Safety at Camp Camper drop-off and pick-up is closely monitored; campers are released only to adults listed by the parent or guardian and who show a picture ID. Once in our care, camps follow adult-to-girl supervision ratios specified by Girl Scouts’ Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Security
Visitors
Access to camp property is limited, controlled, and only authorized visitors are allowed on site. To ensure the safety and security of camp, limit interruptions in the camp program, and to prevent homesickness among campers, unauthorized visitors are not allowed on site.
Part of the camp experience is each camper discovering themselves and learning independence. For the security of the girls, camp is closed to all visitors, including parents, during camp sessions. Parents/guardians are encouraged to tour the camp and talk with staff on check in and check out day. Camp staff will contact you if needed. You may call the camp office or council after-hours for emergencies. Due to the large number of girls at GSMH summer camp, campers are not permitted to make or accept phone calls. If an emergency arises, please contact the Camp Director, and she will be more than happy to help you. Phone numbers to the camp office will be included in your confirmation packet.
Severe Weather Our outdoor activities are dependent upon the weather. In the case of bad weather (lightning, thunder, or high winds) it may become too dangerous to continue with the activity. The decision to cancel an activity due to bad weather is left to the expertise/ discretion of the instructor/director leading and trained in the safety standards of the activity. We will do our absolute best to reschedule any canceled activities, depending on the weather and time/day of the week. Alternative activities will take place in the event of unsafe weather conditions. We want to encourage you to not worry, our staff is trained on what to do and where to go during severe weather and other emergencies. We do not want to put you in any danger trying to get to camp. If there is an event that we need you to pick up your camper, we will implement our Emergency Plan and our camp team will contact you with specific information regarding when and where to pick up your camper. Please do not put yourself in danger needlessly.
What if it is Really Hot Outside? We still have a great time at camp even when it is hot outside. We encourage the girls to drink plenty of water, refill their water bottles often from the many water stations around camp. Campers are encouraged to bring personal sized, clip-on fans. Please note, even though girls may spend time in air-conditioning, most of their day is spent outside at camp. All campers should bring a water bottle and sunscreen to camp. You may also bring hats, light colored clothing and cooling towels or bandanas. Allow your child to get used to the heat by encouraging outside play, teaching her the importance of drinking water, and showing her how to protect herself with sunscreen and clothing.
Swimming All campers are required to demonstrate their swimming skills regardless of prior experience. We use this demonstration to allow our lifeguards to become familiar with each girls’ varying abilities and to decide which campers will be allowed to swim in the deep end of the pool and/or utilize the jumping board. All campers will be assigned a different color wristband based on their demonstrated abilities, that will allow them access to the different areas and depths of the pool. All campers will be allowed to swim every day. We highly recommend you send your camper with a one-piece swim suit or “tankini”. Due to the active nature of camp and the large number of hours spent in the sun, we want to make sure to protect your camper and that includes recommending the appropriate swimwear. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.
Pets Pets are not allowed on camp property. Please leave pets or other animals at home when dropping off or picking up your camper from camp. Registered service animals are an exception. To maintain the Health and Safety of all campers and their adults, we ask that you contact the Camp Director to make accommodations before arriving to with a service animal. Summer Camp Family Handbook 2021
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