2021 Summer Camp Parent/Caregiver Handbook
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2021 Summer Camp
Parent/Caregiver Handbook
1
Welcome
Welcome to the Girls Scout of Chesapeake Bay Summer Camp programs! We feel
honored that you have chosen us for your summer camp experience, and we take
this responsibility seriously. The purpose of this handbook is to provide you with
information about our camps and to open communications between our camp
staff and you.
In this packet you will find:
¤ Mission 2
¤ Camper and Program Goals 3
¤ How to Contact Us 4
¤ Arrival 5
¤ Departure 5
¤ Code of Conduct 6
¤ Homesickness 7
¤ COVID-19 Precautions 7
¤ Accidents and Illness 8
¤ Caregiver Communication 8
¤ Medication 9
¤ Transportation 10
¤ Camper-specific Needs 10
¤ Program Overview 11
¤ Program Progression; Daisy - Ambassador 12
¤ Environmental Activities 12
¤ What to Bring 12-14
¤ What Not to Bring 14
¤ Lost and Found 14
¤ Behavior and Positive Guidance 14
¤ ACA Accredidation 15
¤ Staff Training 15
¤ Camp Properties 16
1
Our Mission
Our mission is to build girls of COURAGE, CONFIDENCE and CHARACTER who
make the world a better place.
Rights and Dignity
Girls Scouts of Chesapeake Bay respects the rights and dignity of all campers and
staff, including individuals with varying abilities, cultures, genders, sexuality, race
and religions. We expect all individuals to act respectfully when they are on our
properties and to respect others regardless of their differences.
We are unique not because of what we do, but how we do it.
Our girl-driven, cooperative, experiential process allows girls to discover their
skills and abilities; connect with others who either share or complement their own
talents; and take action collectively to make the world a better place.
We are unique
not because of
what we do, but
how we do it.
2
Camper and Program
Goals
The Girl Scouts of Chesapeake Bay Camp programs believe all children deserve
to be cared for by adults who children can look up to, learn from, and feel safe
around.
There are 9 areas of impact in youth development and three have been identified
that have the most impact on youth; Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships.
We use the phrase raising the BAR (Belonging, Achievement, and Relationships).
All programming should answer YES to the below questions:
¤ Belonging & Courage; Are youth connected to and feeling supported by their
peers?
¤ Achievement & Confidence; Are youth learning and developing important
skills, resulting in increased confidence and self-esteem?
¤ Relationships & Character; Are youth making friends and being supported by
positive adult role models?
Camper Goals
¤ Girls will be able to develop a strong sense of self.
¤ Girls will be able to develop positive values.
¤ Girls will be able to gain practical life skills, outdoor skills and lifelong hobbies.
¤ Girls will be able to seek challenges and take healthy risks.
¤ Girls will be able to develop critical thinking.
Program Goals and Outcomes
¤ Sense of Belonging - Girls are connected to and feel supported by peers and
staff.
• Be a part of something bigger than them - the camp community/family.
• Experience opportunities to share and express their ideas with the group.
• Experience opportunities to make choices for themselves and the group.
• Experience the camp spirit within them and enjoy sharing it with others.
• Respect themselves, others and nature.
¤ Sense of Achievement - Girls learn and develop important skills resulting in
increased confidence and self-esteem
• Experience new things.
• Experience a variety of activities - outdoor, physical and creative.
• Use their imagination
3
¤ Sense of Achievement (cont.)
• Experience a sense of pride in their actions, choices and projects
• Enjoy reading through storytelling, silent reading and reading aloud
¤ Building Relationships - Girls make friends and be supported by positive adult
role models
• Make friends, have fun and enjoy being a kid
• Develop relationships with adults who believe in them
• Become a productive member of a group
How to Contact Us
If you need further assistance in your preparation for camp, please contact
Member Care at MemberCare@cbgsc.org.
¤ Ivy Sheehan, Camp Director at Camp Country Center day camp
• 302-456-7150 x173
• Camp Office phone; 302-234-6619
• Cell Number 302-420-3758 (Please only use between 7 am – 7 pm. Reception
is spotty at all camps.)
• Email; ISheehan@cbgsc.org
¤ Danielle Lubbers, Camp Coordinator at resident camps
• 302-456-7150 x 312
• Camp Office phone; Camp Grove Point (410-275-2800), Camp Sandy Pines
(410-479-2101), Camp Todd (410-742-3438)
• Email; DLubbers@cbgsc.org
During the camp season the days are jam packed with activities, program and
meals. Please be patient and leave a message if needed.
4
Arrival/Departure Resident Camp - Arrival Each week we will welcome campers on Sunday at 4 pm (Wednesday at 4 pm for our 07/09-11 campers). Drop off will be quick and families must remain in thier car. Our staff will greet you at your car and take the temperature of your camper(s). Camper(s) will then exit the car, wash hands, and receive a health check. Once this is complete, staff will return to your car to intake any medication and luggage for the week. ¤ Safe temperature is
Day Camp - Arrival 7:30AM - 9:00AM Campers are welcome to check in daily between 7:30-9:00 am. Please contact Ivy if you will arrive after 9:00 am. Campers will be greeted at your car by our staff and will have their their temperature taken. If their temperature is
Homesickness
It is not a sickness, but feels very real to some children. It should be call “missing
home” and it is normal for children to experience moments of missing home. We
have found that it can be identified in many different ways, but most commonly
presents as the camper saying they do not feel well or they have a belly ache.
Some cry when it is bedtime or when they wake up in morning. This is a part of
practicing coping skills and independence. Our staff works with individuals to give
assurance, to calm and to redirect their thoughts.
We have a busy schedule, and in most cases, we
will see campers miss home, and as they learn to
regulate their emotions, run off to another activity.
We will not encourage contact with home because
this will only bring on more emotions. Some
campers like to have a picture of their family with
them. Maybe have a special moment at home as
you pack a picture of the family in their luggage.
(Nothing breakable!) Practice saying when you are
leaving and that you will return.
Check out our “Is my Girl Scout ready for summer camp?” question on our FAQs.
COVID-19 Precautions
¤ Masks/face coverings
¤ 6 ft. distancing and/or stable groups
¤ Temperature checks daily at breakfast and drop-off
¤ Hand washing
¤ Eat at an assigned area (stable group)
¤ No transportation
¤ Resident camp sleeping 6 ft. distance and head-to-feet
¤ For resident camp ONLY: The state of Maryland requires a negative COVID test
within 1-3 days before arrival for all individuals attending a residential camp
in Maryland. The only exemptions are for individuals whom have been fully
vaccinated or had COVID19 in the last 90 days. More on this can be found HERE.
You MUST provide this documentation to dlubbers@cbgsc.org before or at your
arrival to camp. If you do not submit this documentation prior to or are able to
show the documentation day of, your camper will not be permitted to stay.
7
Illness or Accident
Any time a camper hits their head or requires further medical attention camper
parent will be called. If we are unable to reach parents or emergency contact
camp director/council staff will determine whether a camper should be taken for
advanced medical care. Parents are responsible for all medical charges including
physician, hospital, X-ray, pharmacy, transportation, and any expense that may be
incurred.
¤ Please do not send your child to camp if she is not feeling well.
¤ Parents or emergency contacts are responsible for picking up their ill child
promptly.
¤ Camp staff, certified in first aid, will treat minor injuries (small cuts, scrapes,
bumps, etc.) and log the incident in the health log.
¤ Caregivers are notified immediately of illness or injury that may need further
medical attention.
¤ Campers who require further medical attention will be taken to a local hospital.
• Camp Country Center - AI Dupont Hospital for Children
• Camp Grove Point - Union Hospital in Elkton, MD or Middletown Emergency
Department in Middletown, DE
• Camp Todd - University of Maryland Shore Medical Center in Easton, MD
• Camp Sandy Pines - Peninsual Regional Medical Center in Salisbury, MD
Caregiver Communication
You will be contacted by the Camp Director or Camp Coordinator by phone if your
camper:
¤ Experiences atypical homesickness (needing constant attention, clinging to
adults, needing someone by her side to fall asleep, disrupting camp activities or
excessive crying)
¤ Experiences behavior challenges
(see Code of Conduct and Rights and
Dignity)
¤ Spends the night in the health center
or misses a day of activities
¤ Has an acute, sudden illness
¤ Has a temperature of 100.50 or higher
¤ Has an active case of head lice
¤ Hits, bumps or injures head
8
Resident Medication
¤ All medication brought to camp must be accompanied by a Medication
Authorization Form. This includes prescription medications, daily over-
the-counter (ie. Allegra and lactose pills) and vitamins. Your healthcare
provider’s signature is required on line 14a (cannot be a guardian). Without
this form signed by the prescriber and guardian, the medication cannot be
accepted at camp. If the medication is for asthma, please complete the Asthma
Action Plan Form with your prescriber instead of the medication administration
authorization form.
• Please only send the required supply of medication. Example: One pill daily =
send 5 pills
• Medication must be in original container with pharmacy label.
• All medications will be stored in the medical center in a locked cabinet, away
from campers.
¤ GSCB stocks a variety of over-the-counter medication in the medical center
that campers and staff may require during their stay. The state of Maryland
requires the MDH-4858-B form be completed for any of the as needed/PRN
medications that GSCB stocks to be given as treatment at camp. Please
refer to the below list of over-the-counter medications that GSCB stocks
when completing your form. Please pay special attention to the required
prescriber’s name and signature on lines 4/5. Please work with your
healthcare provider when completing the as needed/PRN medication reason
section for needing while filing this form out with your healthcare provider.
A camper cannot be given any of the below over-the-counter medication in
the health center that are not listed on this form and accompanied by the
prescriber and guardian’s signature.
¤ Please submit all resident camp medical forms online HERE.
9Transportation
GSCB is not providing camp transportation for the 2021 camp season.
Camper-specific Needs
Our camp programs welcome all children and their families. Girl Scouts of the
Chesapeake Bay uses the Girl Scout Promise and Law and the BAR philosophy
to guide and nurture the children in our care. We respect and value input
from caregivers and encourage families to share information about their child
and cultural, emotional, medical, dietary and physical needs. We will use the
information provided to do our best to create an appropriate environment for
all, as applicable. In addition, if your child has an IEP/IFSP, we request that you
provide a copy to the Camp Director. It is beneficial to meet with the parent/
legal guardian to review the plan and work together to ensure that the guidelines
are understood. Children with varying needs will be together in our program to
support all opportunities for growth. We are determined to provide a safe and
secure environment where all children are respected and valued in an atmosphere
conducive to learning and making friends.
10Program Overview
The Girls Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) guides our programing. GSLE
encourages girls to Discover themselves, Connect with others, and Take Action
to make the world a better place. Guided by our camp staff and peers, Girl Scouts
engage in age-appropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative, and hands-
on. Our Girl Scouts are growing up in an increasingly competitive and stressful
world. We provide girls with activities that offer experience progression, challenge
and success. As a result, our campers will be exposed to arts and crafts, STEM,
reading, teambuilding, boating, swimming, water study, outdoor skills, camping
safety and Leave No Trace Principles, along with mindfulness techniques such as
breathing and journaling.
11Program Progression
Our camp program allows for progression in swimming, boating, environmental
education, teambuilding and games. We use our levels; Daisy through Ambassador
to provide and plan age-appropriate challenges and events.
Environmental Activities
Outdoors is important to us. At camp, we spend most of our time outdoors and
want all of our girls to learn about sustainability, conservation and protecting
wildlife. The components of our program are Leave no Trace Principles, ECO
Hikes, camping safety and campfire safety and impact. We value the benefits the
outdoors provides, and partake in activities which reduce or eliminate pressure on
the environment, wildlife and ourselves.
Sit spot is a place in nature to journal or live in the moment and look at nature.
Study Plot is and area usually defined by sticks you choose to place in one spot to
observe nature and learn or spark curiosity about what you see.
What to Bring
Packing best practices for campers:
¤ All camper items must be labelled with your camper’s name. We recommend
packing in a plastic tub or trunk.
¤ Send/wear old clothes that can get dirty and return home damaged.
¤ Leave items that are valuable or sentimental at home.
¤ Limit camper’s luggage to 1 piece and backpack (trunks or a large plastic tub
work best).
¤ Mesh bag for dirty laundry helps clothes to dry.
12Resident Camp Packing List
CLOTHES PERSONAL HYGIENE/BEDDING
¤ T-shirt (1 per day + 2 extra) ¤ Masks/face covering (8)
¤ Shorts (1 per day + 2 extra) ¤ Wash cloth & soap
¤ Socks (1 pair per day + 2 extra) ¤ Bath towel
¤ Close-toed shoes/sneakers/boots (2 pair) ¤ Shampoo + conditioner
¤ River water shoes (Old sneakers are best) ¤ Feminine products
¤ Shower shoes/flip flops ¤ 1 set of twin sheets
¤ Raincoat or Poncho ¤ Blanket or sleeping bag
¤ Pajamas or nightshirt (3 sets) ¤ Pillow and pillowcase
¤ Bathing suits (2) - No Bikinis ¤ Small backpack for day use
¤ Swimming towel (2) ¤ Laundry bag for dirty clothes
¤ Underwear (1 per day + 4 extra) ¤ Flashlight + extra batteries
¤ Hat or visor ¤ Reusable water bottle
¤ Sunscreen
PERSONAL ITEMS ¤ Bug Spray
¤ Camera ¤ Brush/comb
¤ Stuffed animal ¤ Deodorant
¤ Photo of family/friends ¤ Toothbrush + toothpaste
¤ Book
¤ Stationary, pen and stamps
13Day Camp Packing List
¤ Day Pack/Backpack/Old Bookbag
¤ Refillable Water Bottle
¤ Change of clothes
¤ Sunscreen
¤ Bug Spray
¤ Towel
¤ Bathing Suit - No Bikinis
¤ Brush/comb
¤ Sweatshirt or light weight jacket
What NOT to Bring
Thank you, in advance, for respecting our camp facilities when you visit. We ask
that you leave your pets at home, do not use tobacco, alcohol, or illegal drugs
while on the property, leave guns, knives, or other weapons at home, and refrain
from use of personal sports equipment (playground balls, jump ropes, etc.) while
visiting us.
Lost and Found
Items found throughout the day will be gathered and placed in a common area
for campers to claim. Items that are not claimed will be washed and held for one
week. If items are not claimed after the next session, items will be donated to
homeless (clothing) and/or pet shelters (towels).
Behavior and Positive Guidance
Counselors will encourage appropriate choices and make every effort to redirect
inappropriate behavior. Parents will be called to work with the counselor and
camper to achieve a positive outcome. Campers who repeatedly misbehave or put
themselves or other camp participants in harms way may be dismissed form the
camp program.
14Property Info
ACA Accredidation - Camp Grove Point is an ACA-accredited camp, and all of our
camps follow the ACA standards.
A little more from ACA - “ACA Accreditation means that your child’s summer
camp cares enough to undergo a thorough peer review of its operation — from
staff qualifications and training to emergency management. American Camp
Association collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics,
the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current
practices at your child’s camp reflect the most up-to-date, research-based
standards in camp operation. Camps and ACA form a partnership that promotes
growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.”
Staff Information - Our staff provide a safe and nurturing environment for
children, while implementing age appropriated activities. The following are
required of all staff to ensure that children receive a high-quality experience. At
no time will a staff person be one on one with a camper. Our ratios will follow ACA
ratios.
Here are some rigorous trainings and checks that our camp staff complete:
¤ Background Checks
¤ Fingerprinting
¤ Delaware Adult Abuse Check
¤ Staff Orientation
¤ Child Abuse Prevention Training
¤ CPR First Aid/AED Certification
¤ Annual Summer Child Development Training
15Overview of Camp Properties
Camp Country Center - Hockessin, DE
¤ 40.5 acres
¤ Enjoy forest, meadows and creek
¤ Amenities and activities include a science
1
and technology lodge with STEM lab and Cecil
commercial kitchen, digital media center New
with computer lab and maker space, archery, Castle
hiking and low ropes, with Adirondack cabins
and platform tents.
Kent
Camp Grove Point - Earleville, MD
¤ 200 acres Queen
Kent
¤ Enjoy woods, wetlands and a sandy beach Anne’s
along the Sassafras River
¤ Amenities and activities include a program
center, small lodges, rustic camping units, Talbot
Caroline
Adirondack cabins, platform tents, a pool and
boating. Sussex
¤ ACA Accredited
Camp Todd - Denton, MD Dorchester
2
¤ 64 acres Wicomico
¤ Enjoy beautiful lake views
¤ Amenities and activities include the
Worcester
waterfront, zip line, archery range, hiking Somerset
trails, outdoor classrooms for art and music,
program center, rustic platform tents,
Adirondack cabins and lodges.
Camp Sandy Pines - Fruitland, MD
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ma
¤ 48 acres
co
Ac
¤ Enjoy woods and a sandy meadow
¤ Amenities and activities include a main lodge,
cabin unit and treehouse cabins with hiking
ton
trails and archery range
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