Preparing for Camp

Summer camp is an important part of the Girl Scout experience, and we want you to be prepared!

General FAQ

Where can I find summer camp session information? toggle arrow

Summer camp session information can be found in the 2027 Summer Camp Book!

What types of camp does Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast offer? toggle arrow

Camp Alice Chester Overnight: These sessions in East Troy are two to five nights long. Campers enjoy camp activities like swimming, boating, arts n' crafts, nature discovery, sports and games, and more, all based on the week's theme. Campers live and sleep in a bunkhouse, cabin, or platform tent with campers of the same or similar age. Our trained and caring staff live, play, and help your camper in their activities.

GSWISE Day Camp: Offered at Camp Alice Chester in East Troy, these sessions last three to five days. Campers come to camp during the day and then go home to sleep at night. Each session has a fun theme, like art, STEM, nature, cooking, sports and games, and more. Our trained staff help your campers in fun activities with hands-on learning.

Camp Alice Chester Adventure Trips: These trips last for three nights or more. Campers will learn about a special interest or skill, like paddling, horseback riding, climbing, and more. They may stay at camp the whole time, or they may leave for a day or more, depending on their age and the trip. Families are given the days when their camper will be on a trip away from camp.

Day Camps by Community (DCC): Day Camps by Community are held for five days at Camp Alice Chester in East Troy, Camp Silver Brook in West Bend, Chinook Program Center in Waukesha, or Trefoil Oaks Program Center in Kenosha, and are a good way to spend time with others from where you live. Campers attend by themselves, with a friend, or with their troop. Each family must have one adult who comes for at least one day to help, but they can come as many days as they like. This is a good way to spend time with your camper. Local Girl Scout adults and teen volunteers plan each week around the summer's theme.

What are activities like at camp? toggle arrow

Camp activities are based on age and get harder over time. This means that younger campers start with easier activities. Examples are outdoor skills and boating. These activities help kids build up their skills and gain confidence before moving to harder challenges as they get older. Please refer to the Safety Activity Checkpoints to see what kind of activity is suggested for each age level.

How do I apply to work at summer camp? toggle arrow

You can apply to work at summer camp on our website here.

Why are DCC volunteers needed? toggle arrow

Day Camps by Community do not have staff to run activities and supervise campers. Families help do this by having one adult volunteer for one day (or more) to supervise campers. The trained camp volunteers and teens plan all of the activities. Family volunteers are needed to make sure campers get to and from activities and help them with those activities.

These volunteers include YOU!

Adult volunteers must have an active Girl Scout membership, complete a background check, and complete child abuse prevention training (provided by the council). New Girl Scout volunteers can register here. Financial assistance is available for Girl Scout membership.

If my child is not a Girl Scout, can they attend summer camp? toggle arrow

Summer camp is open to all campers in grades K4-12. Campers who are not Girl Scouts can pay an additional fee, and we will register them as a member to attend camp.

How old do you have to be to attend camp? toggle arrow

Camp Alice Chester Overnight Camp: Campers must have finished first grade by the time summer comes.

GSWISE Day Camp: Campers must be going into K5 in the fall after summer camp.

Day Camps by Community: Campers must have finished K5 by the time summer comes. Some camps have campers that will be going into K5 in the fall after summer. Check your specific Day Camp by Community webpage to see if your child is eligible.

What should we pack for Overnight Camp? toggle arrow

Here is a list of what to pack. Make sure your camper has enough clothes for all the days they will be at camp. Pack everything in a suitcase or a soft duffel bag.

Write your camper’s name on every item so things do not get lost. Pack clothes that are easy to move in and can get dirty, because we play outside!

DO NOT PACK FOOD, CANDY, OR GUM. Little animals or bugs might try to get it.

Our water comes from a well and tastes a little different, but it is totally safe to drink. Our staff knows tricks to make the "camp water" taste go away.

Do not pack a cell phone. Camp is a place to take a break from computers and screens. If you worry about your camper being away from home, please call the camp director to set up a time when you can talk to your camper during the day.

Packing List

We never want a camper to miss camp because they do not have something they need. Please tell us if your camper needs something, and we will get it for them. We have a lot of sleeping bags and other items campers can use, including many new items.

Clothes

Underwear
Shorts
Jeans
Sweater/sweatshirt
Warm jacket
Hat with visor
Short sleeve t-shirts
Long sleeve shirt
Socks
A sturdy pair of closed-toed shoes with full backing over the heel. Athletic shoes are ideal; please do not bring new shoes as they can cause blisters.
Flip-flops or plastic shoes for the shower house

For health and safety

Water bottle - Please do not bring bottled water
Backpack to carry items during the day
Flashlight and extra new batteries
Bug repellent
Shampoo
Bath towel
Deodorant
Washcloth and hand towel
Comb and brush
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Soap
Lotion
Sanitary items
Hair bands and clips
Laundry bag with name
Eating utensils: bowl, cup, plate, knife, fork, spoon for cookouts (all unbreakable)

For sleeping

Sleeping bag
Pillow and pillowcase
Pajamas
A sheet to lay on top of a mattress or for hot weather

For Swimming

Swimsuit
Beach towel
Sunblock

For wet weather

Raincoat or rain poncho (no umbrellas)
Rain hat or hood

Optional

Disposable camera and film
Envelopes or postcards, stationery, and stamps to send letters home (pack in Ziploc bag). Please address them so the camper knows who they go to.
Pencil/pen and notebook
Stuffed animal (please put a phone number on the tag in case they decide to go for an adventure and end up in our lost and found!)
Cards or quiet games for Me Time
Favorite book (please make sure it is rated G or PG)
Something white to tie dye (note: not all sessions will tie dye)

What should we pack for Day Camp? toggle arrow

Here is a simple list of what to pack. Please also read your camper and parent guides in your CampMinder account to learn about any additional items.

Put everything in a big backpack that your camper can carry. Also, pack a small, light bag for them to use during the day. Write your camper’s name on every item so things do not get lost.

Have your camper wear clothes that are easy to move in and can get dirty because we play outside! Campers should not wear short shirts (crop tops) or flip-flops.

Do not send a cell phone or other electronics to camp. Camp is a place to take a break from computers and screens. If you worry about your camper being away from home, please call the camp director to set up a time when you can talk to your camper during the day.

We never want a camper to miss camp because they do not have something they need. Please tell us if your camper needs something, and we will get it for them.

Filled Water bottle - Please do not bring bottled water.
Extra drawstring backpack for going swimming, etc. (instead of carrying a large backpack!)
Lunch - Lunch is not provided! Please pack enough food for your camper that does not need to be refrigerated and is nut-free.
Sunscreen/Bug Spray
Hat/Bandana/Sunglasses
Raincoat/Poncho
Swimsuit/Towel
Book or journal for the bus ride
Optional: Money to visit the Trading Post

What should we pack for Day Camps by Community? toggle arrow

Here is a simple list of what to pack. Each camp does different activities, so you should look at your Day Camp by Community's webpage for a longer list. Please also read the packing list sent to you about two weeks before camp starts to learn about any changes.

Put everything in a big backpack that your camper can carry. Also, pack a small, light bag for them to use during the day. Write your camper’s name on every item so things do not get lost.

Have your camper wear clothes that are easy to move in and can get dirty because we play outside! Campers should not wear short shirts (crop tops) or flip-flops.

We never want a camper to miss camp because they do not have something they need. Please tell us if your camper needs something, and we will get it for them.

Sit-upon
Mess bag and dishes (plate, bowl, cup, utensils)
Non-aerosol mosquito repellent
Sunscreen (pump or lotion)
Reusable water bottle
Sunglasses
Bandana
Sweatshirt or jacket
Extra pair of socks
Raincoat or poncho
Swimsuit/towel in a bag for wet items (on days needed)
Water shoes (optional)
Goggles (optional if at a lake site)

If overnighting:

Sleeping bag
Pillow
Toiletries
Pajamas
Change of clothes
Flashlight

How is weather handled at summer camp? toggle arrow

Camp activities might change if the weather is bad. We still have camp, whether it is sunny or raining!

If it is raining but still safe, we will have special games outside. We use covered spots like pavilions and shade flies so campers can play in the rain. Please send your camper wearing the right clothes to stay dry and warm on rainy days.

If the weather is too bad (like storms or very hot days), campers might not be able to do some activities. This includes things like riding horses, boating, swimming, the challenge course, and archery. We always watch the weather and change our plans if we need to.

If the weather gets very bad, we have a safe building at camp for everyone. Our staff talks to each other and the main office to get weather updates and help in emergencies.

When severe weather happens, all campers go to the safe buildings. We play all-camp games there to keep busy. This helps campers not worry about the weather and keeps the fun going!

Keeping everyone safe is the most important thing we do.

Is there a camp store? toggle arrow

Yes! At Camp Alice Chester and Camp Silver Brook, we have a little store called the Trading Post. You can buy things like stuffed animals, fun patches, necklaces, and t-shirts there. Each camp might have different items. We do not sell water bottles or food. Prices are usually between $1 and $20, but some things cost more.

Chinook Program Center and Trefoil Oaks Program Center have very small Trading Posts. They only sell t-shirts, sweatshirts, water bottles, bandanas, and patches that show camper’s progress in learning skills. Our Girl Scout Mobile might visit these camps sometimes to offer more things to buy. Your family will know ahead of time if the mobile is coming to your camp.

Trading Posts help campers learn life skills. Campers may buy a special item to remember camp, but it also helps them practice skills like:

Deciding what to buy
Planning how to spend their money
Learning to handle and count money

Is there lost and found at camp? toggle arrow

We collect items that campers leave behind every day. Our staff will try to give lost things back to the right owners. To help us do this, please write your camper’s name clearly on all their belongings.

You can look for any unclaimed items at the end of the week. We keep lost and found items until the summer is over. After that, we will give them away to charity or throw them away.

Can campers attend with a friend? toggle arrow

Yes! Camp Alice Chester Overnight Camp, CampHERO, and GSWISE Day Camp let friends stay together as buddies. Buddies must be the same age and sign up for the same camp dates. Both friends must write down each other's name when they sign up.

Can campers bring cell phones to camp? toggle arrow

No. Our camps have no phones or screens so campers can enjoy nature, make new friends, and relax. The camp director will call a camper's family if a child gets sick, misses home too much, or has an emergency.

Accommodation and Accessibility

What support is available for campers with accessibility or special needs? toggle arrow

We want all kids to have a great time at our summer camp! We welcome all campers and can help meet their special needs.

Please contact your camp's director to talk about how we can work together to make your child's camp experience a success.

Are special dietary needs and allergies accommodated? toggle arrow

We do our best to help with all food needs and allergies.

Please tell us about your child's food needs on the registration form. You can also contact your camp director to talk about what your camper needs. This helps us be ready for them at camp.

For Day Camps by Community, please check the specific Day Camp by Community page for your camp’s food needs and allergy accommodations.

Registration and Payment

When does summer camp registration open? toggle arrow

Registration for the 2027 Summer Camp season opens November 17 at noon.

How do I register my camper for summer camp? toggle arrow

Look at our camp choices in the 2027 Summer Camp Book.

Then, sign up for camp online using the CampMinder system. Camp sign-ups start on November 17 at noon.

If you are not registering on a laptop or computer, download and use the Campanion app so it's more user-friendly.

If you are requesting a camp scholarship or are using a PAC to pay, you must still pay the minimum $25 or $50 deposit (varies per camp type). If this is a hardship, contact us.

Need help registering? Call us at (800) 565-4475 or email customercare@gswise.org.

Is financial assistance available? toggle arrow

Yes! You can get help to pay for camp. This help is for both day camp (where you go home at night) and overnight camp (where you sleep at camp).

You can ask for a Camp Scholarship when you sign up for camp.

If you ask for a Camp Scholarship, you still need to pay a small amount when you sign up:

$25 for Day Camp
$50 for Overnight Camp

If paying this is too hard, please contact us.

GSWISE will send you a form to fill out in an email. Please look in your spam or junk mail folder for the form. If you do not get the form in seven days, please contact us.

How do I know if my camper or I are signed up and ready for camp? toggle arrow

You will get an email soon after you first sign up. This email might go to your junk or spam folder.

The email will show you how to finish signing up and how to fill out all the needed papers for your camper's (or your) time at camp.

When you finish the papers and pay the deposit, your camper is officially signed up!

If you do not get the email in one day (24 hours), please contact Customer Care at (800) 565-4475 or email customercare@gswise.org.

How does the waitlist work? toggle arrow

If a camp session is full, you can put your camper on a waitlist. We will tell you if a spot opens up.

For Day Camps by Community, if the camp session is not full, campers will be removed from the waitlist when an adult registers to volunteer for at least one day. Please make sure to let us know when an adult is registered by contacting Customer Care at (800) 565-4475 or emailing customercare@gswise.org.

What if I need to cancel my camper's or my registration? toggle arrow

Please check out our Cancellation and Refund Policy.

How do I register to help at Day Camps by Community? toggle arrow

To help at camp, adult helpers must:

Have a current membership.
Pass a background check.
Learn how to stop child abuse (provided by the council).

If you are new, you must register for a Girl Scout membership and pay the $30 membership fee.

Adults sign up online just like campers do! You sign up as a camper who is in grade 12 or older.

You can register here.

Please contact customercare@gswise.org if you have questions or need help.

I'm not getting my registration emails, how do I fix this? toggle arrow

When you sign up for summer camp, watch your junk or spam folders for an email that says you are signed up. Also, look for other important messages from the camp staff through CampMinder.

Please add CampMinder as a trusted name in your email. This helps you get emails in your main inbox quickly.

You can also get the new Campanion app on your phone. This app will give you all updates, emails, and let you finish all forms. The app does not work well on tablets.

How can I add things from the Trading Post to your camp account after registering? toggle arrow

First, go to your CampMinder account. Then, click on "Forms and Documents." Choose the "Additional Options" form. From there, you can choose the Trading Post items you want to add.

You can also contact Customer Care for help at (800) 565-4475 or customercare@gswise.org with your Trading Post order.

If camp starts in two weeks or less, campers cannot order things early. They can still visit the Trading Post store while they are at camp.

What is the Campanion App? toggle arrow

The Campanion app is a new phone app from CampMinder. It helps you sign up for camp and get updates from camp.

With the Campanion app, you can get to your camper's forms. You can also see updates and photos while they are at camp.

Learn more about Campanion with this FAQ.

Health and Wellness at Camp

What is required for the health history form? toggle arrow

All campers must submit a completed health history form signed by the parent/guardian.
All guardians must select an option to verify that their camper vaccination records are up to date per school records. If the camper is not vaccinated, there is a special form and paperwork to submit.
Some Camp Alice Chester overnight camp adventure trips may require campers to complete a physical by a health professional.
Special dietary needs can also be added to the health history form.

What should I do if my camper is sick? toggle arrow

Please help us keep other campers, volunteers, and staff healthy this season by keeping your camper at home if they are not feeling well. If your camper has any consistent signs/symptoms of a contagious illness, campers will not be allowed to attend camp until they are symptom-free and released for participation with a doctor’s note from their provider. Please send the doctor’s note to the camp director.

What happens if my camper becomes ill or injured at camp? toggle arrow

The health supervisor and trained staff will administer first aid and follow the written procedures given by the camp physician. If a camper becomes so ill that a long rest period is required for recovery, or that they cannot remain at camp, they will be sent home. If a camper’s illness or injury is severe, they will be given emergency care at the scene and then the parents/guardians will be notified. In life-threatening situations, treatment begins before notification. The following medications are stocked at camp and used (if approved on the camper’s health history form) on an as needed basis to manage illness and injury including Tylenol, Benadryl, Neosporin, anti-itch cream, aloe, TUMS, ibuprofen, eye drops, and EpiPens.

What procedures and support do you have in place to keep my camper safe - physically, emotionally, and socially? toggle arrow

On the camp health history form you can indicate any physical, emotional, social, or behavioral needs your camper (or you as an adult volunteer) may have. Our health supervisors and MESH specialists/support staff review all camp health forms prior to each session. They may reach out for more information or to make a plan so that your camper can be successful at camp.

Each camper and parent guardian must sign our Safe Place Camper Contract, outlining expected and appropriate behavior to ensure a welcoming, safe environment for all campers, staff, and volunteers.

Adults must sign our Adult Code of Conduct, agreeing to appropriate behavior and adhering to Girl Scout Principles in regards to interacting appropriately with campers, volunteers and staff. Additionally all adults must register as a Girl Scout member and complete a background check and child abuse prevention training to attend camp.

How is medication handled at camp? toggle arrow

All medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements must be given to the health supervisor upon arrival to camp. All medications must come in their original packaging with the camper’s name, the name of the medication, and the current dosage clearly labeled on the container. It is required for all campers and adult volunteers to have a health history form on file so the health supervisors can properly administer a camper's medication.

Please send a week's worth of your camper's medication in its original prescription container so the health supervisor can store it safely for the week and return the empty container at the end of camp.

Campers cannot keep medications in their belongings while at camp, except for EpiPens and inhalers .