Camping is a great way to build new skills, make new friends, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether girls go for a day, a week or longer, Girl Scout camping gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun. Every girl should have a chance to camp!
Types of Camping
Resident Camping
- One of the most well-known Girl Scout camp experiences.
- Campers live at an established site for a period of several days.
- Girls and their counselors/leaders enjoy activities that take advantage of resources available at the camp.
- The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians offers resident camp at select locations during the summer months of June, July and August.
Troop/Group Camping
- A camping experience of 24 or more consecutive hours.
- Often takes advantage of council-owned/established camp sites.
- A group of girls and their advisors/leaders usually plan and carry out this type of camping.
- The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians offers summer troop/group camping year-round by registration at select camp sites.
- Girls and their leaders may also camp at council-approved sites around the region. Call your service center for more information.
Day Camping
- A favorite with Girl Scouts who want to experience camp in shorter sessions.
- Girls participate in activities for a day.
- Girls may register as individual campers or go with buddies.
- A day camp event may be at a council-owned site or a site contracted by the council.
Weekend Camping
- A camping experience of 24 or more consecutive hours over a weekend
- Planned and carried out by a group of girls and their advisors/leaders using council-approved sites.
- The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians also offers unique council-planned weekend camping at select locations during the summer months of June, July and August.
Travel Camping/Trip Camping
- A camping experience planned and carried out by a group of experienced participants and their advisors or staff.
- Group leaders or staff have taken Troop Camp I and II before traveling.
- Travel/trip campers may camp at established camping sites.
- Travel camping usually involved motorized transportation
- Trip camping usually involves self or animal-assisted transportation, i.e., walking or riding horseback.
Minimal Impact Camping
- A method that encourages each person to leave no trace of their outdoor or camping experience.
- Covers everything from the planning stages to the outdoor experience itself.
- The concept of minimal impact can apply to any outdoor activity or camping environment.
Camping and Safety
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians is committed to establishing a camping experience that will protect and maintain the well-being of every Girl Scout by providing Program Standards and safety guidelines for camping activities.
Girl Scout of the Southern Appalachians is also affiliated with the American Camp Association (ACA), a private, nonprofit educational organization that provides members with educational and accreditation services. An ACA accreditation indicates that a camp has met ACA standards.
The Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians meets Girl Scout standards as well as national and state standards set by law.
