The Peru Gazette

ALBANY, N.Y. – Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY) has opened its 2024 summer camp registration for all three of its American Camp Association Accredited camps – Camp Is-Sho-Da in East Greenbush, Hidden Lake Camp in Lake George and Lake Clear Camp in Lake Clear near Saranac Lake.

GSNENY camps are a community shaped by the physical and outdoor spaces in which they take place, the team-building nature of their activities, and the welcoming environment GSNENY strives to create. While at camp, campers will be immersed in an environment that encourages personal responsibility, takes place in nature, is “unplugged” and focuses on being present, provides opportunities for self-exploration, relies on teamwork, and is respectful and inclusive.

“Girl Scout camp is one of the most positive and impactful programs for girls that we – or anyone — offer. Girls have an opportunity to try new things, to be outdoors and away from their electronic devices, to build long-lasting relationships, and to learn to take risks,” said GSNENY CEO Brenda Episcopo.

Campers can expect to go hiking, swimming, boating, trying their hand at high and low-ropes courses, participating in archery, making arts and crafts, nature study, and more. Campers will also be able to participate in themed weeks like camp chefs, where campers will explore a range of camp cooking techniques using pie irons, Dutch ovens, box ovens, and more to prepare camp snacks and take part in a “Chopped” style cooking challenge or a week like Midnight Mischief where campers can participate in nocturnal adventures as they explore the wilderness under the moonlit sky, engage in a variety of moonlit games and challenges, stargaze and hear campfire stories.

GSNENY will also offer two leadership training programs during camp, Counselor-In-Training (CIT) and Waterfront-In-Training. CIT is tailored for Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts who are ready to embrace leadership while enjoying the camp experience. Broken down into two parts, CIT I offers Seniors the perfect blend of growth and fun, empowering them to become confident and capable leaders. At the same time, CIT II provides Ambassadors with advanced leadership skills to master the art of camp program planning and prepares them for a role as a camp counselor. Waterfront-In-Training is a weeklong program for Girl Scouts who want to become skilled lifeguards or camp waterfront staff. This course covers essential water rescue skills, First Aid and CPR certifications, water safety, and lifeguard ethics in accordance with the American Red Cross standards. All participants who wish to participate in the Waterfront-In-Training program must be at least 15 years old by the end of the camp week.

Some new opportunities at camp this year include Troop Camping at Hidden Lake Camp, where Girl Scout troops come to camp when it is staffed so that leaders who may be new to camping don’t need to worry about food and outdoor activities; and Family Camping at Lake Clear where whole families, providing they include at least one Girl Scout member, can camp together at Lake Clear with staff also providing meals and activities.

Camp Is-Sho-Da (day camp) will run for six weeks, from July 8 through August 16. Hidden Lake Camp runs weekly sessions (both overnight and day camps) from July 7 through July 30. Lake Clear Camp will run weekly sessions (both overnight and day camps) from August 4 through August 20. Day Camp transportation is available for Camp Is-Sho-Da.

Children who turned five years old by December 1, 2023, are eligible for Day Camp this summer, and GSNENY has camps that serve all ages through high school graduation. Camps include a variety of Day Camp and Overnight options, including mini camps that are only a few days for kids who are trying camp for the first time. To register for camp, visit https://www.girlscoutsneny.org/en/camp—properties/summer-camp.html. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required to secure camp registration, which closes two weeks before the start of each session. GSNENY offers financial aid to registered Girl Scouts in the Council who have a financial need. Those who need can apply for funding to cover the cost of camp fees, busing, overnights, and early/late care. To learn more about financial aid, email customercare@girlscoutsneny.org or apply here.