What to Expect and FAQs

"What To Expect" Packets

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is My Camper Ready For Sleepaway Camp?

We are so appreciative when families and girls ask this question. Girl Scout camp has something for every level of readiness! Although age plays a big role in determining a camper’s readiness for sleepaway camp, maturity and openness to a new adventure are also important.

We suggest reviewing and discussing the following list of skills and abilities with your Girl Scout to decide what is best for her:

I can ask for help when needed.
I can follow directions in a group setting.
I’m excited to make new friends.
I’m comfortable being outdoors in nature.
I have been away from home overnight.
I can take a shower and brush my teeth by myself.
I can keep track of my personal belongings.
I know how to use my camp equipment (i.e. water bottle, sunscreen, etc.).

If you and your camper decide she’s not ready for a full week of sleepaway camp, consider the day camp sessions with an optional overnight experience at Camp Timber Ridge.

Q: How will my child be supervised?

A: Girl Scouts places a high priority on safety and training of summer camp staff in all aspects of camp life to ensure your Girl Scout has a safe and fun camp experience. Our staff training equips each staff member with the skills to ensure that all girls' emotional, physical and mental wellbeing are satisfied while at camp.

Q: How are camp staff selected and screened?

A: The camp staff is made up of individuals 18 years of age or older. We recruit through online platforms, from local colleges and universities as well as recruiting our homegrown Girl Scouts. All camp staff are required to have an interview with a member of the Director Team, provide references and pass a criminal background check. When hiring our staff, we are looking for individuals that have a passion for guiding girls through outdoor experiences that create confidence and help them build friendships to last a lifetime. All cabin counselors are female role models, but our activity staff may include males.

Q: How will I communicate with her at camp?

A: In general, we work to promote independence and group cohesion in campers and discourage phone use at camp. We require that all cell phones remain at home. The Camp Director team will contact the guardian if a camper is having trouble adjusting to camp life or if there is a health concern. Parents are encouraged to view each camp’s social media and the camper photo library that will be updated periodically. Sleepaway campers also love receiving letters and care packages from home during their stay. You will have an opportunity to drop any mail off at check in to be delivered during the week. You are also welcomed to mail your packages/letters directly to camp keeping in mind the time it takes to ensure that mail gets to her before the end of her session.

Q: What if she has special needs?

A: To lay the foundation for success for your Girl Scout, parents and the Camp Director team must partner in sharing information about your camper’s health history and accessibility needs. While our Girl Scout camps can accommodate many needs and abilities, there are some cases that require an environment with staff specifically trained to meet their needs. Please contact camp@gsgatl.org prior to registration if you have questions about whether your camper’s needs can be met at our camps.

Q: How will my daughter's special dietary needs be handled?

A: Day campers at Camp Timber Ridge will need to bring prepared lunches as food will only be provided to campers at sleepaway camps. Camps Misty Mountain and Meriwether will be able to accommodate vegetarian options and certain dietary restrictions. Please list your camper’s dietary needs and/or allergies during registration. Camp Misty Mountain and Camp Meriwether are pleased to provide food without the following allergens upon request in advance:

Peanuts
Tree Nuts
Shellfish
Fish
Wheat
Milk
Eggs

If you have questions regarding multiple allergen-free foods or allergens not listed, please contact the Camp Registration team at camp@gsgatl.org. They will put you in touch with the Camp Director to make sure we can accommodate your camper prior to registration. Overnight camps are unable to accept food from caregivers to prepare for campers while at camp.

Q: What are the check-in and check-out times?

A: Sleepaway campers
Camp Meriwether:
Check-in: Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Check-out: Friday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Camp Misty Mountain:
Check-in: Sunday from 1 p.m. - 3 p.m.
Check-out: Friday from 2 p.m. - 4 p.m.

If you need to arrive later then the scheduled time, please contact the Camp Director directly prior to the start of the camp session and let them know what time you will be arriving. Because camp staff are preparing for your camper, early check-in is not available. If you need to pick up your camper prior to the stated check-out time, let the director team know when at check in. There is no late check-out option for sleepaway camp.

A: Day Campers
Check-in daily from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Check out daily from 4:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.

After Care should be selected if your camper cannot be picked up by 5:15 p.m. After Care can be provided until 6 p.m. for $50 per week.

Q: Can my camper have a buddy at camp?

A: Campers are welcome to sign up for camp with a friend or two who are within one grade of each other and interested in the same session and program of camp. If camp buddies are different grades such as 5th and 6th grade (crosses a Girl Scout age level) they will be placed in the younger camper’s age group/living group.

Many campers come to camp without a buddy. Camp is a wonderful place to make new friends. Our annual outcome survey of campers tells us that 99% make new friends at camp.

If your camper would like to be placed with a buddy, you must request that during the registration process.