Camp Information Packet - Camp Birch Trails

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Troop Leaders,

Thank you for choosing Girl Scout Camp! At Camp Birch Trails, campers will explore nature, learn new skills, gain independence, and have fun in a safe, girl-led environment.

Camp Birch Trails has so much to offer—woods, adventure, and everything in-between. Be sure campers are ready (and you are, too) by reading this confirmation packet.

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See you at camp!

Lisa “Puck” Freeman Camp Director, Camp Birch Trails

715.536.6888

Director: “Puck”

Lisa Freeman

Office: 920.955.3389

lfreeman@gsnwgl.org

Parent Checklist

□ The final payment is due three weeks before the camp session begins. Please mail to GSNWGL 4693 N Lynndale Drive, Appleton, WI 54913 or call Customer Care at 888.747.6945.

□ CampDoc.com GSNWGL is again partnering with CampDoc.com to serve our campers and staff better this summer. CampDoc.com is our electronic health record system and replaces our Camper Confidentiality Form and Camper Release Form. CampDoc profiles must be 100% complete three weeks before the camp session begins. Campers will not be able to attend without their CampDocs profile fully completed. These documents are called your campers' Health Profile from here forward

□ Provide all necessary items on the packing list.

□ Label all medications and pack them in original containers (your camper must give these to the troop leader or adult in charge upon arrival at camp).

□ Please add Trading Post funds to your camper's account at registration, call Customer Care to add funds (at least two weeks prior), or bring it to check-in with the camper's name and trading post amount.

□ Bring mail to check-in. It can be delivered to campers while at camp. Packages will not be accepted at camp

□ Campers should arrive in their swimsuit, with a towel on their luggage for easy access. Swim checks will take place once all campers have arrived for their program.

Camper Program Name: __________________________________________________

Start Date: Time: ___________________________ Location: _____________________________

Arriving at Camp

A camper's parent or guardian provides arrival and departure from camp. Arrival times are staggered and assigned by the living area. Please follow the timetable below for your camper's arrival time. Smoking and pets are not allowed on camp property. Staff will not assume responsibility for campers before 2:00 p.m. The gate will be closed until this time. Siblings may arrive together at a time that is convenient for your family.

Arrival times for all programs/sessions:

• Graebel Lodge: 2:30 p.m.

o Art-o-Rama, Slime Balls, Summer Explorers, Sneak a Peek

• Leafy Tents: 3:00 p.m.

o North Country Trail Backpack, Manitowish Waters Canoe, Chippewa Flowage Kayak, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backpack, and Trip Leader in Training.

o Saturday Arrival at 6:00 p.m. for Apostle Islands National Lakeshore Kayak, Isle Royale National Park Backpack, and Boundary Waters Canoe

• Maple Cabins: 3:00 p.m.

o Wanderers, Willow Flowage Kayak, Brush & Balance, Mischief Ninjas, Ice Age Trail Backpack, Big City Adventure, Upper WI Canoe, PA Training, Apprentice Counselor in Training, Counselor in Training 1, and Counselor in Training II

• Yurts: 2:00 p.m.

o Northwoods Adventure, Urban Adventure, Abracadoodle, You Can’t Do That at Camp, What-Chu-Wanna-Du, and S'more CBT

• Outlook Cabins: 3:30 p.m.

o Horsin’ Around, Stable Stompers, Cowgirl Round Up, Get Wild, Cool Creations, and Fantastic Fantasy

To help camp stay on our schedule, please limit the drop-off at the living unit to 10 minutes.

Parents will not be allowed to make beds or set up the space for their camper. That's part of the camp experience!

Please always stay in line and inside your vehicle during the check-in process.

1. Front Gate: Check your camper in by giving their name, receiving a camp map, and confirming photo release and Camper Code of Conduct.

2. Stop Sign: Trading Post | Trading post funds (cash, checks, or credit card), Cookie Dough, or Fall Bucks must be given to admin staff to be put on account for your camper to use throughout the week. Please have cash or checks in an envelope with your camper's name and amount written outside.

• Staff will confirm parent pick-up information with approved parent release names for the bus home and for parent pick up at camp.

• If you want to purchase items from the Trading Post, please park in the parking lot away from the check-in stops , just after the medication drop-off sign.

3. Parking Lot: Dining Hall Menu | Our head cook will discuss the menu for the week. Any campers with food allergies/intolerances can discuss options during this time.

• If your camper has any allergies/intolerances other than vegetarian, vegan, dairy-free, or gluten-free, please contact camp staff one week before arrival to discuss food options.

4. Parking Lot: Medication | All medications are collected at this time (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, ointments, and vitamins) Each medication must be in its original container and placed in a Ziplock with your camper's name. CBT does provide essential over-the-counter medications for all campers.

• Emergency Inhalers and Epi-Pens need to be checked in at this time. These are placed in a red bum bag and attached to your camper or their backpack for immediate use.

• Medications not entered in CampDocs, and not confirmed with a call from our health & safety director , will not be accepted at camp.

5. Corner of Parking Lot: Health Check-in | Campers complete a health check-in at the tent. They will have their temperature taken and their heads checked for lice, and our health and wellness screening questions will be asked Campers will also receive a toothbrush thanks to a generous donation from Delta Dental

6. After your camper has completed each station, you may proceed to their living unit. Counselors will be in the units to help guide parents and campers to the correct area. Speaking with your camper's counselor is another excellent time to let them know any allergies/intolerances, things they are looking forward to, and any issues or concerns to be aware of for the week. Please leave all camper items on their bed. The counselor will help get everything set up. Parents can expect to spend less than 10 minutes at the unit before departing.

Have your camper arrive in their swimsuit, with a towel on their luggage. Swim checks start shortly after arrival

Campers living in Outlook do NOT need to arrive in swimsuits Swim tests will happen the following day.

Departure

Parent Pick-up at Camp

Departure times for all programs/sessions

• Lodge: 1:30 p.m.

• Leafy Tents: 1:30 p.m.

• Outlook: 1:30 p.m.

• Maple Cabins: 2:00 p.m.

• Yurts: 2:00 p.m.

A staff member will meet parents/guardians to enter Camp Birch Trails at the stop sign. Be prepared to show a picture ID to pick up your camper. Any person picking up must be listed on the Camper Release form and will be required to sign the camper out. You will receive any leftover trading post funds and medications at this time. Once a signature is received, parents/guardians will head to the living unit of their camper to pick them up. Please follow the speed limit signs on our roads children are around the camp. If campers want to shop in the Trading Post before leaving camp, please park in the parking lot and head inside.

Transportation

Transportation Home from Camp (15-Passenger Van)

Registration is required for transportation home from camp. No camper will be placed in the van that was not registered. Routes and times are listed below. If the transportation will be more than 30 minutes late, we will make every effort to contact you at the phone numbers provided during camp registration. Please call us in advance to let us know of any changes. This includes any changes to parent pick-up or drop-off. If parents do not sign campers up for transportation, it is the parent’s responsibility to drive to camp and pick up their camper.

Please make your camper aware of the following bus safety procedures:

• The van should be loaded and unloaded in an orderly fashion.

• Always remain seated.

• Keep noise level to a minimum.

• Follow chaperone instructions for loading and unloading the van.

• Do not throw objects or act in a disruptive way.

• Clean up before leaving the van.

• Let the chaperone know immediately if you are feeling sick.

• Be aware of where the emergency exits are located.

Appleton Transportation | Returns to the Appleton Service Center – 4693 N Lynndale Drive, Appleton, WI

• 3:00 PM – 7/12, 7/19, 7/26, 8/2, 8/9, 8/16

For your camper’s safety, chaperones will require a photo ID and signature from the person picking them up.

If your camper is not picked up at the destination, we will make every effort to contact you at the phone number provided during registration. If you or your emergency contacts cannot be reached, non-emergency police will be called, and campers will be placed in their care.

Emergency Contacts

Ensure that you or your camper's emergency contacts will be available while your child is at camp. Reasons camp staff would contact you include but are not limited to the following:

• Homesickness that is getting worse or not better.

• Conduct by your child that is inappropriate at Girl Scout camp.

• Your child's illness or injury requires a stay in the health center for an extended period, requires medical attention outside of the camp health services, or requires your child to leave camp.

• Changes in transportation times or locations

Health & Wellness

While we take every precaution at camp, illnesses and injuries can occur. All staff members are trained, at a minimum, in basic First Aid/CPR, but many staff also have higher-level and lifeguard certifications. All trip leaders are certified in all mentioned, plus Wilderness First Aid. Our health director is responsible for the well-being of everyone at camp. All visits to the health supervisor are documented parents and guardians will be notified of incidents beyond basic cuts and scrapes.

CampDoc | Health Profile

Parents and guardians can complete their camper's health profile and submit information electronically. Please submit all camp forms through CampDoc.com. Paper forms are no longer accepted.

The security and privacy of health information are important to us. The CampDoc.com site is secure, encrypted, and password protected. Only GSNWGL camp health staff and directors have access to camper health information.

• After signing up for camp, you will receive an invitation email from CampDoc.com.

• Click on the green "accept invite" link within the email to

• create your CampDoc.com account.

• Enter your full email address and click continue to set your password.

• Log in and select your camper's name, then click the health profile link to complete the information.

• Required questions will be marked with an * and outlined in red.

• Upload any required documents to your CampDoc.com account.

o If you're on a mobile device , you can take a picture to upload the document.

• Return to CampDoc.com anytime to change or update the camper's health information before camp begins.

CampDoc.com sends out reminder emails for incomplete health information. These notifications will come from CampDoc.com Add this to your safe sender list to avoid vital information going to your spam folder. Please note that CampDoc.com supports the current and previous releases of Chrome, Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari, which provide improved security and performance for sensitive information. Good news camper's information will be saved from year to year, so once you complete it on CampDoc.com, you won't have to start from scratch next year.

It should take approximately 20 to 30 minutes to complete the forms. You can input immunization records and insurance cards in to your camper's health profile. CampDocs must be completed three weeks before your camper’s session Parents must complete CampDocs Health Profiles for campers to participate in camp. Failure to do so entirely will cancel your camp registration, and you will forfeit all camp fees. Report everything that may affect your camper at camp: recent illnesses, injuries, allergies, etc. Omitting items will keep us from giving the best care.

If your child has special health needs, please contact the camp director at least two weeks before their camp program. This will help us ensure your camper has a great experience and allow us to serve your child better.

Wilderness Trip participants must have a licensed medical professional sign the Physical Exam Form within 12 months of their stay at camp. Once completed, this form can be uploaded to their Health Profile. Please make a copy of the form for your records. A copy dated within 12 months of attendance is acceptable.

Medication

By law, the adult in charge of your group must collect all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, topical ointments, and vitamins) upon check-in. The health supervisor may only dispense medications listed on the health profile, so please note all medications your camper brings to camp

• Keep medications in the original containers , including inhalers, epi-pens, vitamins, etc., which identify them as your camper's medication, the instructions for dispensing, etc. Put all medications in a zip-lock bag with your camper's name. Medications that are not in their original containers will NOT be dispensed.

• Medication labels must match health profiles and must be current. E xpired medications will not be accepted.

• Campers may not keep medications in their possession. The health supervisor will keep medications, vitamins, ointments, etc., in the health center These will be sent with counselors if your camper is on a trip.

• Inhalers, bee sting kits, and other necessary items will be kept with campers/staff as determined by the health supervisor and as noted on the health profile.

• If your child has specific health needs (injections, specialized equipment, dietary concerns), please contact the camp director before your camper's session so our staff can prepare to meet their needs.

The health supervisor will ensure that your camper receives their medication. Emergency medications, like those required for allergies, are kept close at hand by the counselors if needed.

NOTE: Even if your camper is not taking prescribed medication at camp, you MUST inform staff of their condition.

Illness, Communicable Disease, Lice

We continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Camp Association, and local health experts in managing Girl Scout Camp most safely. Help us provide a safe and healthy experience for campers, staff, and families by mitigating risk before arriving at camp, limiting the chance of exposure to communicable diseases whenever possible.

Pre-screening

With your partnership, we can keep campers, staff, and families safe and healthy this summer. Girl Scout Camp is an inclusive space open to youth from all backgrounds and abilities. To ensure camp remains a healthy space for all, caregivers must thoroughly screen campers for symptoms or signs of illness or lice before arriving at camp. We will continue to screen all campers and staff members for communicable diseases upon arrival to camp and at times throughout their stay. Participants with any signs or symptoms must be picked up by a parent/guardian

Camp Birch Trails has a no-nit policy. We will not allow anyone with lice or nits to remain at camp. If head lice have been detected, the camper will be sent home, and they cannot return until 24 hours after treatment is complete. We will expect the parent/guardian to pick up the camper as soon as possible.

Any camper experiencing symptoms or illness that could potentially be contagious must stay home. GSNWGL will work with families to find another camp session or offer a refund. Any camper who begins presenting symptoms at camp must go home. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure campers are healthy before drop-off. Failure to do so will result in staff sending campers home and losing camp fees.

Everyone is screened upon arrival; any child with lice or communicable disease must leave camp.

I can’t go to camp if:

• I have a fever | a temperature of 100.2 or higher

• I have been vomiting | within the last 24 hours

• I have a runny nose | with yellow/green discharge

• I have a persistent cough / croup-like cough

• I have had diarrhea | within the last 24 hours

• I have a rash | Impetigo, ringworm, or any rash with itching or fever

• I have head lice | itchy head, active head lice, or nits

• I have an eye infection | redness, itchiness, or “crusty” drainage from eye(s)

• I have a communicable disease | flu, measles, MRSA, COVID-19, etc.

I’m ready for camp when I am:

• Fever-free | for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication

• Free from vomiting | for at least 24 hours and have had at least two solid meals

• On required antibiotics | for at least 24 hours and cleared by my doctor with a note specifying my continued symptoms are not contagious

• Free from diarrhea | for at least 24 hours

• Free from rash, itching, and open sores | I have been evaluated by a doctor if needed

• Free from lice and nits | treated with lice treatment at home and proof that I no longer have lice or nits.

• Evaluated by a doctor, begun appropriate medication, or have a doctor’s note stating I may return to camp.

• No longer contagious, and the incubation period for any communicable disease has passed.

Vaccinations

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes requires campers to comply with the recommended childhood immunization schedule published annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians before attending their camp session.

GSNWGL supports medical exemptions to specific immunizations for each camper (e.g., congenital conditions, compromised immune systems, or taking specific medications) when accompanied by a physician's note. Nonmedical exemptions to required immunizations are not accepted. Girl Scout health and safety are always first and foremost. Immunization requirements for participation provide a safe environment for all.

After Camp

Campers should be monitored for any signs or symptoms of a communicable disease after they return home from camp. If a camper tests positive within eight days of returning home, please contact GSNWGL immediately so we can take appropriate measures.

Behavior

Camp staff will help campers adjust to camp life. Campers are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Girl Scout Law while at camp. Council policy states that campers and adults may not use weapons, alcohol, unprescribed drugs, or tobacco products, including e-cigarettes and vaporizers, etc., at Girl Scout functions or on Girl Scout property.

Every effort will be made to correct the issue and ensure a positive camping experience for all if a situation arises. Camp Birch Trails reserves the right to send home anyone who consistently exhibits inappropriate behavior, endangers the camp community, or acts unacceptably towards others. This is at the expense of the parent/guardian; we will not grant a refund of session fees.

Occasionally at camp, campers may share private, salacious, or sensitive information with their peers that may be potentially upsetting to other campers. We encourage you to speak with your camper about conversations and interactions with peers before they arrive and what is appropriate or inappropriate to share with others while at camp. Please encourage your camper to report any upsetting conversations or topics to their counselor or other staff members while they are at camp. Counselors will work with campers to understand appropriate boundaries and coach campers to resolve these issues.

The following are the expectations of all campers:

• Respect and cooperate with campers and counselors in your unit and throughout camp. Try to get to know campers in your unit and find ways to include everyone.

• Tell a counselor about any problems at camp. It's okay to tell if you (or someone you care about) are having trouble getting along with another camper, are frightened, don't feel well, or miss your family.

• Disagreements at camp will be settled by talking through the problem. Adults at camp will help campers discuss their differences and find solutions.

• Offensive or abusive language is not permitted. Harassment and teasing will not be tolerated.

• Pets and animals cannot be on the camp property.

• Theft, physical threats, physical violence, aggressive behavior, destructive behavior, or threats of destructive behavior will be taken seriously and not tolerated at camp, on field trips, and outside of camp.

• Self-destructive or abusive threats or actions will be taken seriously.

• Campers are not allowed to drive a vehicle to camp.

• Campers will sign a Camper Code of Conduct Agreement upon arrival to camp to ensure the safety and well-being of every camper is at the forefront of their experience.

• GSNWGL/Camp Birch Trails reserves the right to search any camper’s property should the need arise.

Homesickness

It is natural for children to experience homesickness while away from home and their routines. Talk to your camper about things that will be different. Prepare campers to expect to compromise with other campers, help with clean-up, and share the counselor' s attention. Talk about all the great things that will happen at camp: making new friends, learning new skills, and having fun. Do not make promises that they can go home whenever they want. DO NOT send a personal cell phone, smartwatch, or other digital communication device

Please encourage your camper to have the confidence to enjoy the experiences at camp and have the courage to be open to new friends and activities. Most importantly, talk to them about how excited you are for them to go to Girl Scout camp and all the fun they will have. Do not tell them how sad you will be without them and how much you will miss them. While this is okay to do in a small amount, it only makes them think about how sad you are without them and that they might miss out on something at home, making them more homesick.

The following are researched suggestions from camping professionals at the American Camp Association:

Before Camp:

• Kids are more likely to have a positive experience if you prepare for camp together.

• Pack their favorite stuffed animal.

• Practice nights away from home before coming to camp.

• Do not tell your child you will ' rescue' them from camp. Don' t bribe—the reward will be self-confidence and independence. Don't tell your camper they can call you or that you will call them. These promises only increase homesickness since that becomes all a homesick child can think about.

• Acknowledge you will miss them but reinforce that you know they will have fun and be safe at camp.

• Ask your child if they think they will get homesick.

• Acknowledge their feelings regarding camp before they leave.

• Let them know things at home will be taken care of—pets will be fed, etc. It's tough for kids to feel worried or guilty for being away from home.

During camp:

• Avoid the temptation to pick up your child early.

• Don't feel guilty about encouraging your child to stay at camp.

• Trust your instincts; most homesick incidents will pass.

Life at Camp

Every camper who channels their wild side at Camp Birch Trails will get to swim, shoot archery, go boating, learn team-building skills, play field games, learn about nature, make art, and cook over the fire how they do each is up to them and their fellow campers! Campers have an opportunity to swim each day. There is one shower house at camp. Campers will shower at least twice per week.

We have an all-camp campfire for introduction, skits, and songs on camp’s opening and closing nights Each group is invited to the stage on Thursday night to give us a quote from their week, put their wish boat into the lake, and sing a song with everyone at camp.

All programs do two cookouts planned by campers. Other evenings may be spent camping out overnight, cooking, and doing other activities. Campers will be active most of the day. A one-hour rest time is scheduled after lunch for campers to rest and relax, write letters, read a book, or nap.

Girl-led Camping

When kids come to camp, no matter what program they signed up for, they will work with their counselor to help plan and decide what they will do during their stay. Girl Scouts develop their courage, confidence, and character by speaking up for what they want to experience at camp each summer. Campers work as a team to plan out their week of activities. Some activities have been planned out as part of the camp session campers signed up for. But the group will decide on all general activities. Encourage your camper to have ideas about what they want to do or try while at camp. Each camper will get at least one of their choices of activities while helping to plan their group's week at camp. And therefore, we can't tell you what they will do before the campers arrive

Camp Staff

Camp Birch Trails is proud to have staff from Wisconsin, Michigan, and worldwide! Bringing together people of different backgrounds allows our staff and campers to learn and experience new things. The staff undergoes thorough training to learn how to work with our campers. They learn games and songs, teambuilding activities, conflict management, age-level development, how to help with homesickness, and much more.

Food

Counselors and campers will sit together at tables, and campers choose if they would like to eat inside or outside of the dining hall. Meals are served family-style in the dining hall three times per day. Campers are encouraged to try all foods—trying new foods promotes healthy eating habits, and campers may find something new they like. Snacks such as granola bars, fruit snacks etc. are always available in the Dining Hall for groups to utilize if they are hungry. No camper will go hungry at camp. Campers get a "no thank you" helping of each food. If they don't like the breakfast option, cereal is offered. If they don't like the lunch or dinner option, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are offered A salad bar is available once per day, usually at lunch. Juice, milk, water, and GORP (Kool-Aid) are provided daily. Meals may include pancakes, eggs, French toast, oatmeal, tacos, pizza, burgers, tater tot casserole, grilled cheese and tomato soup, sandwiches, spaghetti, meatloaf, lasagna, mac and cheese, sloppy joes, and baked chicken. Menus vary and may change based on food orders and group size.

Gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, and dairy-free food will be provided as necessary for campers. Campers needing an alternative option for food will get it from the kitchen. Should your camper have other food needs besides glutenfree, dairy-free, vegetarian, or vegan, please email the camp director at lfreeman@gsnwgl.org to notify them of any other dietary needs. Dietary needs must be discussed before your camper arrives at camp. Parents and caregivers are welcome to provide their child's food for the week if needed for special dietary restrictions.

Daily Schedule

Wake- up Bell

Breakfast

Unit/All Camp Kapers*

Morning Activities

Lunch

Rest Hour

Afternoon Activities

7:15 a.m.

8:00 a.m.

9:00 a.m.

9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

12:30 p.m.

1:30 to 2:30 p.m.

2:45 to 5:30 p.m.

Dinner 6:00 p.m.

Evening Activities

Lights-out

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

9:30 or 10:00 p.m.

*Kapers are camp jobs like cleaning, organizing, and helping around camp.

*Bedtimes vary by age level – with the youngest campers going to bed between 8:00-9:00 p.m.

Traditional Thursdays at Camp

Thursday night dinner takes a little longer and is our heartiest meal of the week – think of it as Thanksgiving dinner, camp style. Staff will dress up and sing a traditional grace to the campers before the meal. The meal includes turkey or pork, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green bean casserole, cornbread, stuffing, and a dessert cooked by our kitchen staff. Campers are encouraged to dress up if they want to, nothing too fancy we are at camp. A sundress or nice shirt or a fancy hair clip is appropriate. After dinner, we have a closing campfire at the waterfront fire scar. Campers bring their quotes and wish boats. After the campfire, we will watch a slideshow of pictures from the week and listen to the bracelet story. See if your camper can tell you what happens during the bracelet story and what they receive.

Trading Post

Want to take your camp love home with you? Our trading posts are filled with toys, cuddly buddies, cozy shirts, tie -dye swags, jewelry, goodies, and more! Don't forget to get a limited-edition camp t-shirt, sweatshirt, or patch to remember your time at camp! The trading post is stocked with the latest in summer fun, so send your camper with a few extra dollars in their pocket to spend at the trading post. Souvenirs range from $2 to $60, with apparel from $20 to $40. Most campers bring $20-$50. Please be considerate of campers who may not have funds to spend at the trading post.

Trading post funds are purchased on MyGS, or campers may bring cash at check-in. After your camper's time at camp, unused trading post balances over $5.00 will be refunded in cash and sent home. Unused trading post funds under $5.00 will be donated to the Camp Financial Assistance Fund. Fall Bucks and Cookie Dough can be used at the trading post campers must bring their Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks information to redeem it. Online Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks CAN NOT be used at the Trading Post.

Field Trips

Some programs include an off-site field trip. If you're unsure if your camper will be going on a field trip, call Camp Birch Trails the week before your program to verify. Staff will provide supervision and transportation for field trips. Transportation is provided in 15-passenger vans or a school bus. If your camper requires a booster seat, you must send one to camp with them. If a camper needs a booster seat and does not bring one to camp, they cannot attend the field trip.

Sleeping Arrangements

Campers sleep on mattresses, cots, and bunk beds in yurts, lodges, or tent cabs. Each unit has a pit toilet or bathroom nearby with a light to light the way. Camp is a safe environment for campers to learn independence; therefore, staff members do not sleep in the same rooms as campers. Counselors sleep in a separate space within earshot of campers. Counselors are always on duty, occasionally checking each sleeping area. The Lodge, for younger campers, has flush toilets and showers. Counselors sleep in the next room and can help throughout the night. Campers should always be willing to ask for help

Hygiene

Campers are required to shower a minimum of twice per week. They can request more showers if needed or preferred. All campers must be able to maintain their personal hygiene by showering themselves, brushing their hair and teeth, putting on deodorant, etc. Campers who require pull-ups/overnight underwear must know when to change into them and how to dispose of them properly. Counselors will be able to support campers requiring extra support in these areas, and we want them to know what is expected of them.

Laundry Facilities

We do not have laundry facilities for campers. Please indicate on your camper's health profile if they are a bed-wetter (not unusual and nothing to worry about). Campers should talk with their counselor if they have an accident. Staff will take care of laundering bedding and clothing and return them as discreetly as possible

Telephone

Camp Birch Trails has a phone line for business purposes only. Campers are not allowed to make or receive calls at camp. Please do not send a cell phone or smartwatch with call/text capabilities to camp, as we want to focus on creating a healthy team environment. Cell phones distract from this process and create homesickness problems for the entire group. We will hold personal phones in the office until the end of camp.

Change, Cancellation, and Refund Policy

6+ weeks in advance full refund, less camp deposit; deposit may be transferred to a different session.

3-6 weeks in advance 50% refund.

Refunds are not issued for cancellations within three weeks of your camp session. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances, providing documentation of family emergency or health condition, may be considered.

Refunds will not be made if a participant is sent home due to homesickness, misconduct, or parent requests. If a participant is sent home, a parent or guardian handles and pays for transportation.

Mail & Bunk Notes

Everyone loves to get mail at camp! Some campers send letters home often, and others do not at all. However, your camper would LOVE to hear from you!

Sometimes, the cure for homesickness is mail from family and friends. We suggest you bring mail and packages (no food or snacks) on check-in day or mail the first letter a day or two before the session begins. Should you choose to send or bring a package to camp for your campers, please ensure their name and the date the mail should be delivered to them are clearly written. Be aware that you might receive a letter after their arrival back home. Mail delivery can be slow! Late mail will be returned to the sender. Bunk Notes and letters sent while a camper is on a Wilderness Trip or field trip will be given when they return to camp.

Tohelpusensureyourcamper cansendlettershome,send self-addressedstamped envelopestocamp.

Sending letters to camp:

• Be positive and encouraging

• DO tell them how much you love them.

• DO tell them you hope they are having fun and that you can’t wait to see them!

• DO ask questions about their campmates, swimming, favorite counselors, etc.

• DO send along favorite comic strips, pictures, or fun news.

• DO tell about your favorite memory from camp as a child.

• DON’T tell bad news (family illness or the death of a pet)

Mail should be addressed as follows:

Camper’s Name + Program Name

Camp Birch Trails

W5860 Olivotti Lake Rd

Irma, WI 54442

Please do not send packages to camp. So every camper feels a sense of camaraderie and equal participation, please refrain from sending or bringing packages for your campers to receive during the week. Instead, please consider a Camper Care kit

While we understand the joy and thoughtfulness behind sending care packages, we believe limiting the receipt of physical items during the camp week will contribute to a more unified and shared experience for all campers. Instead, we encourage you to express your love and support through traditional mail and letters or by sending your camper a Bunk Note. These heartfelt messages create a personal connection and help our campers feel connected to their families without the distraction of individualized packages.

With Bunk1.com, parents have an easy and secure one-way email service to keep in touch with campers. If you created an account in the past, use the same login. There is a small fee for the Bunk Notes service. Please note: We may not be able to print Bunk Notes daily, but we will try to give camper letters as soon as possible. For campers to receive an email on Friday, submit it by Thursday.

To set up a new account:

1. Visit www.Bunk1.com

2. Click "Need an Account or Have an Invitation Code"

3. Enter invitation code: 24TRAILS (for camper's safety, please do not share this code with others)

4. Fill out all required information

5. Purchase Bunk Note credits (you will need a credit card)

6. Send an email to your camper!

HowdoIsendmycamperaBunkNote(one-wayemail)?

After registering, sign in and click on the Bunk Notes button. Enter your camper's name, select the correct cabin, type your message, and hit send.

HowmuchdoesitcosttosendaBunkNote?

Bunk Note credits cost just $1 each. Bunk Notes can be purchased in packs of various sizes.

WhydoIhavetopaytosendBunkNotes?

Each morning, the Bunk Notes system bundles and sorts the messages for us to print out and distribute to campers. It also provides a secure system to manage these messages for campers. Your payment helps us cover the cost of the system, ink, and paper, and more importantly, it frees us up to do what we do best spend time with our campers!

Canotherrelativesusethisservice?

Absolutely! As soon as you log in, you will notice a button under the heading "Quick Links" to "Invite Family Members." Click that button, enter their details, and they will be emailed

PLEASE NOTE: this will prompt them to set up their account. It does not provide access to your account OR your Bunk Note Credits.

WhatifIlostmyusernameandpassword?

Your username is your email address. If you forgot your password, visit www.bunk1rollcall.com and click the Sign In tab. A screen will appear, and you can select "Forgot Your Password?" You will then be able to reset your password.

WhenwilltheBunkNotesgetdelivered?

All emails sent by 10 a.m. will be delivered on the same day. Emails sent after 10 a.m. will be delivered the following day.

Additional questions or problems? Call Bunk1 at 800.216.9472 or email support@bunk1.com.

Packing List

Please label all items with your camper's first and last name.

Pack clothing/equipment into one bag, tote, or backpack your camper can carry. Campers should help pack to know what they bring to camp. Put the camper's name on all clothing, laundry bag, and equipment. Use nametags or a laundry marker.

The packing checklist is for your convenience. Avoid unnecessary purchases. If you can substitute something on the list with an item you already have, feel free to do so. Remember, they will be outdoors most of the time and, therefore, need clothing suitable for warm days, cool mornings/evenings, and rain. We suggest they bring enough clothes to have a complete change every day. Leave anything of value at home. We cannot be responsible for missing articles or items ruined at camp.

Council policy states that campers and adults may not use weapons, alcoholic beverages, non-prescribed drugs, tobacco products, e-cigarettes, vaporizers, etc., at Girl Scout functions or on Girl Scout property.

Camp Birch Trails Packing List

Canoeing/Kayaking Wilderness Trip Packing List

Backpacking Wilderness Trip Packing List

Frequently Asked Packing Questions (Visit our website for more camp FAQs and answers.)

Whytwoswimsuits?Andwhyone-pieceortankiniswimsuits?Weather permitting, campers may swim multiple times per day. It's nice to have a dry swimsuit. We prefer swimsuits that accommodate active swimming/play activities. Send a one-piece or tankini to prevent sunburn and ensure campers stay covered.

WhydoIneedafittedsheetwhenpackingasleepingbag?Andarug?Campers find it more comfortable to have a sheet (not required) on the vinyl mattress and use their sleeping bag as a comforter. Some campers like a rug (3ft x 2ft or smaller) to stand on when they leave their bed or sit on the floor while in their living area.

DoIneedtwopairsofshoes?Andwhycan'tIwearflip-flopsatcamp?Campers can get wet and messy. Sudden downpours can leave shoes wet for the remainder of the week. It's best to pack an extra pair. Flip-flops are not sturdy enough for activities. Campers will be running, jumping, and having fun, and we want to ensure their feet are taken care of. Flip-flops are only allowed for showering and to and from the shower house.

Dotheyneedamesskit, andwhatisit?We cook at least two meals over the fire and more if program s require it or campers want to. Campers need mess kit s for their meal. A mess kit is a plate, bowl, cup, spoon, fork, and knife, often in a mesh bag (a dunk bag for sanitizing after washing). Mess kits can be purchased in our Trading Post, online, or from sporting goods stores. Please only send metal or plastic, nothing that is breakable.

Tie-Dying,whyshouldIsendit, andwhatshouldIsend?Everyone gets to tie- dye something on Tuesdays! 100% cotton works best. Please label their shirt or item with their name since tie-dye changes how the items look, and campers may not recognize it once it is dyed. Tie-dye items will be washed before they are sent home. Be prepared to wash or rinse it again before putting it in the laundry with other clothes.

VanTripPacking(BigCityAdventure,UrbanAdventure) – Campers can pack as usual during these trips They will ride in a van with a trailer with limited space. Pack something to do while in the van. C ampers will also want some spending money. They will stop at various destinations and may want to purchase something to bring home. Cell phones are prohibited and cannot be used as a camera. Please send a camera for pictures.

Lost or Damaged Items

GSNWGL is not responsible for the loss or damage to a camper's personal belongings. Campers should not bring personal equipment to camp without the prior approval of the camp director. Campers cannot bring curling irons, straighteners, hairdryers, radios, portable DVD players, iPods, iPads, tablets, cell phones, smart watches, fit-bits, video games, animals or pets, weapons, or vehicles.

Label all items brought to camp with the camper's first and last name. Lost and found items will be donated to charity at the end of the camp season. Lost and found is in the dining hall and will be brought to admin during check-out for parents to retrieve lost items. Please be sure to check there before you leave camp.

Wilderness Trips

Each trip is unique. Many campers find that being on the trail is AMAZING! Learning to live without modern conveniences can be an incredible growing experience. While in camp, the campers will help their trip leader and counselor plan their route, meals, and packing necessities The trip leader and counselor will look over all items brought on their trip to ensure they are adequate and necessary during the trip.

All participants and staff attending wilderness trips are trained in emergency signaling procedures, where the nearest help is for each day of travel, and how to obtain help if necessary. In addition, all trips carry an InReach Device or cell phone for emergencies. Since trips are in backcountry areas, we cannot guarantee that cell phones will work in all areas. Even with cell phones, additional assistance on trips may take hours or longer to reach a group.

All trip leaders are trained and certified in Wilderness First Aid and CPR/AED, lifeguarding, and participate in intensive training before camp.

All trips carry certain risks to persons and equipment. These risks include but are not limited to the following: falling, animal encounters, encounters with the public, injury from equipment, natural disasters, drowning, severe weather, etc. Camp Birch Trails does all it can to reduce trip risks by following the American Camp Association and Girl Scouts of the USA safety standards.

All campers are expected to be in good physical condition for Wilderness trips. Campers are strongly encouraged to do conditioning exercises before coming to camp. If new boots are purchased, ensure your camper wears them many times to break them in before camp.

If a camper has any medical conditions, their physician should be made aware of the type of trip they are going on and the accessibility of professional help in case of emergencies. This is the responsibility of the parent or guardian.

Camp Birch Trails will provide specific equipment for Wilderness Trips. If your camper wants to bring something of their own, they are welcome to. However, staff may decide that the equipment is unnecessary. Equipment is set up, gone through, and packed before the campers le ave for their trip. Counselors will help campers go through things to ensure they have what they need and that everything works

Canoeing and Kayaking Trips: All campers should be able to carry 30-50 pounds of weight and paddle a sea kayak or canoe for several hours at a time.

Backpacking Trips: All campers should be able to carry approximately 50 pounds on their back and walk between 5-10 miles concurrently with the pack on their back. They do stop for breaks throughout the day.

Camp Birch Trails

W5860 Olivotti Lake Road – Irma, WI 54442

From the North:

• Follow Hwy 51 (south) to County Highway J past Irma.

• Turn right (west) onto County Highway J and continue for 1.3 miles to Pier St./CTY JJ

• Turn left (south) on Pier St./CTY JJ (the street sign is on the right on the corner of the dirt road) and continue for 3.9 miles to Olivotti Lake Rd.

• Turn right (west) onto Olivotti Lake Rd. The front gate to Camp Birch Trails is at the end of the road.

From the South:

• Follow Hwy 51 (north) to Lincoln Dr.

• Turn left (west) onto Lincoln Dr. and continue for 1/2 mile to the stop sign (Pier St./CTY JJ).

• Turn right (north) on Pier S0/CTY JJ and continue for 2-3 miles to Olivotti Lake Rd.

• Turn left (west) on Olivotti Lake Rd. The front gate to Camp Birch Trails is at the end of the road.

Please note: Most GPS units and maps may not get you to the correct side of the highway. If using Google Maps, type "Birch Trail Girl Scouts Camp" to get the correct directions.

There are TWO Camp Birch Trails in the state of Wisconsin. Please be sure you are heading to our camp using the address above. Camp Birch Trails

Camp Birch Trails