Registration now open for Girl Scouts of Central Illinois summer camps

Swimming, horseback riding, archery, sailing among many summer activities for girls

Non-Girl Scouts welcome to attend camp

[March 25, 2014]  SPRINGFIELD — Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is now accepting registrations for a variety of summer camps and activities at four regional camps in central Illinois. Girls in grades one through 12 have the opportunity to spend their summer horseback riding, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, swimming, backpacking and camping, among other activities. Camp is one of several pathways through which girls can develop their inherent leadership skills in Girl Scouts, as they experience independence, develop new skills and learn to live in harmony with the environment.

The camps are open to all girls, including non-Girl Scouts. Financial assistance is available. The deadline for registration is two weeks prior to each session. Camp sessions start as early as June 6.

"Camp provides an opportunity for girls of all ages and skill levels with a wide range of interests with something exceptional to do this summer," said Girl Scouts of Central Illinois CEO Pam Kovacevich. "The experiences we provide during these camps are designed to develop leadership and independence as well as create lifelong friendships and memories."

Camp sessions are available at four regional camps: Camp Peairs in Hudson, on Lake Bloomington; Camp Kiwanis in Mahomet, adjacent to Lake of the Woods Forest Preserve and bordered by the Sangamon River; Camp Tapawingo in Metamora; and Camp Widjiwagan on Lake Springfield. All sites are accredited by the American Camping Association. Resident and day camps are offered.

Resident camp is a camping experience in which campers live at camp, typically for a week. Girls sleep in platform tents with other girls and enjoy a variety of outdoor activities during their stay. Campers can go horseback riding, boating, canoeing and hiking, enjoy archery and arts and crafts, and take on a challenge course. They may attend as individual campers or go with a buddy. The girls and their counselors plan activities and take advantage of the many resources available at camp.

Mini resident camps are a great way to try out residential camp and gain the experience of staying away from home while having new and exciting adventures, usually for three days. Activities include exploring the outdoors, going on scavenger hunts, making hands-on crafts, writing fiction, swimming, hiking, boating, and working on puzzle and riddle challenges.

Day camp is camping by the day. Girls may attend day camp as individual campers or go with buddies. The girls and staff plan and carry out activities. Day camp is at the Girl Scout camps as well as in council communities with council-trained staff.

For more information, the activity guide or to register (PDF) for camp, visit www.getyourgirlpower.org.

[Text from file received from Girl Scouts of Central Illinois]