Work Day Volunteers Clean Up Camp Tombigbee

Girls, adults and family members came out on Saturday, January 11, to help clean up Camp Tombigbee in Boligee. Attendees raked leaves, swept out cabins, prepared mattresses for winter storage, cleaned the kitchen area and windows, helped clear the trails and more! Girls enjoyed fellowshipping and working alongside each other outdoors as they shared in the stewardship of our camp.

Girl Scouts Clean Up Camp Anderel During Work Party

Fifty-six girls, adults and family members came out on Saturday, November 23, to help brighten up Camp Anderel in Rogersville. Attendees raked leaves, swept out cabins, prepared mattresses for winter storage, cleaned the kitchen area and windows, helped clear the trails and more! Girls enjoyed fellow-shipping and working alongside each other outdoors as they shared in the stewardship of our camp.

Workers Join Together to Brighten Up Camp Trico

Nearly sixty girls, adults and family members came out on Saturday, October 26, to help clean up Camp Trico in Guntersville. Attendees raked leaves, swept out cabins, prepared mattresses for winter storage, cleaned the kitchen area and windows, helped clear the trails and more! Girls enjoyed working alongside each other outdoors as they shared in the stewardship of our camp.

GSNCA Board of Directors Approves Property Plan Resolution

This morning the board of directors for Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama unanimously voted in favor of a resolution to reconsider the three phase property plan approved in May 2012. The resolution states that no GSNCA camp properties will be sold during the re-evaluation process pending the outcome of a new comprehensive strategic plan that will be developed for the organization. This plan will include obtaining new input from the membership, outside experts and community partners.

“The original intent of the 2012 property plan was to continue offering camping in fewer facilities across the Council's geography while expanding program opportunities and improving standards,” said Rachel Russell, board president.

“Since the plan was unveiled, a number of our membership has raised concerns about the closing and sale of camp properties as detailed in the three phase property plan, and the impact it may have on Girl Scouts as a whole. Many firmly believe that if given the opportunity, they can help GSNCA by raising enough community support to aid in the ongoing operational and capital needs of the camps,” said Russell. “We will continue to include our membership in this new strategic planning process to help garner the best and most creative solutions in determining how we best meet, grow and sustain our Girl Scout outdoor programs for generations to come.” 

To view the entire resolution and other property updates, please follow this link: girlscoutsnca.org/property.

Girl Scouts Sponsor Morgan County Day Camp

Service unit 14 of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is sponsoring Camp Luau! Morgan County Day Camp, an opportunity for girls to experience camp without having to stay overnight. Camp Luau will take place June 6–7 from 9 a.m.–3 p.m. at Sparkman Park.

The cost is $20 for registered Girl Scouts, $32 for non-Girl Scouts and $10 for Tagalongs. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors will serve as day camp aides for $15, and Cadettes have the option of participating as day camp aides for $15, or with younger Girl Scouts at the regular registration prices. Older girls can camp overnight after Luau for an additional $8.

The deadline for registration is May 17, 2013, or when the capacity of 50 campers is reached. For more information, contact Brantley Kirk, community development manager, at bkirk@girlscoutsnca.org or 800-410-8338 x1233.

Girl Scouts Sponsor Madison County Day Camp

Service unit 30 of the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is sponsoring the Madison County Day Camp, an opportunity for girls to experience camp without having to stay overnight. Day camp will take place July 8–12 from 8 a.m.–3:30 p.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation Parish Center in Huntsville.

The cost is $55 for registered Girl Scouts, $67 for non-Girl Scouts, $20 for Tagalongs and $10 for adults. Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors will serve as day camp aides for $30, and Cadettes have the option of participating as day camp aides for $30, or with younger Girl Scouts at the regular registration prices. All prices include a T-shirt, snack, activities, supplies, patch, camp on Friday and dinner. Older girls will have a special activity.

At the end of camp, parents can attend an award ceremony where girls will receive a fun patch.

The deadline for registration is May 29, 2013, or when the capacity of 90 campers is reached.

For more information, contact Brantley Kirk, community development manager, at bkirk@girlscoutsnca.org or 800-410-8338 x1233.

Registration Open for Summer Camp

Summer camp is known for being a place to have fun outdoors, make new friends and create lifelong memories. But what children don’t realize is that summer camp provides so much more. They have five key opportunities at summer camp: encounter new challenges, experience success, develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem and build life skills. 

“Children who attend camp have shown improvements in leadership, peer relations and self-esteem,” said Trish Coghlan, chief executive office for the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama. “Learning involves acquiring behaviors, skills, values and understandings that are not always academic in nature. They participate in activities that offer intentional opportunities to practice decision making and teamwork.”

“Girl Scout camps offer experiences for everyone, regardless if they are Girl Scouts or not,” said Coghlan. “Both camps even offer day camp programs to boys! Day camps are a great alternative to daycare.”

Camp Cottaquilla
Telephone: 256-295-9082 or 800-734-4541 x1902
Address: 2500 Cottaquilla Road, Anniston, AL 36207
Email: bgable@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: girlscoutsnca.org/camprocks
Ages: 5-17. Resident camps for girls only and day camp programs for girls and boys (ages 6-10), members and non-members
Start and End Dates: June 3 – August 2
Price Range: $125-$429 Camp Cottaquilla offers some very unique resident camp programs. Special sessions include a Cupcake Business, Me & My Duct Tape and, a week of Craft Wars or Myth Busters, both inspired by the popular TV show. There are also camps that let you travel to different states! There are even sessions where girls can bring their American Girl ® dolls and do activities with them! Of course, there’s always time for traditional camp activities of swimming, canoeing or archery. To learn what Camp Cottaquilla can offer your child, come to an open house on Saturday, March 16 from 2 to 4 PM. 

Kanawahala Program Center (KPC)
Telephone: 205-678-8843 or 800-734-4541 x1600
Address: 831 Girl Scout Road, Chelsea, AL 35043
Email: jking@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: girlscoutsnca.org/camprocks
Ages: 5-17. Resident camps for girls and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members
Start and End Dates: May 28 – August 2
Price Ranges: $125-$350 KPC has a private lake perfect for week-long water sports sessions. KPC offers creative camps where girls practice cake-decorating skills, tie-dying clothes or making jewelry. Special camps include a Harry Potter-themed week, a photography week and a theater week. Girls also have opportunities to ride the zip line at night or solve a camp mystery in addition to traditional camp activities. KPC offers resident and day camps. To learn what KPC can offer your child, come to an open house on Sunday, March 10 from 2 to 4 PM. 

About GSNCA Camps
At Girl Scout camps, everyone experiences outdoor programs that build courage, confidence and character. Activities can include swimming, archery, boating, canoeing, crafts, games, hiking, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and ropes courses. Everyone who comes to camp enjoys balanced meals with healthy choices. Camp Cottaquilla and Kanawahala Program Center are accredited by the American Camp Association. Both camps are available for outside groups to rent for family reunions, as well as church, civic or corporate group events.

Girl Scouts Offer Expanded Opportunities

Volunteers Also Needed for 2012-2013

For over 100 years, Girl Scouts have been having fun while learning. Through our pathway opportunities, girls have opportunities to travel all over the country and internationally, explore science and technology, learn about finances and a healthy lifestyle, build valuable leadership skills and even learn about college. Girl Scout experiences are also, as much as possible, girl-led and encourage learning by doing.

Any girl age 5-17 can have real experiences like these through any of our six pathways. Girl Scout pathways allow girls to participate in Girl Scout programs through camp, traveling, a traditional troop setting, a virtual environment, a series of programs like our Yoga or Fancy Nancy series, or one-time events like our NASA space day or Juliette’s Jamboree. Girl Scouting is one of the most affordable extracurricular activities for girls. Scholarships are available for membership dues, camp scholarships and uniform insignia.

GSNCA has created some new activities for girls, including new travel opportunities such as trips to Savannah, GA; Gulf Shores and a European Tour.

“This is an exciting time to join Girl Scouting,” said Hilary Perry, director of communications and advocacy for GSNCA. “We’ve got more ways for girls to participate in programs through our six pathways, and we are improving volunteer services to include online training courses to make it easier to serve girls.”

GSNCA is always in need of troop leaders and other volunteers. Adults 19 or older both male and female, can help with programs, lead troops, volunteer with events, serve on committees, help at camp or work with girls virtually.

Visit girlscoutsnca.org/who-should-i-contact or call 800-734-4541 for more information.

About the Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
2012 is the Year of the Girl in recognition of our 100th anniversary! Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama is a United Way community partner and serves 15,300 girls ages 5-17 and 5,000 volunteers across 36 counties. For more information on becoming a member, volunteering or pathway opportunities, call 800-734-4541 or visit girlscoutsnca.org.

Is Your Child Ready for Camp?

If you’ve gone to summer camp then you probably have fond memories of sleeping in a cabin, making new friends and swimming. But how do you know if your child is ready for an overnight camp experience? The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama (GSNCA) has several camps accredited by the American Camp Association and suggests the following tips to help you decide.

How old is your child? Children seven and under may be better suited for a day camp rather than spending the night.

Has your child had positive overnight experiences away from home? While each overnight experience is different, if your child has responded well to other away from home situations they will probably have a positive experience at camp.

Are you prepared for you child to spend the night elsewhere? If this concept makes you uneasy research the camp. Find one close to your home and take a tour of the grounds seeing exactly what your child will be doing and staying. Be aware your child can sense your emotions and might begin to develop some of your concerns.

Does your child talk about camp on a regular basis? If your child is excited about camp they are more likely to embrace the experience and get more out of their time at camp.

How much persuasion is necessary from you? If your child is not warming up to the idea of an overnight camp, a day camp is a good middle ground. They offer many of the same experiences while not being as much of a commitment.

Does your child independently perform daily tasks such as brushing his/her teeth or tying his/her shoes? If your child is responsible at home they probably will continue to be away at camp.

Does your child look forward to creating his/her own camp memories? If your child is excited about camp they are more likely to have a good experience. Tell your child about your camp memories or memories they will make while at camp such as the new friends and various activities.

Even returning campers can experience homesickness. GSNCA suggests talking with your camper about any changes at home before attending camp. Parents can also remind returning campers that sometimes camp is different than it was last summer. Perhaps a favorite counselor is not returning or your child’s best friend can’t attend camp this year. Though this experience isn’t the same, camp will still be fun.

Both boys and girls are invited to enjoy the fun-filled outdoor adventures at all six of GSNCA’s camps. Our camp programs allow boys and girls to discover their personal best and prepare for a positive future, connect with others in an increasingly diverse world, and take action to solve problems and improve their communities. For more information visit our website at www.girlscoutsnca.org.