Dear Parents, Guardians, and Troop Leaders, Thank you for choosing Girl Scout Camp! At Camp Sacajawea, campers will explore nature, learn new skills, gain independence, and have fun in a safe, girl-led environment. Camp Sacajawea 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. See you at camp! Sandra “Mystery” Weber Camp Director, Camp Winnecomac & Sacajawea
Quick Facts Check-in: 9:45 AM Check-out: 10:00 AM Customer Care 888.747.6945 info@gsnwgl.org
Reference
Monday-Thursday
Parent Checklist, What to Wear, Check-in/out, and Attendance .….………………………………………………….…... 2
Friday
Health & Wellness: CampDocs Profile, Medical Info, COVID-19 Screening, Testing, and Vaccinations .……… 3-4
8:30 AM – 5:00 PM
8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Camp Winnecomac 920.759.6221 Director: “Mystery” Sandra Weber Office: 920.955.3379 sweber@gsnwgl.org
Behavior & Homesickness …………………………….……………. 5 Life at Camp, Trading Post, and Refunds ……………………. 6 Packing List ……………………………………………………….………. 7 Finding Camp …………………………………………………………….. 8 Please visit gsnwgl.org/camp for more information.
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Parent Checklist □ □
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The final payment is due one week 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—this summer, GSNWGL is again partnering with CampDoc.com to better serve our campers and staff. CampDoc.com is our electronic health record system and takes the place of our Camper Confidentiality Form and Camper Release Form. Campers will not be able to attend without their CampDocs profile fully completed. These documents are called the 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 turn these into the troop leader or adult in charge upon arrival at camp). Trading post funds are kept with troop leaders or adults. Meals are provided.
What to Wear □ □ □ □
Clothes that are appropriate for the day’s weather and activities (clothing may get dirty or stained) Socks and closed-toed shoes (no sandals, flip-flops, or jellies) Sweatshirt or jacket Backpack with a water bottle, non-aerosol insect repellent, sunscreen, lip balm
Check In & Out Parent/guardian drop-offs & Camper check-in • • • • • •
Check-in starts at 9:45 a.m. on the day of your troop/camper’s program. Please make sure your camper eats before they arrive at camp. Please park in the first parking lot. A staff member will perform a health check on your camper from the window of your vehicle. After checking in, troops and campers can take their luggage to their living area. Meet at the Amphitheatre to begin the program.
Parent/guardian pick-ups & Camper check-out • • • •
Check-out is at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday. Groups must clean their space after their overnight stay before they leave. Breakfast will be provided. Parents or guardians must wait in the parking lot for pick-up. Campers will meet you there.
Attendance If your camper is not attending camp, please inform the staff as soon as possible. If your camper arrives late, please have them check in at the Lizette Program Center upon arrival. If picking up early, please coordinate with your troop leader.
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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 certification. Our health supervisor 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 now 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 is 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 your camper’s 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 any time 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, providing improved security and performance for sensitive information. Good news—your camper’s information will save 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 online. You will be able to input immunization records and insurance cards into your camper’s health profile. The CampDocs lockout date is June 1, 2022. 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 while at camp. 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 better serve your child.
Medication
By law, all medications (prescription, over-the-counter, homeopathic, topical ointments, and vitamins) must be collected upon check-in by the adult in charge of your group. Adults may only dispense medications listed on the health profile, so please note all medications that your camper brings to camp. • Keep medications in the original containers—this includes 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. Expired medications will not be accepted. • Campers may not keep any medication in their possession. • Troop leaders will keep the camper’s medications, vitamins, ointments, etc., in a locked box during camp. • 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. Troop leaders will ensure that your camper receives their medication. Emergency medications, like those required for allergies, are kept close at hand by the troop leader if needed. NOTE: If your camper is not taking prescribed medication while at camp, you MUST still inform the camp staff of your camper’s condition.
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Illness, Communicable Disease, Lice
Do not send your child to camp if they have been exposed to a communicable disease or if they are ill. Parents must check their children for lice before they come to camp. Camp Sacajawea has a no-nit policy. We will not allow anyone with lice or nits to remain at camp. Everyone is screened upon arrival; any child with lice or any communicable disease will need to leave 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.
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. • Illness or injury to your child that requires a stay in the health center for an extended period of time requires medical attention outside of the camp health services or requires your child to leave camp. • Changes in transportation times or locations
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.
Camp & COVID 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. Please 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 COVID-19 whenever possible. Review our Screening and Illness guide before arriving at camp.
Pre-Screening | 72 hours before arrival at camp, you will need to log into your camper’s Health Profile in CampDocs to complete the COVID-19/Illness pre-screening. Failure to do so will cancel your camp registration, and you will forfeit all camp fees. Fully Vaccinated Campers | Please complete either an Antigen Rapid Self-Test at home or a PCR Test at a local testing facility 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) before arrival at camp. Proof of vaccination and negative test, via photo or email, must be provided at camper drop-off for either test. Please see the CDC website for what fully vaccinated means for your camper. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/getting-child-teen-vaccinated.html
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Does my camper need a Covid-19 Vaccine Booster? Your camper should complete the COVID-19 vaccination series as they are eligible: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/vaccine-dose.htm Options to get free rapid tests at no cost: https://www.covid.gov/
Unvaccinated Campers | Please complete a PCR test 72 hours (approximately 3 to 4 days) before arrival at
camp and isolate afterward. Proof of negative PCR test, via photo or email, must be provided at camper drop-off. • Where to get PCR test: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/covid-19/community-testing.htm
Daily Screening at Camp | We will continue to screen all campers and staff members for COVID-19 each day. Participants with any signs or symptoms will need to go home. After Camp | Campers should be monitored for any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 after they return home from
camp. If a camper tests positive for COVID-19 within eight days of returning home, please contact GSNWGL immediately so we can take appropriate measures to contract trace and inform other camp families as necessary. *Report a POSITIVE Covid test to info@gsnwgl.org.
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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. If a situation arises, every effort will be made to correct the issue and ensure a positive camping experience for all campers. Camp Sacajawea reserves the right to send home anyone who consistently exhibits inappropriate behavior, endangers the camp community, or acts unacceptable towards others. This is at the expense of the parent/guardian; we will not grant a refund of session fees. The following are the expectations of all campers: • Respect and cooperate with campers and counselors in your unit and throughout camp. Make an effort 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. • Physical threats, physical violence, aggressive behavior, destructive behavior, or threats of destructive behavior will be taken seriously and not tolerated. • Self-destructive or abusive threats or actions will be taken seriously. • Harassment and teasing of other campers will not be tolerated.
Homesickness It is natural for children to experience homesickness while away from home and their routine. Talk to your camper about some of the 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 along a personal cell phone to contact you whenever they want. 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 be missing 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 that you will ‘rescue’ them from camp. Don’t bribe—the reward will be selfconfidence 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.
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Life at Camp Every camper who channels their wild side at camp will get to shoot archery, 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!
Girl-led Camping
Before coming to camp with your group, plan at least two activities. Camp staff will facilitate three activities, and then the rest is up to campers to choose.
Camp Staff
Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes is proud to have staff from all over the world! Bringing together people of all backgrounds allows our staff and campers to learn and experience new things. The staff goes through thorough training to learn how to work with our campers. They learn games and songs, team building activities, conflict management, age-level development, how to help with homesickness, and much more.
Food
Lunch and dinner on Saturday and breakfast on Sunday will be provided. Each group will do one cookout over the campfire. Gluten-free vegetarian, dairy-free, etc., food can be provided for cookouts. Please contact the camp two weeks prior to arrival so the proper food can be ordered.
Sample Schedule Welcome Morning Activities Lunch Afternoon Activities Cookout Evening Activities Breakfast Check out
10:15 a.m. 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. 12:30 p.m. 1:15 to 4:15 p.m. 4:15 to 6:30 p.m. 7:00 p.m. 8:30 a.m. 10:00 a.m.
*This is only a sample. Exact schedules will be provided upon arrival.
Trading Post
Want to take your camp love home with you? Our trading posts are filled with toys, cuddly buddies, cozy shirts, tiedye 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! Trading posts will be stocked with the latest in summer fun so be sure to send your camper with a few extra dollars in their pocket to spend at the trading post. Trading post funds can be purchased online on MyGS, or your camper may bring cash to give to an adult until they need it. After your camper’s time at camp, any unused trading post balances over $5.00 will be refunded in cash and sent home with your camper, and any unused trading post funds in an amount under $5.00 will be donated to the GSNWGL Camp Financial Assistance Fund. Fall Bucks and Cookie Dough can also be used at the trading post— campers must come with their Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks information to redeem it.
Refunds
Cancellations made three or more weeks before camp sessions will have payment refunded minus the $50 non-refundable deposit. Cancellations made less than three weeks before camp sessions will not be refunded. Cancellations made due to emergencies, medical reasons, or based on our Screening and Illness Guide can be made at any time, and full payment, including deposit, will be refunded.
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Packing List Please label all items with your camper’s first and last name.
Required items at check-in—to be handed to troop leader □ □
Medications in the original container within a zip-lock with their name on it. Money for trading post, if not mailed ahead of time (optional). o Please place money in an envelope with the amount and your camper’s name.
What to wear □ □ □ □
Appropriate clothes for the day’s weather and activities (clothes may get dirty or stained) Socks & shoes (no sandals, flip flops, or jellies) Sweatshirt or jacket Bandana
What to Bring □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □ □
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Water bottle Rain gear Non-aerosol insect repellent Sunscreen and lip balm Backpack or tote (to carry items above and bring notes and projects home) Sleeping bag and pillow Pajamas Clothes for the next day Toothbrush/toothpaste Deodorant Comb/Brush Towel/washcloth Flashlight Facemask
Packing Tips for Campers
Pack clothing/equipment into one duffel bag, tote, backpack, or old suitcase your camper can carry. Campers should help pack their gear to know what they bring to camp. Put the camper’s name on all of their clothing and personal items. Use nametags or a laundry marker. If you bring a laundry bag for dirty clothes, please label that bag. 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, campers will be outdoors most of the time and need clothing suitable for warm days and cool mornings/evenings and rain. Leave anything of value at home. We cannot be responsible for missing articles or items ruined while at camp.
Frequently Asked Packing Questions
Do I need to pack two pairs of shoes? Why can’t campers wear flip-flops around camp? Living outdoors can be wet and messy. Sudden downpours happen at camp and can leave a pair of shoes wet, soggy, and smelly. It’s best to plan for that by packing an extra pair. Flip-flops are not sturdy enough for the activities at camp. Campers will be running, jumping, and having fun at camp. We want to ensure that their feet are well taken care of, and we do not allow flip-flops at camp.
Lost or Damaged Items
Camp Birch Trails, Camp Winnecomac, Camp Nawakwa, Camp Sacajawea, and Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes are 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, video games, animals or pets, weapons, or vehicles. Please label all items brought to camp with your camper’s first and last name. All lost and found items will be donated to charity at the end of the camp season. Our lost and found will be kept in Eagles Lodge. Please be sure to check there before you leave camp.
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Camp Sacajawea
3910 Chestnut St.—Wisconsin Rapids, WI 54130
Camp Sacajawea
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