For Parents

All Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council day and resident camps are accredited through the American Camp Association (ACA).

This nationally recognized organization, which focuses on program quality and health and safety issues, requires camp managers to meet rigorous standards in every facet of operation. Girl Scouts, San Diego-Imperial Council is proud to meet these important criteria.

Day Camp Fast Facts for Parents

Health care

• First-Aiders are on site at all day camps
• Advanced medical consultation is available on-call for all camps
• Campers apply their own sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) on a regular basis
• Campers are encouraged to drink plenty of water
• Responsible adults are informed of campers' medical history to ensure proper first aid and medical assistance
• Campers are encouraged to communicate any needs that may arise to camp staff

Staying safe at camp

• Camper drop-off and pick-up is closely monitored; campers are released only to adults listed by the parent or guardian
• Campers always travel as buddies (in pairs)
• Camps diligently follow (or exceed) adult-to-child supervision ratios specified by Girl Scouts' Safety-Wise publication
• All camps are located less than 15 minutes from emergency medical services

Accommodating special needs (dietary, physical, medical, emotional)

• Contact the outdoor education specialist with specific considerations or needs in advance so we can best serve your camper
• A staff member trained in special needs may be available for additional support upon request

Camper illness or injury

• Camp staff contacts the parent or guardian to pick up a camper in case of illness
• Parents or guardians are expected to pick up the camper in a timely manner
• Minor camper injuries are handled onsite, following directions from the parent or guardian listed on the Health History form in the registration packet
• Parents or guardians are informed before their camper receives minor medical assistance
• In life-threatening situations, emergency medical service will be notified before parents or guardians

Camper medications

• The health care supervisor manages camper medication
• Medication must be prescribed by a doctor and be in its original prescription bottle with the camper's name
• No over-the-counter medication is provided

Emergency procedures

• Each camp has an established emergency action plan
  
• In the event of an emergency, please contact the program assistant at (619) 610-0719

Camp meals and special diets

• Indicate special dietary needs on the Health History form
• Campers bring their own sack lunches and beverages daily
• Send non-perishable foods; no refrigeration is available
• A nutritious snack is provided at least once a day

Clothing and belongings

• Clearly mark all belongings with first and last names
• Closed-toe shoes required at all times
• A school-size backpack is helpful to keep belongings together
• Girls are given a camp t-shirts
  
• Each girl receives a patch

Transportation

• Buses are available for some camps at no additional cost (see specific camp description)
• Parents are responsible for arranging carpooling
• If the camper is picked up late, after-care charges will apply

Staff

• All staff members are at least age 18
• Each staff member undergoes an extensive application, interview and screening process
• 90% of staff members are community or parent volunteers
• To volunteer at day camp, complete a volunteer application
• 50% or more of the staff is Red Cross First Aid and CPR certified
• All staff is trained in child development, emergency and safety procedures, bullying prevention, group management, team building and more

Program

• All camps incorporate girl planning; campers help determine the program activities
• Camps offer unique programs to satisfy the interests of all girls
• Camp activities teach girls new skills and help them learn about themselves as they have fun

Facilities
Camps are located throughout San Diego County, including Girl Scout properties, community parks and recreation centers.

Lost and Found

• Label everything with the camper's first and last names
• Leave valuables at home; Girl Scouts is not responsible for lost or stolen items
• Camp staff makes every effort to return all lost items to their owners
• All found items are available for pick-up at the Balboa Campus's resource center

Camp Fees
Camp fees defray expenses directly associated with camp operation, including staffing, activity supplies, program equipment, transportation, field trips and a camp t-shirt and patch for each camper.