FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
Spring 2018
GIRL SCOUT CAMP 1 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
FIRST WORD At Badgerland, we’re ambitious. We’re determined to get your girl to one of our camps this summer. Here’s why it’s important: Girl Scout camp is about learning independence and resilience. Here she learns to take care of herself with the encouragement of a dedicated, caring camp staff. She grows in self confidence. And leadership. She discovers how to make friends with girls from different schools and cities and backgrounds. She swallows the butterflies in her stomach and tries things that may be a little scary because, at Girl Scout camp, she’s filled with courage and adventure. Camp is more than just a tradition in Girl Scouting—its impact is significant. Research confirms Girl Scouts benefit immensely from their time outdoors. A study by the Girl Scouts Research Institute proves that by participating in outdoor programs, girls experience personal growth and empowerment, try new things, overcome fears and learn teamwork and leadership skills. And that’s not all. The study finds that nearly three-quarters of girls improved a skill while participating in an outdoor Girl Scout program. Another significant finding in the research is that girls develop lifelong environmental stewardship by participating in outdoor experiences. That’s pretty amazing! So why send your daughter to camp this year? Because when she unpacks her bag and settles in, she will be heading for the time of her life. She’ll have fun. She’ll be challenged to try something new outside of her comfort zone. She’ll be safe. And she’ll grow up a little, or maybe a lot. The girl you welcome home will be more courageous, strong and confident with a ton of amazing memories to share.
Marci Henderson is the CEO of Girl Scouts of Wisconsin - Badgerland, and an avid hiker, backpacker and camper.
MOST GIRLS
attend camp on their own. In other words, most don’t come with their troop or a buddy. Counselors deploy bonding activities right at the start of camp to get the girls comfortable with each other and their new surroundings. 2 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
“There is nothing more important
to me than the safety of the campers. Bonnie Griswold Badgerland Camp Director
When Your Girl’s at Camp WHO’S IN CHARGE? Bonnie Griswold is the dynamo directing camps this summer. Now retired from a stellar career in aquatics leadership and education, Bonnie’s impressive resume includes serving as Aquatics Director at UW-Madison Recreational Sports. So what drew her out of retirement to take charge of Girl Scout camp? “I want a retirement with purpose - to give back to those who helped me along the way. I worked on the waterfront at Girl Scout camps all 4 years of college, which gave me a strong foundation for my career. I’m elated to have the opportunity to give back to the organization that helped me so much.” As camp director, a key responsibility is building the camp team - the counselors who work directly with the girls. Bonnie has lots of experience creating effective teams and says her Girl Scout crew will be strong. “My camp staff will be focused on helping the girls build their own confidence and independence, and that’s why the counselors will be selfless, positive role models with tons of creativity and initiative.”
“Decide to help make a difference in the life of your daughter by giving her the experience to grow, challenge herself, try new things and find new friends for life in a safe environment at camp.”
— Bonnie’s Advice to Badgerland Parents
Resident camps this year are all themed with activities that girls will experience on top of the traditional camp fun. Bonnie, who grew up an active Girl Scout, says her favorite things are teaching girls all the traditions, including Girl Scout songs around the camp fire, swimming, hiking and canoeing.
THE TOP 3 THINGS
IN THIS ISSUE
Meet the Camp Director.........................3 Introducing: a Badgerland Camper.....4 Girl Talk: Camp...............................................5 An Open Letter From a Mom: Why I Send My Girls To Camp...............6 Camp Family Spotlight...............................7 Beyond the Troop is Camp.................8-9 Myths & Facts About Camp...................9 Decoding Badgerland Camps...............10 I am G.I.R.L.......................................................11 Camp Open Houses..................................12
every Girl Scout parent should know about their Camp Director ( by Bonnie) I’m passionate about making a difference in the lives of girls. My goal is to ensure a camp experience your daughter will never forget. Safety of your daughter is my #1 priority.
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Camper Confident Introducing: a Badgerland Camper ALEXA P. Junior Girl Scout, Troop 2446 Some girls are natural campers. But most don’t realize their love for the outdoors until they try it for the first time. Just like Alexa P. A fourth grader, Alexa says she’s the kind of girl who would spend every waking moment hiking through the woods, paddling around in a canoe or gathering around a campfire. Her love of camping was ignited when she was a Daisy Girl Scout and introduced to camping - she went to ‘Me & My Gal’ (a family camp) with her mom. “It was scary at first because it was my first time sleeping outdoors, even though I was in a cabin,” Alexa said. “But it was OK because my mom was with me.” Alexa says she was a bit nervous to return the next year on her own, but was so glad she found the courage to do it. Because once she started... she couldn’t stop! Just last summer, Alexa packed in three Girl Scout camps including CampHERO, Horse Lovers Adventure and her all-time favorite – Camp Confidence. “We got to climb on this big pole and then jump off with a harness on!” she recalled, adding that she would “definitely” do it again. Lucky for her, she’s attending NinjaGIRL at Camp Ehawee this summer where she’ll do lots of adventure activities, along with ninja challenges and warrior trainings. But that’s not all she’s up to in summer 2018. Alexa will be onsite at spring Camporee, and will be traveling to Camp Ehawee for two more camps - RiverQuest and Hogwarts: An Intro to Magic.* While the different weekly themes make camp extra fun each time she goes, Alexa says the best things about camp stay the same. “It’s really fun and you get to make new friends,” she said. “And you get to learn how to work as a team.” Alexa’s mom, Ann, couldn’t be happier that her daughter fell in love with Girl Scout camp. “I went to camp as a Girl Scout when I was younger, and I really liked the experience,” Ann said. “I did things at camp I wouldn’t have done anywhere else.” She agrees with Alexa that camp is the perfect opportunity to make new friends, while simultaneously gaining confidence and independence. Along with camp, Girl Scouts has provided other opportunities for the two of them. As a co-leader of Troop 2446, Ann motivates girls and their families to attend programs, sell cookies and serve their community. But for Alexa – nothing is better than a week at Girl Scout camp!
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*Learn more about Alexa’s favorite camps including NinjaGIRL, CampHERO and RiverQuest. Go to gsbadgerland.org and click ‘Camp’ to find them all!
71% of girls improved an outdoor skill because of Girl Scouts. What a glorious way to begin and end each day at camp... the traditional flag ceremony.
WHAT’S SO GREAT ABOUT CAMP? Here’s What Our Campers Have To Say... KALLY H. Cadette Girl Scout Fitchburg Troop 2911
“At camp, I learned lots of outdoor skills, like building fires and shelters, which is great because I would like to someday become a National Park Service ranger and I plan to visit all the US National Parks. I also learned great teamwork skills that will help me with my ultimate frisbee team and perhaps a future job. ”
CECE S.
Junior Girl Scout Madison Troop 2766
“I really liked that one time where there was music playing and when it stopped you had to stop. If you didn’t you had one thing taken away from you like a spoon or fork - and eventually your arms and legs too! So not only did you have to sit on the ground, you had to lay on the ground. I thought that was really fun. Creek hopping is also really, really fun especially when there’s mud and you’re wearing your swimming suit. All in all, I really love Camp Ehawee! ”
JAZLIN M.
Brownie Girl Scout Tomah Troop 4033
“I make new friends and learn about the outdoors. I also swim, eat, play and get to sleep on the top bunk! My favorite thing about going to camp is making new friends.”
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Beyond the troop... THERE’S CAMP. This past winter, Badgerland held parent listening sessions and conducted parent and girl surveys. The topic for these forums, of course, was camp. We wanted to understand what keeps so many Girl Scout families from sending their girls to camp. The feedback was enlightening and helped Badgerland identify some myths and barriers that prevent families from signing her up for Girl Scout camp. That information helped drive changes heading into the summer with the singular goal of convincing more parents to say YES to camp! Why choose Girl Scout camp over all the other summer camp options? Well, for starters, we’re the girl experts. It’s what we do and all our programs and activities are developed with 106 years of girl expertise. Girl Scout camp is about much more than gaining outdoor skills and independence. It’s about helping girls realize that anything is possible…if they’re willing to take a few 6 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
risks and maybe fail at a few things. Camp is truly about self-discovery in a safe, away-from-home setting. What even is resident camp anyway? Some call it sleep-away camp. At Badgerland, we call any camp where girls spend more than one night away from home ‘resident camp’. A multinight experience gives her time to settle in, unpack, develop a routine and get comfortable enough in new surroundings to experience adventure and new friendships. How do I begin to choose where to send her? Actually, it’s pretty easy because camps are generally set up by age so her camp destination will be impacted by her age. Girls in grades K-5 will be at Camp Ehawee in La Crosse County. Girls in grades 6-12 will attend resident camp at Camp Evelyn in Sheboygan County and Camp Manitou in Manitowoc
County. Additionally, Camp Ehawee will host a resident camp for older girls as well as Leadership camps and family camps. Camp Brandenburg, in Dane County, will be the site of one-night camps for kindergarten and first graders. Brandenburg, and other sites around the state, will be home base for the exciting new G.I.R.L. adventure camps for older girls. What if I can’t afford to send her to Girl Scout camp? We cut the cost of camp this summer. Badgerland overnight programs are now just $65 per night. Girls can use Badgerland Bucks earned in the Cookie Program and fall sale to pay for camp, and financial aid is available (see ‘Camperships’ bottom right). Her troop does a ‘troop camp’. Can she still come? Yes! Resident camp isn’t a troop activity. Girls sign up and attend on their own - not with the full troop. However, girls can make ‘buddy requests’ if they have friends attending the same session so they can bunk together. Can my girl bring her non-Girl Scout friend to camp? Absolutely! Camp is for all girls and if your girl wants to come to camp with her best friend or cousin who isn’t a Girl Scout, that works. Before the non-Girl Scout signs up for camp, she’ll simply pay the membership fee at registration. (And, hopefully, have such an amazing time that she wants to join a troop come fall!) I’m not comfortable being so out of touch with her for multiple days. How will I know she’s okay? Summer camp isn’t just for the girls—it’s for the parents to do some letting go, too! Badgerland observes American Camp Association and Girl Scouts USA safety standards, and that is a top priority. She will be supervised by trained, caring counselors. However, there are times when a parent needs reassurance that she’s doing okay. That’s why it’s a-okay to call camp and connect with the camp team to see how she’s doing. Badgerland also posts pictures during the camp week on a secure site that we give you the login info to prior to camp - that way you can see for yourself how much fun she’s having at camp.
3 CAMP MYTHS MYTH: My troop leader doesn’t organize camp so my girl can’t go. FACT: All girls can attend camp. It is not a troopdependent activity. Parents sign up their girl. MYTH: I’m not allowed to visit the camp and I’m not going to send my girl to a camp I’ve never seen and can’t visit. FACT: We strongly encourage you and your girl to visit camp before her session. Families can come to Camp Open Houses to get a first-hand look. (See the Open House dates on the back page) Parents can also tour the camp at drop-off in the summer. It is true, however, that when camp is in session only campers and staff are on-site. MYTH: Girl Scout camp is way more expensive than some other camps I can send her to. FACT: Badgerland overnight programs are now just $65 per night, so a two-night camp is $130, a three-nighter is $195 and a five-night camp is $325.
Camperships Families meeting requirements for the National School Lunch Program are eligible to apply for a Campership to help pay her way to summer camp. Simply complete the short, online application and you’ll be notified within one week of eligibility. gsbadgerland.org (click ‘Camp’ then ‘Camperships’)
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Why I Send My Girls to Girl Scout Camp by PEGGY DUELLMAN, Badgerland Girl Scout Mom, Volunteer and Alum
“Camp gave me so much fun in the beginning years, and gave me lifelong supportive friends later. We don’t even have to talk during the school year- when we come back together in the summer, we pick up even closer than we last ended!” — Elizabeth Duellman, Class of 2017
It’s so important for girls to try new things, and that’s exactly what Girl Scout camp is about – stepping outside her comfort zone and taking risks – all while surrounded by peers and adults who are rooting for her to succeed. Not only have my girls tried outdoor activities they might not have if it weren’t for camp (archery, water sports and ropes courses) but they’re building confidence and character while doing it. I see growth in my girls every time they come home from camp. Even after the post-camp excitement wears off, camp comes up in conversations almost daily: the fun they had, challenges they overcame and the friends they made.
“To whoever is considering attending camp: GO FOR IT! If you don’t like it, which is highly unlikely, you can just not come next time. You’ll meet some great people, create memories and some random stuff you’ll put on display later in your room.” — Suzanne Duellman, Cadette Troop 4163
“At camp, you get to meet new friends. And at the end of the week, you’ll feel so happy. If you’re there, you feel something magical. You meet new friends and at the end you get new friends - and maybe even pen pals.” — Hilary Duellman, Cadette Troop 4201 8 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
Just hearing them talk about camp brings back memories of my Girl Scout years at Camp Black Hawk. I can appreciate their passion for it, and it means a lot to hear them talk so fondly about something that was important to me as a girl. Another big reason I chose to send my girls to camp is my confidence in the staff and the safety precautions and protocols they follow. Having been a member of the camp staff before, I can attest to the level and thoroughness of trainings, and as a parent, I’m assured my girls will be safe. By allowing them to try new things in a fun, supportive environment, camp has helped Kate, Elizabeth, Suzanne and Hilary discover their strengths. And the Girl Scouts organization has empowered the girls to use these traits to create positive change within themselves, their school and in the community.
TRADITIONS are everywhere at Girl Scout Camp – in the hiking, the creek hopping and the s’mores. But for the Duellman family of Buffalo County, just going to camp is a tradition. Growing up, Peggy Duellman yearned for the day she could go to Girl Scout camp. She listened to her two older sisters talk about the wonders of camp, and her mother told stories of her own Girl Scouting years. When Peggy turned nine, it was finally her turn. She packed her bags and made the four-hour journey from her home in Stoughton to the Northwoods. For the next six summers, Camp Black Hawk became her new home away from home and a lifelong-love of camp was born. Peggy’s days were filled with new adventures, and her nights with campfire songs. She made friendships and memories that would stay with her forever, shaping the person she is today. During her third year, she attended the very first horse camp offered by Girl Scouts in the area, and discovered her passion for riding and caring for animals. She enjoyed camp so much that after graduating from college and moving to Fountain City, she again sought out Girl Scouting opportunities - this time as an adult. It wasn’t long before she was co-leading Girl Scout troops, and eventually was hired at Camp Ehawee, where she worked as a horseback specialist and a camp driver. Little did she know how much the 283-acre space in rural La Crosse County would come to mean to her. As the years went by, Peggy married and had children. Along came Kate, her first daughter and Girl Scout camper. Then Elizabeth, Suzanne and Hilary. Peggy knew from the start that she wanted her daughters to experience Girl Scout camp, just as she had a generation before. And...well...before she knew it all four of Peggy’s daughters grew up as Girl Scouts spending every summer at Camp Ehawee. Two of the Duellman daughters have graduated high school, but Girl Scout camp is still an important part of their summer. Through family camps like Me & My Gal, Peggy and her daughters still make it back to Camp Ehawee annually to continue the tradition.
“I did two weeks as a LEAPer,* which left me with lifelong friendships. If you have the chance to attend camp, GO! The experience will be one that leaves you with memories of marvelous moments.” — Kate Duellman, Girl Scout Alum, Class of 2015 * LEAP is Badgerland’s famous leadership camp for 8th and 9th graders. See this year’s LEAP session at gsbadgerland.org and click ‘Camp.’ 9 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
CAMP DECODED Ready to sign her up and send her off to summer Girl Scout camp? Use this cheat sheet to help figure out the right camp for her.
How to Choose Your Girl Scout’s Summer Camp Program
Overnight Resident Camps (two or more nights) Grades K-5 @ Camp Ehawee Grades 6-12 @ Camps Evelyn and Manitou and a few at Ehawee
You received a camp book in the mail back in February. Dig it out and check out all the programs for your girl, then get her signed up. The books and all the individual camps are available to view online.
My First Sleepaway Camps (one-night only and parents stay for dinner) Grades K-1 @ Camps Brandenburg and Ehawee
Visit gsbadgerland.org and click ‘Camp’
G.I.R.L. Adventure Camps (two-three nights) Grades 5-12 @ locations all over (Race to the Finish is sold out!)
CAMP like a
CAMP like a
Parent-Child Camps (two nights) Grades 1-7 come to camp with their grown-up @ Camp Ehawee Day Camps (range from a few hours to all day) Grades K-5 @ locations all over (Hurry! Some Horse Camps are sold out!) 2018 SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
Troop Camps (one or more nights - it’s up to the troop) Grades K-12 @ Camp Black Hawk (camps run by individual troops)
Grades K-5
2018 SUMMER CAMP PROGRAMS
Grades 6-12
A Closer Look at Camp Evelyn Camp Evelyn is the primary overnight resident camp for girls in grades 6-12 this summer—and it’s fabulous! With 240 acres of wooded property, campers get lots of time to discover nature on the hiking trails. Campers are in and on the water with a lake, river and sparkling swimming pool on site. Camp Evelyn has canoes, kayaks and even paddle boats. Most of the sessions are five-night programs ($380). One exceptional exception is The Big 12-Nighter with two full weeks at camp! Camp Evelyn and Camp Manitou are owned by a sister Wisconsin council; we’re teaming up with Girl Scouts of Manitou to provide girls in both councils amazing camp programming at their beautiful properties. Check out Camp Evelyn at the Open House in a few weeks (see back page for date and sign up details).
A Mom’s Perspective “I attended Camp Ehawee as a grade schooler, so I knew firsthand that it would be a good experience for my kids. I looked forward to sending each of my girls away to camp as soon as she was old enough, which came at a younger age than other camps. I really wanted my girls to start having independent experiences away from home as soon as possible. I also value that they get to befriend and bunk with girls who live and go to school somewhere else. I love that they are ‘unplugged’ for at least the part of the summer that they are at camp, and I am glad that they get to try new things, learn new skills, and spend lots of time outdoors!” — Marie Crowley Girl Scout Parent and Girl Scout Camp Alum 10 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
Brownie Troop 1174 in Madison collaborated with UW Madison women students on the Free Being Me Patch program. The girls created a newsletter all about body confidence and shared it with their peers to inspire all girls to learn to love themselves.
Troop 7531 from New Glarus embraced their innovative selves by creating their very own clever inventions using ‘LittleBits’ - Badgerland’s Brownie-level Makers Kit. Makers Kits for each Girl Scout level are available for check-out at all Badgerland Service Centers.
Cadette Troop 4651 stood in front of the La Crosse Board of Park Commissioners to present a proposal for a GaGa pit at a local park. After confidently answering questions from the board, their proposal was approved and they installed the pit the following week!
Ambassador Morgan Radaj of Whitewater took the lead to tell state lawmakers the impact she is having on the world as a Girl Scout. Morgan spoke at Girl Scout Advocacy Day at the State Capitol in March and shared her incredible Gold Award project about food sustainability locally and globally.
Tell Badgerland how your Girl Scout is G.I.R.L. communications@gsbadgerland.org or facebook.com/gsbadgerland 11 | FOCUS ON BADGERLAND GIRL SCOUTS
Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Madison, WI Permit No. 2127
2710 Ski Lane Madison, WI 53713
gsbadgerland.org info@gsbadgerland.org 800.236.2710
COME SAY HELLO! Camp Evelyn Open House Plymouth, Sheboygan County
Sunday, April 22 12:30-4:30pm Camp Ehawee Open House Mindoro, La Crosse County
Sunday, April 29 1-4pm Camp Brandenburg Open House Dane (near Middleton), Dane County
Sunday, May 20 2:30-4:30pm Come check out camp. No cost and free busing from Madison to camps Evelyn and Ehawee. Register @ gsbadgerland.org.