Camp Kaufmann Get Outdoors Guide: Winter & Spring 2023

Girl Scouts of Greater New York Leadership Center

40 Wall Street, Suite 708 New York, NY 10005

P 212.645.4000 ext 297

F 212.645.4599

www.girlscoutsnyc.org

Connect with Us @girlscoutsnyc

Camp Program Department Directory

• Beka Norton, Assistant Camp Director

• Maggie Vasquez, Vice President of Programs

The best method of communication is email. Please email customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org. For immediate assistance, please call 212-645-4000 ext 297.

Camp Kaufmann Staff

Steve Gomez, Camp Property Manager

Jim Barry, Camp Ranger

Camp Kaufmann is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, Inc. and is fully accredited by the American Camp Association. The Girl Scouts of Greater New York abides by the program and safety standards of GSUSA and the New York State and Dutchess County Departments of Health.

PLANNING TIP

Want to take your Girl Scouts to Camp Kaufmann but are unsure of the first steps? Reach out to customercare@ girlscoutsnyc.org to set up a one on one or small group meeting with our Camp Registrar!

Leader Preparation

Take your troop on an adventure they will remember for the rest of their lives! Camp Kaufmann is only about an hour and a half from the city. Troop leaders work closely with their Girl Scouts to plan and carry out a weekend camping experience like no other!

Here is what you need:

• One adult currently certified in First Aid/CPR.

• One adult who has completed Overnight Adventures: Camp Out Training.

• One adult who has completed Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out Training.

The same adult can hold all 3 certifications. From there, book your housing at camp, plan your transportation and food arrangements, complete essential forms, and come to Camp Kaufmann!

PLANNING TIP

As you’re planning any kind of recreational activity, be sure to consult GSUSA’s Safety Activity Checkpoints.

GET OUTDOORS!

Find them on our website at girlscoutsnyc.org!

Required Volunteer Trainings for Girl Scout Trips

Girl Scouts of Greater New York provides troop leaders and volunteers with a variety of trainings that prepare you to lead your troop into the outdoors! Once completed, you will be certified to take Girl Scouts on local day trips, overnights, camping experiences, and other exciting travel adventures. Learn more on the next page!

Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out!

(formerly known as Overnight Adventures and Beyond)

Pre-requisites required: None

Troop leaders are required to complete this training before taking Girl Scouts on ANY OVERNIGHT TRIP. This includes to Camp Kaufmann, a hotel or Airbnb, museum, church, school, or anywhere else Girl Scouts will be staying overnight.

If visiting Camp Kaufmann, this training clears troop leaders to bring Girl Scouts on a one night stay to a Troop or Lake House, as these lodgings do not require outdoor cooking skills or the use of a firepit/fireplace.

This training does NOT certify troop leaders to use a firepit or fireplace. To visit Camp Kaufmann for more than one night, and/or to lodge in an Outdoor Unit, Rustic Unit, or the Hillcrest Lake House Unit, all of which require outdoor cooking skills, troop leaders must ALSO complete the Overnight Adventures: Camp Out training.

Take this training virtually: Sign into your My GS account and search for “Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out!” through the gsLearn portal. Should you need any technical assistance with your My GS account or gsLearn portal, contact customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Overnight Adventures: Camp Out!

(formerly known as The Great Outdoors Camp Training)

Pre-requisites required: Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out!

Troop leaders are required to complete this training before taking Girl Scouts on a multi-night Troop Camping experience in one of Camp Kaufmann’s Outdoors Units, Rustic Unit, or the Hillcrest Lake House Unit. This training prepares leaders for experiences specific to these lodgings, including fire-building, tent camping, meal planning, outdoor cooking, packing essentials, and safety..

Take this training in-person: Overnight Adventures: Camp Out! is offered as a weekend experience at camp.

Upcoming Training Dates

March 3-5 (Adults only)

March 10-12, May 5-7, May 19-21 (Girl Scouts welcome)

On select dates, bring your Girl Scouts along to spend the day learning new skills with camp counselors while you complete your training! Visit girlscoutsnyc.campbrainregistration.com to sign up now.

First Aid and CPR Training

Pre-requisites required: None

All Girl Scouts or troops taking any overnight trip, including camping experiences, must be accompanied by at least one adult with First Aid and CPR certification. Through these trainings, you will learn how to identify and care for a variety of medical emergencies and administer appropriate CPR measures for adults, children, and infants. A number of options are available.

In-person course with GSGNY Council Certified Trainers:

Council Certified Trainers are volunteers certified by the American Red Cross or American Heart Association to deliver First Aid and CPR curriculum. This 5-hour course concludes with a skills demonstration that must be passed in order to receive a validation card. To find an available course, navigate to the Event Search from the homepage of your My GS account, and search using your zip code and the keywords “First Aid” or “CPR”. If there are no upcoming trainings available, check back soon as they are scheduled intermittently, or sign up for a course through one of the organizations below.

In-person or hybrid course with the American Red Cross or American Heart Association

While both online and classroom courses are available through the American Red Cross and American Heart Association websites, please note the online courses alone DO NOT meet certification requirements.

You must also enroll in a follow-up, instructor-led session within 90 days of completing your online course to demonstrate your skills and receive your validation card. Visit redcrosslearningcenter.org or cpr.heart.org to sign up.

In-person course with the Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation

The Dominic A. Murray 21 Memorial Foundation is a non-profit working to educate and effectuate change in the screening, diagnosis, and immediate treatment of sudden cardiac arrest.

To find or schedule a class with their certified instructors, visit domheart21.org.

Please note this course ONLY awards CPR/AED certification. You will still be required to complete First Aid certification as well, which can be done through the American Red Cross or American Heart Association.

Upon completing your chosen course, email a copy of your validation card to customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org with the subject line ‘Camp Certification’.

For questions or more information, review the Safety Activity Checkpoints document in your Volunteer Toolkit, or contact customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org with the subject line “Volunteer Training.”

A Leadership Camping Experience

Camp Kaufmann Leadership Camping Experience

Camping is a great way for Girl Scouts to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether for a day, a weekend, or longer, camp gives Girl Scouts an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults. Here are just a few experiences for you to check out at Camp Kaufmann:

Day Trips

Day trips are perfect for first time campers of all levels! All day trips are from 10am – 3pm. The cost includes s’mores, snacks, lunch, a patch, and programming. If you are looking for a specific theme related to one of the outdoor badges, we’ll be happy to put that together for you! We will customize your day trip, add outdoor classrooms, and provide you with the perfect day for your troop!

Troop Camping

Troop Camping is for Girl Scouts of all ages and their troop leaders. (We recommend Brownie through Ambassador levels). It is usually an experience from Friday late afternoon through Sunday morning. Troops may choose to stay for one night or two nights. Girl Scouts and their troop leaders plan meals and programming. Please be sure to review and complete the required volunteer trainings outlined on page 5-7.

Overnight Themes

At Overnight Theme events, Girl Scouts spend the night in one of Camp Kaufmann’s Troop & Lake Houses, arriving Saturday morning and departing Sunday morning for a full 24 hours of fun! Camp Kaufmann offers both level-specific and all-level experiences, with programming provided by staff. Food is provided by camp and prepared by the visiting troop. All troops must be accompanied by an adult with First Aid/CPR certification, and an adult who has completed the Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out! training, offered online. One person can hold both certifications. See page 6 for more training details.

Girl-Only Experience

The Girl-Only experience is for Girl Scouts who have been to camp before and feel comfortable spending the night away from home without their families or troop leaders. Girl Scouts are supervised by trained camp counselors. These fun-filled weekends are for Junior through Ambassador level Girl Scouts. They will plan activities with their counselors, enjoy a theme, earn a badge or patch, and embrace the outdoors!

Camp Kaufmann

Day Trips

My Girl Scout & Me

Date: Saturday, January 7

Patch Earned: He & Me Fun Patch

For: All Levels

Enjoy a day at camp with the person in your life who’s Man Enough to be a Girl Scout! Go hiking, roast s’mores over the campfire, create unique crafts, and sing songs with someone you look up to.

Day of Service

Date: Monday, January 16

Patch Earned: Service Day Fun Patch

For: Juniors-Ambassadors

Give back to your community! Build relationships with other Girl Scouts while working together to take care of the campgrounds we all enjoy. You’ll make new friends and a difference.

Ultimate Survivor Day

Date: Monday, January 30

Badges Earned: Cadettes Archery, Seniors & Ambassadors First Aid

For: Cadettes, Seniors, Ambassadors

Camp Kaufmann Day Trips

All day trips are $35 per person and include lunch, snacks, s’mores, programming, and fun patches.

All day trips run from 10 - 3 pm.

Do you have what it takes to survive a day in the wilderness? Come learn skills such as fire building, outdoor cooking, water purification and more. Skills learned also count toward any Senior/Ambassador camping or hiking badge!

My First Winter Day Trip

Date: Saturday, February 18

Badges Earned: Daisy Snow

Adventure & Outdoor Art Maker, Brownie Snow Adventure & Outdoor Art Creator

For: Daisies, Brownies

Strap on some snowshoes and explore the magic of our woods in wintertime. Enjoy classic snow-day activities such as sledding and warming up afterwards with a hot drink.

Math in Nature

Date: Monday, February 20

Badge Earned: Shapes in Nature

For: Daisies, Brownies, Juniors

Learn about the many patterns, shapes, and colors that naturally occur in our environment while exploring the beautiful flora and fauna of our camp property.

Winter Wonderland

Date: Saturday, February 25

Patch Earned: Winter Wonderland

For: All levels

Bundle up for some exhilarating cold weather activities! Learn winter survival skills and conduct experiments to learn about this snowy season. Then, warm up next to a fire and enjoy some toasty s’mores!

My First Day Trip

Date: Saturday, May 13

Badges Earned: Buddy Camper & Outdoor Art Maker

For: Daisies, Brownies

Enjoy a day of camp classics as you begin your adventures into the outdoors! Sing songs, go hiking, make s’mores, learn fire safety and wilderness skills, make crafts, and of course, make new friends!

Earth Day

Date: Saturday, April 22

For: All Levels

Come join us for a day of service at camp to Celebrate Earth Day!

Between Earth and Sky

Date: Saturday, May 6

For: Daisies

Explore nature and learn how to keep the Earth healthy! Learn about recycling, the Leave no Trace principles, and complete a Take Action project!

BADGES VS. PATCHES

What’s the difference? Badges are earned through skills-building activities and displayed on the front of your uniform. Patches are given for participating in fun activities or programs and are displayed on the back of your uniform.

Camp Kaufmann Overnight Themes

Junior Outdoor Journey

Date: April 29 – April 30

Badges earned: Animal Habitat, Camper, Eco Camper, Take Action

For: Juniors

Come deepen your connection to nature. Learn about wild animals and protecting the environment, try new outdoor activities, and plan a Take Action project to complete your Journey!

My First Overnight

Date: May 20 – May 21

Badges earned: For: Daisies, Brownies

Daisies and Brownies will spend one night at camp while working towards their Outdoor Journey. Learn the basics of camping, find inspiration for art in nature, and plan a Take Action project.

Camp Kaufmann Overnight Themes

All overnights are $95 per person and include housing, programming, food (prepared and cooked by the troop) and badges.

Day Trips

*Martin Luther King Jr. Day † President’s Day

Camp Kaufmann Troop Camping

Troop leaders may take their Girl Scouts camping for a weekend at Camp Kaufmann from January – June.

Troop camping is a weekend event from Friday evening through Sunday morning. It is planned and carried out by all the members of the troop. Troop leaders reserve the housing, then plan transportation, meals, sleeping arrangements, and activities with the help of their troops.

For any camping trip, troops must have one First Aid/CPR certified adult and one Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out! certified adult at each house or camp unit. If you plan to use the fireplace or fire ring to build your own fires, you will also need one Overnight Adventures: Camp Out! certified adult. (See page 6 for more info).

Our outdoor units will open on April 21, 2023.

Outdoor Classrooms

Add an Outdoor Classroom

Troops can choose to enhance their experience by hiring one of our skilled counselors to run a specific activity for them. A variety of classrooms and costs are offered depending on the season.

Outdoor classrooms are limited to 2 per unit. An Outdoor Classroom request must be submitted through CampBrain upon registration for your camping weekend. They will be approved by the Camp Director two weeks prior to your camping trip, dependent on the availability of certified staff and weather conditions. Troops may be grouped together to meet a minimum ratio and for troops to get to know new Girl Scout friends!

Camp Kaufmann Troop Camping

To register for Troop Camping, please visit https://girlscoutsnyc.campbrainregistration.com

Registration will begin in November 2022!

Capacities may vary depending on guidance from the CDC and the Department of Health. Please contact us for the most up to date capacities.

GET OUTDOORS!

Transportation

Although the council does not provide transportation, you still have several options to get to camp.

Drive to camp - we have plenty of parking!

Order a bus - You may use any coach bus available, as long as they provide you with a certificate of liability–for 5 million to certificate holder: Girl Scouts of Greater NY. Forward all certificates to customercare@ girlscoutsnyc.org

Take the train - Take the Metro North –Harlem line to the Patterson Station. Camp is ten to fifteen minutes away by car. Super Taxi can get you to camp from there. Their number is 845-225-2525.

Food

All special events, day trips and girl only events include food. Please contact us if you have any allergies or dietary restrictions. If you are planning a troop camping weekend you will be responsible for bringing all of your own food. If you do not want to transport all of it, you have the option of using Stop & Shop! StopandShop.com is a online grocery delivery service. The groceries will arrive at camp and we will put them in your unit for you. If you are going to use this service, please call Stop & Shop at least 72 hours in advance of your trip. Once you have completed your order, please email your confirmation to campkaufmann@ girlscoutsnyc.org.

BE CERTAIN YOUR ORDER CONTAINS THE NAME OF THE UNIT YOU ARE STAYING IN!

Having the Unit name on the order helps us and Stop & Shop be sure the orders are going to the right troop. Set up your delivery for between 12 pm and 4 pm on the Friday your troop arrives.

Sample Weekend Menus

Friday Night Dinner: Make your own Pizza, Salad, Dessert, Water and Juice

Friday Night

Dinner:

Taco Ground Beef, Lettuce, Tomato, Shredded Cheese, Onion, Hard and Soft Shells, Dessert, Water and Juice

Saturday Breakfast: Pancakes, Scrambled Eggs and Sausage, Oatmeal, Orange Juice, Apple Juice

Lunch:

Hamburger, Hot Dogs, Salad, Fruit, Dessert, Water and Juice

Dinner: Mac n Cheese, Chicken Strips, Salad, Dessert, Water and Juice

Breakfast to Go:

Bagels, Cream Cheese, Butter, Jelly, Yogurt, Granola, Fruit, Juice and Water

Saturday Breakfast:

Waffles, Bacon, Fruits, Oatmeal, Orange Juice, Apple Juice

Lunch: Grilled Cheese, Tomato Soup, Chicken Soup, Vegetables, Dessert, Water and Juice

Dinner:

Spaghetti, Meatballs, Salad, Garlic Bread, Dessert, Water and Juice

Breakfast to Go:

Cereal, Milk, Yogurt, Granola, Fruit, Juice and Water

About Camp Kaufmann

Camp Kaufmann is located in Holmes, New York, just over the Dutchess County border, 70 miles north of midtown Manhattan. With over 400 acres of rolling hills, the property offers a beautiful landscape. The camp features various types of accommodations for both new and experienced campers and can accommodate over 300 campers in houses and cabins during the peak summer season. Facilities include a lake for boating and fishing, an archery range, a pool, several hiking trails, and both high and low rope challenge course elements.