In response to national camp trends and feedback from campers, caregivers, and staff, we focus on in-camp programming with less over-scheduling and time on the road and prioritize our camper-led approach. This change primarily focuses on well-being, allowing campers to slow down, recharge, and immerse themselves in nature and adventure without the pressure of tightly scheduled activities or excessive time on the road going to field trips.
That said, camp will still be full of adventure, shenanigans, and challenges, and as always, campers will meet new friends that will feel like family at the end of camp! Campers will have plenty of opportunities to swim, hike, paddle, spend time around the campfire, get dirty, try new things, test their limits, step outside of their comfort zone, and make new friends. Camp is about pushing boundaries, both physically and emotionally, in a safe, supportive, and fun environment. Campers will be empowered to embrace new challenges and explore the great outdoors through a variety of activities (of their choice!), such as archery, axe-throwing, slingshots, kayaking, canoeing, low ropes course, nature hikes, campfire cooking, and all-camp games. Whether it’s conquering a physical challenge or simply enjoying the adventure of being outdoors, every camper will be left with memories of personal growth, laughter, and a sense of accomplishment.
Here's what to expect at camp:
- Restoration & Connection: With increased awareness of stress, burnout, and mental wellness challenges, camp programming will emphasize unstructured time where campers are empowered to spend how they choose. Some may choose to rest and hang out with their friends; others may be ready to take on another skill or adventure! Research shows that breaks, especially in nature, support mental clarity and emotional well-being. Combined with all the adventures camp offers, campers will notice a slower pace with dedicated downtime.
- Camper-Led Activities: Campers will have more say in shaping their experiences and choosing activities that inspire creativity, collaboration, personal growth, and self-expression. Camp is a safe space with a positive atmosphere where campers can try new things. Under the guidance and support of counselors and role models, they’ll learn they can fail and try again until they hit the mark or accomplish their goal.
- Tech-Free Environment: To create a space for presence and connection, camp will remain screen-free, reinforcing the benefits of unplugging from digital distractions.
Through this approach, we aim to combine a love for the outdoors and adventure with a fulfilling and restorative camp experience—one that nurtures confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of the outdoors.
Camp Spots & Program Opportunities
We know that Girl Scout families want a variety of camp program options that provide exciting experiences while being accessible and high-quality. Each year, we carefully evaluate our participation trends, camper interest, staffing capacity, and all the logistics of running camp to determine which camp sessions we offer. Some programs remain strong, while others evolve or phase out based on participation and sustainability.
We work to ensure fair access to camp across all age levels, proportionally offering opportunities based on camper participation. Here’s a look at the breakdown of campers in 2023 and 2024.
2023 Camper Participation by Level:
- Daisy (K-1): 6% (36 campers)
- Brownie (2-3): 21% (109 campers)
- Junior (4-5): 29% (152 campers)
- Cadette (6-8): 34% (179 campers)
- Senior (9-10): 6% (33 campers)
- Ambassador (11-12): 3% (14 campers)
2024 Camper Participation by Level:
- Daisy (K-1): 2% (11 campers)
- Brownie (2-3): 12% (64 campers)
- Junior (4-5): 28% (146 campers)
- Cadette (6-8): 42% (223 campers)
- Senior (9-10): 11% (56 campers)
- Ambassador (11-12): 5% (25 campers)
With Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes making up the majority of campers, we have more sessions for these levels while still maintaining meaningful opportunities for younger and older campers.
Why Are Some Programs Changing or Being Reduced?
Older Girl Program Adjustments: Senior and Ambassador programs consistently have the lowest registration. Feedback shows interest in non-leadership and non-wilderness options, but enrollment remains low. Many Cadette programs are travel-intensive, requiring significant staff time, transportation, and logistics. Due to rising costs and complexity, some field trip-based programs were reduced.
Staffing & Program Limitations: Fewer seasonal staff means fewer sessions can be offered overall. Program availability has slightly reduced at every age level. Cadettes, Juniors, and Brownies—our largest camper groups— have about two programs per week available.
Program Popularity & Cancellations: Programs with consistently low registration were adjusted or discontinued. In both 2023 and 2024, multiple sessions, including backpacking, canoeing, and specialty-themed programs, were canceled due to low enrollment. Some previously low-performing sessions were restructured or merged with similar, more popular options to improve the overall camper experience and program efficiency.
Looking ahead, our goal is to provide exciting, high-quality outdoor experiences for all Girl Scouts while ensuring programs remain sustainable. We will continue refining camp offerings based on participation trends, camper feedback, and available resources. We appreciate your understanding as we work to create the best possible camp experience for every Girl Scout!
Field Trips
Field trips have been a beloved part of camp, but due to a combination of logistical challenges, rising costs, and staffing limitations, we’ve decided to significantly scale them back. We want to be transparent about what brought us to this decision and will continue to evaluate the possibility of field trips in future summer camp years. Above all, this change allows us to focus on creating a smoother, more sustainable, adventure-filled in-camp experience while maintaining the quality and safety of our programs.
Staffing & Coordination Challenges: Field trips require extensive planning, including transportation logistics and ensuring proper supervision. In past years, we needed up to three vans and a school bus each week, with two adults per vehicle—sometimes pulling as many as five to six staff members off-site for field trips. To meet supervision requirements, we relied on volunteers and council staff, which added complexity and made scheduling more difficult.
Rising Costs & Financial Assistance Demand: Transportation and field trip fees continue to rise, making it harder to keep these trips affordable. More families than ever are requesting financial assistance, and for the first time in our history, our assistance funds ran out last year. Redirecting resources ensures we can continue providing affordable, high-quality camp experiences for all campers.
Logistical & Safety Considerations: Many field trips required multiple daily departures, creating tight schedules, meal adjustments, and logistical strain. Insurance policy changes now prevent international staff from driving, and only staff 21+ years old can transport campers, limiting our available drivers.
By reducing field trips, we’re able to invest more in on-site programming, increase accessibility, and ensure every camper gets the most out of their camp experience. While camp may look a little different, the spirit of adventure remains—full of swimming, hiking, paddling, campfires, skill-building, and trying new things!
