NeW ReGISTRATION TIMeS THIS YeAR! ONLINE REGISTRATION OPENS APRIL 1 > STEVENS 7 A.M. > KIWANIS 9 A.M. > ALL OTHER 10 A.M.
Leave No Girl Inside! OUTDOOR EDUCATION | SUMMER RESIDENT CAMP | 2017 GUIDE
COURAGE. CONFIDENCE. CHARACTER.
Girl Scout camp is a community unlike any other. Imagine a camp full of extraordinary girls working together to bring out the best in each other, facing their fears, trying new things, exploring the great outdoors, sharpening their problem-solving skills, and building a lifetime of memories. Whether it’s your first time away from home or not, camping has unlimited potential to unlock or boost your confidence. For the most current information regarding sessions, requirements, and pricing, visit www.gs-top.org.
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Are my daughter and I ready for her to attend resident camp?
Is my daughter ready for resident camp? If your daughter has never spent the night away from home, you may want to start with a day camp or a one- or two-night resident camp. Then she can progress into whatever length of camp she desires. Although age is one factor in readiness for resident camp, a girl’s maturity level and personality are more important indicators. Talk to your girl. If she is enthusiastic about attending, she will probably enjoy camp. The following questions may help in determining readiness for resident camp.
Has your daughter ever been away from home for more than one night without family members?
Can she keep up with her personal belongings?
Can she take care of basic hygiene needs such as showering, toileting, and brushing her teeth without assistance?
Can she cope with unfamiliar people, new places, and group schedules?
Does she enjoy making friends?
Does she like group situations?
Does she enjoy being outdoors? Can she see mosquitoes, bugs, or other “nature” friends without being frightened?
Am I ready for my daughter to attend resident camp? Parents sometimes have a difficult time sending their daughters to resident camp. The following questions may help in your decision-making.
Can you relax and enjoy yourself when your girl sleeps overnight away from home?
Are you prepared to be away from your daughter for several days?
Are you willing to have your daughter participate in camp kapers (chores) such as setting tables, cleaning the cabin, sweeping, picking up trash, and cleaning the bathroom?
Are you confident in your daughter’s ability to take care of herself, make her bed, and keep track of her own belongings?
Do you believe that camp provides girls with a fun and rewarding experience that builds selfworth and independence?
Are you willing to trust the camp staff with the care of your daughter?
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Summer camp sessions at both of our resident camps (Camp Kiwanis and Stevens Ranch) are available to all girls regardless of whether they are currently a Girl Scout. We offer open houses before the summer for future campers and their families to learn about the personality of each resident camp, meet the camp directors and staff, and tour the grounds. Each camp offers something different for girls, and each location has a gorgeous landscape and surroundings all its own. You’re sure to find which camp (or both) is a perfect match! 3
Stevens Ranch
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Tour times: 1–5 p.m. Tours start e very half ho ur For directio ns to camp, email nstephenso n@gs-top.o rg no later than May 4. Directions b y phone will not be a vailable. GP S does not always work for direction s to camp.
During open houses, all children must be accompanied by an adult. Touring camp means walking, so wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes with socks, and bring your water bottle. Please leave pets at home. No registration is necessary for open houses. For safety reasons, maps and directions to camps are not published in this guide or online, and we do not give directions over the phone. We distribute maps and directions only via email. Not sure where a camp is located? Contact the camp director or call the area office no later than the Thursday before the open house. GPS will lead you astray!
Natalie Stephenson Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director
806-553-3173 | 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org www.facebook.com/GSTOPCampKiwanis
Camp Kiwanis is nestled in a secret canyon
approximately 5 miles northwest of Amarillo in the Texas Panhandle. Facilities include a dining hall, swimming pool, stone and wooden cabins, and hot showers. All cabins and buildings are semi-air-conditioned either by evaporative coolers or refrigerated air conditioners. Camp activities include swimming, horseback riding, a ropes/challenge course, archery, cookouts, hiking, arts and crafts, sports, star-gazing, singing, and all-camp parties.
Stevens Ranch, near Glen Rose, is open for resident camp to girls in grades 2–12. The camp specializes in horseback riding, archery, swimming, crafts, singing around the campfire, and more. Younger girls will live in units with flush toilets, convenient to amenities such as the dining hall. Campers will stay in cabins, platform tents, bunkhouses, or two-person tent units. Each unit has a unit lodge with ceiling fans, electricity, lights, and drinking fountains. Cabins, bunkhouses, and tents do not have electricity. All units have latrines, and a central shower house has flush toilets and hot showers. Girls eat most of their meals in the dining hall, which has soaring ceilings and award-winning camp architecture.
Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Coordinator/Camp Director
817-869-0736 | 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org www.facebook.com/CampStevensRanch
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Camp Aide Have you done it all and are ready to share with others while working on your leadership skills? Occasionally, you will get to cabin with the younger campers. We will save time for some of the fun stuff just for you! A health history is required, not a physical. Prerequisites: Girls must have completed Program Aide Training and camped for one six-day session of resident camp.
ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $85 MIN/MAX: 4/4 DATES: Tues. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Empower others. Inspire confidence while building your own. Resolve conflict with empathy. Through our leadership programs, we want to give you a wide range of experiences to define leadership your way—like a Girl Scout. Lead activities, teach younger campers our songs and games, help barn staff with riding
Camp Aide Have you done it all and are ready to share with others while working on your leadership skills? Occasionally, you will get to cabin with the younger campers. We will save time for some of the fun stuff just for you! Helping with the horses may be assigned on a rotating basis. Prerequisites: Girls must have completed Program Aide Training and camped for one six-day session of resident camp.
lessons, and be a kind, supportive example for Girl Scout campers to follow. 5
Natalie Stephenson Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director
ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 4/8 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/17
Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
FEE: $135 MIN/MAX: 4/6 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14 Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21 Sun. 7/23–Fri. 7/28
806-553-3173 | 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org
Camp Aide
Counselor in Training I
Wrangler Aide
Camp aides bunk together while working with a unit of younger girls and assist with crafts, daily activities, and kapers. It’s not all work and no play, though; we save some of the fun stuff just for you! Prerequisites: Girls must have completed Program Aide Training and camped for one six-day session of resident camp.
Improve your leadership skills as you help campers groom, saddle, and do daily barn chores. You will also assist barn staff with ground and mounted lessons. We’ll help you improve your horsemanship skills with scheduled lessons. You are eligible to earn service hours with this session.
ENTERING GRADES 8-12 6-DAY FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 0/2 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
This program is designed to train you in leadership and outdoor living skills. You will learn about group dynamics, develop program-planning skills, learn basics of camp life and camper agelevel characteristics, and more. You will work directly with the counselors and younger campers. An application is required, along with registration for this session. We will contact you regarding your approval status after we receive your application and registration.
ENTERING GRADES 10-12 FEE: $210 MIN/MAX: 2/10
Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30 Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
6-DAY FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
ENTERING GRADES 9-12 6-DAY FEE: $200 MIN/MAX: 0/2 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23 Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
3-DAY FEE: $100 MIN/MAX: 0/2 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
4-DAY FEE $120 MIN/MAX: 0/2 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26 3-DAY FEE $90 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Counselor in Training II This program is designed to train you in leadership and outdoor living skills. You will develop program-planning skills, learn about specific areas of camp, and hold an apprenticeship in an area of your choice. You will work directly with the counselors, administrative staff, and campers. An application is required along with registration for this session. We will contact you regarding your approval status after we receive your registration and application. To attend this session, girls must have completed CiT I. ENTERING GRADES 11-12 FEE: $410 MIN/MAX: 0/8 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Coordinator/Camp Director
817-869-0736 | 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org
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Mom and Me Grab your mom (or grandma or aunt) and head out to camp to spend some quality time together. Activities will include crafts, swimming, and campfire. Participants will sleep in cabins. This is a perfect experience to prepare girls for resident camp. Don’t delay in registering as this activity fills quickly. No physical or health history needed. Be sure to list the names of all participants on the registration form. ENTERING GRADES 1-5 FEE: $25 per person MIN/MAX: 32/56 DATES: Fri. 6/23–Sat. 6/24
Fri. 7/14–Sat. 7/15
The rolling hills whisper echoes of girls’ laughter and songs sung around many campfires at Camp Kiwanis. What will
girls do today? Only here can you practice responsibility by appreciating and caring for the camp’s bunnies! Or work your curious mind by growing crystals and exploring Palo Duro Canyon on a field trip. The camp lake offers peaceful waters and spectacular scenery for canoeing. Summer always means cooling off in the swimming pool or stargazing on a night hike for the adventurous. 7
Me and My Buddy Overnight fun for you and your dad (or grandpa or uncle) to go camping together. Fun and adventure guaranteed! A campfire, songs, folk dancing, crafts, and swimming will be included. Participants will sleep in cabins. This is a great way to step into resident camp for young girls. Register early—this activity fills quickly! No physical or health history needed. Be sure to list names of all participants on the registration form. ENTERING GRADES 1-3 FEE: $25 per person MIN/MAX: 32/56 DATES: Sat. 6/24–Sun. 6/25
Teddy Bears Bring your favorite teddy bear as your buddy, and let's have fun at camp for one night. We'll swim, have a teddy bear parade, play lots of games, and do some crafts. Counselors or camp aides sleep in the cabins with these young campers. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 1-2 FEE: $140 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Thurs. 7/6
Fairy Myst
Explorers
Horse Play
Join the fairy festival to learn about the imaginary world of wood fairies, and enjoy fun activities that the fairies wish to share. Swimming will be included. Counselors or camp aides will sleep with the girls. Only a health history is required.
Designed as a short session that moves quickly and is filled with lots of fun! Discover new adventures as you get a taste of camp life and make friends. You’ll swim, play games, ride horses, and sing around the campfire. Pack your bags and hurry to camp! Only a health history is required.
A short horse session just right for the beginning rider. A chance to learn some of the basics like safety around horses and how to sit in the saddle. Girls will ride each day (weather permitting). Boots or shoes with a half-inch heel are needed. Only a health history is required.
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 7/18 DATES: Wed. 6/21–Fri. 6/23
ENTERING GRADE 5 FEE: $190 MIN/MAX: 10/18 DATES: Tues. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
On Target
Bunny Tracks
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Tues. 6/20 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Little Mermaids Just for girls who like to splish and splash while swimming and play water games that teach swimming skills. Counselors or camp aides will sleep with the girls. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 7/14 DATES: Sun. 6/18 – Tues. 6/20
Wed. 6/21 – Fri. 6/23
FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 10/18 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Are you eager to learn how to use a bow and arrow? This short session will get you started. Time for swimming and arts and crafts included. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/10 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
S’mores ’n’ More This session is jam-packed with a bit of everything for the first-time camper or those just wanting a short session. Get creative with arts and crafts, cool down with swimming, enjoy a horseback ride, and meet new friends. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Camp will adopt some bunnies for the girls to learn how to care for, cuddle, and feed. Also included will be time for swimming and arts and crafts. Counselors or camp aides will sleep in the cabins with the young campers. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Tues. 7/11
Butterflies and Caterpillars Enjoy this short session of studying butterflies and their lifecycle. We will of course also get creative with arts and crafts, use magnifying glasses to see nature up close, swim, and have lots of fun! Counselors or camp aides will sleep in the cabins with the girls. Only a health history is required. ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATES: Wed. 7/12–Fri. 7/14
Ladybugs Ladybugs galore! Learn about ladybugs, make ladybug pet rocks, squeeze in swimming, and more. Only a health history is required.
Natalie Stephenson Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director
ENTERING GRADE 3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/25
806-553-3173 | 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org
Wed. 7/26–Fri. 7/28
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Wild About Art
Boots ’n’ Bridles
Midnight Madness
Have a flair for art? Love to draw, paint, and create? Join us in this artist’s paradise as you try your hand at different art projects. Time for swimming, riding horses, cooking out, and making friends will be included.
Are you a horse lover and can't wait to ride? This is the session for you! Girls will ride and/or work with the horses daily and assist with grooming, feeding, and corral management. This session consists of sunrise and late-evening rides. Girls will be divided into two riding groups and alternate between the morning and evening rides. Additional camp activities included. Occasionally, the weather interferes with schedules. Girls need boots or shoes with a half-inch heel. Resident camp horse programs are designed for progression. Camp Kiwanis horse program progression: Boots ’n’ Bridles, Saddle Up I, Saddle Up II.
Do you like to stay up late and then sleep in? This is your session! Take a moonlight swim, explore the nightlife at camp, stargaze, and enjoy a cookout. Horseback riding and other activities included.
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $275 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Take Aim Are you eager to learn how to shoot a bow and arrow? That is the "aim" of this fun-filled week. At the end of the week will be a shoot-off challenge! Time for swimming, horseback riding, and making arts and crafts will be included. ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/10 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16 ENTERING GRADES 5-7 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 6/10 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
ENTERING GRADE 6 FEE: $275 MIN/MAX: 8/20 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16 FEE: $275 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Fri. 7/28
ENTERING GRADES 4-6 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16 ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Fri. 7/28
Splish Splash This session is just right for girls who love the water. We'll enjoy extra time at the pool improving your swim skills, playing water games, and having a luau. Horseback riding and arts and crafts will be included. ENTERING GRADE 3 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16 ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Natalie Stephenson 9
Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director
Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
806-553-3173 | 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org
S’mores ’n’ More Lots of fun and activities are on tap for this session. It will be packed full of swimming, horses, arts and crafts, a cookout with s’mores (of course), and much more planned by the girls. Pack your bags and hurry to camp! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 7/18 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
Geology Rocks
Get geared up to go tent camping at a nearby lake. Campfire cooking, lake swimming, and stargazing are sure to be enjoyed. Horseback riding is included.
Are you curious about the structure of the planet Earth? Do you know what a conglomerate is? There's a lot to explore in the Texas Panhandle, and you can start at Camp Kiwanis. We'll find lots of rocks, grow crystals, study the soil formations, and take a field trip (weather permitting) to Palo Duro Canyon to see the Spanish Skirts and more.
ENTERING GRADES 5-7 FEE: $290 MIN/MAX: 8/12 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
ENTERING GRADES 6-9 FEE: $275 MIN/MAX: 6/16 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Magical Mixtures
Climbing High
Come and experience some unusual magical recipes. Make a liquid rainbow, bouncy balls, scratch ’n’ sniff mystery smell stickers, big bubbles, and much more. We'll be sure not to miss swimming, horseback riding, and cooking out, too!
Whether you love to rock climb and swing through the air or you want to find out what the thrill is all about, join us in reaching new heights and challenging yourself. You'll spend time at the challenge course learning climbing skills and have a chance to experience several of the elements at the course. This is “challenge by choice”; you choose what you want to master! Ride horses, swim, and enjoy other camp activities.
Trek Out
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 6/9 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
Doodle Bugs Do you like to doodle? Create colorful projects in this fun-filled session. Paint, color, draw, sculpt, swim, ride horses, and cook a meal. This week-long session will whizz by! ENTERING GRADE 3 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Rocking Room Makeovers Spend your week creating arts and crafts projects to decorate your bedroom at home! When you aren’t being crafty, spend your time riding horses and swimming with your new friends. ENTERING GRADES 4-6 FEE: $275 MIN/MAX: 6/9 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri.6/30
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Animal Lovers
Let’s Get Physical
Shutterbugs
Do you love animals? Want to know more about people who work with animals and see unusual creatures? You’ll also help take care of the camp bunnies. Time for riding horses and swimming will be included, of course!
Get up, get out, be physical! It’s all here: swimming, horseback riding, climbing the rock wall, zipping down the zipline, and maybe a little Zumba. You’ll be worn out in the best way after each day!
ENTERING GRADES 4-6 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/24 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
Capture camp from your point of view! You’ll learn about photography (even camera-less photography), improve your skills, and still have time for swimming and riding horses. Girls may bring their own cameras, but they are not required.
Fireflies
Camp Chef
Explore camp at night! Take a moonlight hike, build a campfire, make s’mores, listen to the wood fairy and Brownie Elf stories, and go to bed a little later than other campers. During the daylight, you can enjoy swimming, horseback riding, and arts and crafts.
Learn to cook delicious meals over a campfire or propane stove. We’ll include pie irons, Dutch ovens, and a solar oven, and of course you will eat everything you make. Not to worry—there will be time to cool off in the pool, relax, ride horses, and be creative with arts and crafts.
ENTERING GRADE 3 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/27 DATES: Sun. 7/ 16–Fri. 7/ 21
ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $270 MIN/MAX: 8/10 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/ 21
Natalie Stephenson 11
Outdoor Education Manager/ Camp Director
ENTERING GRADES 5-7 FEE: $270 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Fri. 7/28
Take Aim II This session is a step up from Take Aim. Girls must have taken the basic Take Aim session to register. A field trip will be included. ENTERING GRADES 6-10 FEE: $265 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATES: Sun. 7/ 23–Fri. 7/ 28
806-553-3173 | 800-687-4475, ext. 2503 nstephenson@gs-top.org
Saddle Up I
Saddle Up II
Survivor
Are you crazy about horses and gotta ride every day? This group will follow the Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) program as the girls learn to groom, saddle, and feed the horses and assist with corral management. Saddle Up I girls will start at the crack of dawn for their first ride of the day and in the evenings will ride off into the sunset. Occasionally, weather interferes with daily rides. Cool dips in the pool are a must, and other program activities are included. Boots or shoes with a half-inch heel are required. Resident camp horse programs are designed for progression. Camp Kiwanis horse program progression: Boots ’n’ Bridles, Saddle Up I, Saddle Up II.
Step beyond Saddle Up I and learn additional riding techniques from CHA. You will be responsible for your own mount as well as corral management. This group will ride out/camp out for one night in the primitive part of camp. Occasionally, weather interferes with being able to ride daily. Boots or shoes with a half-inch heel are required. Dips in the pool and hot showers are a must. Resident camp horse programs are designed for progression. Camp Kiwanis horse program progression: Boots ’n’ Bridles, Saddle Up I, Saddle Up II.
Be part of a team and challenge each other to test your skills for surviving in the wilderness. Session includes outdoor cooking, hiking, lashing, ropes course, horseback riding, swimming, sleeping under the stars, and learning survival skills.
ENTERING GRADES 7-10 FEE: $425 MIN/MAX: 6/14 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri.6/30
ENTERING GRADES 8-10 FEE: $425 MIN/MAX: 8/14 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
ENTERING GRADES 6-10 FEE: $425 MIN/MAX: 6/10 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/30
Rock the Boat Let’s go canoeing! This two-week session will begin in the pool at camp to learn basic strokes and techniques. Then it is off to camp at the lake for a few days to enjoy canoeing. Other camp activities will be included as time permits. Must be able to swim across the pool and float on your back. ENTERING GRADES 7-10 FEE: $425 MIN/MAX: 8/16 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
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Pony Pal
Horsin’ Around
Girl Scout Brownies will get to know horses while learning how to be safe around them, plus share horse treats you make for them as you learn fun horse facts. Enjoy a lead pony ride with our trained volunteers!
Learn basic horse care and safety, build confidence, and have a riding lesson in the covered arena. We’ll teach you about proper westernstyle riding and safety around horses. You’ll complete several of the steps for the new horse badge: Horseback Riding.
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $25 MIN/MAX: 4/30 DATES: Sat. 6/ 24
Sat. 7/ 15
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $25 MIN/MAX: 4/30 DATES: Sat. 6/ 24
Sat. 7/ 15
The sun rises over the Brazos River, and girls wake up at
Camp Like a Girl
Eat, Sleep, and Craft
Stevens Ranch thinking,
Experience all of the things that make camping as a Brownie fun! During this session, you will learn practical camping skills as well as have a spa day. Spend a whirlwind three days with us and find out what camping like a Brownie is all about.
Enjoy three days of classic camp crafts when you are not eating or sleeping: ceramics, leather-working, duct tape creations, paracord jewelry-making, and more. You’ll get to do a few other camp activities, too!
“I can’t wait for today!” Stevens Ranch has the only “primitive” unit for experienced campers who want to get back to nature. Did you know Hogwarts has a school here? We’ll even set the scene for you to live in a real-
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Tues. 6/13
life Minecraft world. Girls who
Eat, Sleep, and Craft
love horses and want to learn all
Experience all of the things that make camping as a Brownie fun! Arts and crafts, nature activities, swimming (weather permitting), and more. Spend a whirlwind three days with us and find out what camping like a Brownie is all about.
about riding and caring for them will love Stevens Ranch! Don’t miss the awesome sunset view at the outlook by Yogi’s Bluff, lots of swimming and cookouts, and creative crafting.
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Tues. 6/20
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Wed. 6/14–Fri. 6/16
Wed. 6/21–Fri. 6/23
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Tues. 6/20
Wed. 6/21–Fri. 6/23
Cheer Your Heart Out Learn the basics of being a cheer”leader.” Put your words into motion with cheer elements: dance, jumps, tumbling, and even a stunt or two. Have fun getting your makeup right plus learn to make hair bows and pom poms. This session will be led by nationally acclaimed cheerleaders. ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/10 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Fairylights and Fairy Tales
Roughin’ It – Prim
Follow the twinkling lights to the magical world of fairies! Learn about the importance of love, trust, and a little bit of pixie dust while making friends, storytelling, and learning why fairies love our planet.
Tired of basic camping? Time to try out “prim,” or staying in our primitive unit, Blueridge (recommended for experienced campers—no firsttimers). Sleep in a hammock and learn prim skills such as knots, lashing, compasses, and more.
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Give Me a Clue Are you into mysteries? Do you like to play the game of Clue? Are you interested in forensic science? Then come join the Stevens Ranch Investigation Team. Pack your magnifying glass and find out whodunit! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Leather or Knot Leather or knot? That is the question. Create several projects working with leather, plus become skilled at several handy knots, like a “monkey’s fist.” ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
It’s All Greek to Me Explore Greek life through astronomy; express yourself through music, drama, and art; and perfect your mastery of craftsmanship while building a catapult. Feast on Greek food and play games like the Olympians. ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/18 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Pony Express Learn basic horse care and safety, build confidence, and have a riding lesson in the covered arena and a trail ride. We’ll teach you about proper western-style riding and safety around horses. You’ll even play games with the horses! Completion of this session is not a prerequisite to our Certified Horsemanship Association (CHA) criteria-focused sessions. ENTERING GRADES4-5 FEE: $195 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Coordinator/Camp Director
ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/14 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Stevens’s Got Talent Do you love expressing yourself? Being in the spotlight? Singing? Dancing? Well then, come to Stevens Ranch and do it all. You’ll learn about telling your story through drama, poetry, music, and dance and have the chance to shine at the talent show. ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/18 DATES: Wed. 7/5–Fri. 7/7
Mischief Managed Hogwarts is bringing summer school to Stevens Ranch! Enjoy a sampling of the classes you’d take at England’s finest school of magic. Brew up tasty potions, learn how to “charm” your friends, and compete in a Quidditch game or two! ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $170 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Tues. 7/11
Wed. 7/12–Fri. 7/14
817-869-0736 | 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org
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Dino Rocks
Soaring Among the Stars
Treasure Island: Farmhouse
Welcome to the Stone Age. We will dig up the past by mapping out a dig in Mars, hunt for pre-historic treasures, and have a yabba-dabba-do time! This session rocks!
Explore the night sky and learn all about stars! You will stargaze, play night games, and even sleep under the stars (weather permitting). During the day, you will have the chance to try all of the other fun activities camp has to offer.
Stay in the Farmhouse during your time at Stevens Ranch! You’ll get to swim, play water games, and enjoy a few other camp activities, too. Spend your days splishin’ and splashin’ and bobbin’ to the beat!
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Wed. 6/28
Honor, Courage, Commitment Are you ready to push yourself to the max and embrace the importance of what teamwork is all about? Stretch your limits and discover the greatness you have inside of you. Learn about fitness, play capture the flag, thrive on an obstacle course, and greet every morning ready to run! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Wed. 6/28
Create Your Own Camp - Prim Experience it all! Create your own special experiences at camp this summer by choosing as a group the activities that interest you the most! You will still enjoy swimming, a cookout, songs, hikes, and all-camp activities. This session starts in the Blueridge unit, with other camping options each night. ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES:
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Sun. 6/25–Wed. 6/28
ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/18 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Wed. 6/28
Snap, Scrap, and Click Snap your own photos on a snapshot scavenger hunt with your digital camera and make memories by taking pictures for yourself and camp. Learn basic digital photography and scrapbooking techniques and how to use scrapbooking tools to embellish beautiful pages. ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/18 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Wed. 6/28
Treasure Island You’ll get to swim, play water games, and enjoy a few other camp activities. Join us at Stevens Ranch and enjoy your time at camp splishin’ and splashin’ and bobbin’ to the beat! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/72 DATE: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26 ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26
ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/10 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26
Treasure Island: Hilltop Stay in Hilltop during your time at Stevens Ranch! You’ll get to swim, play water games, and enjoy a few other camp activities, too. Spend your days splishin’ and splashin’ and bobbin’ to the beat! ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26
Castaways - Prim Pack light and be ready for adventures in creative camping. This session is not for beginners! It’s perfect for girls who love to rough it and want to experience Stevens like no one else at resident camp does. You will spend one night in your unit in hammocks and then sleep in other locations around camp. ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $225 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Sun. 7/23–Wed. 7/26
Camp Like a Girl
Top Chef, Sleep, and Craft
Horse Fan
Practice your camping skills while learning about yourself. Want to learn self-defense? Enjoy a spa treatment? The choice is yours.
If you like to cook, come test your skills and pick up a few more during this session inspired by “Top Chef.” When you are not cooking, you’ll spend your time crafting, sleeping, and engaging in other camp activities with new friends.
This session is the second step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA criteria-based series of sessions. Certification can be obtained by testing with a certified CHA official. Horse Fan girls will have horsemanship lessons daily (weather permitting). Learn how to saddle a horse, basic horse nutrition, and basic horse first aid and expand your horsemanship skills and riding skills to include a sitting trot. You will also work on CHA criteria Level 1A skills. Horse Fan is a prerequisite for the Let’s Ride session.
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16 ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Camp Like a Girl - Prim Practice your camping skills while learning about yourself. Want to learn self-defense? Enjoy a spa treatment? The choice is yours. This group lives in Blueridge, our primitive site. ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Horses, Horses, Horses This session is the first step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA criteria-based series of sessions. Certification can be obtained by testing with a certified CHA official. Visit the barn daily (weather permitting) and learn horse grooming, basic horse care, tack basics, and basic riding skills. Completion of Horses, Horses, Horses is a prerequisite for the Horse Fan session.
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
Eat, Sleep, and Craft Enjoy a week of classic camp crafts when you are not eating or sleeping: ceramics, leather-working, duct tape creations, paracord jewelry-making, and more. You’ll get to do a few other camp activities, too! ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
Eat, Sleep, and Craft - Prim Enjoy a week of classic camp crafts when you are not eating or sleeping: ceramics, leather-working, duct tape creations, paracord jewelry-making, and more. You’ll get to do a few other camp activities, too! This group lives in Blueridge, our primitive site. ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $380 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
Prim and Proper Western riding isn’t the only thing you can learn at Stevens Ranch. Spend a week learning the beginning skills of English riding, including proper position, balance, walk, trot, and canter, or experience jumping over 18-inch cross ties while maintaining harmony with your horse. This session is not one of the five progressive horse sessions offered at Stevens Ranch; however, you must have passed Horses, Horses, Horses to attend or be able to successfully groom, tack, walk, and trot a horse to register for this session. ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $380 MIN/MAX: 0/4 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Fri. 6/23
ENTERING GRADES 6-12 FEE: $380 MIN/MAX: 4/40 DATES: Sun. 6/11–Fri. 6/16
Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Coordinator/Camp Director
817-869-0736 | 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org
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Little Camp on the Prairie
Let’s Ride
Bow Strings and Bull’s Eyes
Ever wonder how girls lived in times past? You’ll live in the Farmhouse during this session and learn how to churn butter, make yarn dolls and stick horses, and more. You’ll even take a field trip to the Chisholm Trail Museum. Attending this session will earn you the Farmhouse patch that can be earned only at Stevens!
This session is the third step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA criteria-based series of sessions. Certification can be obtained by testing with a certified CHA official. Be at the barn daily (weather permitting) to expand your horsemanship and horse first aid knowledge, plus work on your CHA criteria Level 1B riding skills. Learn to halt on command from a trot, posting and standing, two-point trot, ride turns, reverses, circles at the walk, and trot in correct riding form. Show off your skills in a rodeo at the end of the week! Let’s Ride is a prerequisite for the Born to Ride session.
Attention, aspiring archers: Do you hunger to shoot a bull’s eye? It’s time to take up the bow, plant your feet in a true archer’s stance, get ready, aim, and shoot! Learn and play interesting archery games. Never a dull moment—be brave!
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Horse Play We’re not horsin’ around! Fourth- and fifth-graders can spend a week getting to know horses while learning basic horse skills. This session is not one of the five progressive horse sessions offered at Stevens Ranch. It’s just for fun! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $380 MIN/MAX: 4/40 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Mischief Managed Hogwarts is bringing summer school to Stevens Ranch! Enjoy a sampling of the classes you’d take at England’s finest school of magic. Brew up tasty potions, learn how to “charm” your friends, and compete in a Quidditch game or two! ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/32 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14 ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATES:
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Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
ENTERING GRADES 8-12 FEE: $380 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
Way Out West Go wild pretending you and your friends travelled back in time to the Old West! We will blaze new trails while having fun horsing around and being a part of the rodeo. Paint a horse and have a lead pony ride, too! ENTERING GRADES 2-3 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/28 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
We Say Let It Grow
“I am the Lorax. I speak for the trees.” “Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It’s not.” Come grow things, play in nature, and learn to make a difference the fun way. ENTERING GRADES 4-5 FEE: $325 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
Minecraft: Camp Edition Ever wonder how to survive in a pixelated world? At Stevens Ranch, we live in creative mode. You will harvest items by punching trees in our camp environment to gather tools to play the game. You will use teamwork and skills to create a wonderful world and put your ideas into action. ENTERING GRADES 6-8 FEE: $320 MIN/MAX: 4/36 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
Amazing Race
Cowgirl Up!
SPURS
Each day, your team will try to outsmart the others by following clues and competing in adventure challenges such as canoeing, tubing, horseback riding, and hiking to special places in camp. Don’t worry; in between roadblocks and races against time, you will still get to relax, and it will be amazing! Not recommended for those who attended Amazing Race in the past.
This session is the last step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA criteria-based series of sessions. Certification can be obtained by testing with a certified CHA official. This session includes a Stevens Ranch rodeo that you will help plan and participate in! In addition, you will work on your CHA criteria Level 2B skills, which include being able to identify leads while in the lope and learning additional fun horse-riding patterns while continuing to expand your knowledge of horse first aid and nutrition. Prerequisite: Born to Ride completion card or CHA Level 2A Certification. Before registering, girls must be able to: trot without breaking stride twice around the arena, reverses, circles, lope once around the arena without breaking gait.
Completed Cowgirl Up? Now what? Become one of the Stevens People Using Riding Skills, or SPURS! Expand your skills and assist with riding instruction both in the arena and trail and teach and assist in horse and barn care. Help with the rodeo. Shadow the barn staff and prepare yourself for a possible job as barn crew in your future. Prerequisite: Cowgirl Up!
ENTERING GRADES 7-12 FEE: $685 MIN/MAX: 4/12 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
Born to Ride This session is the fourth step in Stevens Ranch’s CHA criteria-based series of sessions. Certification can be obtained by testing with a certified CHA official. Expand your horsemanship skills and knowledge while working on your CHA criteria Level 2A riding skills. Learn riding patterns along with how to bridle your horse, do your own tack check, and learn to ride the standing twopoint and posting position trot as well as how to post on the correct diagonal in Level 2 form. Plus, try your hand at the lope. Prerequisite: Let’s Ride completion card or CHA Level 1 Certification. Born to Ride is a prerequisite for the Cowgirl Up! session. ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $780 MIN/MAX: 2/8 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
ENTERING GRADES 11-12 FEE: $410 MIN/MAX: 0/2 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $780 MIN/MAX: 2/6 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
Can You Rough It: Extreme Prim is in; let’s go to the extreme! This session is in the primitive unit, Blueridge, and is recommended only for experienced campers. No firsttime campers! Learn about primitive camping, lashing, eco-activities, and outdoor gourmet cooking: stick cooking, buddy burners, reflector ovens, Dutch ovens, and more. ENTERING GRADES 9-12 FEE: $685 MIN/MAX: 4/16 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/21
Heidi Vose Outdoor Education Coordinator/Camp Director
817-869-0736 | 800-582-7272, ext. 1161 hvose@gs-top.org
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Rafting Adventure
Paddle, Paddle
Join this group for two days of rafting on the Arkansas River in the mountains of Colorado. Each day, you will raft in a different canyon of the river. Then you’ll gather at Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton and venture to the mountains to test your camping and rafting skills!
Hop in your kayak and enjoy this aquatic adventure! We’ll start at Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton. From there, the group will head to the Albuquerque, N.M., area, set up our riverside campsite, and then tackle two days on the river in individual kayaks. We’ll also take some time to enjoy the local sights in the area. Come along and paddle with us!
Note: This trip is not recommended for anyone who has a fear of water. GIRLS MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OLD FEE: $650 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/25–Fri. 6/30
Note: This trip is not recommended for anyone who has a fear of water. GIRLS MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OLD FEE: $650 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/9–Fri. 7/14
Shelby Williams, Girl Experience Specialist 806-589-5945 | 800-530-4957, ext. 2605 | swilliams@gs-top.org www.facebook.com/CampHighAdventure | www.gs-top.org/camp
Shelby Williams Girl Experience Specialist for GS-TOP!
Hello! My name is Sunflower! I have been on staff with GS-TOP for three years and love the outdoors! I had the pleasure of being staff on a High Adventure Trip the last two summers and love all the opportunities that the trips bring our girls. They are a chance to get out of your comfort zone, try something new, and make friends along the way. I’m so excited to be coordinating your High Adventure Trips and the awesome staff that will lead the adventures this summer! 19
Clip and Zip
Ride Out
Have you ever wanted to fly high above the treetops or soar over a lake from cliff to cliff? In Clip and Zip, you’ll do just that! Our adventure will start at Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton. We’ll head to Angel Fire, N.M., to kick things off with a zipline tour, which allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. You’ll spend another day taking on the rock-climbing routes in Taos. Are you ready to clip in and zip on?
Saddle up and hit the trail for three days and two nights of riding and camping in the beautiful Santa Fe National Forest, near Cuba, N.M. This seven-day adventure will start at Camp Rio Blanco in Crosbyton. This experience of a lifetime will put all your horseback riding and camping skills to good use. Cookie Bucks redeemed for this trip: 1,400 packages!
Note: This trip is not recommended for anyone who has a fear of heights. GIRLS MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OLD AND WEIGH NO LESS THAN 90 POUNDS FEE: $650 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 7/16–Fri. 7/21
Note: Girls must have taken horseback-riding sessions at one of our camps or have equivalent riding skills/experience. Contact Natalie Stephenson, 806-553-3173, if in doubt about experience. Broken-in Western boots are a must.
The deposit on a High Adventure Trip will be $100 when registering. The Cookie Bucks payment rate for these trips is: 1,200 packages = 6 days 1,400 packages = 7 days (See Cancellation Policy on page 22.) Before registering for any High Adventure Trip, there will be mandatory items that each girl must purchase. Please contact Shelby Williams at swilliams@gs-top.org before registering if you have specific questions. Information about mandatory items will be sent in the confirmation packet along with additional release forms and special packing lists.
GIRLS MUST BE AT LEAST 12 YEARS OLD FEE: $870 MIN/MAX: 8/18 DATES: Sun. 6/18–Sat. 6/24
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How to Register 1. Visit www.gs-top.org and click EventReg at the top or visit register.gs-top.org. 2. Sign in. 3. Click the Activities tab. 4. Click the camp and the week of your desired session. 5. Click the session. 6. Click Register Now. 7. Select the members of your family you want to register and click Add to Cart. 8. When all selections are complete, click Checkout. If you have problems, please call Customer Care at 1-800-582-7272.
And are trying something new this year. Camp registration will open at different times April 1 to help with the number of users.
NEW REGISTRATION TIMES for April 1 Stevens Ranch: 7 a.m. Camp Kiwanis: 9 a.m. High Adventure Trips, Day Camps, Mom & Me, Me & My Buddy, Pony Pal, Horsin’ Around: 10 a.m.
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Confirmation
• Session confirmations will be sent via email within minutes of completing your registration. • Instructions and a link to complete your forms at CampDoc.com will be included in the confirmation email.
Payments
You must pay a $25 nonrefundable deposit for all sessions ($100 for High Adventure Trips). If you will use Cookie Bucks as a payment method, please choose Apply Cookie Bucks during the time of registration so we know to apply the Cookie Bucks. If you have enough Cookie Bucks (125 packages per day, 200 per day for High Adventure) to pay for a session in full, then you may waive the deposit by entering Promo Code 17CB at checkout.
from Changed last year!
Cancellation Policy
• Cancellations must be received 14 days before the start of a session to receive a refund of all but the $25 nonrefundable deposit. If a session was paid fully with Cookie Bucks, 250 packages will be withheld. If the cancellation is made within 13 or fewer days of a session, no refund will be issued. You must call 1-800-582-7272 or email customercare@gs-top.org to cancel. • If Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains cancels a session, then a full refund will be issued.
Tips to make April 1 a success for your family Before April 1
• We recommend Google Chrome as the Internet browser you use to register online. • Visit register.gs-top.org or www.gs-top.org and click EventReg at the top. • Log into the system. You will need to know your username and password before opening day. • Browse around so you are familiar with the site. • Have your daughter(s) choose her favorite session(s) from this camp guide plus a couple of backup sessions in case the one she wants is full.
On April 1
• Set your alarm: Stevens Ranch sessions open at 7 a.m., Camp Kiwanis sessions open at 9 a.m., and all others open at 10 a.m. • Do not put any sessions in your online cart before the opening times; this can cause an error in the system. • We request you please not register for more than two sessions on opening day to allow more girls to get a session. After April 1, please register for as many sessions as you would like. Staff will be on the phone lines from 7 a.m. until 2 p.m. April 1 to assist you, but it could take a while depending on the call volume. Remember: Girls register for sessions according to their grade in fall 2017. This will avoid having to be moved and maybe missing the session choice for their grade/age group.
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Why is there a $25 nonrefundable deposit? This is the camp processing fee that holds the session you selected. It is included in the camp fee.
I’m not a Girl Scout. Can I register for camp online? Yes! Just purchase your $15 membership at least one day before signing up for camp. Then set up your online account and register for camp.
What if I don’t know how many cookies my daughter sold or if we are combining sisters’ Cookie Bucks? When selecting your session, choose “Use My Cookie Bucks,” register, and pay the $25 deposit. We will apply the Cookie Bucks after you have registered. If you have enough for the full amount, the $25 will be returned. If you would like a sister-to-sister transfer of packages, please indicate this by selecting the sister Cookie Buck transfer during online registration. The “$” value will not show when you check out. This amount will be applied after you are registered. You will be sent an invoice reflecting the amount applied and the balance.
I want to register for camp with my friend. What about Camp Buddies? There is an option for listing one buddy name during the online registration process. Both girls will need to list each other as a buddy. The buddy must attend the same session/date and be in the same grade as specified on the session information.
I still have questions about online registration. Whom should I contact? Please contact our online registration helpdesk at 855-266-0759 or customercare@gs-top.org. The helpdesk is open M–Th 8 a.m.–5:30 p.m. and F 8–11:30 a.m. 23
When paying for camp, you have options Camp fees cover all meals and snacks, accident/illness insurance, leadership provided by specially trained staff, use of camp facilities, and program supplies. Camp fees may be paid by cash, credit card, check, or money order, or with GS-TOP Cookie Bucks. Registrations are accepted with at least a $25 deposit for each session ($100 for High Adventure Trips). For sessions not paid in full, the balance is due 14 days before the session’s start date.
Using Cookie Bucks for
Resident Camp
125 packages = 1 day of resident camp 250 packages = 2 days of resident camp
DEPOSIT ONLY Pay the nonrefundable $25 deposit per session upfront ($100 for High Adventure Trips) to secure your spot, then pay the balance at least two weeks before the camp session begins. FULL OUT-OF-POCKET Pay the amount in full online with a credit card or debit card. PARTIAL COOKIE BUCKS Pay partially with Cookie Bucks. You will need to pay a nonrefundable $25 deposit upfront for each session to register. You may pay the balance with your Cookie Bucks or a combination of Cookie Bucks and cash/check/credit/debit.
FULL COOKIE BUCKS Pay in full with Cookie Bucks. Enter Promo Code 17CB during the checkout process to avoid paying the $25 deposit ($100 for High Adventure Trips). The Promo Code works only for paying in full with Cookie Bucks. You may pay your balance with your Cookie Bucks by choosing the option to pay by Cookie Bucks when selecting the session. The amount of Cookie Bucks will not be reflected in your cart as this is a separate file and will be applied manually after you are registered. You will receive an invoice with the amount applied and your balance. If you use the Promo Code and do not have enough Cookie Bucks to pay for the full cost of the session, the $25 deposit will be reapplied ($100 for High Adventure Trips). You will be sent an invoice verifying your Cookie Bucks and any balance due.
Using Cookie Bucks for
Using Standard Cookie Bucks Rate
200 packages = 1 day
400 packages = 2 days
For Me & My Buddy and Mom & Me sessions, Cookie Bucks may be used only for girl’s fee.
600 packages = 3 days
800 packages = 4 days
1,000 packages = 5 days
1,200 packages = 6 days
1,400 packages = 7 days
High Adventure Trips
125 packages
=
185 packages
= $20
275 packages
= $30
350 packages
= $40
450 packages
= $50
600 packages
= $70
750 packages = 6 days of resident camp
800 packages
= $100
1,000 packages = $125
1,625 packages = 13 days of resident camp
1,200 packages = $150
1,600 packages = $200
375 packages = 3 days of resident camp 500 packages = 4 days of resident camp 625 packages = 5 days of resident camp
$10
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Living in the Out of Doors
Camp Activities
Campers and staff live in groups called units. These may include platform tents, cabins, or unit houses. Unit staff will sleep in the unit with the girls but in separate cabins or tents near the girls.
Camp is a great place to embrace the unfamiliar, meet new friends, and learn skills. At Girl Scout camp, girls can learn how to swim, ride a horse, make a clay pot, paddle a canoe, go on a hike, zipline, use a handheld GPS unit, make jewelry, and identify local plants and animals. Camp is a place where girls learn to live and work with others and prepare for the challenges of everyday life. Many camps have special themes for each session, and there is always an element of girl planning. Fire bans or high temperatures occasionally interfere with cookouts and ceremonial campfires.
It is summertime, so life at camp is like anywhere else in Texas: hot! Few buildings are air-conditioned, but common areas such as dining halls and unit buildings have fans. Girls also stay cool swimming, wearing wet bandannas, and drinking plenty of water. Life at camp takes place outdoors, so there will be bugs and wildlife to observe. Meals are well-balanced and nutritious and served family-style in the dining halls. Girls also have the opportunity to cook out with their unit when a fire ban is not in effect. Snacks are provided daily. Some camp sessions take girls on field trips, visiting attractions in the camp area. On these trips, strict safety measures are followed, and experienced, age-appropriate staff members lead each trip.
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Expected Camp Behavior Campers exhibiting inappropriate behavior (such as biting, using profanity, bullying, hitting, refusing to participate or follow directions, or creating an unsafe environment) will be sent home with no refund.
Camp Staff Staff members are selected for their interest in and ability to work with young people; their willingness to teach and share skills and be part of a team; their commitment to the values of honesty, respect, caring, and responsibility; and their appreciation for diverse groups of girls. All staff meet the age and skill certification standards required by Girl Scouts of the USA, the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act, and the American Camp Association. Work history is verified, personal references are called, and criminal background checks are conducted prior to employment. Staff attend an intensive six-day pre-camp orientation where they learn or review camping skills, riskmanagement and safety procedures including first aid and CPR, the Girl Scout program, human relations, and communication skills.
Badge Work Each girl may work on badges appropriate to her grade level while at camp. Girls may or may not complete an entire badge while at camp because of the wide variety of activities offered. Follow-up work may be done in the troop or at home. Please keep in mind that weather does affect some activities*, especially swimming, horseback riding, and the challenge course. If campers complete any badge requirements, badge worksheets are sent home. Badges marked “completed” may be purchased at council shops by presenting the badge worksheet. Give a copy to her troop leader also.
“Kapers” At Girl Scout camp, girls are active members of our camp community and are assigned daily chores, or kapers. Kapers may include picking up trash, cleaning up after themselves, sweeping, collecting firewood, setting the table, and cleaning the bathrooms.
*Unexpected factors may alter activities.
Specially qualified staff direct the pool, horseback riding, canoeing, and trip activities.
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Health & Safety Each camp has procedures in place to monitor and respond to weather conditions to ensure the health and safety of campers. Both camps will post weather conditions and updates on Facebook. Health centers are staffed with a camp nurse/health supervisor. All supervisory staff is first aid/CPR-trained. For all camps, emergency care is available at a nearby clinic/hospital. Campers attending a three-day or shorter session will need only a health history. Campers attending a four-day or longer session will need a health history and a physical dated after August 2016 prior to attending camp. Links to these forms will be provided in your email confirmations, along with your parent handbook. A copy of the parent handbook also will be available at www.gs-top.org/camp. Stevens Ranch Pony Pal and Horsin’ Around sessions need only a signed permission slip and waiver. These forms will be provided in your confirmation email. All resident campers are screened at check-in. Temperature is recorded; feet and heads are checked. If a camper has lice, a fever, or a contagious condition at the time of check-in, she will be turned away until corrective action has been taken and she is free of the condition. Camp physicals must be dated after August 2016. We accept school athletic physicals, physicals on forms from health care providers, or the physical form provided on CampDoc. CampDoc We use CampDoc for camper paperwork. If your daughter attended a camp session last summer, you will be expected only to update all of her health history information, which includes illnesses, current medicines, addresses, and phone numbers.
Campers with Special Needs The goal of our camps is to provide a successful experience for all girls. Please be sure to tell the appropriate camp director if your camper has any special needs or disabilities before she attends her camp session so that she can eat, sleep, play, and learn as comfortably as every girl at camp. This allows us to make every effort to accommodate those needs with appropriate staff. It is imperative that the camp director has advanced notice of the needs of a girl with a disability or dietary need so that we can adequately prepare and ensure she feels welcome.
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Camp Accreditation Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains is committed to providing a camping experience that will protect and maintain the well-being of every girl. Our camps are proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association, a private, nonprofit educational organization that provides members with educational and accreditation services. An ACA accreditation indicates that a camp has met ACA standards. This nationally recognized accreditation focuses on a thorough review of every facet of our procedures, including health care, site safety, and business management; qualified and certified staff for all programs offered; and screening and training of all personnel. All Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains camps operate under the safety camp management standards established by Girl Scouts of the USA, as well as the Texas Youth Camp Safety and Health Act.
Liability for Equine Activities Law
A Texas state law regarding liability for equine activities (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code) requires operators of horseback-riding programs to inform participants of the warning included in the law. Warning: Under Texas Law (Chapter 87, Civil Practice and Remedies Code), a farm animal professional is not liable for an injury to or the death of a participant in farm animal activities resulting from the inherent risks of farm animal activities.
Challenge Courses/Ropes Courses
The Association of Challenge Course Technology is recognized as the leading professional resource for those who create safe and effective challenge course programs that facilitate learning and positive change in individuals, groups, and communities. The ACCT requires that all member courses submit to annual inspections conducted by certified independent challenge course engineers. Our facilitators have been trained and received certification to operate the challenge courses at our camps.
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Day/Twilight Camps
Too busy for a week at resident camp?
Not quite ready to
spend the night away from home?
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In several areas of the council, day and twilight camps give girls the Girl Scout camp experience but allow them to go home each night. At day and twilight camps, girls make friends, learn about sustaining the environment, try campfire cooking (depending on fire bans), play games and sports, learn outdoor survival skills, get creative with arts and crafts, earn badges, and more! These camps are a total of three to five days with three to four hours on each of those days. They are open to girls of all ages. Day and twilight camps are led solely by adult volunteers. Your much-needed help has another benefit—the Girl Scout daughters of day/twilight camp volunteers attend at no cost! Cookie Bucks may be used for council-sponsored day camps.
Watch www.gs-top.org/day-twilight
for session dates, locations, and descriptions. Cookie Bucks may be redeemed at 500 packages per session.
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Organization U.S. Postage
PAID
4901 Briarhaven Road Fort Worth, Texas 76109 800-582-7272 • 817-737-7272 www.gs-top.org
Permit No. 2277 Fort Worth, TX
www.facebook.com/GirlScoutsTOP Printed on recycled paper
Girl Scouts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. For more information on how you can support our mission through outright gifts, professional goods or services, please call 800-582-7272 or visit www.gs-top.org
2017
The Essentials - $25 Camp Hat, GS-TOP Flashlight, Water Bottle All prices listed include sales tax!
Friends and Memories - $25 Camp Activity Journal with 10-Color Click Pen, Plush Camp Pony, Summer 2017 Necklace
With Free Patch - $18 Be sure to get your official 2017 T-shirt and camp patch!
Not included in camp packs.
Super Camp Set - $45 ALL items from Packs 1 & 2 at an excellent value!