Girls, Volunteers Help Clean Up Camp Coleman During Work Party

More than 120 girls, adults and family members came out on Saturday, November 2, to help brighten up Camp Coleman in Trussville. 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.

Registration Opens February 18 for Summer Camps

Resident and Day Camp Open to Non-Members

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 Aimee Canterbury, Camp Director for Camp Trico. “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 Laura Elliott, Camp Coleman Director. “Many camps even offer day camp programs to boys! Day camps are a great alternative to daycare. Registration begins February 18.”

Camp Anderel
Telephone: 256-425-0876 or 800-734-4541 x1238
Address: 631 County Road 635, Rogersville, AL 35652
Email: hsellers@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 5-17. Programs for Girl Scout members
Start and End Dates: July 6 – July 27

Camp Anderel, located where the Elk River and Anderson Creek meet in Rogersville, will host a variety of events including an older girl sleepover and day events where girls can play in the water, learn about water safety and explore nature with the help of Fancy Nancy! To learn more about Camp Anderel’s programs, come to an open house on Saturday, March 17 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Camp Coleman
Telephone: 205-655-3782 or 800-734-4541 x2001
Address: 4010 Camp Coleman Road, Trussville, AL 35173
Email: lelliott@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 5-17. Resident and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members
Start and End Dates: May 29 – August 3
Price Range: $125-$398

Camp Coleman offers equestrian programs as well as special theme camps! Girls can learn how to ride and care for horses or they can spend the week designing clothes and jewelry, or canoeing and zip lining at night, all while enjoying swimming, ropes course and other camp activities. Special sessions include a magical-themed camp where campers attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry and a Disney-themed camp. To learn more about Camp Coleman’s summer programs, come to an open house on Sunday, March 25 from 2 to 4 p.m. 

Camp Cottaquilla
Telephone: 256-295-9082 or 800-734-4541 x1104
Address: 2500 Cottaquilla Road, Anniston, AL 36207
Email: bgable@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 6-17. Resident and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members
Start and End Dates: June 4 – June 15
Price Range: $125-$285

Camp Cottaquilla offers some unique resident camp programs. Special sessions include designing clothes and accessories from recycled items; theater sessions where girls will act, write scripts and design costumes; as well as a fairy-themed camp where girls will design their own fairy wings, go on a fairy hike and play fairy games! 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, April 21 from 2 to 4 p.m.

Kanawahala Program Center (KPC)
Telephone: 205-678-8843 or 800-734-4541 x1600
Address: 831 Girl Scout Road, Chelsea, AL 35043
Email: tknowles@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 5-17. Resident and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members
Start and End Dates: May 29 – July 27
Price Ranges: $125-$388

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 Mardi Gras week and a rock star week. Girls also have opportunities to run the zip line at night or solve a camp mystery in addition to traditional camp activities. KPC also offers equestrian programs. To learn what KPC can offer your child, come to an open house on Sunday, April 15 from 2 to 4 PM.

Camp Tombigbee
Telephone: 205-372-3292 or 800-734-4541 x1412
Address: 6206 Ala. Hwy. 39, Boligee, AL 35443
Email: cmorrow@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 5-17. Programs for Girl Scout members
Start and End Dates: July 10 – July 21

Located in the heart of Greene County, Camp Tombigbee offers activities for all age groups. Learn archery skills or enjoy beautiful scenery on a hike as you experience nature at its finest! Camp Tombigbee offers summer programs where girls can have a sleepover, have a fitness day or spend the day learning about our earth. To learn more, come to an open house on Sunday, April 29 from 2 to 4 PM.

Camp Trico
Telephone: 256-582-2617 or 800-734-4541 x1701
Address: 315 Trico Drive, Guntersville, AL 35976
Email: acanterbury@girlscoutsnca.org
Website: www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps
Ages: 5-17. Resident and day camp programs for girls and boys, members and non-members
Start and End Dates: May 18 - August 3
Price Range: $150-$372

Camp Trico on Lake Guntersville has nearly a mile of shoreline on the state's largest lake. Water activities like canoeing, tubing behind the pontoon boat, snorkeling and every other water game you can imagine is just the beginning. Horseback riding, archery, digital photography, cake decorating, extreme camping and event planning are just a few programs you’ll find here this summer. Just 1-1/2 hours from Birmingham, Camp Trico is the perfect summer camp for anyone! To learn what Camp Trico can offer your child, come to an open house on Sunday, March 18 from 2 to 4 PM.

Online registration for all camp programs begins February 18 at www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps.

About GSNCA Camps
At all 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. Five Girl Scout camps are accredited by the American Camp Association. All camps are available for outside groups to rent for family reunions, as well as church, civic or corporate group events.

About Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama
2012 is the Year of the Girl! To get involved, visit our 100th anniversary link at www.girlscoutsnca.org/100. 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 www.girlscoutsnca.org.

Summer Camp Offers Kids Five Key Skills

Each summer, children across Alabama attend summer camp to explore the outdoors and meet new friends. But what they don’t realize is that summer camp provides so much more. Children have five key opportunities at summer camp. They 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 Beth Gable, Program Manager for Camp Cottaquilla. “Learning involves acquiring behaviors, skills, values, and understandings that are not always traditionally academic in nature. The American Camp Association’s (ACA’s) research into the developmental outcomes of camp indicates how the camp experience prepares children for learning.”

“Girl Scout camps offer experiences for everyone, regardless if they are Girl Scouts or not,” said Aimee Canterbury, Camp Trico Director. “Many camps even offer some programs to boys! You can register online today!”

Camp Anderel located along the Elk River in Rogersville will hold a Mom and Me camp for those who want to share the camping experience with their mother, grandmother, aunt, big sister or even a family friend. Participants will have the chance to improve their aim at archery, go canoeing and more. To learn more about Camp Anderel’s programs come to an open house on Sunday, May 1 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 800-734-4541 x1238 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/anderel.

Camp Coleman located on the Cahaba River in Trussville offers many equestrian programs as well as camps created specifically for older girls. Girls can learn how to ride and care for horses or they can spend the week designing clothes all while enjoying swimming, ropes course and other camp activities. Camp Coleman offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn more about Camp Coleman’s summer programs come to an open house on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 205-655-3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/coleman.

Camp Cottaquilla in Anniston offers some very unique resident camp programs. These offerings include artistic sessions where girls will spend the week creating nature-inspired masterpieces and jewelry, a mystery camp where girls will unfold clues and solve a group mystery, or they could spend the week on a treasure hunt. Camp Cottaquilla offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what camp can offer your child, come to Camp Cottaquilla’s open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-782-0073 x1902 or 800-734-4541 x1902 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/cottaquilla for more information.

Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) in Chelsea has a private lake perfect for week-long water sports session. KPC also has equestrian sessions where girls can learn to ride and care for horses in addition to creative camps where girls practice cake-decorating skills, Tie-dying clothes or making jewelry. Girls could also have opportunities to run the zip line at night or solve a camp mystery! KPC offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what KPC can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 205-678-8843 or 800-734-4541 x1602 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/kpc for more information.

Camp Tombigbee in Boligee offers summer programs where children can explore the wetlands of Camp Tombigbee or spend the day fishing! To learn more about Camp Tombigbee, call 800-734-4541 x1412 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/tombigbee for more information.

Camp Trico on beautiful Lake Guntersville offers a variety of equestrian sessions as well as sessions where girls can earn small-craft certifications and learn about water rescue. Girls can also learn how to plan their own party and explore the different areas of design including clothes and architecture! Camp Trico offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what Camp Trico can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, April 10 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-582-2617 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/trico for more information.

Online registration for all camps is open now at www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps.

At all Girl Scout camps, everyone experiences healthy outdoor activities that build courage, confidence and character Activities can include swimming, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and high ropes. Everyone who comes to camp enjoys balanced meals with healthy choices while participating in activities that offer intentional opportunities for campers to practice decision making and teamwork. Resident and day camps include swimming, crafts, games, boating, ropes courses, archery and nature study. Five Girl Scout camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.

Bring Back The Camp Coleman Bridge

GSNCA appreciates the volunteers and community members who joined us for the “Bring Back our Bridge” meeting on Monday, April 5th. We had an audience with Commissioner Bobby Humphryes to express our desire for Jefferson County to restore the public bridge that also serves Camp Coleman. As the Commissioner shared, and we have known, the bridge belongs to County.

Many folks have asked how they can help. Girl Scouts has a keen interest in seeing the bridge reopened but we also know that ultimate responsibility for opening the bridge is the responsibility of the County. You can help by lobbying the Commissioners to make the bridge reopening a priority. We are not advocating that people begin a fundraising campaign because the bridge is the property of the County thus Girl Scouts cannot raise money for the County just as we cannot raise money for any other entity. Please do not send funds for the bridge because we cannot turn gifts around to the County.

We CAN continue to collect signatures on our petition and regularly communicate with the Commissioners through letters, calls and emails to let them know it is important. We CAN lobby the other public entities who can make donations of support of the bridge. And we CAN look forward to supporting Camp Coleman's 85th birthday. There will be many ways for you to support Camp Coleman.

We will update you as our efforts to communicate with the Commissioners continue and thank you for your support of Camp Coleman and Girl Scouts.

Visit our Facebook page for updates. If you would like to sign the petition, please click here.