Summer 2023 was a success! We were excited to re-open Camp Whispering Oaks and welcome more than 1,870 campers to our sleepaway and day camps in San Diego County. We hosted 30 unique sleepaway camp sessions, accomplished 700 swim assessments in the Camp Winacka pool, and new campers experienced outdoor cooking, sewing, stargazing, and night hiking for the very first time. Back at day camp, 1,441 campers throughout the summer went on 15 field trips, and nearly 40 community partners visited to bring engaging programs to Girl Scout campers.
The volunteer led GSSD Hiking and Backpacking program went into the wild on a few adventures in the John Muir Wilderness, Sierra High Sequoia, and Golden Trout Wilderness. Despite a handful of weather challenges, skilled Girl Scouts built new itineraries that met the needs of the adult participants and demonstrated superior leadership, compassion, and good sense in the wild. The group was also joined by backpackers from Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles, which illustrates the shared passion, exhilaration, and camaraderie among sister Girl Scouts. Interested in hiking and backpacking? Check out Hikerfest on Sunday, Oct. 15 at our Balboa Campus.
This year's memorable camp and outdoor sessions were made possible thanks to 135 seasonal staff, volunteers, and more than 160 older Girl Scouts who participated in leadership development programs at camps.
Girl Scouts San Diego can make camp affordable for all members and provide financial assistance for those who need it because of the generosity of our donors and community partners. Please consider sponsoring a future camper and donating today.