2024 Summer Camp Guide by Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA

Girl Scouts 2024 SUMMER CAMP GUIDE

S’more Fun!

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Table of Contents 1

Dear Families

Why Camp Rocks

Testimonials

Ready for Camp?

Important Dates & Troop Discounts

Summer Camp Sessions

Offsite Trips & Transportation

Registration & Attending Camp

Financial Information

Camp Kits & VIC

Camp Packing List

Dear Camper & Family, Whether you and your Girl Scout are just beginning your Girl Scouting adventure, or you are practically an expert when it comes to the great outdoors, Girl Scout camp offers a chance to make lifelong memories. Our camp team looks forward to hearing laughter, cheers, and camp songs fill our property and hearts. We cannot wait to welcome you to Camp Small Valley for an incredible summer! Returning campers—remember how much fun it is to giggle with friends, be curious, and try new things? Remember what it is like to be confident and use your courage to step outside your comfort zone? Well, the time is now for your year of fun and adventure. If your camper is not already a Girl Scout, that is okay! When she signs up for camp, she will be prompted to become a member. Many individual girls attend camp every summer without being a part of a troop. If your entire troop wants to sign up for a camp this summer, we have an opportunity for you too. We know that by sharing your camper with us, you are placing the utmost trust in our ability to take good care of them and ensure that they have a safe and memorable camp experience. This is a responsibility that we take very seriously, and we appreciate you sharing your camper with us. Please take a few moments to review this full guide. Whether you’re interested in traditional 5-night camps, 2-night mini camps, offsite trips, leadership training, or a day at camp, we have an adventure waiting for you.

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Why Camp Rocks! Girl Scout camp is all about trying new things, meeting new friends, and having fun. Whether you are interested in archery, swimming, hiking, adventure, offsite trips or are looking to try all of the above, an unforgettable summer experience is waiting for you. Our camps spark confidence and joy in the girls who attend. We call it “camp magic.” Camp is transformative. When a girl leaves home and enters the world of camp, she grows by learning new skills and becomes stronger and happier by making new friends. Our trained and caring staff members guide girls ages 5 to 17 as they discover who they are and who they can become.

Our engaging programs and activities are designed with girls’ interests in mind so they can grow their passions and take healthy risks in a safe and supportive environment. Girls need a safe place where they can be themselves. They need a space with amazing views where they can relax, make lifelong memories, and try new things. Each outdoor experience is packed full of Girl Scout traditions and exciting activities. There is something fun waiting for every girl at camp this summer.

A Note About Safety Our programs are designed to allow campers to take healthy risks in a safe and nurturing environment. Our enthusiastic staff receive extensive training before camp and are chosen for their maturity, energy, and ability to be positive role models for your child. Camp Small Valley is proud to be accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), a national organization that sets high standards for the health and safety of campers and staff as well as the delivery of quality programs. In addition to meeting the established health, safety, and program standards set by federal, state, and local government, our camps also meet all standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA.

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Testimonials from Girl Scout Parents

“Both my kids have raved (as they usually do) about all their counselors from Small Valley, but I want to give a special shout out to Spike. Even though Spike was not one of Caela’s counselors this past week, per se, she regularly checked in with Caela throughout camp to make sure Caela was feeling alright. This meant the world to Caela, and to us, and I wanted to let you know how grateful we all are to Spike, and to all of your staff, for taking such good care of our Girl Scouts last week.”

“Meredith had a wonderful first time at camp! Even though she didn’t have much prior Girl Scout experience, she felt comfortable and accepted. She loved the food!”

“GSHPA camp was amazing! The council staff were so responsive and helpful in getting us registered for our camps. The website resources and packing lists were all great. Drop off and pick up were so easy, and the staff were very nice. My daughter said the camp was awesome, and she wants to go back. Everyone on the parent Facebook group has been raving about GSHPA camps, so we will be back and bringing friends next year. Staff did well quickly (within a few minutes) changing programming due to weather conditions and kept girls busy and engaged.”

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“My daughter was homesick, and I appreciate the time and attention given to her. She made it all week and had a blast.”

Is My Girl Scout Ready for Camp? We share your desire to find the best experience possible for your camper, and for this reason, we offer a rich progression of sessions. You can choose from a variety of options such as day programs with an overnight option, 2-night mini camps, traditional week-long sessions, and 2-week leadership sessions. While Girl Scout camp has something for every level of readiness, there are some skills and abilities that signal whether an overnight camp is right for your Girl Scout. We’ve created a simple quiz for campers to help parents select an appropriate program for their camper. If you and your camper decide she’s not ready for a full week of overnight camp, consider the single day sessions with an optional overnight for troops and families.

Are you ready for Summer Camp? Take the quiz below to find out!

Yes (3 points)

Maybe (2 points)

No (1 point)

I can stay over at a friend’s house without calling home. I can be brave when I hear strange noises or see bugs at night. I am okay without any electronics. I can remember to brush my hair and teeth. I can keep my room neat and tidy without being asked. I like to try new things even if I may be nervous or a little scared. I like to try new foods. I can speak up when I need something or need help. I can keep track of my belongings. I would like to try being outside all day so I can do fun activities. I like to meet new friends and do activities with them.

Total Points

Add Up Your Points! Less than 15 pts.

16 - 20 pts.

20 - 26 pts.

26 pts.+

You are ready to try our Summer Spectacular programs this summer!

You are ready to try an overnight program on your own! We recommend a 2-night Summer Camp option.

You are ready to try an overnight program on your own! We recommend a 2-night or a 5-night Summer Camp option.

You hear the call of overnight camp. You must be an experienced camper! 5-night Summer Camps or Counselor Training options are open for you.

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We can’t wait to share camp magic with you all this summer!

Important Dates Tuesday, February 6

Registration open date

Saturday, April 27

Summer Camp Open Houses Virtual Open Houses available weeknight evenings in March & April

Thursday, February 29

Last day to receive all 3 early registration incentives rewards

Sunday, March 31

Last day to receive 2 early registration incentives rewards

Tuesday, April 30

Last day to receive 1 early registration incentives rewards

Troop Discount Bring the whole troop to camp! New this year, Troop Leaders can sign up 3 or more girls in their troop for GSHPA’s 2024 Summer Camp Session at a discounted rate! Troop Leaders can include a Juliette in this opportunity or a Service Unit Lead may sign up 3 or more Juliettes for the same discount! Traditional Overnight Camp or CIT I - Register 3+ girls and receive $70 dollars off per girl. Mini Overnight Camp (2-night): Register 3+ girls and receive $35 off per girl. Troops must fill out the Troop Participation Form to receive the Troop discount. The Troop Participation Form can be found on our Summer Camp web page, or by reaching out to memberservices@gshpa.org.

Important Notes: • Each girl must be an active member who is participating in your troop. You can confirm active membership/troop participation in myGS. •

You must register a minimum of 3 girls, for the same week of camp, to be eligible for this discount.

• This discount is for NEW ORDERS only. GSHPA will not be able to apply a discount to a registration already processed through gsEvents. • Discount ends Tuesday, April 30.

Early Registration Rewards Sign up during the first month of registration (Feb. 6 – Feb. 29) to receive a free GSHPA Water Bottle, GSHPA Summer Camp Bracelet, and Early Camp Registration Patch. Registrations received between March 1 – March 31 will receive a free GSHPA Summer Camp Bracelet and Early Camp Registration Patch. Registrations received between April 1 – April 30 will receive a free GSHPA Summer Camp Bracelet.

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Summer Camp Session Options! Mini Overnight Camp at Camp Small Valley 3 DAYS | 2 NIGHTS – $240 Whether it’s your first time testing the waters or a brief visit to your home away from home, our minicamp is here to welcome your girl to the world of outdoor exploration! There is nothing more rewarding than sending a Girl Scout off on their camping journey. Our Mini Camp is the perfect way to offer guests a breath-taking outdoor experience, just in a shorter window of time! This program is ideal for those who are not quite ready or available to stay away from home for a whole week. Whether you are a novice or an expert camper, all are welcome to join in the fun! Half Week Sessions for current (Spring 2024) 1st – 6th grade girls include a Sunday check-in (2 p.m.) and a Tuesday check-out (3 p.m.). Please note that Week 1 is also open to current (Spring 2024) 7th-8th grade girls: Week 1

June 30 - July 2

Week 3

July 14 - July 16

Week 5

July 28 - July 30

Week 2

July 7 - July 9

Week 4

July 21 - July 23

Week 6

Aug. 4 - Aug. 6

*Offsite trip available for week 1 of minicamp. More information can be found on page 8.

Traditional Overnight Camp at Camp Small Valley 6 DAYS | 5 NIGHTS – $420 For many of us, the phrase, “Summer Camp,” whimsically captures our thoughts and whisks us back in time. We visualize the joyous moments of building campfires, piling into the dining hall to share a delicious meal, singing songs, and achieving goals beyond our wildest dreams. Our program brings children together from various backgrounds in a relaxing environment, making it easier for them to form lifelong friendships and to create lasting memories. GSHPA mindfully brings forth fresh, new summer programs, while equally embracing the things we love about traditional camp. We hope to see you around the campfire this summer, s’mores in hand and smiles aglow. Week long Sessions for current (Spring 2024) 2nd – 8th grade girls include a Sunday check-in (2:30 p.m.) and a Friday check-out (11 a.m.) Week 5 & 6 is also open to current (Spring 2024) 9th grade girls: Week 2

July 7 - July 12

Week 4

July 21 - July 26

Week 3

July 14 - July 19

Week 5

July 28 - Aug. 2

Week 6

*Offsite trip available for Traditional Campers. More information can be found on page 8.

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Aug. 4 - Aug. 9

Counselor in Training I at Camp Small Valley 2 WEEKS – $600 Being a CIT offers a whole new world of expertise, knowledge, and energy! Serve as a role model for younger girls and make a difference in the lives of many. Our program provides endless opportunities for young adults to learn the skills (outdoor, professional, safety, communication, and childcare skills) required to become responsible camp counselors. Develop a crafty curriculum, take aim with archery, cool down in the pool or scheme your next campfire skit- now is your time to shine! We can’t wait to see all the amazing things you will achieve! 2 week-long sessions for 9th –10th grade girls include a Sunday check-in (2:30 p.m.) and a Friday check-out (11 a.m.) during the weeks of July 14 – July 26.

Counselor in Training II at Camp Small Valley 2 WEEKS – $150 The CIT II program promotes a bridge between being a camper and a future prospective staff member! Continue the pursuit of exercising practical leadership skills, obtain your First Aid certifications, exercise critical thinking skills and grow using staff support. By embracing the profound significance of responsibility, this program is a catalyst— calling CITs to engage with camp from a fresh perspective, one illuminated by the importance of leadership. Participants must have completed a CIT I program to apply. This is an application program. Once registered, girls and their parent/guardians will be contacted to set up a 30-minute interview. 2-week session for 10th –12th grade girls include a Sunday check-in (10 a.m.) and a Friday check-out (11 a.m.) during the weeks of July 7 – July 19. Girls must be under the age of 18 during the entirety of this camp program.

Summer Spectacular Events for Troops & Families $25 This one-day event creates the foundation needed for successful longer-term experiences away from home. Our welcoming staff, volunteers, and vendors build bonds within our membership, harmoniously tying together the rustic camp experience with a modern approach. Summer Spectacular Days are designed to gently guide even the youngest campers outside of their comfort zones, challenging them to take positive risks and engage in decision making activities. Adult chaperones are required for this event and can take part in activities alongside the girls. Let’s create, explore, and wind down with a good old campfire before bidding adieu. It only takes one day of camp to positively impact a child’s future. Single-day sessions held from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m. with an optional campfire activity from 4 p.m. - 5 p.m.: June 29

at Camp Happy Valley

Aug. 3

at Camp Furnace Hills

July 20

at Camp Small Valley

Aug. 24

at Camp Archbald

Want to turn this day event into an overnight? When completing your forms, families and troops can purchase units or bed spaces in units for Friday and Saturday evenings. Families or Troops that stay overnight will be considered rentals and must take care of their own food, activities, and safety before the event begins and after the event ends at 5 p.m.

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Offsite Trip Opportunities Week 1: Mini Camp

Week 4: Traditional Camp

JUNE 30 -JULY 2

• Crime Lab at Harrisburg University

• CCA Agworks Aquaponics Center (Current 6th-8th graders)

• Lake Tobias Wildlife Park

(Current 4th-6th graders)

Week 2: Traditional Camp

(Current 6th-8th graders) • Take a Hike with a Backpacking Expert (Current 6th-8th graders) • Prairie Fire Farms - Equestrian Educational Program (Current 4th-6th graders)

JULY 7 TH-12 TH

Week 5: Traditional Camp

• Crime Lab at Harrisburg University (Current 6th-8th graders) • Take a Hike with a Backpacking Expert (Current 5th-7th graders) • Prairie Fire Farms - Equestrian Educational Program (Current 4th-6th graders)

• Dexterity Depot - Ninja Warrior (Current 5th-9th graders) • CCA Agworks Aquaponics Center (Current 7th-9th graders) • Prairie Fire Farms - Equestrian Educational Program (Current 4th-7th graders)

Week 3: Traditional Camp

Week 6: Traditional Camp

• Dexterity Depot - Ninja Warrior

• CCA Agworks Aquaponics Center (Current 4th-6th graders) • Laser Dome - Lazer Tag & Games (Current 5th-9th graders) • Prairie Fire Farms - Equestrian Educational Program (Current 6th-9th graders)

(Current 5th-8th graders) • Lake Tobias Wildlife Park (Current 4th-8th graders) • Prairie Fire Farms - Equestrian Educational Program (Current 6th-8th graders)

Transportation This summer, GSHPA is offering transportation to and from Camp Small Valley for week-long camp sessions, including 5-night overnight and Counselor in Training camps. The bus is so much more than a ride to camp – it is an awesome part of the camp experience. During the ride, campers have the chance to meet other campers, get acquainted before they arrive, and join in on counselor-led songs and games!

Where and when will the bus pick up How do I purchase a spot on the bus? & drop off my camper? The bus form will be included in your registration Campers who have signed up for bus transportation will be picked up and dropped off at the Harrisburg Mall. Please drive to the back of the parking lot, near the Applebee’s restaurant (pole #53) parking area. You will see camp staff at the back of the lot waiting for you!

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email, which you will receive the week after you complete your gsEvents registration. Campers must be registered for a camp session before purchasing a spot on the bus. The form must be filled out for each individual camper.

Ways to Attend Camp

Register for camp via your myGS account Once you check out all the camp offerings in the Camp Guide or webpage and decide which ones are for you, you can find your specific session(s) via the Event Calendar or event list. Visit www.gshpa.org and click on the “Events” tab. Scroll through the Events list to find your session’s registration link.

Troops

Have multiple Girl Scouts in your family? No problem! You can go back to the list or calendar to find the registration links and keep adding sessions (for each Girl Scout) to your shopping cart so you can complete it all in one transaction.

Individual Girls

Non-members will need to become a Girl Scout member, for $25 per person, before starting their gsEvents registration. Visit myGS to become a member today.

Registration Deadlines Registrations are accepted until the camp session is full or two weeks prior to the session start date, whichever comes first. If registration closes on a Saturday or Sunday, you should expect the confirmation the following Tuesday. Camp session capacity and space availability can be viewed online. Camp Small Valley patches will only be given out to girls who are in attendance.

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Bring the whole Troop to camp! NEW this year, Troop Leaders can sign up 3 or more girls, in their troop, for GSHPA’s 2024 Summer Camp Session at a discounted rate! Troop Leaders are welcome to include a Juliette in this opportunity or a Service Unit Lead may sign up 3 or more Juliettes for the same discount!

Girl Scouts attend summer camp on their own, at a time that fits their schedules. Girls do not need to attend with their troops to experience the fun of Camp Small Valley. Because girls often attend individually, camp is a great opportunity to make new friendships that will last a lifetime.

Buddies Girls are invited to bring friends to summer camp. Their buddies can already be members of Girl Scouts or they can invite a friend who hasn’t joined yet. Both campers should sign up for the same camp session. When filling out your forms, there will be a field to indicate a buddy who is signing up for the same camp session. Both campers will need to have their buddy listed when registering to be paired together. Groups of three or more cannot be guaranteed.

Families If your camper wants to bring a family or friend to join their outdoor experience, look for Summer Spectacular Events for Troops & Families throughout the summer. These events are designed to gently guide even the youngest campers outside of their comfort zones, challenging them to take positive risks and engage in interactive activities. Let’s create, explore, and wind down with a good old campfire before we bid adieu.

Financial Information Registration Payments A $25 non-refundable deposit is required to secure your girl’s spot, unless you apply for financial aid. Full payment is due in two weeks prior to the camp start date. If full payment is not received two weeks prior to your camper’s start date, her slot will be forfeited and opened up to other campers. Cookie credits may be applied toward any of your camp registration fees, excluding the $25 non-refundable deposit. To use Cookie credits as payment, please contact Member Services at memberservices@gshpa.org, after you complete the registration process and place your deposit.

Financial Aid for Camp

Can I use GO! Dough? A: Yes, you can use GO! Dough as a payment option. Girl Scouts earn GO! Dough by selling cookies or Fall Product. To use GO! Dough, follow these steps: • Pay the $25 deposit per camp session. • Use the following form to request using GO! Dough to cover the outstanding balance: https://gsheartpa.wufoo.com/ forms/rj36uee1fcjd4h/ • If your Girl Scout does not have enough GO! Dough to cover the outstanding balance, pay the remaining balance on the camp session.

GSHPA is committed to making sure that camp is accessible to of our Girl Scouts. Families requesting camp financial assistance still need to register for a camp session but are not required to pay a deposit. The form to request financial aid for camp will be emailed to you the week after you register through gsEvents. This form must be completed within 3 weeks of your gsEvents registration, or her slot will be forfeited and opened to other campers. Be aware that financial assistance is a finite resource. Girls living within GSHPA’s 30-county footprint who are participating in any of our Summer Sessions including 5-night traditional overnights, 2-night mini camps, Counselor in Training programs and Summer Spectacular Events for Troops & Families. For a single session only. If there is still financial aid available on Friday, May 10, 2024, a girl may apply for additional financial aid for a second week of camp. A girl may not apply for financial aid for a third session or more. Financial aid covers the entire balance, pending approval. Financial assistance does not cover additional purchases, such as optional fun patches, offsite trips, and camp care kits.

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Refunds

Cancellations

Requests for refunds must be submitted in writing to memberservices@gshpa.org by June 9, 2024, for consideration. The $25 camp deposit is non-refundable. Refunds are not issued for “no shows” (registrants who do not attend). Refunds are not issued for cancellations submitted after June 9, 2024. Refunds requested due to illness or injury require a doctor’s note, for consideration, if requested after the June 9, 2024, deadline.

GSHPA reserves the right to cancel a camp session due to insufficient registration, acts of nature, or other reasons beyond our control. In the event a camp session is canceled, a full refund will be issued. For cancellations, email notification will be sent to each registrant.

Optional purchase items (Care Kits, T-shirts, Patches) are non-refundable. However, if your camper can no longer attend her registered session, please let us know, and we will mail her purchased items to her by August 31, 2024.

Camp Forms Forms will be included in your registration email, sent the week after you register. All forms are due two weeks prior to the camp start date. If forms are not received two weeks prior to your camper’s start date, her slot will be forfeited and opened to other campers. Your deposit will not be refunded. Be prepared to enter all your information in one sitting (of one hour or less before system timeout) as our platform will not save partial submissions or incomplete entries. You will need the following information for most camp sessions: • Name and date of your camp sessions • All camper medical insurance details from your ID carrier including carrier, name of insured policy holder, policy/group numbers, insurance company phone number, etc. • All information for your camper’s physician and dentist, including name, address, and phone number. • All details regarding immunizations. • All details regarding any medical conditions and disease/health history. • All details regarding any camper medications/prescriptions, including name of drug, dosage instructions, etc. • Know if your Girl Scout would like a t-shirt, patch, care kit. • Know if your Girl Scout would like to take part in an offsite trip opportunity, if available during her week and for her age level. • Know if your Girl Scout will need transportation to and from Camp. (Harrisburg Pick up & Drop off Location available for 2024)

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Surprise your camper with GSHPA’s new Camp Care Kit!

For $20, All Camp Care Kits contain: A fun, colorable bag with fabric markers for autographs & more! A post card for campers to write home

An Outdoor Skills patch Take advantage of these optional add-ons for an additional cost: A. Cuddly Cow Plushee B. Trefoil Fun Finds Mini Flashlight C. Trefoil Fun Finds Water Bottle 20oz

2024 Camp T-Shirt & Patches 2024 Camp T-shirt & Fun Patches Coming Soon!* Click the form link included in your registration email, received one week after you register your camper through gsEvents, to order! All Camp Kit, Camp T-shirt, and Patch orders are due by Tuesday, April 30! Post-camp order opportunities will be available for some items.

*2023 Examples Shown

Very Involved Campers The Very Involved Camper (V.I.C.) Program provides current campers priority registration for summer camp the following year. With high demand, and the potential to hit session capacity, advance registration will help your camper secure their spot. V.I.C.s will also participate in a V.I.C. kick-off after camp, receive monthly newsletters, learn about neat ways to stay engaged with camp during the school year and help make important decisions for the next summer. After dropping off your camper at their session, you will receive information about becoming a 2024 V.I.C.!

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Overnight Camp Packing List Campers are responsible for all items brought to camp. LABEL EVERYTHING! Please be advised that the list below represents supplies for resident camp (5 nights).

Clothing & Shoes

Optional Items

Shorts/athletic shorts for each day 2-3 pairs of long pants Shirts for each day (no strapless or tube tops) Sweater, sweatshirt, or jacket Undergarments (required daily, pack extra!) Socks (required daily, pack extra!) 2 bathing suits Pajamas (nights are cold/hot, bring options) Raincoat or poncho (no umbrellas please) 2 pairs of closed-toes shoes (Crocs don’t count) 1 pair of waterproof boots (rain boots) Flip flops or Crocs for pool and showering only

Disposable camera (no phones allowed) Tie dye item (white shirt, bandana, pillowcase) Comfort item (example: stuffed animal) Reading materials Playing cards/non-electronic games Stationary, pen/pencil, stamps, envelopes Swim vest or floaties (only if needed to swim) Earplugs or sleeping mask for light sleepers Friendship bracelet string Inexpensive watch (waterproof preferred) Water shoes for creek activities (no flip flops) Feminine sanitary products (if needed) Small battery-operated fan for sleeping Laundry bag for dirty clothes to be taken home

Sleep Essentials Sleeping bag Extra blanket for cold nights Pillow(s) and extra pillowcase Fitted sheets (twin size)

Personal Hygiene 2-3 washcloths Shampoo/conditioner Soap Deodorant 2 towels (swimming & showering) Toothbrush & toothpaste Hairbrush/comb Shower caddy or bag

Miscellaneous Prescription medication for Camp Nurse Daypack or backpack Refillable water bottle (name on it!) Sunscreen Insect repellent/ointment for bug bites Sunglasses Bandana or hat & hair ties Chapstick and/or lip balm Flashlight/headlamp (with extra batteries)

PLEASE LEAVE THESE ITEMS AT HOME Cell phones—They are prohibited at camp Snack foods, candy, and drinks Electronic gaming devices Valuable items Hair dryers/curling irons/straighteners Expensive clocks, watches, or jewelry Personal sports equipment Pets—Pets are not permitted outside of the car Alcoholic beverages Fireworks/sparklers Weapons If I forget to send my camper with an item, what can I do? Forgotten items can be dropped off at the Camp Office. Please remember to call or email the camp beforehand. There are times when no one is in the Camp Office. Have additional questions about camp? Contact our Member Services team at 800-692-7816 or by email at MemberServices@gshpa.org.

Resources provided in this camp guide are also available online at www.gshpa.org. Contact our Member Services department for more information: memberservices@gshpa.org (800) 692-7816