Resident Camp Fast Facts for Parents

Facilities

Camps Winacka and Whispering Oaks are both set on our 700 acre property near Julian. Each camp has a dining hall and health center. Each cabin area has flush toilets and hot showers. The camps share a low-ropes challenge course, archery range and natural interpretive trails.

• Camp Winacka features horse programs, a pool, a straw bale constructed nature and environmental center, rustic cabins, sleep-under-the-stars accommodations, two lakes and open-air dining.
• Camp Whispering Oaks offers a sports field tucked among the trees, basketball court, modern cabins with electricity, an observatory with spectacular views of the stars and shady tent sites for overnights.

Staff 

• All counselors are at least 18 years old and are selected for their maturity, enthusiasm and experience.
• Many return year after year, and most were Girl Scout campers as children.
• Each staff member undergoes an extensive application, interview and screening process.
• Each summer, staff participates in an intensive, week-long training program in child development, group management, camping skills, conflict resolution, bullying prevention, CPR/First Aid and specialty areas.
• Camp staff is absolutely passionate about what they do. Every staff member from cooks to rangers, lifeguards and counselors are at camp with the intention of building girls of Courage, Confidence and Character.
• All staff members are First Aid and CPR certified.

Program

• All camps utilize girl input; campers help determine the program activities.
• Counselors incorporate girl planning with session objectives to create unique programs each week. Your camper will return home with a copy of her schedule as a memory of her time at camp.
• Our camps provide a variety of unique programs to satisfy the interests of all girls. Campers can expect to spend about half their time at camp doing activities related to their theme, and about half their time enjoying general camp activities.
• Camp activities teach girls new skills and help them learn about themselves as they have fun. Activities are designed to promote both independence and cooperation. 
• Girls develop leadership as they discover, connect and take action with new friends!

Health care

• An on-site health care supervisor with advanced medical training is available 24 hours a day.
• Camp staff follows an established Medical Management Plan reviewed by a doctor and supported by the health care supervisor.
• Campers use sunscreen on a regular basis.
• Campers are encouraged to drink plenty of water.
• Counselors are informed of campers' medical history to ensure proper first aid and medical assistance.
• Campers are taught and encouraged to communicate any needs that 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), and camp staff are with campers at all times except in the cabins and changing areas.
• Camps diligently follow (or exceed) adult-to-child supervision ratios specified by Girl Scouts' Safety Activity Checkpoints  and American Camp Association standards.
• All camps are located less than 15 minutes from emergency medical services.

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

• Contact the camp directors with specific considerations or needs in advance so we can best serve your camper; they can be reached at campdirector@sdgirlscouts.org.
• A staff member trained in special needs may be available for additional support upon request.

Camper illness or injury

• Minor camper illnesses and injuries are handled on-site following parent/guardian directions on the medical release form.
• Parents may request notification for any level of camper illness/injury.
• Parents or guardians are informed of camper illness if:
• Symptoms require camper to be removed from camp program for more than two meal periods. (Example: We would call home if a camper came in to the nurse’s office before breakfast, and was not well by lunch. We would not call home if a camper came in after lunch, rested and was fine by dinner.)
• Illness requires advanced medical intervention.
• Illness is deemed or suspected to be contagious, or otherwise dangerous to the health of other campers
• In life-threatening situations, emergency medical service will be notified before parents or guardians.

Camper medications

• The health care supervisor manages camper medication.
• One counselor with each group of campers carries and administers medication under the direction of the health care supervisor.
• Medication must be prescribed by a doctor and be in its original prescription container with the camper's name.
• Over-the-counter medication is provided according to the parent/guardian directions on the Health History form.

Emergency procedures

• In the case of an emergency or evacuation, parents and guardians may call the Girl Scouts' Mountain Information Hotline at (800) 643-4798, x300 for recorded messages about camp property status, evacuation sites and timelines for camper pick up.
• When possible, an e-mail with this message will also be sent to parents immediately following an emergency or evacuation.

Camp meals and special diets

• Indicate special dietary needs on the Health History form.
• Three full meals per day and snacks are provided.
• Do not send snacks with campers.
• See sample menu and other information about our famous camp food on our website.

Clothing and belongings

• Clearly mark all clothes and belongings with first and last names.
• Closed-toe shoes are required at all times.
• In addition to her luggage, a school-size backpack is helpful to keep belongings together when traveling around camp.
• Each camper receives a camp T-shirt and a patch.

Transportation

• Buses are available for all camps for a $15 fee.
• Campers who do not ride the bus may be driven up to camp. All campers are dropped off at the front gate and are walked into camp by camp staff. No tours are available during drop-off and pick-up. If you would like a tour of camp, please attend one of our open houses (Sundays, March 17^th, April 28^th and June 16^th, 1-4 p.m.).

Camp Fees

• Camp fees defray expenses directly associated with camp operation, including staffing, activity supplies, program equipment, transportation, food and a camp T-shirt and patch for each camper.
• Tiered pricing and financial aid keeps camp affordable for all girls