Summer Camp | Girl Scouts Heart of the South
side menu icon

Summer Camp

Branch 1

Important Video Announcement About Summer Camp 2020

It is with an abundance of caution and a heavy heart that we cancel our summer resident camp programs at Kamp Kiwani and Camp Tik-A-Witha.

We want you to know that safety of our campers and staff will always be our TOP priority.

Those who have already registered for Girl Scout camps will receive a full refund, including deposits.

We know girls will miss the fun, laughter and memories of summer camp, and that is why we have created Camp Crates: Summer Camp Experiences. These special boxes can be delivered to your door and contain activities, traditions and fun ready for you to experience, plus you can join some of your favorite counselors online for guided activities, games and sing-a-longs. Girl Scouts Heart of the South members can also use their Passport Bucks to purchase their Camp Crates. 

This was a difficult decision to make, but we can stay connected over the summer through Girl Scout Digital Experiences, Camp Crates and Girl Scouts at Home. Thank you for your continued support and connection to Girl Scouts. Stay safe until we see you again.

 

Summer Camp Cancellation FAQ's

Why are you making the decision to cancel camp so early? In addition to the reasons outlined in our communication, which are above all, safety, followed by the expenditure of human and financial resources, we also want to be sensitive to family scheduling and give families adequate time to make alternative plans or arrangements for the time their child/children were expected to be at camp. We are also aware that for many, the current situation is affecting families financially. We do not want families concerned with the potential financial obligation that paying for camp, or the deposit already paid, may bring. 

How quickly will I receive a refund for my child’s camp registration deposit and/or fees?  We will begin processing refunds on May 4, although it may take 7-10 business days for you to see the refund. If you haven’t received a refund by May 18, please contact info@girlscoutshs.org.  

Refunds for those currently registered for summer camp will be automatically processed. Online payments will be refunded to the original form of payment. Cash or check payments will receive a refund check issued by the council.

Camp Tik-A-Witha sessions are not until later in the summer, couldn’t those still happen?  Even though Camp Tik-A-Witha sessions are later, and distancing restrictions may be relaxed, we still face the same uncertainties with when restrictions will be lifted, and the same planning and hiring issues that apply to all camp sessions. 

What can my girl/troop do with the Passport Bucks they earned last year that are expiring on September 18, 2020?  We understand that girls who are members of Girl Scouts Heart of the South often use their Passport Bucks to fully or partially pay for camp, so we are extending the expiration date to September 10, 2021. This will allow girls and troops more time to use their Passport Bucks for memberships before September 30, 2020, program fees, camp 2021 and retail, and the newly released Camp Crates.

If there is no summer camp, will troops and service units be able to reserve the properties? As previously announced, all Girl Scouts Heart of the South properties remain closed to the public at this time. When we know it is safe to re-open our properties, we will let our members know and will communicate any changes to our normal property reservation procedures.

Can I use my camp deposit to purchase Camp Crates? All girls that have registered for summer camp 2020 will have camp balances and deposits refunded. To order Camp Crates, please check out the link here https://girlscoutshs.wufoo.com/forms/qmn3dsm1bqocjk/.

Branch 2

Camp is a magical experience... an opportunity to truly escape and focus on building courage, confidence and character. Build a campfire, pitch a tent or canoe across a lake. Explore the outdoors on horseback, complete a challenge course and shoot a bulls-eye in archery.

Attending camp is consistently cited as girls’ favorite memories of their Girl Scout years.

By sending your girl to camp, she will develop leadership and outdoor skills and develop a deep appreciation for our natural world. Girl Scout camp gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore and have fun under the guidance of caring, trained adults.

The Girl Scout Research Institute recently partnered with the American Camp Association for a survey that provide compelling evidence that Girl Scout camp sets girls up for a lifetime of success!  Read the Summary!

Branch 1
home_64

Summer Camp Open House

Check out camp before your sleepaway camp adventure! Poke your head in a tent, test out the beds, play games, explore camp, and make a s’more.

Meet some summer camp staff members, and ask any questions that you may have about resident camp.

CAMP TIK-A-WITHA:  Stay tuned for Open House Dates in 2021

KAMP KIWANI:  Stay tuned for Open House Dates in 2021

Branch 2
Cookies on Tap Horizontal
Girl Scout Product Sales

Girls can earn "Passport Bucks" in both the Fall Product Program and the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Rewards are cumulative so your girl can really rack up on "Bucks" to help pay for summer camp.

Early Bird

Register in the month of February and save $10 off your camp session fee.

Sister Plan

This plan may be used for sisters that are attending camp. The older girl in the family pays the full cost. Each additional girl will receive a $10 discount. The $50 registration fee is required for each registration.

Bring Some Save Some

For returning campers who want to save $10 on their total balance, they can do so by bringing a first-time camper to this year’s program! The $50 registration fee is required for each registration.

Come Again & Save

Girls attending more than one session receive a $20 discount for each additional session. The first session will be at the full advertised rate and each additional session will receive a $20 discount. The $50 registration fee is required for each session.

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to members of Girl Scouts Heart of the South who were registered by December 1 each year prior to the upcoming summer. Girls that were not members by this date can apply and may be considered. All applications are confidential and cannot be considered until the $50 camp registration fee is received.

“No Shows” from the previous year are not eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Financial Assistance applications are due by May 1 annually. Applicants will be notified of the amount, if any, awarded before attending camp.

You should receive a confirmation on financial aid by May 15.

APPLY NOW

Scholarships
Branch 1
ACA LOGO

Both Camp Tik-A-Witha and Kamp Kiwani are American Camp Association accredited! This means that we undergo a thorough (up to 300 standards) review of our operations — from staff qualifications and training to emergency management by the American Camp Assocation (ACA). The ACA collaborates with experts from the American Academy of Pediatrics, the American Red Cross, and other youth-serving agencies to assure that current practices at our camps reflect the most up-to-date, research-based standards in camp operation.

Paddles 600

Girl Scout Camp is not only about gaining outdoor skills and friendships - it’s about helping girls discover who they are and exploring the world around them. At camp, girls realize that anything is possible…and that their next great adventure is just around the corner.

Whether they go for a day, a week, or longer, Girl Scout Camp gives girls entering grades 1 -12 an opportunity to grow, explore, and have fun in a safe environment under the guidance of caring, trained adults. Every girl deserves a chance to camp, and Girl Scout camp programs are open to ALL girls!

Girl Scouts Heart of the South offers several great camp opportunities to choose from ranging from overnight to two weeks, bringing your mom or coming with your troop. 

We also have programs for groups of girls, families, troops, and adults.  

BUNK HOUSE TAW
paper-box_64

Camp Forms

Camper Required Forms

The following forms are required to attend camp. Campers should bring the following three forms to camp with them.

Physical examinations are not required; however, we do require campers to fill out a Camper Health Form with a parent’s signature every year.

Camper Health Forms should be brought with you to camp.

The Camper Conduct Contract shoudl be reviewed with your girl prior to arriving at camp. Please have both you and your girl sign the contract and bring it with you to camp.

Parents or gaurdians need to read and sign the Camper Permission Form. The signed from needs to be submit upon arrival at camp.

You can also find answers, information and forms in the Summer Camp Success Guide.

Camper Health Form

Physical examinations are not required; however, we do require campers to fill out a Camper Health Form with a parent’s signature every year.

Camper Health Forms should be brought with you to camp.

Financial Assistance & Scholarships

Financial Assistance

Financial assistance is available to members of Girl Scouts Heart of the South who were registered by December 1 each year prior to the upcoming summer. Girls that were not members by this date can apply and may be considered. All applications are confidential and cannot be considered until the $50 camp registration fee is received.

“No Shows” from the previous year are not eligible to apply for financial assistance.

Financial Assistance applications are due by May 1 annually. Applicants will be notified of the amount, if any, awarded before attending camp.

APPLY NOW

Scholarships

Counselor In Training and Wrangler In Training Scholarship Application

Mary Elizabeth Williams Summer Camp Scholarship (Lee County, MS)

Camp FAQs

How do I register my girl for camp?
Camp registration opens online at 10 a.m. of February 3, 2020 at
www.girlscoutshs.org/camp. We encourage you to register as early as possible to ensure your girl gets the session she wants.

A $50 deposit is required to register your girl with the final payment being made no later than two weeks prior to session start date.

If your girl is planning on using Passport Bucks from the Fall Product or Girl Scout Cookie Program, register her as soon as possible and pay the $50 deposit. Pathway Bucks cannot be used to pay the deposit. Once she has completed the Cookie Program and received her Pathway Bucks she can apply them towards her final balance.

My camper’s program is full; what should I do?
If you call us, we can add you to a waitlist. Unfortunately, very few waitlisted campers make it onto the roster, so please consider signing up for a second choice if your first choice is full.

Is financial assistance available?
Yes! Financial assistance (“Campership”) is available only to members of Girl Scouts Heart of the South who were active members as of December 1, 2019. Please call 800.624.4185 to request an application.

Girls are also able to participate in the Girl Scout Cookie Program and select Passport Bucks as part of their rewards to apply towards the cost of camp. Ask your troop leader for more information.

Is there a confirmation packet or packing list?
Everything you need to know is included in the “Summer Camp Success Guide” that will be mailed to you upon registration. You’ll find packing lists, forms that you will need to fill out, check-in and check-out times, and more valuable information about camp.

Can campers stay with a sister or friend?
Yes! If girls are registering for the same program, they can request one other girl as a buddy. Every effort is made to honor this request.

Will my daughter earn badges while at camp?
Some sessions will have Girl Scouts earning badges this summer, others will have them checking off requirements towards earning them. Please see session descriptions for details. A list of requirements met will be sent home with your daughter.


Will my daughter need money while at camp?
Meals and snacks are included in the session cost. Campers can purchase t-shirts, souvenirs, stamps, etc., from the trading post. Money is collected when the girls check in at camp. Any unused money will be returned at the end of the session.

Are cell phones, tablets or laptops allowed?
No. Camp gives girls the opportunity to unplug and be present in their experience.

New this year is a pilot program for girls entering grades 7-12. Girls' cell phones will be collected and placed in protective pouches at the beginning of the camp session. Girls will be able to use their phones daily during designated times. There will be a minimal usage fee for the week.

How can I communicate with my daughter while at camp?
We highly encourage parents, siblings and family to write to their campers either electronically or by mail.

How to email your camper: camps@girlscoutshs.org
Include the camper’s name and unit name in the subject line.

How to write to your camper:
Camp Tik-A-Witha               Kamp Kiwani
P.O.Box 126                           1880 Sandy Springs Lane
Van Vleet, MS 38877          Middleton, TN 38052
Camper’s Name                  Camper’s Name
Unit Name                             Unit Name

My camper has special needs. Will she be successful at camp?
Many girls find that camp is a place where they are not judged for their differences, but embraced for their unique skills and traits. Girls do need to have a certain level of independence to attend some camp sessions.

For campers that may need assistance, the Elizabeth Gwin Special Session is able to accommodate both girls and boys with special needs. There is a separate application process for this session online at www.girlscoutshs.org/egsession.

If you have any questions, please contact Emilie Hutcheson, Director of Outdoor Leadership Experience at customercareweb@girlscoutshs.org, or 800.624.4185.

Do we need to get a physical exam?
No. Physical examinations are not required; however, we do require campers to fill out a Camper Health Form with a parent’s signature every year. 

When is final payment due?
Final payment for resident camps is due  two-weeks prior to session start date.

What if we need to cancel?
Please let us know as soon as possible if your girl is unable to attend her session. Refunds, minus the deposit, will be given only in case of camper illness, or death in the family. Documentation will need to be provided. Refunds will not be given after the start of the session.

Branch 1

Typical Camp Schedule

calendar_64

Here is what a typical day of camp looks like!
Activities may change based upon the session your girl is attending, weather and other factors.      

  • Rise and shine
    Flag ceremony & announcements
    Breakfast
    Themed activities
    Camp kapers
    Lunch
    Siesta
    Snacks
    General activities
    Flag ceremony
    Dinner
    Free choice or all-camp activity
    Get ready for bed (time varies by age group)

  • 7 A.M.            
    8 A.M.          
    8:15 A.M.      
    9 A.M.            
    Noon      
    12:30 P.M.     
    1:30 P.M.       
    2 P.M.           
    2:30 P.M.      
    5:50 P.M.     
    6 P.M.         
    7 P.M.          
    8:30 - 10 P.M.         

We also keep things fun each day with Daily Themes! Check back soon for our 2021 Daily Camp Themes!

Branch 2
muffin_64

Camp Menus

What's to eat?
Meals at camp are kid-friendly and healthy. We prepare many dishes from scratch, which allows us to accommodate most common allergies and dietary restrictions. Most meals are served family-style in the camp dining hall.

Campers also enjoy campfire cookouts, where they’ll get to help plan and prepare the meals.

Typical meals include tacos, sandwich wraps, sloppy joes, and cheese quesadillas with tomato soup.

If you’re a picky eater, we’ve got you covered!

There’s always a salad bar and sandwich station available.

If your girl has a food allergy please let us know so we can ensure her meals are prepared properly.

Check out what's on the menu:

Kamp Kiwani
WEEK 1
WEEK 1
Camp Tik-A-Witha
WEEK 1
WEEK 1
Branch 1
Tent

Join Our Tribe!
We're searching for girls who LOVE summer camp, love talking about camp and love meeting new people. If you've attended Camp Tik-A-Witha or Kamp Kiwani, are 13-years or older, loving talking in public, and want to share the fun of camp, we want to talk with you! >>>Learn more.

bow-arrow_32

Summer Camp Staff
Looking for an amazing job this summer? Apply to be on our summer camp staff! We are looking for outstanding and awesome women to give our campers a terrific summer! Must love campfires, singing and s'mores. APPLY NOW!