7 Things You May Not Know About Girl Scout Summer Camp

It’s almost Girl Scout summer camp season, which means exciting days of screen-free adventure, fun, and friendship-making are just around the corner. Whether your girl has been camping with us for years or you’re wondering if she’s ready, here’s your insider guide to some of the best-kept secrets of our Georgia summer camps!

We’re experts in girls, and we use our research and feedback from our biggest fans (the girls!) to shape our programs. It’s no wonder that 99% of girls say our camps are fun and they look forward to returning.

For an overview of all our camps and sessions, visit GirlScoutSummer.com and download our summer guide here. Don’t forget to watch our camp video to hear directly from the girls!

1. First-Time Camper? Try Camp at Her Own Pace

Mini Sessions Ease First-Time Jitters

Our day and overnight camps for girls are designed to build confidence step by step. If your Girl Scout is curious about overnight camp but isn’t quite ready for a whole week away, we’ve got options designed just for her.

At our day camp, Camp Timber Ridge, girls in rising 2nd-8th grade can start with day camp Monday through Friday and enjoy an optional Thursday overnight in a cabin or tent during select weeks. At camp, she'll make friends and get to know the camp and the counselors before testing the overnight waters. It’s a reassuring process that many families of first-time campers choose.

Or, try a 4 day, 3-night classic mini camp mini camp at Camp Meriwether or Camp Misty Mountain, where she’ll experience swimming, crafts, and even horses all in a shorter, confidence-building stay. Mini camps are the perfect first step for new campers, but they fill up fast, so act quickly.

2. Girl Scout Camp is for Creators, Coders, and Culinary Adventurers

It’s not just hiking and canoes

Is your Girl Scout more into science or arts and crafts than she is hiking or challenge courses? While we believe in the power of fresh air and sunshine, we also know some girls want to balance that time with other activities, such as STEM-focused day camps, ceramics, culinary arts, or even global dance classes. At Girl Scout summer camp, girls can enjoy hands-on experiments in coding, engineering, and robotics.

Or maybe she’s interested in developing her culinary skills or learning the craft of ceramics at one of our overnight camps. Whether she builds a pint-size moon land rover or gets moving with global dance styles, she’ll explore various indoor interests while still having the opportunity to join her new friends in outdoor pursuits.

Check out all the offerings in our summer camp guide.

3. Financial Aid Makes Camp Accessible

We believe Girl Scout summer camp is for every girl

Balancing a family budget is a fact of life, but don’t let that stop you from considering Girl Scout summer camp. Thanks to generous donors and partners, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta offers significant financial assistance to help families make camp happen.

In 2024, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta provided more than $25,000 towards camp scholarships.

While full funding isn’t guaranteed, many families find support is available. Our team is happy to walk you through the application process and answer all your questions. Apply for assistance here or reach out to our camp staff with questions.

4. Horseback Riding Camps for Girls? Of Course!

Saddle up for unforgettable experiences

Did you know we offer equestrian camps? Two of our Girl Scout camps, Camp Meriwether and Camp Misty Mountain have immersive horseback riding programs. Whether she’s just getting started or already a confident rider, there’s a place in the saddle for every level.

Girls can learn English or Western riding styles, spend time caring for horses, and, for older campers, even join the Wrangler in Training program to advance their skills while spending most of their day at the barn. What more could a horse-loving teen ask for? Check out our blog Horsing Around at Girl Scout Camp for more information on all things horses.

5. Leadership Camps for Teen Girls

Programs for Older Girls to Grow and Lead

Rising 10th through 12th graders looking to hone their leadership skills this summer, camp becomes more than fun—it becomes an opportunity to gain self-confidence at our day camps and sleepaway camps. The Counselor in Training (CIT) program allows teens to develop skills in a supportive environment while still enjoying the full range of camp offerings with their friends. For those with a passion for horseback riding, they can participate in the Wrangler in Training (WIT) program or the Counselor in Training Program with Horses program.

For girls in 8th and 9th grade looking to inspire their peers, our Future Leaders in Training (FLIT) gives them their first taste of camp leadership.

They’ll shadow camp staff, assist younger and first-time campers with activities, and build confidence lasting far beyond summer. Many of our CITs return as paid counselors after high school graduation.

6. She Can Bring a Friend to Camp

No Previous Girl Scout Experience Required

While Girl Scouts easily make new friends at camp, sometimes bringing along a bestie or family member like a sister or cousin is even more reassuring. These buddies can be members of your girl’s troop or Service Unit, but did you know your Girl Scout can bring a non-member friend from school, the neighborhood, or even a different city? It is a great way to try camp together and build lifelong memories side by side.

Is the friend not a current Girl Scout? Not a problem. Non-members can join with a $25 membership fee before registering for the same session. Age restrictions may apply.

7. Safety, Support & Smiles: Your Girl Is Our Priority

Peace of mind for parents and caregivers, every step of the way

Your girl’s well-being is at the heart of everything we do. All our camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA), the gold standard in camp safety.

Here’s what that means for you: All staff undergo thorough background checks and are trained in first aid and/or wilderness first aid, and mental and emotional wellness support.

Counselors ensure that all campers complete a swim check before participating in water activities. Adventure elements, like archery, horseback riding, and challenge courses, follow strict safety guidelines.

Our parent resources page has a wealth of information to answer your questions. We also include information on how to stay connected through emails, care packages, and daily photo updates.

Ready for Camp?

Camp isn’t just a week away from home—it’s a life-changing experience full of growth, confidence, laughter, independence, things girls need now more than ever.

We can’t wait to welcome your Girl Scout camper to a place where they’ll be seen and celebrated at one of our fun, safe, and unforgettable camps in Georgia.