Appendix: Camp Resources
Many memorable moments in a Girl Scout’s life happen while camping. Learning to live successfully in
the out- of-doors will help girls Discover, Connect and Take Action in a natural environment. Through
camping girls gain self-confidence, develop skills and appreciate the world around them. This appendix
contains a camp location map and facility chart, how to reserve a council campsite or program center
and the required trainings and certifications to help you prepare for a great camping experience.
Camping With Girls
Girls love to go camping; be it for a day, an overnight or a weekend! Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania
owns and operates multiple camp properties. Girl Scout troops and service units, with properly
trained adults, can reserve sites for day use, one night or multiple nights or for a day camp experience.
Troop camping is described as a camping experience of 24 or more consecutive hours planned and carried
out by troop girls and adults. The troop chooses a campsite, provides supervision and plans for activities and
meals. Outdoor training is required of a troop adult. Troop camping takes place throughout the year. Many
council camps have winterized facilities. Troops may camp on weekends, anytime in the summer, and during
school holidays.
Overnight troop camping for one or two nights is a great way to introduce girls to camping. Some
service units have their own camping weekends and day camp. This is planned by the service unit
adults and may take place at one of GSWPA’s camps.
There are several types of camping for troops and service units: day use, overnight camping, weekend
camping, service unit camp weekends (encampments), and service unit day camps. Consult the
procedures for each type of camping in the Appendix: GSWPA Procedures/Forms for complete details.
Reserving a Campsite (Including GSWPA & Non- Council
Sites)
Follow the steps below to reserve a site:
1. Based on your desired reservation, select the related procedure for information outlining the
reservation process (e.g., Troop Camping Reservation Procedure or Day Camp Reservation
Procedure).
2. Complete the campsite reservation form.
• Girl Scout troops/groups planning a camping trip to a non-GSWPA council site must
obtain council permission by completing a Trip & High-Risk Activity Application. This
MUST be returned to your GSWPA Membership staff 8 weeks in advance of your
camping date. Please refer to Trip Procedure for details on completing this form.
3. Reservations can be made by the following methods:
• By mail, send all completed forms and security deposit/payment to:
GSWPA, 5681 Route 6N, Edinboro, PA 16412. Make checks payable to GSWPA.
• By fax: 1-814-734-7701 or email: [email protected], send the completed forms and
then call 1- 800-248-3355 to make the security deposit/payment by credit or debit card.