Frequently Asked Questions
What if my daughter is home sick? Can she come home?
Please include your daughter in the decision-making process so that she is aware of the length of stay. Your daughter’s answers to the “Are you ready for camp? ” quiz is a good indication as to whether she is ready to be away from home. Do not promise her she can come home early if she does not like camp the first couple of days. We will work with your daughter and contact you when appropriate
What if I need to pick up my daughter early?
Let the Registrars Office and camp personnel know of any scheduling conflicts that differ from the designated Check in and Check out times. You will need to complete the Early Camper Release Form which is available at the front desk during camp Check in. Complete the form and leave a copy with the camp director or assistant camp director.
How can I contact my daughter at camp?
Girls love to receive mail from home while they are at camp. In addition to mailing letters and/or packages, parents may leave letters with the camp staff at check in, to be delivered throughout the week. Parents may now e-mail their daughters, as well. (More details will be sent in your confirmation letter.) Mail and e-mail is distributed to the girls once a day - usually after lunch.
In case of an emergency, please call the camp office.
I’d like to know more about the staff supervising my child:
All staff are a minimum of 18 years of age or they are 17-year-old Girl Scouts who have successfully completed the national Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program. All employed staff have passed a criminal background check, and have demonstrated the high moral characteristics we seek of our counselors. Our camp counselors are usually home grown Girl Scouts who have many years experience in programs offered by San Jacinto Council or are from local universities. We also employ international exchange counselors who possess the skills and expertise required for the positions at camp. Counselors are required to have a face-to-face or phone interview (depending on location) with the camp director or program manager while international camp counselors complete a thorough face-to-face interview by International Exchange Agencies. Only female staff are permitted to supervise girls in living quarters and any male staff may only perform duties in areas of program, kitchen, or maintenance. Staff receive on-site trainings and orientations and possess certifications (or relevant experience) related to their jobs (for example, archery instructor has received training and certification by a nationally accredited Archery Association.)
What are the campers going to eat?
All resident camp meals and the daily menu are prepared by a professional food service company that employs personnel who have passed criminal background checks and completed mandatory training in food handling, preparation, and service. A wide range of nutritionally balanced, kid friendly meals are prepared, and the camper has her choice of meals from that day’s menu. There is a full salad bar (available during lunch and dinner) and fruit bar at each meal offering items such as watermelon, apples, bananas, grapes, and strawberries. Campers have a choice of several hot or cold items during breakfast and should a camper still be hungry, seconds are available after everyone has eaten. Water is available at every meal and a variety of fruit punches, milk, and juice are served with the appropriate meal. Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are also available. Should your camper have special nutritional requirements, please notify Council upon registration.
What safety precautions has the Council taken with regard to the resident camp program?
Safety has always been and will continue to be our top priority. Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council is committed to promoting the health, safety, security, and overall well being of all those attending our camps. Our resident camps are accredited by the American Camp Association, a nationally recognized standards leader in the camping industry. Our camps meet standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA as well as local and state regulations. Our program provides a safe environment under the supervision and guidance of trained caring adults.
In addition, each program maintains a girl to adult ratio appropriate to the girl’s age:
- Brownie Girl Scouts: 6 girls per adult
- Junior Girl Scouts: 8 girls per adult
- Cadette/Senior Girl Scouts: 10 girls per adult
Certified Lifeguards or Water Safety Instructors supervise all swimming/ boating activities at camp.
Prior to the commencement of camp, the local hospitals, fire department, police department, and emergency medical service are contacted notifying them of our presence at camp for the duration of the summer.
If you have additional questions, please contact Kathy Elliott at (713) 292-0300 or kelliott@sjgs.org.
