We seek to provide an inclusive environment. Campers requiring special accommodations, meals, equipment or staffing should contact the Camp Director of their chosen camp so we can ensure we are able to provide accommodations and adequate support for her camp experience. All information will be kept confidential and shared only with the appropriate staff. Campers should be self-sufficient and able to dress, eat and shower on their own.

Bathroom and shower facilities are located throughout each camp property. Most housing requires an outdoor walk to the nearest location. Most of our camps are rustic and have latrines and oasis in the living units. Latrines are similar to porta-potties, sometime referred to as pit toilets. Oasis are outdoor sinks with multiple faucets. During the day campers have access to flush toilets on main camp but may have access to only latrines at night.

Please talk with your camper before she comes to camp about taking care of her daily personal hygiene needs. Remind her about brushing her teeth, combing her hair and washing her face every day. The staff will also support these hygiene practices as much as possible. Campers must be able to shower by herself.

At Camp Whip Poor Will – Campers may take shower items to the pool and shower after pool time. Staff will schedule shower time at the central shower house every other day. Campers may also request to go to the shower house with a buddy during free time in the unit if they would like an additional shower.

At Camp Libbey – Each living unit has it’s own shower house. Campers may shower anytime they have free time in the unit this could include morning before breakfast, during Me-Time, or before bed. Staff will give frequent reminders to campers that they need to shower.

At Camp Stonybrook – Campers living in the tent unit will have access to the pool house showers during any free time. Campers can also bring their shower supplies to their swim time. Campers are encourage to stop by the pool house to use the flush toilets before heading to their units at night. Campers staying in lodges have access to showers in their lodge as well as flush toilets.

Off-Site Trips – Campers attending overnight off site trips during camp may not have the opportunity to shower each day. Campers will have shower time immediately upon their return to camp.

Please make sure to have a conversation with your camper about personal hygiene at camp. Let her know your expectations keeping in mind her specific camp program based on the information above.

Bedwetting is not unusual and you don’t have to worry. Please let us know on the camper information or health history form if this is a concern for your camper. Let your camper know if this should happen to talk with her counselor. A staff member will discreetly launder her bedding and clothes and return them before bedtime.

Attendees to all Girl Scouts of Western Ohio camps and events are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law.

If, for any reason, an attendee’s behavior is not within our expectations, they will be asked to leave. We will expect a caregiver to pick up a girl as soon as possible, and adults will need to provide their own transportation. This is at the expense of the caregiver or adult attendee. We will not refund session fees.

The following situations will automatically result in a camper being sent home: possession and/or use of alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, weapons, physical harm to themselves or another person, theft or other extreme behavior determined to be unacceptable by the Camp Director.

Campers and caregivers must sign the Camper Code of Conduct in CampDocs. Please be sure to review this form with your camper prior to camp.

Please be sure to list her birthday on her registration form and we’ll make sure she gets recognized on her special day!

All GSWO camps welcome birthday treats for your campers unit. Please reach out to the appropriate camp to get a final count of campers for that week. Please include an ingredient list so the camp staff can check for food allergies. We request treats do not include peanuts, nut, or items manufactured on equipment that processes them.

Deposits are nonrefundable unless the desired program opportunity is full or has been cancelled. The cancellation deadline is one month (30 days) prior to session date. In order to receive a refund all requests must be received in writing 30 days prior to the session date. Cancellations made prior to the deadline are subject to the following fees:

• Resident Camp/Day Camp: The $50 deposit is non-refundable
• TAC: The $10 deposit per participant is nonrefundable.
• Special Summer Events costing less than $50: A $10 per participant cancellation fee will be charged.

Cancellations made after the deadline date (30 days prior to the session date) will not be eligible for a refund except for reasons listed below. Written refund requests for the balance of the fee must be submitted within two weeks of the end of the camp program and will be considered for the following reasons:

• Serious illness or accident (with a physician statement).
• Death in the immediate family.
• Camper moves from the Girls Scouts of Western Ohio service area before camp begins.
• Other refunds will be considered on a case by case basis prior to camp if notification is given on or before the cancellation date.

GSWO camps will continue our tradition of having a No Cell Phones policy for campers. We strongly believe that it is important for campers to disconnect and experience camp without any additional distractions. This is a time for your camper to experience a world beyond home; allowing them the opportunity to develop autonomy, independence, and a stronger sense of self.

We take the safety and well-being of our campers very seriously. We understand the great amount of trust you place in us by sending your camper to camp. We aim to do everything we can to earn and keep your trust. Our staff spend two full weeks in training learning how to help your camper adjust to camp life and overcome the normal fears and uncertainties campers experience. Sending a cell phone to camp prevents us from getting to the problems that may arise and addressing them quickly.

Often cell phones are sent to help combat homesickness. Homesickness is normal. It is our experience that using a cell phone to call home does not cure homesickness, in fact it often makes it worse and the camper ends up going home. Campers who talk with camp staff are usually able to overcome their homesickness and have an enjoyable camp experience. If your camper's homesickness was to become extreme, the director or assistant director will call you and work with you to make a plan that best meets your campers needs.

We find that allowing your camper to disconnect from the digital world while at camp has a positive benefit to their development:

• Enables them to make new friends and bond with their tentmates
• Ensures your camper is not exposed to age-inappropriate material
• Enables your camper to build trust in other caring adults
• Gain a greater appreciation for the outdoors
• Helps them develop problem solving skills and responsibility

We agree to tell you if your camper experiences a challenge in their adjustment to camp. You can help by talking with your camper and letting them know there is always someone they can reach out to on the camp staff.

Allowing your camper to sneak a cell phone to camp tells her it’s OK to break rules that you disagree with — this goes against Girl Scout values.

If your camper is found with a cell phone, it will be confiscated and returned to you at check-out.

All designated emergency contacts should be available while your camper is at camp. Camp staff may call you for the following:

• Homesickness of your camper that is getting worse, not better.
• Inappropriate conduct by your camper while at Girl Scout Camp.
• Illness or injury to your camper for an extended period of time, requires medical attention outside of camp, or requires her to be picked up by the parent/guardian.

Remember that your camper will not have access to a telephone and that the telephone in camp is for business and emergencies only. If you have an urgent need to talk with your camper, contact the Girl Scout office first: 888.350.5090. During business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM–5:30 PM), the council staff will contact the camp director, who will then respond to your call.

If you need to reach us before or after hours please call the Customer Care line and input the extension for the appropriate camp when prompted to talk to one of our Leadership team members.

Resident Camp & Camp Libbey Troop Adventure Camp – 621
Camp Butterworth & Camp Whip Poor Will Adventure Day - 622
Camp Stonybrook & Camp Rolling Hills Day Camp – 623

DEPOSITS

A non-refundable $50 deposit per session is required at the time of registration for resident and day camp. The deposit is applied to the cost of the session. Sessions with fees under $50 must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Troop Adventure Camp requires a $10/person deposit that is applied to the cost of the session. Adults required for ratio do not need to pay the deposit.

REFUNDS AND CANCELLATION POLICY

Deposits are nonrefundable unless the desired program opportunity is full or has been cancelled. The cancellation deadline is one month (30 days) prior to session date. In order to receive a refund all requests must be received in writing 30 days prior to the session date. Cancellations made prior to the deadline are subject to the following fees:

• Resident Camp/Day Camp: The $50 deposit is non-refundable
• TAC: The $10 deposit per participant is nonrefundable.
• Special Summer Events costing less than $50: A $10 per participant cancellation fee will be charged.

Cancellations made after the deadline date (30 days prior to the session date) will not be eligible for a refund except for reasons listed below. Written refund requests for the balance of the fee must be submitted within two weeks of the end of the camp program and will be considered for the following reasons:

• Serious illness or accident (with a physician statement).
• Death in the immediate family.
• Camper moves from the Girls Scouts of Western Ohio service area before camp begins.
• Other refunds will be considered on a case by case basis prior to camp if notification is given on or before the cancellation date.

BALANCE DUE

To view and pay the balance due, log into MyGS. The balance due can be paid by credit card and also by cash, check or Cookie Dough by mail, or delivered in person to a regional service center. The balance of all camps must be paid IN FULL by May 17, 2019.

To ensure fair and timely registration of all campers, registrations submitted without the appropriate forms completed and/or proper fee included will not be accepted and will be returned. If the balance is not paid by May 17, 2019, your reservation will be cancelled and your deposit forfeited. Each camp registration form submitted on or after May 17, 2019, must include payment in full for each camp program.

Financial assistance is available to registered Girl Scouts wanting to attend camp, based on financial need. All campers must pay the $50 deposit and some portion of the program fee. Financial assistance exists to ensure girls have access to camp. Don’t let cost be a barrier to your daughter attending camp. There is support available.

Campers can request financial assistance when registering for camp. However, if you didn't request financial assistance when registering and need to do so now, submit a paper financial assistance form to a regional service center.

Fill out the application and apply.

Meals are served family style in the dining hall with staff and campers at each table.  Wholesome, nutritious meals are served in ample quantities. Cookouts and snacks will be planned and prepared during the week by each unit. A salad bar (or salad) is available as an option at most lunches & dinner. If campers do not like the meal option, we also have Wow butter (peanut butter substitute) and jelly or another substitute available to them. Campers can burn a lot of energy during the day, so if campers become hungry between meals, fruit is always available in the dining hall.

If the camper has medical, religious or personal food preferences (vegetarian/vegan), make sure this is noted on the camper’s CampDoc.com profile, Camper Information/All About Me form and notify the appropriate camp office at least two weeks prior to arrival.

Some families have found it helpful to utilize the Food Allergy Action Plan resource from FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), to help camp staff handle their camper’s food allergies and anaphylaxis emergency care. You can upload this document to CampDoc, alongside your camper’s heath form, if you choose to complete it.

Please note we are unable to ensure a dye-free diet or avoid cross contamination in the kitchen for those with very severe food allergies.

Gluten Free

This is for medical needs such as wheat allergy and/or celiac disease.

What We Do at Camp: We provide a gluten free option for each meal if there is a camper with this need during a session. Campers will be instructed by their table counselor about what is wheat or gluten free. Campers will have an opportunity to access additional food for all campers and staff with special diet needs.

What Parents Can Do: Identify if your camper has an allergy or intolerance. Sometimes campers have foods they trust most or are comfort foods to them. (Example: cereal, snack treats, breads, etc.) Although we will have gluten free options available, we suggest that you pack a small bag of food that will be available to them in the dining hall. Nothing larger than a regular grocery sack is necessary. You can turn this in at check in on the first day. Food will not stay with camper in their area.

Lactose Free

This is for milk allergy and lactose intolerance.

What We Do at Camp: We provide a lactose free option for each meal if there is a camper with this need during a session. Campers will be instructed by their table counselor about what is milk or lactose free. Campers will have an opportunity to access additional food for all campers and staff with special diet needs. We provide soy milk as an alternative to milk lactose. Lactose intolerance can be managed completely by camp, no additional food needs to be sent.

What Parents Can Do: Identify if your camper has a milk allergy or lactose intolerance. If your camper has a milk allergy, and there are specific brands they are most comfortable using for milk substitutes, we suggest that you pack a small bag of food that will be available to them in the dining hall. Nothing larger than a regular grocery sack is necessary. You can turn this in at check in on the first day. Food will not stay with camper in their area.

Peanut and/or Tree Nut Allergy

What We Do at Camp: We minimize the amount of peanuts or tree nuts used at camp, however, we are not completely nut free. We only serve Wow Butter at camp, which is a peanut/nut free peanut butter substitute. Some of our snacks and items are labeled that they may be processed in with items containing nuts. These items are restricted from campers with allergies, and we make adjustments depending on the severity of the allergies in camp on a session by session basis. We practice methods to avoid cross contact any time items with nuts are used in camp.

What Parents Can Do: Identify the type of allergy your camper has and provide information on managing an allergic reaction.

Other Food Allergies

What We Do at Camp: In most cases, we can make accommodations for other food allergies.

What Parents Can Do: Identify the type of allergy your camper has and provide information on managing an allergic reaction.

All GSWO camp staff members are first aid and CPR certified. Additionally our resident camp programs have a camp nurse on site daily. For day camp and troop adventure camp we have a nurse available for phone consultations.

In a conscious effort to provide a safe and healthy environment for all campers, we require campers to provide the following:

• Resident Camp - A physical exam completed within 12 months of the camper’s stay at camp is necessary for campers, including adult volunteers, who attend resident camp. Health exam forms must be signed by a licensed physician. If a girl arrives at camp without a signed health examination form she will be sent home. Please don’t forget this vital requirement!
• Special Summer Events, Troop Adventure Camp and Day Camp - A health history must be provided that is current within six months, unless otherwise specified.

Should a camper become ill while at camp, they will be admitted to the camp Health Center or taken to the nearest doctor if needed, and the camp director will contact the emergency contact listed on the camper’s health form.

This summer, hundreds of girls will experience their first taste of independence at summer camp. For many, it will also be their first encounter with homesickness—but families don’t have to feel helpless! Homesickness is normal, and you can help your camper prepare to deal with it well by:

• Encouraging independence throughout the year
• Discussing what camp will be like before your camper leaves, such as using a flashlight to find the bathroom
• Reminding your camper ahead of time that you will not be able to contact each other via phone during your camper’s stay
• Contacting your camper by sending letters, care packages, and even e-mails while she’s at camp
• Packing a personal item from home, such as a stuffed animal
• Believing in her ability to handle her own emotions and have fun at camp
• Being visibly excited for her, even though you might miss her as much or more

Our camp staff has extensive experience with homesickness and they’ll be there for your camper 24/7. If you have a concern, voice it to our camp directors before camp, so the staff can provide the best experience for your camper. Below are some book recommendations to help discuss homesickness with your camper. Other resources for preparing for camp can be found at acacamps.org.

Like Bug Juice on a Burger
by Julie Sternberg

Like Bug Juice on a Burger is an easy chapter book for girls in grades 2-4. Talk about Eleanor’s feeling. What helped her? What tips and tricks might your camper learn from Eleanor?

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah
by Allan Sherman and Lou Busch

Hello Muddah, Hello Faddah is the illustrated lyrics of the classic song about Camp Granada. Talk about his camp experience. Do you think he was telling the truth or a tall tale? Could he have done anything differently to have a better time?

Homesick and Happy
by Michael Thompson

Homesick and happy is an excellent book for parents about how time away from parents can help kids grow.

Do not send your camper to camp if she has been exposed to a communicable disease or if she is ill.

Girl Scouts of Western Ohio does require an immunization history as part of the health form required for camp. Currently, the health history form does include an option for an exemption to vaccinations for medical or personal reasons.

If a participant is not immunized, it is required to complete the Immunization Exemption Form and submit with the health form via CampDoc.

Camp has a no-nit policy. Please check your camper for lice before coming to camp, as all girls will be screened upon arrival and any child with lice or a communicable disease will need to leave camp. We will make every effort to reschedule your girl in a different session, but no refunds will be issued if a camper goes home due to nits or lice. You can learn more about lice at headlice.org.

The following applies to all medications, including vitamins, inhalers, prescriptions and over-the-counter medications:

• All medications must be listed on the health form.
• Please bring all medications to check-in in a labeled Ziplock bag, with her name and program session – DO NOT PACK THEM IN HER SUITCASE.
• Medications must be in the original container with the camper’s name, address, and complete directions on the container. Ohio law states that medications not in the original container cannot be dispensed.
• If campers require an EpiPen, we require that you send 2 with her (1 for the health center and 1 for the unit).

All medications must come to camp in original containers and kept in a locked location. Medications are dispensed as indicated by the physician’s instructions for prescriptions and/or by label instructions for over-the counter medications. If over the-counter medications should be given different than the label, a note must be provided from an MD or NP.

If a camper refuses to take prescribed medications, this refusal is documented in the health log and the parent/guardian is notified.

If attending Troop Adventure Camp or Bring your Adult to Camp sessions adults will receive a lockbox to store medications and be responsible for administration.

Please write your camper’s full name on everything of importance!

Campers lose things at camp. Having your camper’s name on their gear will help us return it to you. Please help us by checking the Lost and Found clothesline at check-out before you leave.

If an item with a name is found after check-out, camp staff will contact you by phone or email the following week. You may also call the Customer Care at 888.350.5090 to check if your camper’s item is there. If your item is found, your item will be sent to the Girl Scout of Western Ohio Service Center of your choice for pick-up.

If you would like your items shipped, caregivers will need to arrange for a FedEx or UPS mailing label to cover the cost of shipping.

All unclaimed Lost and Found will be donated to local charities by September 1.

For the safety and well-being of our camp community, please do not send these items to camp with your girl:

• Open-toe shoes (except for sandal use in shower)
• Crop tops/halter tops
• Aerosols
• Candy, gum, or snacks
• Electronic devices – including cellphones and smart watches
• Digital cameras
• Drugs, alcohol, tobacco products, knives, or weapons
• Money (Exception – Resident Camp Adventure Out Trips)

For camper safety and security, visitors are not permitted during camp sessions. Our Open House is designed to give families the opportunity to see camp.

Campers participate in a swimming skills assessment as one of the first activities at camp. This ensures your camper is safe and ready for swim time. If campers are not comfortable in the water at all or in taking the swim skill assessment, please provide this information on your Camper Information form in CampDocs.

Everyone is required to wear a life jacket in all boats, regardless of swimming ability. All aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards.

A Girl Scout is always prepared, and that includes at camp. During training, staff learn and practice emergency weather procedures and action plans. Each opening day, campers also learn the information and will have practice drills during their time at camp. If the weather is unusually hot or cold, activities are changed to keep campers safe. Weather alert radios are monitored, and there are designated storm shelters for each camp.

Please remember, during weather alerts, phone lines need to remain open to contact different parts of camp or emergency services; please do not call during severe weather.