Summer Camp D AY A N D V I R T U A L 2021
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Table of Contents General Camp and Safety Information • 2 Day Camp Information • 3 Day Camp Add-Ons • 4 Camp DeWitt Programs • 5 The OVAL Programs • 6 Day Camp General Program Descriptions • 7 Camp DeWitt Specialty Program Descriptions • 7–9 The OVAL Specialty Program Descriptions • 9–10 Camp In Our Hearts Virtual Summer Camp Info • 11 Camp In Our Hearts Programs • 12 Camp In Our Hearts Program Descriptions • 13–14 Discounts and Financial Assistance • 14
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Registration FAQs • 15–16
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The OVAL Maplewood, NJ Camp DeWitt Hillsborough, NJ
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Our Vision At Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, we strive to provide camps and programs that build girls’ leadership, confidence, independence, and community. Our camps are committed to providing virtual and in-person opportunities for girls in our council and beyond, creating and connecting a diverse sisterhood that helps campers unlock their potential and discover the world all while developing life skills and making memories and friendships that last a lifetime.
Why Camp? The American Camp Association (ACA) sponsored an independent survey of more than 5,000 families across the United States. Results confirmed that summer camp is a catalyst for child development, preparing campers to assume roles as successful adults. At summer camp, kids learn how to be with people who are different from them, learn that “I can” is more powerful than “I can’t,” and gain a sense of both independence and community. Now more than ever, girls need camp. Whether joining us online or in-person, girls are still a part of that community.
Our Program Philosophy
Why Girl Scouts?
We believe everything that happens at camp is part of the camp experience, whether virtually or in-person. Our campers have wonderful adventures; they try new things, build confidence, and make new friends. During their time at camp, they tackle challenges, take healthy risks in a supportive environment, build a community, learn about themselves, and have fun. The Girl Scout Promise and Law are at the heart of all of our programming, defining the skills, behaviors, and attitudes we value in our staff and campers.
Beyond the fun, friendship, and skill-building, the things girls do at Girl Scout summer camp foster life skills they can’t get other places. We incorporate the Girl Scout Leadership Experience into everything girls do, which means she’ll do more, grow more, get more, and leave ready to unleash her inner G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)TM as she says “I did that!” Anyone who identifies as a girl is welcome to participate in our summer camp programs regardless of race, religion, physical ability, economic status, or national origin.
Safety Is Our Priority Now more than ever, we recognize the importance of health and safety. View our most up-to-date COVID plan by visiting our summer camp page. SAFE AND SECURE: All three of GSHNJ’s summer camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA). Independent health and safety audits by the ACA ensure we maintain the highest standards of accountability, credibility, and commitment to health, safety, and program quality. Additionally, our camps follow the standards for health, safety, and security guidelines of GSHNJ, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the New Jersey Youth Camp Standards. STAFF: Our camp staff is comprised of experienced college and high school students, teachers, and professional subject matter experts who have a special interest in working with girls in the outdoors. Camp staff participate in an intensive training focused on safety, communication, program delivery, leadership, and team-building. HEALTH CARE: A Health Supervisor is on site while camp is in session. The majority of staff are certified in First Aid, CPR, and AED. An AED machine is available at all times on each property. 2
GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF NEW JERSEY’S
Day Camps
Camp DeWitt, Hillsborough, NJ • The OVAL, Maplewood, NJ Welcome to our Day Camps! Agnes DeWitt Day Camp is nestled on 152 acres within the Sourland Mountains; its rugged beauty immerses you in lush forests, verdant fields, babbling brooks, and plenty of fresh air, sunshine, adventure, and freedom. The OVAL is hidden in the picturesque South Mountain Reservation, offering a charming touch of wilderness right in the heart of Essex County. Day camp runs for a pre-season opener from July 7 through July 9 and from July 12 through August 13 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, and is open to girls entering Kindergarten through 10th grade. As you’ll see, you have two categories of programs to choose from at both Day Camps: general and specialty. General programs offer a full range of traditional outdoor opportunities, experiences, and challenges appropriate for your age and skill level. The programs grow with you, acknowledging mastery of a skill and inviting you to take the next step up and out! Specialty programs allow you to select a specific area to focus on, spending large portions of each day concentrating on what you’re most interested in.
No matter which program you choose, you’ll earn at least one—and maybe more—badges to add to your uniform when you get back home. Thanks to camper feedback, we’ve incorporated more badge-earning opportunities in all of our programs. Program fees include all activity supplies, one t-shirt per camper, daily afternoon snack, and earned badges. Due to COVID restrictions and concerns, we are not offering busing this year. To cover this gap and best serve our families, we are offering extended before and after care at a reduced rate.
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Kate Grenci
Never been to our Day Camps before? Visit our summer camp page for information about virtual tours, open houses, and camp director office hours.
Some of my favorite activities outdoor activities are brooking, building campfires, and enjoying sunsets or stargazing. I also love hearing songs (and laughter) filter through the woods throughout the day. The best part of my job is seeing a camper learn something new or try something they were afraid of doing. As a lifelong Girl Scout and longtime camper, I firmly believe in the magic summer camp holds. I hope you will join us and experience all we have to offer!
M E E T T H E D I R E C TO R
The rest of the time, you’re doing all the fun stuff open to everyone which may include arts & crafts, hiking, outdoor cooking, STEM activities, field games, and more. Both camps feature high-adventure facilities like archery for girls in 2nd grade and older, and a low ropes challenge course that flexes based on age and ability. Additionally, Camp DeWitt’s state-of-theart Activity Center acts as a central gathering point and offers shelter from extreme heat and major storms.
Camp has been a huge part of my life for over 25 years and I am very excited to kick off another summer with Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey! Whether welcoming back returning campers or learning right alongside our new campers, every day is an opportunity for me to develop our program and to make this experience the best one yet. I can still remember my first day of camp and many days over the years, full of exciting activities like building a shelter in the woods, stargazing, cooking over a buddy burner, and so many all camp games. I hope every camper enjoys their time as much as I did.
Day Camp A D D - O N S Before and After Care
Parent Guide
In the absence of busing, Camp DeWitt and The OVAL are offering before and after care for a reduced rate of $40 per week with extended hours this season. Before care is available from 7:00–9:00 a.m. and after care from 4:00–6:00 p.m.
Need to know more about what to expect at day camp? You’ll find our Parent Guide on our website on April 15th; it’s full of detailed information regarding goals, outcomes, camp life, policies, procedures—everything you and your camper need to know before, during, and after her stay at camp.
Trading Post Each camp’s trading post is full of camp-specific patches, memorabilia, and gear ranging from $1.50 up to $30. Girls visit the Trading Post at least once during the week to shop for souvenirs for themselves and family back home. Help your camper flex her budgeting muscles by loading her account with some money to spend at the Trading Post during the registration process. Unspent funds greater than $2 will be refunded at the end of the summer.
We Are Hiring! Do you know someone who’s aged out of Girl Scouts, but would love to stay involved? A springboard for the future, working at our summer camps helps build skills like leadership, communication, teamwork, and decision-making. Plus, you’ll leave a lasting impression on our campers while making lifelong friendships. With lots of open positions in all different areas of camp, GSHNJ summer camps are the perfect place to share your awesome! For more information, visit our summer camp page and click on “Summer Camp Employment.”
Color Key Anywhere you see purple, is information about Camp DeWitt. Anywhere you see orange, is information about The OVAL. We’ve denoted badges earned in the following way: D = Daisy level B = Brownie level J = Junior level C = Cadette level S = Senior level For example “J Outdoor Art Explorer” refers to the Junior Outdoor Art Explorer badge.
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Camp DeWitt Season Opener PROGRAM
GRADE COST CAPACITY
JULY 7–9
Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5 JULY 12–16
JULY 19–23
JULY 26–30
AUG 2–6
AUG 9–13
X
X
X
X
GENERAL PROGRAMS Camp DeWitt Seasoner Opener
K-10
$215
40
Camp Discover
K-1
$345
6
X
Camp Explorer
2-3
$345
10
X
X
X
Camp Quest
4-5
$345
10
X
X
X
Chow Down
2-3
$385
10
Fairy Tale Science
2-3
$365
10
Friends of the Forest
2-3
$360
10
Outdoor Recyclin' Art
2-3
$365
10
Summer Science
2-3
$375
10
Creation Station
4-5
$370
10
X
Friends of the Forest
4-5
$360
10
X
Camp Constable
4-5
$365
10
Outdoor Art Explorer
4-5
$370
10
Smart Art
4-5
$365
10
X
S'Mores and More
4-5
$380
10
X
X
Aim, Shoot, Bullseye
6-10
$365
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Friends of the Forest
6-10
$360
8
LIT - Leaders in Training (2 wks.)
6-10
$690
8
X
X
Tinker, Maker, Coder, Spy
6-10
$365
8
X
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS X
X X
X
X X X
X X
X X
X
A D A Y I N T H E L I F E A T Day Camp
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9:15 a.m. Morning flag and announcements 9:00 a.m. Arrive at camp and join your unit
See program choices above! 9:45 a.m. Program time
T he OVAL Season Opener PROGRAM
GRADE
COST CAPACITY
Session 1 Session 2 Session 3 Session 4 Session 5
JULY 7–9
JULY 12–16
JULY 19–23
JULY 26–30
AUG 2–6
AUG 9–13
X
X
X
X
GENERAL PROGRAMS The OVAL Seasoner Opener
K-10
$215
40
Camp Discover
K-1
$345
6
X
Camp Explorer
2-3
$345
10
X
X
X
Camp Quest
4-5
$345
10
X
X
X
Chow Down
2-3
$385
10
Dance and Cheer
2-3
$350
10
Fairies, Flowers, and Butterflies
2-3
$365
10
X
X
Friends of the Forest
2-3
$360
10
Summer Science
2-3
$375
10
Friends of the Forest
4-5
$360
10
Oh My Stars
4-5
$375
10
Robo Campers
4-5
$365
10
X
S'Mores and More
4-5
$385
10
X
Witches, Wands, and Campfires
4-5
$370
10
X
Aim, Shoot, Bullseye
6-10
$365
8
X
Friends of the Forest
6-10
$360
8
LIT - Leaders in Training (2 wks.)
6-10
$690
8
OVAL Comic-Con
6-10
$360
8
X
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS
12:30 p.m. Lunch
X X
X
X X X X
X X
X X
X
X
Arts & crafts, hiking, games, and more!
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1:15 p.m. General camp activities
3:45 p.m. Afternoon flag and dismissal
The programs listed below are offered at both Camp DeWitt and The OVAL. DAY CAMPS SEASON OPENER
CAMP EXPLORER
Sessions: July 7–9 Cost: $215 Entering Grades: K–10
Sessions: 1, 3, 5 Cost: $345 Entering Grades: 2–3 Badges: Session 1 B Eco Friend Session 3 B Hiker Session 5 B Trail Adventure
All together now! Join us for our first “week” of camp for a well-rounded Day Camp experience. Girls will be grouped by age and will partake in some of the best parts of camp - brooking, field games, hiking, arts and crafts, and more! CAMP DISCOVER Sessions: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 Cost: $345 Entering Grades: K–1 Badges: Session 1 & 4 D Eco Learner Session 2 D Outdoor Art Maker Session 3 D Buddy Camper Session 5 D Trail Adventure Explore everything our Day Camps have to offer as you enjoy all the best parts of summer camp! You'll do a little bit of everything which may include outdoor skills, hiking, exploring nature, field games, hands-on science activities, arts & crafts, campfire and s'mores, and so much more. Considering coming for more than one session? Each week you and your fellow campers plan your group's adventures while working on a new and different badge.
Explore everything our Day Camps have to offer as you enjoy all the best parts of camp! You’ll do a little bit of everything which may include outdoor skills, hiking, exploring nature, field games, handson science activities, arts & crafts, campfire and s’mores, and so much more. Considering more than one session? Each week you and your fellow campers plan your group’s adventures while working on a new and different badge. CAMP QUEST Sessions: 1, 3, 5 Cost: $345 Entering Grades: 4–5 Badges: Session 1 J Eco Camper Session 3 J Camper Session 5 J Trail Adventure Challenge yourself with a quest to find all the best parts of summer camp and enjoy everything our Day Camps have to offer. You’ll do a little bit of everything which may include outdoor skills, hiking, exploring nature, field games, handson science activities, arts & crafts, campfire and s’mores, and so much more. Considering more than one session? Each week you and your fellow campers plan your group’s adventures while working on a new and different badge.
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GENERAL PROGRAMS
Day Camp Specialty Programs are carefully curated for age, interest, and abilities. Part of each day focuses on activities aligned with the specialty area; the rest is filled with enjoying camp-wide activities like field games, arts & crafts, hiking, outdoor cooking, and more.
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AT DEWITT
Day Camp General Programs are specially designed for each grade level, and give girls the chance to try a bit of everything we have to offer. Since most activities are girl-led, each session's schedule is similar, but girls help decide what they'll do each day, making each week new and different.
The programs listed below are offered at Camp DeWitt.
ENTERING GRADES 2–3 CHOW DOWN Sessions Cost Badge
2, 3 $385 B Snacks
Camp treats go beyond s’mores! In this cooking program, create all kinds of yummy snacks, from traditional s’mores to foil packet desserts. Using both stick and foil cooking, explore all different kinds of outdoor recipes as you become a camp chef! FAIRY TALE SCIENCE Session 5 Cost $365 Badge B Inventor
Bring beloved fairy tales to life by using science, technology, engineering, and math. Test the Three Little Pigs’ engineering principals, build a pulley for Rapunzel, a zipline for Little Red Riding Hood, see what changes if Jack had a parachute, design a new bed for Goldilocks, and more. FRIENDS OF THE FOREST Sessions 1, 4 Cost $360 Badge B Bugs Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees.
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST
S’MORES AND MORE
Session 2 Cost $365 Badge B Outdoor Art Creator
Session 2 Cost $360 Badge J Animal Habits Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Sessions Cost Badge
Create wonderful works of art and invent something new as you reuse, reduce, and recycle your way to creative genius. Spend time outdoors appreciating the beauty of nature and making inspired creations. What you make is up to you and your imagination! Camper families are encouraged to provide recyclables from home to reinforce the importance of recycling! SUMMER SCIENCE Session 4 Cost $375 Badge B Home Scientist Become a scientific sleuth as you learn how to ask bright questions and find the right answers. Experiment with every day objects to understand more about the world around you: build a model volcano, create a vortex in a bottle, understand the chemistry of tie-dye, and so much more.
ENTERING GRADES 4–5 CREATION STATION Session 2 Cost $370 Badge J Drawing Jump on the creativity train to expand your artistic horizons. Work with a broad range of materials to raise your crafting skills to the next level: leather, plaster, clay, stained glass, paper collage, and more may await you! Go outside for a new perspective, think creatively about the world around you, and make a portfolio to share your work.
Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees. CAMP CONSTABLE Session 3 Cost $365 Badge J Detective Mystery awaits you as you explore camp. Try out the skills that make a great detective! Become a keen observer, learn some coding basics, discover the differences of fingerprints, and follow clues to solve a camp mystery. OUTDOOR ART EXPLORER Session 1 Cost $370 Badge J Outdoor Art Explorer Art can happen anywhere and with anything: become inspired by the outdoors as you explore the landscape around you and discover new ways to create. Observe your surroundings and paint with watercolors, mold with clay, print with feathers, and more. SMART ART Session 4 Cost $365 Badge J Drawing Art + Science = Cool Craziness! When you mix up art and science, you’ll create all kinds of interesting, cool designs. Learn about the Golden Ratio, create colors with candy chromatography, try different tie dye techniques, paint with ice, and experiment with slime.
4, 5 $380 J Eco Camper
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AT DEWITT
OUTDOOR RECYCLIN’ ART
Outdoor cooking is a part of any great camping trip. In this outdoor focused program, try your hand at some traditional camp cookery basics using both stick and foil cooking. You’ll also work as a team to learn how to leave no trace as you explore nature and design a minimal impact campsite and a menu!
ENTERING GRADES 6–10 AIM, SHOOT, BULLSEYE
Session 2 Cost $365 Badge C Archery S Game Visionary
Take aim, shoot, and score a bullseye in this week of archery! Whether you are new to the sport or an experienced archer, we will visit the archery range every day to hone everyone’s individual skills. Work with recurve and compound bows, make a 3-D target, play games, and learn to use and maintain bows and arrows. Show off your marksmanship at the end of the week by completing an archery challenge and playing some games. FRIENDS OF THE FOREST Session 3 Cost $360 Badge C Trees S Eco Explorer Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees.
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In this two week introductory leadership program, Cadettes will earn the majority of their Program Aide (except the LiA award) and Seniors will earn the CIT I Award. Discover your leadership style by building skills and strengthening those you already possess. Learn from one another and compare experiences you’ve had working with youth. Participate in activities that teach you skills and behaviors necessary to work with young people, then work directly with younger campers in your second week at camp. Your assignments at camp will depend on your age/Girl Scout level. TINKER, MAKER, CODER, SPY Session 1 Cost $365 Badge C Special Agent S Truth Seeker
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Tinker with various machines, get in the maker’s mindset, conquer computer-less coding, and flex your spy muscles learning skills every secret agent needs to know. Plus, travel across space and time to learn about the ladies who have paved the way in various STEM fields to discover more about what they do, how they got there, and if it’s in your future, too.
ENTERING GRADES 2–3 CHOW DOWN
Session 2 Cost $385 Badge B Snacks Camp treats go beyond s’mores! In this cooking program, create all kinds of yummy snacks, from traditional s’mores to foil packet desserts. Using both stick and foil cooking, explore all different kinds of outdoor recipes as you become a camp chef! DANCE AND CHEER
Session 1 Cost $350 Badge B Dancer Let’s go OVAL! Show us your camp spirit as we learn dance and cheer techniques. Develop teamwork and cooperation skills, practice techniques to keep you safe, and work as a group to create a team routine. FAIRIES, FLOWERS, AND BUTTERFLIES
Sessions Cost Badge
3, 5 $365 B Outdoor Art Creator
Channel your inner pixie! Dress the part of a fairy and create a fairy house in an enchanted garden, complete with furniture, live plants, and flowers. Enjoy a fairy tea party, make pixie dust, and become one with nature as we explore our magical forest, fields, and trails.
FRIENDS OF THE FOREST
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AT THE OVAL
Sessions 4 and 5 (2 wks.) Cost $690 Badge C Program Aide CIT I
The programs listed below are offered at The OVAL.
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AT DEWITT
LIT - LEADERS IN TRAINING
Sessions 2, 4 Cost $360 Badge B Bugs Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees. SUMMER SCIENCE
Session 4 Cost $375 Badge B Home Scientist
Become a scientific sleuth as you learn how to ask bright questions and find the right answers. Experiment with everyday objects to understand more about the world around you: build a model volcano, create a vortex in a bottle, understand the chemistry of tie-dye, and so much more.
ENTERING GRADES 4–5 FRIENDS OF THE FOREST
Session 3 Cost $360 Badge J Animal Habitats Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees.
ENTERING GRADES 6–10
Session 4 Cost $375 Badge J Space Science Investigators Infinite space! Learn about the Solar System, understand Earth’s orbit, become one with the stars (even during the day!), and model the wonders of space for others. ROBO CAMPERS Session 2 Cost $365 Badge J Robotics 1: Programming Robots Learn some robot basics and introductory paper and pencil programming. Understand how simple machines play a role in designing robots like the Mars Rover and practice with them in challenges like an egg drop and tower design. Build a tiny robot you can take home and, once you’ve mastered the basics, start programming small robots with your group. S’MORES AND MORE Sessions Cost Badge
2, 4 $385 J Eco Camper
Outdoor cooking is a part of any great camping trip. In this outdoor focused program, try your hand at some traditional camp cookery basics using both stick and foil cooking. You’ll also work as a team to learn how to leave no trace as you explore nature and design a minimal impact campsite and a menu. WANDS, WITCHES, AND CAMPFIRES Sessions Cost Badge
1, 5 $370 J Social Butterfly
Session 1 Cost $365 Badge C Archery S Game Visionary Take aim, shoot, and score a bullseye in this week of archery! Whether you are new to archery or an experienced archer, we will visit the archery range every day to hone everyone’s individual skills. Work with recurve and compound bows, play archery games, and learn to use and maintain bows and arrows. Show off your marksmanship at the end of the week in an archery tournament. FRIENDS OF THE FOREST Session 3 Cost $360 Badge C Trees S Eco Explorer Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch Campers will discover the “great outdoors” through hands-on experiences, including tree identification, understanding invasive species, and ecology activities. See what creatures make their homes at camp through bird watching, brooking, hiking, and nature scavenger hunts. Look for animal and insect tracks on our trails. Get to know what makes up our woods while we work together to plant, protect, and honor trees.
Sessions 4 and 5 (2 wks.) Cost $690 Badge C Program Aide CIT I
In this two week introductory leadership program, Cadettes will earn the majority of their Program Aide (except the LiA award) and Seniors will earn the CIT I Award. Discover your leadership style by building skills and strengthening those you already possess. Learn from one another and compare experiences you’ve had working with youth. Participate in activities that teach you skills and behaviors necessary to work with young people, then work directly with younger campers in your second week at camp. Your assignments at camp will depend on your age/Girl Scout level. OVAL COMIC-CON Session 2 Cost $360 Badge C Comic Artist S Novelist
Channel your inner fangirl with this week of comics, books, tv shows, movies, and more! Learn about female comic artists and what it takes to make an awesome female superhero. Make your own comic book, create and wear cosplay, and nerd out with your fellow campers over your favorite fictional stories and characters.
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Have a witchingly good time in this mystical inspired program! Dress the part of your favorite witch or wizard and spend the week making magic. Create your own wand and test it out with some spellbinding STEM activities. Learn to make butterbeer and chocolate frogs and play games like Quidditch and Giants, Wizards, Elves!
AIM, SHOOT, BULLSEYE
LIT - LEADERS IN TRAINING
SPECIALTY PROGRAMS AT THE OVAL
OH MY STARS
GIRL SCOUTS HEART OF NEW JERSEY’S
Virtual Summer Camp
Welcome to Camp In Our Hearts! Camp IOH is a mix of live, interactive, virtual sessions, on-your-own activities, recorded materials, and extra fun the Girl Scout way. You’ll start and end each day in an all-camp gathering, then break off into your unit for specialty program activities. Plus, every program completes a skill-building badge! Running July 13 through August 5, each week offers one three-day program for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors, each with unique themes and designed with your age level in mind. Each program offers two 90-minute sessions per day that are led by GSHNJ staff and delivered online (and in a box!) to you! Each program includes a Camp IOH Box where you’ll find activities (and surprises!) that you’ll work on with the rest of your camp unit and on your own. The included activity guide will be your gateway to connecting with your camp friends, discovering new skills, exploring new ideas, and inspiring your courage, confidence, and character at home... together!
Camp in Our Hearts registration includes: • Access to the GSHNJ Zoom platform, a secure digital space that is computer and tablet friendly. • Nine hours per week of guided virtual and unplugged activities. • Camp Box filled with materials and supplies necessary to successfully participate in program activities. Boxes will be available for curbside pickup at one of our service centers, or shipped to your door for an additional fee. • At least one Girl Scout badge, based on specialty program theme. • Exclusive swag and goodies!
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GSHNJ
Camp InOur Hearts
Inside, you will find supplies needed for your specialty program that week, an activity guide, and some other surprises! Additional supplies you may need from home—which are not included in the box— are: scissors, pencil, pen, ruler, some type of adhesive (glue, tape, glue stick, etc.), crayons, markers, or colored pencils, and basic kitchen equipment and cooking ingredients (for cooking programs). Camp Boxes are crafted based on specialty program, and included in your registration fee. You may select to pick your box up from the North Branch or Westfield Service Centers, or pay an additional fee to have it shipped to your door. If you intend to have your box shipped, please register far enough in advance to allow for adequate delivery by the USPS.
W H AT ' S I N M Y C A M P B O X ?
Program sessions are from 10:00–11:45 a.m. and 12:45–2:30 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. Each day includes time spent online connecting with other girls and camp counselors, and unplugged time exploring and learning on your own.
Camp In Our Hearts PROGRAM
GRADE COST CAPACITY
Session 1
Session 2
Session 3
Session 4
JULY 13–15
JULY 20–22
JULY 27–29
AUGUST 3–5
Buddy Camping
D
$100
20
Fairies, Flowers, and Butterflies
D
$100
24
Magical Forests of the World
D
$100
24
Storybook STEM
D
$100
24
Ooey Gooey Science
B
$100
24
Snack Attack!
B
$85
24
Space Science Adventures
B
$135
24
The Giving Trees
B
$100
24
x
Chef-in-Training
J
$85
24
x
Curtain Up!
J
$100
24
The Great Girl Scout STEAM Machine!
J
$100
24
Speak for the Trees
J
$100
24
x x
x x x x x
x x x
Life
is the
Best Life
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Camp
BUDDY CAMPING AT HOME Session 4 Cost $100 Badge D Buddy Camper
STORYBOOK STEM
THE GIVING TREE
Session 1 Cost $100 Badge D Mechanical Engineering: Roller Coaster
Session 1 Cost $100 Badge Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch
Once upon a time there was a girl scientist that enjoyed bringing her favorite stories to life! Let's take a trip into our favorite tales of science adventures and then we'll let our curiosity run wild by using STEM to find out what happens when we start thinking like a scientist. Have fun with chemistry like Ada Twist, Scientist, build mighty machines like Rosie Revere, Engineer and take a trip into space with Mae Among the Stars.
Calling all junior naturalists! Trees give and give and give to us and need us to give back! After reading The Giving Tree, we'll make a tree sculpture out of recycled materials and "adopt-a-tree" in own neighborhoods or other place special to us. We'll do bark rubbing, leaf prints, and a planting project while also learning how to identify common New Jersey trees for more fun in the forest. To give back, we'll learn how to be a advocate who protects and honors trees!
Session 2 Cost $100 Badge D Good Neighbor
ENTERING GRADES 2–3
ENTERING GRADES 4–5
OOEY GOOEY SCIENCE
CHEF-IN-TRAINING
During this fun and magical program, we will channel our inner pixie! Dress the part of a fairy and create a fairy house in an enchanted garden. Enjoy a fairy tea party, hear fairy stories, and become one with nature as we explore our magical surroundings.
Session 2 Cost $100 Badge B Home Scientist
Session 1 Cost $85 Badge J Simple Meals
Grab your aprons and roll up your sleeves, we are getting messy! In this hands-on STEM program, experiment with oobleck, elephant toothpaste, slime, and other fun (and ooey gooey extra messy) activities.
Aprons on? Spatulas at the ready? Juniors, it's time to cook! We'll learn how to make dishes perfect for breakfast, lunch, dinner, and - most importantly - dessert. Then, you'll put your new knowledge to the test and create a meal uniquely your own. Occasional at-home adult assistance will be needed.
Join us for camping adventure and learn the care and keeping of the outdoors. Be a buddy for the earth as you learn about Leave No Trace, do an outdoor service project, enjoy nature charades and a camping scavenger hunt, experiment with outdoor art, and make your own trail mix! Occasional at-home adult assistance will be needed. FAIRIES, FLOWERS, AND BUTTERFLIES
MAGICAL FORESTS OF THE WORLD Session 3 Cost $100 Badge Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch Calling all global eco-explorers! We'll go on a round-the-world tour as we visit famous trees and forests, share stories of the mythical creatures that live there, and imagine our very own creatures and what powers they might have to protect the forests! We'll also dig in with a hands-on planting project, find out what dirt really is made of, and celebrate the "Giving Trees" in our own lives.
SNACK ATTACK! Session 3 Cost $85 Badge B Snacks Brownies, it's time to get inspired! Grab your apron and we'll take a deep dive into the delicious world of snacks. From sweet to savory and back again, we'll create tasty treats together, meet an expert or two, and even work on an original recipe! SPACE SCIENCE ADVENTURES Session 4 Cost $135 Badge B Space Science Adventurer Future astronauts, let's blast off to space and soar among the stars! We'll meet the planets and find out what a star is really made of, learn about our solar system, create launchers and landers, then learn what it's like to live and work in space.
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VIRTUAL SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
ENTERING GRADES K–1
CURTAIN UP! Session 4 Cost $100 Badge J Drawing
Calling all artists, fashionistas, history enthusiasts, and theatre buffs. Let's sharpen our pencils and learn all about the world of costume design. We'll get inspired by the past, try out different design techniques, and get a behind-thescenes look at the world of costumes with some special guests.
THE GREAT GIRL SCOUT STEAM MACHINE! Session 3 Cost $100 Badge J Entertainment Technology Take a ride into the wild world of entertainment technology. Animate your own creations, dig into video game development, try the science of amusement park rides, and create your own special effects. Then hang an imaginary ten while surfing sound waves all while engaging in STEAM. SPEAK FOR THE TREES Session 2 Cost $100 Badge Girl Scout Tree Promise Patch The earth is calling and wants your help! If we don't speak for the trees, who will? Planting and protecting trees can help us battle climate change and make the world a better place for both us and for other plants and animals. We'll explore the impact of a single tree, local threats to our forests, and how we can help take action to be a part of the solution in our own communities. We'll hear from a guest speaker, collect data with some handson citizen science, and dig-in with a fun planting project.
Discounts F O R
D AY C A M P
Discounts are available for in-person camp. For discount requests, visit our summer camp page, click "Summer Camp Forms" then click the "2021 GSHNJ Summer Camp Discount Request" form. • Sister Discount: Sending sisters to in-person camp? After signing up your first camper, each additional camper attending from your household receives a $25 discount per session. • Multi-Session Discount: Coming to in-person camp for more than one week? $25 discount for multi-program campers. Discount applies to all in-person programs after the first one. F O R D AY A N D V I R T U A L CAMP
Financial Assistance S U M M E R
Any registered GSHNJ Girl Scout may apply for financial assistance. Girls must be registered GSHNJ members by December 30, 2020. If your girl is a member of another Girl Scout council, contact your local council for financial assistance options. • The GSHNJ Camp Financial Assistance (CFA) form can be downloaded on our summer camp page. • Financial assistance may cover up to one week of the base camp fee for the summer; each family’s eligibility and the availability of funds determine the amount granted. • Online camp registration must be completed with a $75 (in person) or $30 (virtual) per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee prior to mailing the CFA form. • Deadline for submitting the CFA form is May 15, 2021. No applications will be accepted after this date. Final decisions for CFA will be made by May 29, 2021; you will be notified by email.
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Registration F A Q s Girl Scout Membership Info • All campers must be Girl Scouts, either with GSHNJ or another Girl Scout council. ⇨ Have a current 2021 GSHNJ membership? Continue on to "Ready to Register for Camp?," below. ⇨ Have a 2021 membership with another council? Email summercamp@gshnj.org indicating “Out of Council Camp Registration” in the subject line. Include the camp, session, council, troop, and camper’s full name in the body of the email. ⇨ Had a GSHNJ Membership in 2020, but haven’t renewed for 2021? Go to www.gshnj.org and click on My GS. Re-register your camper using your email address as a username. ⇨ Never registered for a Girl Scout membership, skipped a year, or need assistance? Call the Member Support Team at 908-947-1708 to get started. • If campers do not complete their Girl Scout membership registration by June 11, 2021, their camp order will be canceled and the $75 (in person) or $30 (virtual) per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee will be held.
Ready to Register For Camp? • Go to www.gshnj.org, click on the “Camp” tab and then click on “Summer Camp.” • Click on the green “Register For Camp Now” button. Then click “Continue to Registration” to enter our camp registration portal, CAMPWISE. Please note that you must follow this path to access CAMPWISE—it is a unique link specific to our council and our camps. ⇨ Returning campers, login to your existing CAMPWISE account. ⇨ New campers must create an account for your family. An adult must create the account for themselves and then add their camper(s). Please do not make an account in your camper’s name. ⇨ From here, you will be able to register for all GSHNJ camps and for one or more campers in your family. Once you have completed your camper’s enrollment/registration, an Account Update will be emailed to you. Prior to the camp season, you will receive emails from summercamp@gshnj.org reminding you of action items. • Select the camp(s) and program(s) your girl(s) is interested in. • Registering for in-person camp? Pay your $75 per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee to secure your spot. Registering for virtual camp? Pay the complete registration fee to secure your spot. • Select add-on options like before/after care. Need help? Contact summercamp@gshnj.org or call 908-947-1708. • GSHNJ may cancel any program if enrollment does not meet required minimums. If a program is canceled due to low enrollment, alternate programs will be offered or a full refund issued, if necessary. See page 16 for refund details.
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How To Make a Payment • After you have chosen your programs for your camper, click on the dashboard. • Under Financial, click “make a payment.” It may require you to create a billing contact—this can be the account
holder or anyone responsible for paying for camp. • Here you can also add Trading Post money for all in-person camps. • Registering for in-person camp? Your camper is not registered for her program until her $75 per session, nonrefundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee is paid and her status is marked as “registered.” Without this payment, your camper’s status will be marked “enrolled” which means her spot is not secured. • Registering for virtual camp? Your camper is not registered for her program until her complete registration fee is paid and her status is marked as “registered.” • If you are applying for Financial Assistance, you still need to register your camper and pay the $75 (in person) or $30 (virtual) per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee. • To pay pending camp tuition, return to CAMPWISE at any time, but no later than June 11, 2021. Click on the “Access Your CAMPWISE Account” button. You can return more than once to make payments. • All accounts must be paid in full by June 11, 2021. • Any order not paid by June 11, 2021 will be canceled and the $75 (in person) or $30 (virtual) per session, nonrefundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee will be held. • All registrations submitted after June 12, 2021 must be paid in full at the time of registration. • After June 11, 2021, all enrolled/not confirmed campers will be removed.
What's Next? • You will receive a confirmation email that states your camper is registered. If you do not see the word “registered” under “Status,” log back in and make sure the registration fee was paid. • On your camp dashboard, you will be able to fill out the needed Health History information and additional camp program forms. • We no longer require a copy of the immunization or insurance cards. Please be sure this information is accurate in the online Health History. • We no longer require a doctor’s signature on the Health History. • Your dashboard contains a wealth of information including the Parent Guide, directions to the camps, packing lists, and the ability to upload medication information. • The Parent Guide and additional information for each camp is posted in CAMPWISE and on our summer camp page by April 15, 2021.
Can I Change a Program or Session? • A $30 transfer fee will be charged to change a program or session. • Changes must be sent by email to summercamp@gshnj.org. Please indicate the camp, program/session, and girl’s full name in the subject line.
Is There a Waiting List? • Yes—if all the spots are full, the registration system will allow you to join a waiting list. • If/when a spot becomes available, you will be contacted by our Member Support Team to see if you are still interested. If so, full payment will be due at the time of registration.
What if I Want a Refund? • Refund requests received prior to June 11, 2021 will be honored less the $75 (in person) or $30 (virtual) per session per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee. • Send refund requests to summercamp@gshnj.org. Indicate the camp, program/session and girl’s full name in the subject line. • No refunds will be issued after June 11, 2021 except for requests due to a death in the immediate family or medical necessity (written note from physician must accompany request). These refunds will be processed less the $75 per session, non-refundable, non-transferrable, camp registration fee. Refunds requested after the start of a camp session will be pro-rated. • There are no refunds or credits for no-shows, partial sessions, adjustment difficulties, failure to complete COVID-19 pre-screening, early departure, late arrival, or other scheduling issues. • More questions about our COVID policies? Visit our most up-to-date COVID plan by visiting our summer camp page.
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“Some experts argue that after the restrictive living conditions our kids have endured for months due to COVID-19 public health measures, as well as the stressful climate of our society today, B E I N G O U T D O O R S C A N P R O V I D E A M U C H - N E E D E D B O O S T to students’ social, emotional, and mental well-being.”