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WELCOME TO GIRL SCOUT SUMMER CAMP!
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Girls will find more to explore at Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin River Valleys’ summer camps. In addition to seven resident camp facilities, several day camp locations, and fourteen weeks of sessions, girls fully explore their potential by developing practical and leadership skills through Paths of Exploration. This is the added value of the Girl Scout program. This year, we are using resources wisely – saving trees and postage – by mailing a camp session summary instead of a catalog. Dates, times, and other details may be found here. We are asking families and troops to limit the number of pages you print out and find a local library or internet café where you may explore all the details online with your girl if you do not have access to a computer at home. You may also visit or contact one of our business services associates at 1-800-845-0787 if you need assistance accessing information on our website.
THE VALUE OF GIRL SCOUTS Girl Scout camp is the fun of summer camp matched with the leadership development of Girl Scouts. In a fun, supportive environment girls learn to work together as a team, make decisions, and take responsibility for their actions. Through a wide variety of activities to fit their interests, girls develop creative abilities, build independence and self-reliance, learn new skills, and gain confidence.
Our camp sessions fit your family’s interests, needs, and schedule – whether your girl is going into first grade and brand new to the outdoor program environment; entering middle school and ready to branch out into focused activities; or in the middle of high school and simply needs a break from visiting colleges and taking standardized tests. Girl Scout camp provides the structure for girls to create their own experiences, reflect on them, and apply what they learn to new challenges.
At River Valleys we use program activities and group living in a natural outdoor environment to create camp communities that nurture girls’ successful, healthy development. Once at camp, girls will elect their discovery options for their next day of camp. Camp counselors will assist girls in selecting the right activities to fit their interests. Please note that program times occur three times a day which allow girls to discover, connect, and enjoy a variety of camp activities. Weather permitting activities can include swimming and boating. Evening activities are generally large group or “all camp” activities. Girls also learn to work together as a team to complete kapers (clean up) and enjoy unit time before bed. Girl Scout camp is a place where having fun is a daily “to-do!” With the Girl Scout core beliefs in action, you can be confident in Girl Scout summer camp.
AFFORDABLE OPTIONS Our goal has always been to provide an unparalleled camp experience including the value of Girl Scout quality and one where money is never a reason that a girl cannot attend camp. Our new three-tiered pricing structure allows us to continue to provide this type of experience to as many girls as possible while giving families the chance to support River Valleys summer camp at a level at which they are comfortable. This program is voluntary, confidential, and will not in any way affect a girl¹s experience at camp.
Tier A is partially subsidized, but is based on many of the actual direct costs for a camper to participate in one camp session. We are asking people to please pay this amount if they are able to show their full support of Girl Scout camp.
Tier B is more heavily subsidized by River Valleys and is for those families that cannot afford the full fee, yet want to support camps.
Tier C reduces the fee even more with an additional subsidy from River Valleys. This is our traditional subsidized camp fee that took into account the average camp subsidy of each of the legacy councils. For most sessions, this rate has no or only a slight increase over last year¹s fees.
Payment may be made by check, credit card, Girl Scout Cookie Credits, Grants for Girls, or a combination of the above. A non-refundable deposit must accompany each summer camp registration, with full payment being due four weeks before the camp session begins.
FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE Financial assistance is available through the Grants for Girls program. Grants for Girls forms can be found on are website under “Forms and Documents.” All information is kept confidential. If you have questions, please call 800-845-0787 and ask for the staff liaison for Grants for Girls. Please note: girl¹s completing Grants for Girls forms or paying with Cookie Credits will have to send in the completed paper form with needed documentation.
EXPLORATION PATHS
Discover Paths allows girls to explore the traditional camp experience swimming, boating, arts, and crafts. Each day, girls help choose some of the activities they do for next day. Discovery sessions are great for girls who are first-time campers or new to Girl Scout camp.
Connection Paths allows girls to learn the basics of one or two specific activities and then advance their skills, knowledge, and expertise at their own pace. Girls will spend an average of eight hours in one Connection Path option. Choose one or two Connection activities like archery, canoeing, dance, or sports (just to name a few) but don¹t worry, there will still be time to explore some of the traditional camp activities as well!
Adventure Paths include specific program offerings only available during certain weeks. These sessions include Wilderness Trip and Travel (canoeing, biking, backpacking, climbing, and sea kayaking) as well as equestrian sessions. These trips take girls out-of-camp (off site) with highly trained and qualified staff helping her to gain important life skills such as independence and team work.
Me & She/He Camp, Family, or Troop Camp sessions are great ways to get quality time between a parent/guardian and girl, among the girls in a troop, or as an activity-rich vacation for your family.
STAFF Staff members come from all over the world and are enthusiastic, talented, and caring individuals. With our thorough staff selection process and quality training, parents/guardians can have peace of mind knowing their girl is in good hands. Selection of camp staff is based on the individual’s experience, ability to serve as a positive role model, and a genuine desire to work with girls. All staff members must complete a comprehensive screening process which includes an interview, reference checks, and a background check. The entire camp staff team is dedicated to helping girls build courage, confidence, and character by offering the highest quality camp programs possible!
ALL GIRLS WELCOME Girl Scouting and outdoor programs like camp are for girls of all abilities! Girls with disabilities or health concerns, who can participate in camp activities with some assistance, are welcomed and encouraged to register. To better serve the camper, prior notice of the girl¹s specific needs is required. All information will be kept confidential. Contact the camp director with any additional questions.
All of our Girl Scout camps meet all local and state safety camp management standards, as well as those established by Girl Scouts of the USA. American Camp Association (ACA) has accredited Camps Elk River, Greenwood, Lakamaga, Northwoods, Singing Hills, and Whispering Hills. ACA Accreditation means that the camp you are considering for your child cares enough to undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of its operation — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp Association® collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at the camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes summers of growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
ACA helps accredited camps provide:
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