Camp FAQ's

Does my camper have to be a Girl Scout to attend a GSHOM camp?

If your camper is not a registered Girl Scout, no problem! Their registration will include a Girl Scout membership. We will share more information about continuing your campers' Girl Scout experience at the end of the summer.

Is my camper ready for Overnight Camp?

Has your Girl Scout ever been away from home for more than one night without family members?
Is your Girl Scout able to handle basic hygiene needs without assistance? (brushing teeth, showering, etc.)
Is your Girl Scout ready for group situations, feel comfortable sleeping in a cabin with several other Girl Scouts, and cope with group schedules with new friends?
Do they feel comfortable asking for help or speaking up when they need guidance or extra support?

Am I ready for my camper to attend Overnight Camp?

Are you prepared to be away from your camper for several days and unable to talk to her on the phone?
Are you confident in your Girl Scout’s ability to care for herself, make the bed, and keep track of her belongings?
Do you believe that camp provides Girl Scouts with a fun and rewarding experience that builds self-worth and independence?

My camper has food allergies/dietary restrictions. Can you accommodate this at camp?

Our meals are planned to be nutritious and kid-friendly.
We can accommodate most food allergies/dietary needs. Food allergies and dietary restrictions are handled by the Camp Director and the Healthcare Supervisor at each resident camp.
Be sure to list any nutritional concerns when asked during your camper’s registration and CampDoc profile so we can plan accordingly and contact you if we have any questions.

What if my camper misses home?

While we have a ton of fun at camp, sometimes our campers will miss their family, especially at the end of the day- missing home is totally normal! It happens to the best of us. Our staff is trained to help guide your camper and refocus on their adventures at camp.
We encourage our adults to write their campers letters sealed with the day(s) they would like it handed to them. These letters will be distributed to your camper each day.

What safety regulations do camps abide by?

All of our camps meet and exceed the safety standards set by the State of Michigan, the American Camp Association, local Health Departments, and Girl Scouts of the USA.

How does camp handle health concerns or medications?

Each camp has a designated staff member dedicated to the health and safety of our campers. Our camps also have an on-call physician, a connection with our local emergency personnel, and planned and practiced emergency procedures.
All staff members have active First Aid/CPR/AED certifications.
Any medications will be dispensed by the dedicated health staff member and/or the Camp Director and must be brought to camp in the original container. Allergies or other medical concerns should be specified on the campers’ health forms, and the parent/caregiver will be contacted prior to the start of camp if we have any questions.

How can I communicate with my camper while she is at camp?

We encourage our adults to write their campers letters sealed with the day(s) they would like it handed to them. These letters will be distributed to your camper each day.
If you have an emergency, please contact the camp director with the contact info provided in your camp paperwork, and we can work with you to connect with your camper.

What does my camper need to bring to camp?

We suggest packing clothes you're okay with getting dirty in.
We provide safe drinking water at all our properties.
Packing list.
Some items are better left at home. We encourage low-tech at camp, so any items that connect to the internet should stay at home. If your camper uses a device for health-related reasons, please connect with your camp director using the contact info provided in your camp paperwork, and we can work with you.
For campers who are attending two-week programs, laundry facilities are available.

Can my camper be in the same cabin as her friend?

We love bringing friends to camp! If your camper and her friend register for the same session on the same week and place a buddy request, we can put them in the same unit at camp. We ask that each camper list no more than 2 buddies, as we can only accommodate small groups at a time. You can place your buddy request on CampDoc or when you register for your camp session.
Pro Tip: Make sure the campers list each other as buddies, or there may be a delay in fulfilling buddy requests.

Can I attend camp with my child?

We offer many programs at Girl Scouts Heart of Michigan. We welcome and encourage adults to participate in troop and family programs! Our overnight camp programs and day camp programs are only for youth participants.

What is different when attending Troop/Family camp sessions?

Cabin and lodging assignments are made to keep troops together. Often, multiple troops are assigned to a single lodge. We do our best to group troops by similar age levels.
Adults staying overnight during Troop and Family camp sessions must be registered Girl Scouts with a completed background check.
Troops and families must comply with Girl Scout-to-Adult ratios throughout their camp session.
Troop leaders are responsible for bringing and maintaining in their possession up-to-date Health History forms for all participants attending, as well as permission slips for each girl.

Do you have a question that wasn’t answered here?

Reach out to our Help Desk to get connected with a camp expert who can help answer your questions!