Ways to Camp
Girl Scouts in San Jacinto Council have a variety of ways they can go camping! In addition to resident and day/twilight camp opportunities during the summer months, girls can camp with their troops during the school year, attend special weekend-long events at camp designed just for their level or even go camping with their family at a Girl Scout camp property. Learn more about each of these camp opportunities.
Troop Camping
Troops can spend the day or camp overnight at most of the council’s camps throughout the year. From primitive campsites to climate-controlled cabins, the council’s facilities offer a wide range of camping experiences. After taking camp certification training, reserve a camping site with Form F-127.
While at camp Girl Scouts can hike, study nature, cook outdoors and find the Big Dipper in a star-filled sky. Specialized activities are offered at certain camp properties, and can include horseback riding, bicycling, a challenge course, sailing and canoeing, just to name a few.
Carousel
Carousel is a unique troop program where older Girl Scout troops host and plan a special program around a unique theme for participating younger troops. Girl Scouts enjoy a program of theme-based activities throughout the day. Traditional camptivities such as canoeing or archery may also be included. Carousel weekends are held at several of our camps throughout the year. This is a great program for troops that are new to camping, as the program is provided, and troops only need to plan for their own meals. In addition to gaining leadership experience, hosting a Carousel weekend is also a money-earning activity for older Girl Scout troops. For more information about hosting a Carousel weekend email registration@sjgs.org.
Family Camping
Family Camping events are offered three times a year, in March, September, and November. Check The Golden Link for a list of dates, or sign up online. Families are welcome to attend as long as at least one person in the family is a registered Girl Scout. Because Family Camping events involve adults who have not gone through our background screening process, as well as teenage boys, Family Camp weekends are only held when that is the only event at camp. Family Camp is usually held at Camp Robinwood in Willis. This event does not require camp certification training.
Additional family camping opportunities are available during the summer months and listed in the council’s resident camp guide.
Council Events
Throughout the year trained volunteer facilitators and partner organizations provide a wide range of opportunities for girls at all levels. Annual favorites include Brownie Magic, Junior level Survivor themed STEM camps, Cadette level Forensics Weekend, SPARK Events, and the biennial Cadette Weekend. Since event offerings change throughout the year, the best place to check current opportunities is online. Use the advanced search with the level of your troop and the month you’d like to attend.
Region Events
Region events are planned by a team of local volunteers, and open to all older girls in the council. In the past, events have included theme weekends, journey and badge workshops, first aid training, and more.
Day Visits & Camptivities
Not ready to camp for the whole weekend? Want to make time in the outdoors fit with a busy schedule? Then come to camp for a day visit. Troops can plan a visit to any of our camps by submitting form F-127. Troops may bring a picnic lunch and simply enjoy being outdoors, or add camptivities such as Nature Center workshops, horseback riding, Love Hug and Groom, high and low element challenge course, archery, hikes, swimming, canoeing, and more. A day at one of our camps is a great option for completing badgework, a bridging ceremony, or an introduction to outdoor skills, in a Girl Scout only setting, away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the world.
Summer Camp
Whether she is a first-time camper or an experienced adventurer, an outdoor enthusiast or a creative artist, your camper will find her perfect program at one of our overnight camps or at one of our many day camps. Overnight sessions at Camp Agnes Arnold, Casa Mare and Misty Meadows Ranch range from 2-13 days. Day camp sessions at the Program Place for Girls run for five days. Check online for more details.
Backpacking
Do you enjoy being away from it all and out in the natural world, using your skills and adventuring with friends? You might enjoy exploring the wilderness either with your troop or as part of our Backpacking Special Interest Group (SIG).
The SIG hosts several backpacking trips a month from October through May. These trips are a great way for novice backpackers to gain skills by learning from experienced backpackers, and it’s an excellent way to make new friends who share the same interests and love for the outdoors. Members can also gain leadership and service hours as they help support new members and maintain trails. Don’t worry if you don’t have all the necessary backpack equipment for weekend trips, we provide low cost gear rentals. So get out on a trip and join the fun! The first step is to attend a Backpacking Orientation - register online.
Non-GS Properties
Staying at a Girl Scout camp offers opportunities for girl-led programming in a private and secure environment. However, many troops choose to venture out into the wide world. If your troop would like to stay overnight at a non-GSSJC property, such as a state park, private camp, hotel, AirBnB, or even a troop leader’s house, you must submit a Short Troop Trip Form (F-413) at least two weeks prior to your trip. If you are staying 5 nights or longer, you must submit the Extended Troop Trip Form (F-453) at least 12 months prior to your trip.
Destinations
Girl Scout Destinations, the ultimate adventure program for girls ages 11 and older. With a ton of different trips to apply for every year—from surfing camp on the east coast and breathtaking hikes out west, to the crazy-cool wonder of new cultures abroad—there’s something amazing for everyone to experience.
Make friends from all over the country as you travel with Girl Scouts from different states, see and learn new things, and pack your bags full of inspiring, life-changing experiences and memories. Where can you go? Cadettes may travel domestically to places like New York, California, or Hawaii. Seniors and Ambassadors may travel internationally to places like China, Costa Rica, Switzerland, Patagonia, Peru, Scotland, Germany, Mexico, and more! Find your trip today!
