Get Outdoors…In the Dark!

Girls love to be outdoors, but daytime temperatures rise quickly, as we know too well here in the desert. So how can we engage girls outdoors during the summer? 

Consider having a night meeting with Girl Scout skill-building and traditions. Do your girls love to learn about the stars? Would your troop love a Songs “n” S’mores event? Maybe your girls are old enough to learn how to build a campfire, or perhaps they might like to learn some yummy Dutch Oven Recipes. Here are some ideas for you to take the fun outside and under the night sky! 

Safety Tip: Don’t forget, campfire activities require a TCC2 certified adult to be present! 

National S’mores Day – Aug.   10

This classic campfire treat has been popular with Girl Scouts for generations. In 1927, Girl Scouts published a recipe for “Some More” in Tramping and Trailing with the Girl Scouts. Over the years, the recipe name has been shortened to s’more. Check out this 2019 Girl Scout blog for some delicious variation options that you can make with your troop. 

Skits

Skits are a fun form of entertainment that brings laughter. Skits are also a way to teach girls how to be comfortable speaking in front of a group. Girls enjoy watching each other and leaders perform skits. Here are two skits that your troop can do that are sure to brighten your day and make you smile.

Songs

Songs are a wonderful tradition. Many of our Girl Scout songs have been passed down from one Girl Scout generation to another. They bring about a sense of unity when we hear and sing them. Here is a list of 10 favorites for you to learn or share with other Girl Scouts:

  1. Percy the Pale-faced Polar Bear – Percy is one of our all-time favorite repetitive songs! It is easy to memorize and participate in, and girls love the funny hand gestures that go along with this song. Besides, who wouldn’t love a pale-faced polar bear?…GRRR! 
  2. Hermie the Worm – Great to teach younger girls because it is a “repeat after me” song. This song has been one of the go-to songs, and the girls love little Hermie!
  3. Wadiliacha – A fun song of made-up words! The hand motions that go with it add another level of learning to the fun!
  4. The Bear – It isn’t a repetitive song but is interactive and full of storytelling. In short, a blast to sing with your troop. 
  5. Princess Pat – A call and answer song following Princess Pat and her journey sailing with a “rick-a-bamboo!”  
  6. I’m a Little Piece of Tin – A fun tune with motions, and girls can challenge themselves to sing it faster and faster. 
  7. Black Socks – Best sung in rounds. A great way to learn about rounds and fun to teach girls of all ages. 
  8. Jamie Boy – A slower song, this is best when sung in rounds and is great for older girls who love to sing. 
  9. Rose, Hey Ho, Ah Poor Bird – As girls get older, they can learn how to combine songs into rounds. These three songs are a great start! 
  10. On My Honor – This reflection song expresses our purpose as Girl Scouts and is known around the world. 

Don’t forget, the Girl Scout Shop has CDs and songbooks available for purchase. 

Movie Night

Take the movie-watching experience outdoors by setting up a TV in the backyard. You can make the experience more fun by setting up pillow cushions and ask girls to bring snacks and drinks to share. 

Night Hike Fundana

Order these Night Hike Fundanas (bandanas) as a keepsake and guide to a night full of adventures. Challenge your Girl Scouts to complete all the challenges on the bandana, like identifying nocturnal animals and fining the north star!

Labyrinths 101

Labyrinth at Camp Maripai, Prescott

 What is a labyrinth?

Many cultures have used labyrinths as meditation and prayer tools for over 4,000 years. They are recognized as ancient symbols that relate to self-discovery and wholeness. The design of a labyrinth combines both the circle and the spiral into a meandering but purposeful path. The Labyrinth represents a journey to our center and back again into the world. 

Did you know?

Each one of our Girl Scout Camps has at least one labyrinth on the property! Girl Scouts can even contact camp directors to do a service project involving the labyrinths, or they can create one of their own! In addition, several troops from our council, including Troop 151 from Holbrook, AZ, have taken action to design and construct community labyrinths while earning a badge or completing a High Award.  

Labyrinths that are open to the public can be found all over the state as well. Here are some links to help you find one (or several) near you:

Why should I use a labyrinth? 

Having time and space for reflection has many benefits! Whether you walk solo or in a small group, you can use a labyrinth experience to reduce stress, establish a sense of living in the present, and embrace your personal journey. Group labyrinth walks can build a stronger sense of community and deeper relationships because walking together requires a foundation of trust and respect. If you are seeking new ways to emphasize self-awareness, practice decision-making skills, and develop an enhanced connection to our earth and others, you may enjoy visiting a labyrinth.

A Leader’s Labyrinth Story: JoDee Turner

Sometimes I think a labyrinth walk is just what is needed to ground us.

My first time experiencing a labyrinth was very moving for me. I felt like I had the weight of the world on my shoulders and took to the journey of the labyrinth. I was told that I should walk in with the thoughts weighing heavy on my mind and soul, go to the center, leave them there, and then walk the path out with lighter energy. I felt tears roll down my face as I approached the center. I took a moment at the center, left all my worries there, and started back the way I had entered but not as the same person that had entered. I was stunned that something so small as walking the labyrinth could change my life forever. I learned that if I embraced the calm and looked into myself, I would find my path within Girl Scouts and life.

I have experienced labyrinths at three of our camps, plus a retreat. I think out of all my walks, two stand out to me for bringing peace and making my heart warm. Both were night walks and included music.  One was at Willow Springs. It was candlelit, with wooden flutes playing while everyone took on their journey. The only lighting was stars in the sky and the tealights throughout the labyrinth. The music echoed through the trees and wrapped me in a warm blanket. One of my other favorite night walks was at a retreat with my fellow Girl Scouts. We had spent a couple of days deep-diving into Leadership from the Inside Out. We ended one of our sessions with a night walk. All of us bonded together through our experience and shared an even deeper connection. We sang in unison, walked in sync, and wound our way in and out of the labyrinth.  

I have taken these deep connections and tried to share them with my Girl Scouts to experience it too. I am honored that I have the opportunity to help guide our young girls and teach them about the wonders of the labyrinth. I am also excited these young girls are learning and experiencing the outdoors at an early age in this introspective way.

Getting Your Girls Involved – Badge Connections

We invite leaders and families to explore Arizona and find a labyrinth near you. Girl Scouts offers many outdoor badges where you can incorporate a labyrinth into the experience. Girls can use their surroundings to create a labyrinth by including rocks from the region to set the center and to line the borders of their pathways. They can set the mood by listening to their surroundings and embrace nature in their walk, and create miniature ones on the go.

Here are some of the badges you can incorporate labyrinths into:

  • Daisies Use Resources Wisely Petal – Practice being resourceful and design a labyrinth using the materials that girls have available.  While most labyrinths are constructed from local stones, girls can also create a labyrinth utilizing pillows, blankets, and even stuffed animals! This is a great way to encourage creativity with untraditional resources. 
  • Brownie Letterboxing & Hiker Badges – Have fun hiking and hiding a family letterbox near a labyrinth site to encourage more girls to visit the labyrinths located in your area. Find more details on Letterboxing on our council website, including instructions for logging your letterbox location and clues.
  • Junior Gardener Badge – Labyrinths are a traditional feature in garden sites and are a creative way to incorporate hardscape design within a green space.  Explore a local labyrinth in a garden near you and enjoy the opportunity to walk and smell the roses! 
  • Cadette aMAZE Journey – Life is a maze of relationships, and this Journey has girls maneuvering through all its twists and turns to find true friendships, plenty of confidence, and maybe even peace.  Visiting a labyrinth can represent the challenges girls have encountered and provide a safe space for reflection as girls begin, or a symbolic way to celebrate completing the Journey.
  • Senior Outdoor Art Expert Badge – Explore a labyrinth to gather creative inspiration and use the opportunity to also observe and tune into nature all around you. Girls can capture their experience through music, visual arts, or digitally and may also decide to design their labyrinth outdoors. 
  • Ambassador Outdoor Art Master Badge – Teens can bring art and the outdoors together by experiencing a labyrinth.  Together, get inspired by the beauty in nature and the connections made when walking the paths as a group. 

How to Draw a Labyrinth

You can create labyrinths in many ways. For example, you can draw them with chalk outside, on a paper plate (using your finger to “walk” the path), you could mow one (if you have grass), or use molding clay.

Use this guide to help you draw your own!


This blog is written by JoDee Turner and Jenny Sharbaugh. ALC is centered around the principles of Authentic Girl Scout Leadership, formerly known as Leadership from the Inside Out. “We are committed to helping you discover, unlock and develop your leadership superpowers so that you can guide and empower your girls as they grow into leaders themselves.” 

The Benefits of Working at Summer Camp!

Written by Rocky – Shadow Rim Ranch Camp Director/Manager 

Oh, hello there! Thinking about working at one of our four Arizona camp properties? We want to share a few reasons why being a camp staff member could fulfill many of your personal and professional goals. 

Working at camp as a Counselor in Training (CIT) or as camp staff will give you more experience than you realize. Regardless of what career you have ahead, a role at one of our camps offers you an opportunity to develop skills that are sure to make you stand out on all future job applications. 

Who you are:

  • A young adult over 18 years of age
  • An outdoor enthusiast who loves nature and spending time outdoors
  • A leader and team player who communicates well with others
  • Excited to lead campers through weeks of fun, skill-building, and learning

Does this sound like you? Then keep scrolling! 

If you’re considering working at camp, you might be at a pivotal moment in your life. You might have just finished high school or are three years into college. Decisions about how to spend your time are getting harder. You want to make sure you’re investing time in a place that will help you learn different skills and prepare for your career, and other goals – a job at summer camp can support precisely this! 

Just imagine your answers to these interview questions after a summer at camp: 

  • Are you a leader? Yeah, you’ve managed and been a role model for 20 campers at once. 
  • Can you be flexible? Oh yeah, you should have seen when a monsoon came rolling in, and we came up with a Rube Goldberg challenge utilizing only cabin items.
  • How organized are you? Well, you’ve planned eight weeks of session schedules, multiple activities and mapped out the programs themselves. So, very organized!

If that wasn’t convincing enough….here are some other skills and benefits you can experience by joining our team!   

Communication

A huge part of camp is realizing how vital communication skills are! Camp roles will teach you the many ways to communicate. You’ll be communicating with campers, learning to communicate well with the camp leadership team, and engaging with parents. Other counselors, parents, campers, your camp director…everyone will be asking you questions and expecting answers. Your communication skills will flourish during your summer at camp. 

Live and work in the great outdoors

You have a whole life ahead of you to choose a career path. One of the best things you can do for yourself is to take a job where you work and live in the great outdoors. The sunsets, the connection to nature, the shooting stars, the storms…. oh, and did we mention the summer tan? Spend the summer not tied to a desk. 

Camp friends

You’ll be housed with your colleagues for over two months and will bond with them in a way that is different from anywhere else. These friendships will last you a lifetime. The end of summer will be the hardest goodbye you’ve had in a long time. 

Work attire? How does tie-dye sound? 

Camp is outdoors! So, don’t expect to wear slacks! Instead,  how about jeans and a camp t-shirt? Or maybe a tie-dyed camp t-shirt? Best. Dress. Code. Ever. 

New experiences

Camp counselors are trained to do multiple things during the summer. You’ll get First Aid/CPR certification. Next, you could be in archery instructor training or learning to run the zipline! Whatever it is, we can guarantee you’ll get to experience what campers sign up for.  

You will carry a tradition 

The Girl Scout Camp experience is bigger than all of us. Some camp traditions predate all of us. Each camp is unique in its traditions, and you can be someone who shepherds them forward, preserving history for the next round of campers. 

The campers are the best

Working with kids will be the most rewarding job you’ll ever have. You’ll become an older sibling to your campers. You’ll lead them in activities and be a role model. They’ll ask you for advice, tell you funny stories, and sing their hearts out when you start camp songs like “Little Red Wagon.” Best of all, you’ll find it rewarding knowing you’re creating memorable experiences for Girl Scouts. 

New Mindset

Camp has a profound effect on everyone who emerges after their first summer. You’ll be more confident in your abilities, open with communication, and perhaps have a new sense of purpose that follows you out of the gates. Camp opens us up to who we are as people, and you’ll be surprised at how happy that can make you. 


Living and Commuting to Camp

Camp staff working at one of our three Northern Arizona camps (Camp Maripai, Willow Springs, and Shadow Rim Ranch) will reside on-site for the entire camp season, late May through early August. Staff will receive a two-hour daily break, a 24-hour weekly break, and will be provided lodging and meals.

Camp staff working at our Phoenix day-camp (Parsons Leadership Center) have the option to reside at camp or commute daily to the property, providing a flexible opportunity for metro Phoenix candidates. Commuting staff will receive breakfast and lunch, and resident staff will receive lodging and meals. When applying, please specify which option interests you. 

Learn more and apply for our current summer camp positions at one of our four beautiful Girl Scout camp properties located in Phoenix, Prescott, and Payson. 

2020 Summer Camp Registration Opens for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Camps

Registration for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus Pine-Council’s (GSACPC) 2020 summer camp season is now open for its four camp locations: The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain (Phoenix)Camp Maripai (Prescott)Shadow Rim Ranch (Payson) and Willow Springs Program Center (Prescott). Each camp has unique offerings, along with the traditional camp activities, to accommodate the diverse interests of every girl. Yet the purpose of Girl Scout Camp remains the same—to provide girls a safe and supportive place to have fun, make new friends, and take risks, while learning new skills and exploring the outdoors.

“We live in a world of screens – smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. At Girl Scout Summer Camp, girls can get away from it all, experience the outdoors in a safe, all-girl setting while they develop confidence, independence, and outdoor skills that are hard to gain anywhere else,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO for GSACPC. “Skills like building a campfire, pitching a tent and canoeing across a lake. Plus, they’ll try new things, discover their passions and challenge themselves in new ways.”

Studies show that when girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges; develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall; and they become team players and care more about protecting the environment. GSACPC’s all-girl environment gives girls the space to continue to develop a positive self-image, and build courage and confidence by connecting with others and their natural environment.

In addition, girls get to choose how they want to experience camp! At GSACPC, girls get to choose between four different camps, session lengths and the specific camp program and skill they want to learn.

Each of the four camps has a slightly different program focus:

  • The Parsons Leadership Center, Phoenix, an $18 million state-of-the-art urban camp hosting both day camp and overnight sessions. The programs include STEM-related activities, archery, swimming, culinary arts, and field trips. 
  • Camp Maripai, Prescott, offers a traditional camp experience, like archery and canoeing, along with horsemanship programs for beginners through advanced riders. 
  • Shadow Rim Ranch, Payson, offers high adventure such as hiking and canoeing trip & travel sessions, plus outdoor cooking, zip-lining and archery. 
  • Willow Springs, Prescott, emphasizes artistic endeavors like ceramics, fashion and theater, as well as hiking, archery, a ropes challenge course and aviation.

All four camps offer sessions that vary in length, from weekend family camp to overnight camps and three-week-long quests. Summer camp begins the week of May 31 and runs for nine weeks, with the last camp week in late July.

Girl Scouts believe all girls should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. Thanks to generous supporters and the proceeds from their iconic cookie program, the Council offers tiered pricing to choose from, as well as need-based financial assistance. Girls who are not Girl Scouts are invited to register. To sign up, please visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp.

To learn more about Girl Scout Camp, open houses will be held at each camp property. All interested families are invited to visit on the following dates:

  • The Parsons Leadership Center: May 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix
  • Shadow Rim Ranch: May 24, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 530 N. Shadow Rim Rd., Payson
  • Camp Maripai: May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 201 E. Marapai Rd., Prescott
  • Willow Springs: May 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 775 Camp Willow Springs Rd., Prescott

Additional Information

When girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they:

  • Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
  • Become team players and care more about protecting our environment

Studies show that when girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Girls get to experience a world away from home and develop a deep appreciation for nature.
More details at stats from Girl Scout Research Institute: More Than Smores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences (2014)

With so many programs, girls can use the table listed on the bottom of this page to help decide which camp is best for them. Please note that hiking, archery and arts & crafts are staples to every camp.

Types of camp

  • Day Camp – Five Days at Parsons Leadership Center only
    • Girls can attend day camp Monday-Friday with an additional option of adding 1-4 overnights if the camper is ready.
    • Girls can attend day camp and participate in programming like swimming, archery, cooking, outdoor skills, STEM, games, fashion, photography and more! 
    • New this year is a Friday family barbeque for girls and their families. There is also an added after care option for girls who would like to stay later during the weeknights.
  • Resident Camp: Girls can choose the length of their overnight camp experience at our three camps located in northern Arizona (Camp Maripai, Shadow Rim and Willow Springs). They will sleep in cabins or tents (if specified) with girls similar in age. Girls are welcome to experience camp on their own or with a buddy.
    • 3-Day Overnight – 3 Days, 2 Nights
    • 4-Day Overnight – 4 Days, 3 Nights
    • 6-Day Overnight – 6 Days, 5 Nights
    • 8-Day Trip & Travel – 8 Days, 7 Nights
      • For girls grades 9-12, who want to experience camp AND hit the road for the next level of outdoor camping adventure.
    • Leadership – 6 to 24 Days/Nights
      • Older girls who help lead activities for younger girls and groups at camp. These programs help develop skills and experience needed to be a camp counselor. 
  • Troop & Family – 3 Days, 2 Nights
    • Opportunities for Girl Scouts to experience camp with their family members and participate in programming offered by each specific camp.

Sessions fill quickly! Reserve your sport at Girl Scout Summer Camp!

Se Abre la Registración para el Campamento de Verano 2020 de Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine

La registración para los campamentos de verano de 2020 del Concilio de Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine (GSACPC) está abierto para los cuatro campamentos: El Centro de Liderazgo Parsons para Niñas y Mujeres en el Campamento de South Mountain (Phoenix), Camp Maripai (Prescott), Shadow Rim Ranch (Payson) y el Centro de Programa Willow Springs (Prescott). Cada campamento tiene sus propias ofertas, junto con las actividades tradicionales del campamento, para acomodar los diversos intereses de cada niña. Sin embargo, el propósito del campamento de Girl Scout sigue siendo el mismo: proporcionar a las niñas un lugar seguro y de apoyo para divertirse, hacer nuevas amigas y tomar riesgos mientras aprenden nuevas habilidades y exploran al aire libre.

“Vivimos en un mundo de pantallas: celulares, computadoras, televisores y tabletas. En el campamento de verano de Girl Scout, las niñas pueden alejarse de todo, experimentar el aire libre en un ambiente seguro para todas las niñas mientras desarrollan habilidades que son difíciles de obtener en cualquier otro lugar”, dijo Tamara Woodbury, CEO de GSACPC. “Habilidades como construir una fogata, montar una tienda de campaña y pasear una canoa a través de un lago. Además, probarán nuevas actividades, descubrirán sus pasiones y establecerán nuevas metas para ellas mismas.”.

Los estudios muestran que cuando las niñas asisten al Campamento de Girl Scouts, prosperan física, emocional e intelectualmente. Las niñas pueden experimentar un mundo lejos de casa y descubrir que pueden resolver mejor los problemas y superar los desafíos; desarrollar habilidades de liderazgo, construir lazos sociales, y son más felices en general; y se convierten en jugadoras de equipo y se preocupan más por proteger nuestro naturaleza y vida salvaje.

¡Además, las niñas pueden elegir cómo quieren experimentar el campamento! En GSACPC, las niñas pueden elegir entre cuatro campamentos diferentes, el tiempo y duración, además de elegir qué programa de campamento y habilidad quieren experimentar y aprender.

El enfoque del programa en cada uno de los cuatro campamentos es el siguiente:

  • El Centro de Liderazgo Parsons, Phoenix, un campamento moderno de 18 millones de dólares con sesiones para campistas de día y de noche. Los programas incluyen actividades relacionadas con STEM, tiro con arco, natación, artes y artesanías, y paseos. 
  • Camp Maripai, Prescott, ofrece una experiencia de campamento tradicional, como tiro con arco, canoa, artes y artesanías, habilidades al aire libre, junto con programas de equitación para principiantes a través de jinetes avanzados.
  • Shadow Rim Ranch, Payson, ofrece aventuras al aire libre y experiencias como excursiones de senderismo y canoa y sesiones de viajes con mochila, además de cocina al aire libre, tirolina, paddle surf y tiro con arco.
  • Willow Springs, Prescott, enfatiza los esfuerzos artísticos como la cerámica, la moda y el teatro, tambien la pesca, el senderismo, el tiro con arco, un curso de sogas y la aviación.

Los cuatro campamentos ofrecen sesiones que varían en duración, desde campamento familiar de fin de semana y campamento diurno hasta campamentos nocturnos y misiones de tres semanas de duración. El campamento de verano comienza la semana del 31 de mayo y dura nueve semanas, con la última semana del campamento en cada lugar empezando a partir de finales de julio.

Como las Girl Scouts creen que todas las niñas deben tener la oportunidad de experimentar el campamento de verano, la registración ofrece precios escalonados y asistencia financiera. Las niñas que no son Girl Scouts son bienvenidas a registrarse. Para inscribirse, por favor visite http://www.girlscoutsaz.org/campamento.

Para obtener más información sobre Girl Scout Camp, se invita a las familias a asistir a un campamento con Open House donde pueden visitar las áreas de actividad, recorrer las cabañas y conocer a los directores del campamento. Las Open Houses se llevarán a cabo en cada propiedad del campamento en las siguientes fechas:

  • El Centro de Liderazgo de Parsons: 29 de mayo, 5 p.m. a 7 p.m. en 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix
  • Shadow Rim Ranch: 24 de mayo, 12 p.m. a 2 p.m. en 530 N. Shadow Rim Rd., Payson 
  • Camp Maripai: 30 de mayo, 11 a.m. a 3 p.m. en 201 E. Marapai Rd., Prescott
  • Willow Springs Program Center: 30 de mayo, 10 a.m. a 1 p.m. en 775 Camp Willow Springs Rd., Prescott

Información Adicional

Cuando las niñas asisten al Campamento de Girl Scout, ellas:

  • Descubren que pueden resolver mejor los problemas y superar los desafíos
  • Desarrollan habilidades de liderazgo, construyen lazos sociales, y son más felices en general
  • Se convierten en jugadoras de equipo y se preocupan más de proteger nuestro medio ambiente

El ambiente único de solo niñas de GSACPC les da a las niñas el espacio para seguir desarrollando un imagen positivo de sí mismas, desarrollar valor, confianza y carácter conectando con los demás y su entorno natural.

Más detalles y estadísticas de Girl Scout Research Institute: More Than Smores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences (2014)

Una Aventura de Campamento para Cada Niña

Con tantos programas, las niñas pueden usar esta lista para ayudar a decidir qué campamento es el mejor para ellas. El senderismo, el tiro de arco y las artes y artesanías son elementos básicos para todos los campamentos.

Tipos de Campamentos:

  • Campamento de día: Este programa solo dura cinco días en el Centro de Liderazgo de Parsons
    • Las niñas pueden asistir al campamento de día de lunes a viernes con la opción de pasar 1- 4 noches si la campista está lista.
    • ¡Las niñas pueden asistir al campamento de día y participar en la programación como natación, tiro con arco, cocina, habilidades al aire libre, STEM, juegos, moda, fotografía y más!
    • La novedad este año es una parrillada familiar los viernes para las niñas y sus familias. También hay una opción adicional de cuidado posterior para las niñas que desean quedarse más tarde durante las noches de semana.
  • Campamento para residentes: Las niñas pueden elegir la duración de su experiencia de campamento nocturno en nuestros tres campamentos ubicados en el norte de Arizona (Camp Maripai, Shadow Rim y Willow Springs). Dormirán en cabañas o tiendas de campaña (si se especifican) con niñas de edad similar. Las niñas son bienvenidas a experimentar el campamento por su cuenta o con una amiga.
    • Noche de 3 días – 3 días, 2 noches
    • Noche de 4 días – 4 días, 3 noches
    • Noche de 6 días – 6 días, 5 noches
    • Viaje de 8 días – 8 días, 7 noches
      • Para las niñas de grados 9-12, que quieren experimentar el campamento y viajar para el siguiente nivel de aventura de campar al aire libre.
    • Liderazgo – 6 a 24 Días/Noches
      • Niñas mayores que ayudan a dirigir actividades para niñas más jóvenes y grupos en el campamento. Estos programas ayudan a desarrollar las habilidades y la experiencia necesarias para ser consejeras del campamento.
  • Tropa y Familia – 3 Días, 2 Noches
    • Oportunidades para que las Girl Scouts experimenten el campamento con sus familiares y participen en la programación ofrecida por cada campamento específico.

¡Descarga nuestra guía de campamento gratuita!

2020 Summer Camp Registration Opens for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus-Pine Camps

Registration for Girl Scouts–Arizona Cactus Pine-Council’s (GSACPC) 2020 summer camp season is now open for its four camp locations: The Parsons Leadership Center for Girls and Women at Camp South Mountain (Phoenix)Camp Maripai (Prescott)Shadow Rim Ranch (Payson) and Willow Springs Program Center (Prescott). Each camp has unique offerings, along with the traditional camp activities, to accommodate the diverse interests of every girl. Yet the purpose of Girl Scout Camp remains the same—to provide girls a safe and supportive place to have fun, make new friends, and take risks, while learning new skills and exploring the outdoors.

“We live in a world of screens – smartphones, laptops, TVs and tablets. At Girl Scout Summer Camp, girls can get away from it all, experience the outdoors in a safe, all-girl setting while they develop confidence, independence, and outdoor skills that are hard to gain anywhere else,” said Tamara Woodbury, CEO for GSACPC. “Skills like building a campfire, pitching a tent and canoeing across a lake. Plus, they’ll try new things, discover their passions and challenge themselves in new ways.”

Studies show that when girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges; develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall; and they become team players and care more about protecting the environment. GSACPC’s all-girl environment gives girls the space to continue to develop a positive self-image, and build courage and confidence by connecting with others and their natural environment.

In addition, girls get to choose how they want to experience camp! At GSACPC, girls get to choose between four different camps, session lengths and the specific camp program and skill they want to learn.

Each of the four camps has a slightly different program focus:

  • The Parsons Leadership Center, Phoenix, an $18 million state-of-the-art urban camp hosting both day camp and overnight sessions. The programs include STEM-related activities, archery, swimming, culinary arts, and field trips. 
  • Camp Maripai, Prescott, offers a traditional camp experience, like archery and canoeing, along with horsemanship programs for beginners through advanced riders. 
  • Shadow Rim Ranch, Payson, offers high adventure such as hiking and canoeing trip & travel sessions, plus outdoor cooking, zip-lining and archery. 
  • Willow Springs, Prescott, emphasizes artistic endeavors like ceramics, fashion and theater, as well as hiking, archery, a ropes challenge course and aviation.

All four camps offer sessions that vary in length, from weekend family camp to overnight camps and three-week-long quests. Summer camp begins the week of May 31 and runs for nine weeks, with the last camp week in late July.

Girl Scouts believe all girls should have the opportunity to experience summer camp. Thanks to generous supporters and the proceeds from their iconic cookie program, the Council offers tiered pricing to choose from, as well as need-based financial assistance. Girls who are not Girl Scouts are invited to register. To sign up, please visit www.girlscoutsaz.org/camp.

To learn more about Girl Scout Camp, open houses will be held at each camp property. All interested families are invited to visit on the following dates:

  • The Parsons Leadership Center: May 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at 1611 E. Dobbins Rd., Phoenix
  • Shadow Rim Ranch: May 24, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 530 N. Shadow Rim Rd., Payson
  • Camp Maripai: May 30, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 201 E. Marapai Rd., Prescott
  • Willow Springs: May 30, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 775 Camp Willow Springs Rd., Prescott

Additional Information

When girls attend Girl Scout Camp, they:

  • Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
  • Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
  • Become team players and care more about protecting our environment

Studies show that when girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Girls get to experience a world away from home and develop a deep appreciation for nature.
More details at stats from Girl Scout Research Institute: More Than Smores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences (2014)

With so many programs, girls can use the table listed on the bottom of this page to help decide which camp is best for them. Please note that hiking, archery and arts & crafts are staples to every camp.

Types of camp

  • Day Camp – Five Days at Parsons Leadership Center only
    • Girls can attend day camp Monday-Friday with an additional option of adding 1-4 overnights if the camper is ready.
    • Girls can attend day camp and participate in programming like swimming, archery, cooking, outdoor skills, STEM, games, fashion, photography and more! 
    • New this year is a Friday family barbeque for girls and their families. There is also an added after care option for girls who would like to stay later during the weeknights.
  • Resident Camp: Girls can choose the length of their overnight camp experience at our three camps located in northern Arizona (Camp Maripai, Shadow Rim and Willow Springs). They will sleep in cabins or tents (if specified) with girls similar in age. Girls are welcome to experience camp on their own or with a buddy.
    • 3-Day Overnight – 3 Days, 2 Nights
    • 4-Day Overnight – 4 Days, 3 Nights
    • 6-Day Overnight – 6 Days, 5 Nights
    • 8-Day Trip & Travel – 8 Days, 7 Nights
      • For girls grades 9-12, who want to experience camp AND hit the road for the next level of outdoor camping adventure.
    • Leadership – 6 to 24 Days/Nights
      • Older girls who help lead activities for younger girls and groups at camp. These programs help develop skills and experience needed to be a camp counselor. 
  • Troop & Family – 3 Days, 2 Nights
    • Opportunities for Girl Scouts to experience camp with their family members and participate in programming offered by each specific camp.

Sessions fill quickly! Reserve your sport at Girl Scout Summer Camp!