learn some survival skills.
They will paddle out to our island at camp and build a shelter to sleep in for the night and then learn to start their first with flint and steel.
Please use the in-camp packing list and not the wilderness trip packing lists.
CanoeingAll canoeing trip girls should be able to carry 30-50 pounds of weight with the potential to carry a 90lb canoe and be able to paddle a canoe for several hours at a time.
While in camp, the campers will sleep in the platform tents in Leafy.
* Offered in 2022 Level One-Upper WI River. 3 to 5 days on the water canoeing. The girls will plan their meals together with their Trip Leader, pack all of their equipment, and paddle out on their adventure. They do not need any prior experience for this trip.
Level Two-Michigamme River- 4 to 7 days canoeing from site to site. The girls will plan their meals together with their Trip Leader, pack all of their equipment and hike out on their adventure. The girl should have participated in at least a level one trip but it is not necessary.
Level three- Manitowish Waters Canoe-Spend 6 to 9 days on the water canoeing Manitowish in Northern Wisconsin.
Level Four-Boundary Waters Canoe Area-spend 8 to 12 days canoeing northern Minnesota in the Pristine Boundary Waters. Girls must have participated in the Manitowish Waters Level Three Canoe trip in order to qualify for this trip.
Level Five -Quetico Canoe Area-spend 14 to 18 days on the Canadian side of the Boundary Waters canoeing the area. The girls MUST have a US passport to enter Canada and to enter back into the US at the end of the trip. Girls must have participated in the Boundary Waters Canoe trip in order to qualify for this trip. Summer 2021 this trip will take place in a different section of the Boundary Waters since the Canadian border is closed at this time.
Trips will be offered as the groups of girls progress through the current program. The trips get longer and longer out of camp for each level.
BackpackingGirls should be able to carry approximately 50lbs on their back and walk several miles concurrently with the pack on. They do stop for breaks throughout the day as well.
While in camp, the campers will sleep in the platform tents in Leafy.
* Offered in 2022 Level One-Ice Age Trail - 3 to 5 days hiking from site to site. The girls will plan their meals together with their Trip Leader, pack all of their equipment and hike out on their adventure. They do not need any prior experience for this trip.
Level Two-Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore - 4 to 7 days hiking from site to site. It’s a beautiful trail along the lake shore. The girls will plan their meals together with their Trip Leader, pack all of their equipment and hike out on their adventure.
Level Three-North Country Trail in Northern Wisconsin - Spend 6 to 9 days hiking in northern Wisconsin.
* Offered in 2022 Level Four-Superior Hiking Trail - Spend eight to twelve days backpacking through the Superior Hiking tail in northern Minnesota. Girls must have participated in North Country trail level three trip in order to qualify for this trip.
Level Five -Isle Royale National Park - Spend fourteen to eighteen days backpacking through Isle Royale on Lake Superior. Girls must have participated in the Superior Hiking Trail level four trip in order to qualify for this trip.
Trips will be offered as the groups of girls progress through the current program. The trips get longer and longer out of camp for each level.
KayakingAll kayaking trip girls should be able to carry 30-50 pounds of weight or more and be able to paddle a sea kayak for several hours at time.
While in camp, the campers will sleep in the platform tents in Leafy.
Level One-Manitowish River - 3 to 5 days on the water kayaking. The girls will plan their meals together with their Trip Leader, pack all of their equipment and paddle out on their adventure. They do not need any prior experience for this trip.
Level Two-Chippewa Kayak - Spend 4 to 7 days kayaking the Chippewa Flowage.
Level Three-Namekagon Flowage - 6 to 9 days paddling down the river from site to site. The girls should have completed at least a level 2 trip. This is a longer trip out of camp and sleeping in tents.
Level Four-Apostle Islands National Lakeshore - Spend eight to twelve days paddling between islands on Lake Superior. Girls must have participated in the Namkagon Flowage level three trip in order to qualify for this trip.
* Offered in 2022 Level Five-Kayak Superior - 12 to 18 days paddling along the coast on Lake Superior in Canada. Girls must have their American Passport to cross the border into Canada. This trip is very intensive as they are out in open water kayaking, waves can be very large and tiring. The weather can also be unpredictable on Lake Superior-the lake is the boss. Girls must have participated in the Apostle Islands level four trip in order to qualify for this trip.
Trips will be offered as the groups of girls progress through the current program. The trips get longer and longer out of camp for each level.
Canoe Trip Packing ListFootwear
Headwear
Trail Clothing
Bedding
Hygiene Items
In-Camp Clothing & Items-will not be brought on trail
Miscellaneous Items
Canoe Packing Questions
Hiking boots are needed with a sturdy hard sole and ankle support. They are essential for portaging heavy canoes and packs. Campers will wear them all day while canoeing. Be sure to break them in before camp to prevent blisters or sores.
Sandals that are brought must have an ankle strap to firmly attach to the foot. Chaco, Teva, or Keen style are appropriate.
Backpacking Trip Packing ListFootwear
Headwear
Trail Clothing
Bedding
Hygiene Items
In-Camp Clothing & Items-will not be brought on trail
Miscellaneous Items
Kayaking Trip Packing ListFootwear
Headwear
Trail Clothing
Bedding
Hygiene Items
In-Camp Clothing & Items-will not be brought on trail
Miscellaneous Items
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