FAQs and Testimonials
GSCNC has done a wonderful staff, volunteers and camp counselors have put forth great efforts to ensure that girls have a wonderful camp experience. We were not sure if our daughter was ready to spend time away from home as this was her first away camping experience without her troop. Her stories reflect the commitment and values that have been a part of GSCNC for years. We will return next year!!!!
How do I know if my daughter is ready for sleep-away camp?
Has she indicated a desire to go to sleep-away camp? How much persuasion is needed from you? Has she been away from home for more than one night without family members? Can she take care of her personal belongings? Can she take care of her own personal hygiene needs like brushing her hair and teeth? Does she enjoy making new friends?
Her medical needs require a positive and supportive environment and the Girl Scouts have very successfully provided that.
Who are the camp staff?
All staff are carefully selected from applicants throughout the United States and around the world and are chosen for their maturity, program skills and experience with children. All staff members participate in an intensive pre-camp training and on-going training throughout the summer. Staff members are at least 18 years of age or high school graduates. Background checks are conducted on all on-site staff.
She loved the caving experience because that was new and particularly exciting. When I pulled out the incredibly muddy clothes and shoes she wore, I thought, this is the kind of thing I send my kid to camp for... adventure, getting very dirty climbing and sliding... stuff she doesn't have a chance to do at home.
What are the living arrangements like?
Living units accommodate 12-24 campers and consist of a unit house or shelter, latrines, washstand, fire circle, and screened glen shelters or platform tents. Each tent or glen shelter contains cots with mattresses and mosquito netting and small nightstands for 4-6 girls. Four counselors are housed in a separate shelter in the unit. The units do not have electricity. At night, the campers use their personal flashlights to find their way and lanterns mark the location of the latrine, washstand, and staff shelter.
Girls are assigned to living units by age and program requests. They may share a tent or shelter with one friend as long as they are signed up as buddies for the same program and session. You can learn more about this in the camp brochure!
When I asked her how she did without TV, her response was "I didn't have a chance to think about it."
What will she eat while she is there?
Food service professionals prepare all meals, except for cookouts. Campers are given an opportunity to plan a menu and cook outdoors or have a picnic at least once during their stay. Our Food Service staff can meet most special dietary needs. Vegetarian alternatives are available at every meal.
Of course I was a worried mom so I called the camp to check in. Each person was attentive to my questions, professional, and cheerful. They took the time to counsel a worried mom. I really appreciate how easy it was to call and get a response.