17 minute read
Summer Camp Information
Themed Weekend Camp Sessions
For the summer of 2021, families can enjoy all GSNI camps have to offer! GSNI camp staff will be hosting family and troop camps every Thursday through Sunday throughout the summer at Camp Dean. Each family will receive a private cabin or tent per household and share communal space, such as latrines, within the unit. Each troop will reserve a full unit to attend camp. These units, or collection of cabins or tents, will travel together to activities around camp. All meals will be provided by camp staff. These meals and snacks will be a combination of pre-packaged, picnic-style meals, and family cookouts. Camp staff will assist in cookouts.
Advertisement
Family camp runs Thursday evening through Sunday afternoon. Troop sessions run Friday through Sunday. Both troops and families can participate in all available camp activities for the weekend including all facilitated outdoor activities. Troops do not need to come with family members but must provide adequate girl-to-adult ratios.
Core camp staff will be on site to assist families during their weekend stay. Camp staff will facilitate outdoor skills and activities, themed arts and crafts, games, and badgework throughout their session.
Camp Dean Themed Weekend Camp Sessions
Cost per family for cabin rental | $150/$125 before April 30, 2021 Cost per family if pitching own tent | $120/$95 before April 30, 2021 Cost per troop - $60/girl, $25/adult | troop capacity 4 adults, 16 girls.
Week 1: Foxes Den on the Prairie
Family Weekend - June 17–20, 2021
Troop Weekend – June 18-20, 2021
Take a step back in time and explore living off the land! As you learn about the prairie plants and little critters, you will discover ways to sustain the environment. Learn all about the frontier life by making your own butter, learning how to weave or sew, and more! The weekend will be filled with additional outdoor activities such as hiking, orienteering, and observing everything around you. Learn about Leave No Trace and become an environmental advocate! You will even complete some requirements towards your Environmental Stewardship badge.
Week 4: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Family Weekend - July 8–11, 2021
Troop Weekend – July 9-11, 2021
Your owl has arrived! Board the train, grab your magical broomstick, and fly to camp! Attend classes such as astronomy, potions, magical defense, herbology, and wizard sports. Complete in the all-camp Tournament of Magic and earn points for your favorite magical house. Put your spells and outdoor skills to the test as you explore the ins and outs of the camp’s witches and wizards.
Week 6: Under the Sea
Family Weekend - July 22–25, 2021
Troop Weekend – July 23-25, 2021
The seaweed is always greener at Camp Dean! Spend long summer days by the pond discovering the wonders of water! Take a canoe out for a waterfront picnic or explore the creatures in the creek. Become a camp mermaid and pamper yourself in our mud pit! Bring the undersea life home with aquatic-themed crafts and games. During the week, you will make progress towards your It’s Your Planet, Love It Journey. Family Weekend - August 5–8, 2021
Troop Weekend – August 6-8, 2021
You are stranded at camp! Can you make it through the weekend? Your family will team up against others to overcome obstacles, learn navigation and wilderness survival skills, fire and shelter building, first aid, and more! Through exciting daily challenges and scavenger hunts, you will be challenged to put your skills to the test! Do you dare climb to the final crate in crate stacking, try exotic cuisine, and slip your way into the mud pit? Each family will face off in the final challenge to see who will earn the title of Ultimate Survivors!
Weekday Rentals
Weekday overnight rentals are available to registered Girl Scouts or Girl Scout alums and families as well as Girl Scout Troops. Families and Troops will be responsible for their own food, activities, and supervision. Families and Troops may rent an outdoor sleeping cabin at Camp Dean or a platform tent or Adirondack at Camp McCormick for a daily fee. Check-in on first day begins at 4 p.m. and check-out on final day is 11 a.m. Families and Troops may also visit camp under day-use only option and will be assigned a location for latrine use. Families may reserve Sunday–Wednesday.
All families and troops renting camp during the week will be able to book facilitated outdoor activities for an additional fee per participant. Camp Dean Rental Schedule
Family rental fee - $45 for 4-person cabin for first night ▶ $90 for 8-person cabin for first night ▶ $20 for pitch your own tent for first night ▶ $30 per additional night
Day-use rental fee - $25
Troop Capacity – Cherry Hollow and Oak Grove unit sleeps 16 girls, 4 adults. Hickory Glenn unit sleeps 6 people total. ▶ Sunday, June 13–Wednesday, June 16 ▶ Sunday, July 5–Wednesday, July 7 ▶ Sunday, July 18–Wednesday, July 21 ▶ Sunday, August 1–Wednesday, August 4 Camp McCormick Rental Schedule
Family rental fee - $45 for 4-person tent for first night ▶ $63 for 6-person Adirondack for first night ▶ $20 for pitch your own tent for first night ▶ $30 per additional night
Day-use rental fee - $25
Troop Capacity – Deertrail and Arrowhead Unit sleep 14 people total: 10-12 girls and 2-4 adults. ▶ Sunday, June 20–Wednesday, June 23 ▶ Sunday, June 27–Wednesday, June 30 ▶ Sunday, July 11–Wednesday, July 14 ▶ Sunday, July 24–Wednesday, July 28
Resident Camp – Camp McCormick
Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley, IL
$225 / girl | GSNI Voucher Eligible Check-in: 4:00 PM | Checkout: 3:00 PM
This is the chance for your Girl Scout to have the time of her life this summer! Our resident camps offer so many ways for your Girl Scout to not only gain independence, but to try new skills, make new friends, and create memories of a lifetime! Trained camp staff will provide
plenty of opportunities for campers to participate in our new theme week activities and other popular camp activities such as swimming, arts and crafts, cooking over a campfire, and hiking! Your camper will stay overnight in the platform tents and explore camp during the day. Come out for a 4-day/3-night adventure like no other!
To comply with current Illinois Department of Public Health, American Camping Association, and CDC guidelines, limited capacity is available to 12 participants at this time. Two girls will share a platform tent based on grade level and those campers with fears of dark/night will be assigned closer to counselor tents. All ages will sleep in same unit with GSNI summer camp staff sleeping within the unit. All food will be served picnic/takeout style or unit will cook over the campfire. ▶ Drop-off on first day of session: 4-4:30 p.m. ▶ Pick-up on last day of session: 3-3:30 p.m.
Week 2: Snow Summer Adventures
Date: June 24 – June 27, 2021
Register by: May 27, 2021
Are you looking for an afternoon climbing high towards the sky? How about experimenting what frozen things do in the summer sun? During Snow Summer Adventures, you can experience all the thrills of two opposite seasons, summer and winter! Practice your skills on the climbing wall, archery range, and crate stacking to beat unique outdoor challenges! Make your own snow and take the icy polar-bear plunge down the slip and slide. Master outdoor skills such as fire building, knot tying, and orienteering during the summer heat and the winter cold. As you overcome challenging obstacles throughout the week, you will return to home base with progress towards your Snow or Climber badge.
Week 5: Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
Date: July 15-18, 2021
Register by: May 27, 2021
Your owl has arrived! Board the train, grab your magical broomstick, and fly to camp! Attend classes such as astronomy, potions, magical defense, herbology, and wizard sports. Complete in the all-camp Tournament of Magic and earn points for your favorite magical house. Put your spells and outdoor skills to the test as you explore the ins and outs of the camp’s witches and wizards.
Week 7: Color Wars
Date: July 29 – August 1, 2021
Register by: May 27, 2021
Join us for the craziest, messiest, most colorful competition this side of GSNI! Art lovers will be sorted into teams as you compete in colorful outdoor challenges. The week will be filled with plenty of crafts like creating your own foot-paint masterpiece, tie dye, and more. Enjoy messy Twister, paint with archery, and work up to an all-out color war! You will fulfill requirements towards your Outdoor Art badge.
Guide to S’more Fun Icons
new This icon represents a new event for 2020-2021 updated This icon represents a event that GSNI has done before, but has updated elements for 2020-2021 save the date This icon indicates to Save the Date and more information is yet to come
Daisy grade level Cadette grade level Events where we welcome families
Counselor-in-Training Camps
Girl Scout camp is the perfect place for girls to take on leadership roles and become role models for younger girls! Since Girl Scouts is the premiere leadership organization for girls, Girl Scout camp provides unlimited options to hone leadership skills. The Counselor-in-Training (CIT) program is a great way for girls to learn about leadership, group dynamics, outdoor skills, program planning, and more!
The CIT program is designed so girls participate in leadership training and apply those new skills with younger campers in the same week. In addition, CITs receive additional activity training such as ceremonies, outdoor skills, fire building, and more. Activities completed during the CIT program fulfill requirements towards earning the CIT I or CIT II Award. If girls want to earn CIT Awards, they must attend and complete CIT I before CIT II. Sessions can be attended without earning of the award.
To maintain adequate social distance and gathering sizes, all girls must complete a CIT Application and be selected to participate in the CIT I, CIT II, and/or CIT Leadership programs. These applications will aid in understanding your CITs interests, strengths, and needs for this summer. Do not register for these sessions until you have received approval from the council.
Counselor-in-Training I (CIT I)
Entering Grades 9–12 Camp Dean, Big Rock, IL Price Level - $25 / session July 5-11 – CITs will lead Double, Double, Toil and Trouble Themed Weekend Camp. Check-in Monday - 9 AM | Check-out Sunday - 4:30 PM
Do you want the opportunity to advance your leadership skills? If so, CIT I is for you! You will spend the week with us to develop your skills as a camp leader. Not only will you help trained staff develop camp activities, you will also implement them with younger campers during our family and troop themed camp weekends. Lodging available for all CITs at Camp Dean.
Counselor-in-Training II (CIT II)
Entering Grades 10–12 & Girl Scouts graduating in 2021 Camp Dean, Big Rock, IL Price level - $25/per girl July 19-25 – CITs will lead Under the Sea Themed Weekend Camp Check-in Monday - 9 AM | Check-out Sunday - 4:30 PM
You’re almost there! Now’s the time to pull together all the camp development and leadership skills you developed over the years. Join us at Camp Dean CITs will come together to plan activities for an upcoming weekend camp session based on your specialties and interests. They will also engage with camp administrative staff to see the behind the scenes on developing camp programming. Join us for the Under the Sea themed weekend camp and lead everyone in everything aquatic! Lodging available for CITs to remain on-site all week.
CIT Leadership
Entering grades 9–12 & Girl Scouts graduating in 2021 In-person (Camp Dean, Big Rock, IL) In-person (Camp McCormick, Stillman Valley, IL)
Looking to improve your outdoor leadership skills? In the CIT Leadership program, Counselors-in-Training (CITs) will receive specialized trainings for our outdoor activities, such as lifeguarding, USA Archery Level 1 Instructor, small watercraft safety for canoeing and kayaks, or basic waterfront rescue techniques.
With these specialized trainings, CITs may join camp staff in facilitating specific outdoor programs for campers and their families. Interested CITs can join camp staff training for these specialized certifications. They will work with the CIT Director to schedule a weekend to facilitate these activities and enhance their skills. CITs are free to join any training they wish and assist at either Camp Dean or Camp McCormick. All trainings will be held at Camp Dean. CITs can participate in both CIT-I or CIT-II programs in addition to the CIT Leadership program or just the CIT Leadership program. Sleeping accommodations available for weekend stay, or CITs may attend day-only. The following weekends are open for CITs to schedule trainings with their CIT Director:
Camp Dean Weekends ▶ June 17–20 ▶ July 8–11 ▶ July 22–25 ▶ August 5–8
Camp McCormick Weekends ▶ June 24–27 ▶ July 15–18 ▶ July 29–August 1
Counselor in Training Leadership - Archery Instructor Training new
Camp Dean
$45/Participant | GSNI Voucher Eligible Saturday, May 29, 2021 | 9 am - 5 pm
Register by April 23, 2021
Before registration, CITs must apply and be approved for the program. CITs can apply here.
Are you an archery enthusiast? Would you like to lead younger Girl Scouts and their families in your favorite outdoor sport? Counselors in Training can join summer camp staff to receive their USA Archery Level 1 Instructor certification before the approaching summer camp. CITs will learn proper archery form, details on our camp equipment, and proper field safety during this all day class.
After receiving this specialized training, CITs join camp staff in facilitating these outdoor programs for campers during our upcoming family summer camp programs. They will work with the CIT director to schedule a weekend to facilitate these activities and enhance their skills in leadership, education, and archery. CITs are free to assist any family camp weekend at either Camp Dean or Camp McCormick. CITs can participate in both CIT-I or CIT-II programs in addition to the CIT Leadership program.
Camp Dean
$25/Participant | GSNI Voucher Eligible Sat, June 5, 2021 | 1–3 pm
Register by May 1, 2021
Before registration, CITs must apply and be approved for the program. Would you like to lead younger Girl Scouts and their families in your favorite outdoor activities? Counselors-in-Training (CITs) can join summer camp staff to receive their Adult and Child CPR/First Aid/ AED certification before the approaching summer camp. Through this blended learning technique, CITs will learn virtually the basic skills of CPR and First Aid on their own time. CITs will join camp staff to demonstrate their skills to the instructor and receive follow-up training. (CITs interested in lifeguard training do not need to take this class.)
After receiving this specialized training, CITs join camp staff in facilitating these outdoor programs for campers during our upcoming family summer camp programs! They will work with the CIT Director to schedule a weekend to facilitate these activities and enhance their skills in leadership and education. CITs are free to assist any family camp weekend at either Camp Dean or Camp McCormick. CITs can participate in both CIT-I and CIT-II programs in addition to the CIT Leadership program but do not need to attend virtual CIT camps to participate in the CIT Leadership program.
Camp Dean
$45/Participant | GSNI Voucher Eligible Fri–Sun, June 11–13, 2021 | 1–5 p.m.
Register by May 1, 2021
Before registration, CITs must apply and be approved for the program. Counselors-in-Training (CITs) CITs must be 15 years or older by time of registration. CITs will need to pass a swim test before participating in training. Swim tests include swimming 300 yards utilizing proper swim strokes, treading water for two minutes only using your legs, and complete a timed event of swimming and diving for training brick within one minute and 45 seconds.
Would you like to lead younger Girl Scouts and their families on the waterfront? CITs can join summer camp staff to receive their Lifeguard certification before the approaching summer camp. Through this blended learning technique, CITs will learn virtually the basic skills of waterfront safety on their own time. CITs will join camp staff to demonstrate their skills to the instructor and learn in-water rescue techniques. CPR/First Aid/AED for aquatic settings is also included in this training.
Lifeguard training follows this schedule:
Friday, June 11: 1–4 p.m.
Saturday, June 12: 1–5 p.m.
Sunday, June 13: 1–4 p.m.
After receiving this specialized training, CITs join camp staff in facilitating these outdoor programs for campers during our upcoming family summer camp programs. They will work with the CIT Director to schedule a weekend to facilitate these activities and enhance their skills in leadership, education, and safety. CITs are free to assist any family camp weekend at Camp Dean. CITs can participate in both CIT-I and CIT-II programs in addition to the CIT Leadership program but do not need to attend virtual CIT camps to participate in the CIT Leadership program.
Camp Dean Cost: $35/participant | GSNI Voucher Eligible Mon, June 14, 2021 | 1–4 p.m.
Is Camp Dean’s pond calling your name? Would you like to lead younger Girl Scouts and their families on the waterfront? Counselors-in-Training (CITs) can join summer camp staff to receive their Small Watercraft and Basic Water Rescue certification before the approaching summer camp. Through this blended learning technique, CITs will learn virtually the basic skills of waterfront safety on their own time. CITs will join camp staff to demonstrate their skills to the instructor and learn about canoeing, kayaking, and how to help someone out of a flipped boat.
After receiving this specialized training, CITs join camp staff in facilitating these outdoor programs for campers during our upcoming family summer camp programs. They will work with the CIT Director to schedule a weekend to facilitate these activities and enhance their skills in leadership, education, and safety. CITs are free to assist any family camp weekend at Camp Dean. CITs can participate in both CIT-I and CIT-II programs in addition to the CIT Leadership program but do not need to attend virtual CIT camps to participate in the CIT Leadership program.
GSNI Virtual Becoming Me Program
The six-week virtual program is:
$12 a girl | registration ends on June 1
Daisies - Wed: June 16, 23, 30 July 7, 14, 21, 2021 | 5:15–6:15 p.m.
Daisy badges: Good Neighbor, Outdoor Art Maker, and Buddy Camper
Brownies - Tues: June 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 2021 | 5:15-6:15 p.m.
Brownie badges: Making Friends, Philanthropist, Outdoor Adventurer
Juniors - Wed: June 16, 23, 30; July 7, 14, 21, 2021 | 6:45–7:45 p.m.
Junior badges: Scribe, Junior Trail Adventure, and Democracy for Juniors
Cadettes - Thurs: June 17, 24; July 1, 8, 15, 22, 2021 | 5:45–6:45 p.m.
Cadette badges: Eco Trekker, Science of Happiness, Finding Common Ground
This six-week virtual program experience is centered around core themes from Mrs. Obama’s Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers that align with the Girl Scout mission, such as knowing and telling your story, maintaining mental health and wellness, and supporting and nurturing girls on their own journeys.
During this experience, participants will earn three Girl Scout badges as they discuss and explore who they are and what they want to become. If Girl Scouts have already earned one or more of these badges, that’s just fine—they can still participate in the Becoming Me program and receive the patch! Their prior experiences will give them an even stronger foundation for reflecting on the program themes.
Once the program series is complete, participants will be mailed the 3 badges and the Becoming Me program patch.
This program will take place once a week for six weeks. Sessions will not be recorded. If girls cannot attend a session(s), they will need to complete some work on their own to earn the badges. Fee includes 3 program badges, Becoming Me patch, and shipping costs. Items will be mailed after the program session ends.
Seniors - Tues: June 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 2021 | 6:30–7:30 p.m.
Senior badges: Collage Artist, Women’s Health, and Behind the Ballot
Ambassadors- Tues: June 15, 22, 29; July 6, 13, 20, 2021 | 7:45–8:45 p.m.
Ambassador badges: Coaching, Public Policy, and Eco Advocate
GSNI Independent Becoming Me Program
If the virtual series doesn’t work for you, your troop can work on the Becoming Me Series yourself.
Get started now: ▶ Download the free instructions and badge booklets. ▶ Download an excerpt of the Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers book and journal (PDF), created especially for Girl Scouts! ▶ Learn about the Becoming Me national service project.
This program will take six to eight sessions to complete and can be done with your troop or your council.
Look for S’more Fun Fall List
Coming Soon!
