Frequently Asked Questions
Everything You Need to Know About Camp
Registration
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How do I register for camp?
All registrations must be completed online. You can access the registration form by visiting the registration page of this site. If you need assistance, please contact us at valleyadventurescamp@gmail.com.
Do campers need to be Girl Scout members?
Yes, all Girl Scout Campers and Caddies must have a current Girl Scout membership to attend. If your camper is not already a Girl Scout, you can join at any time through Girl Scouts River Valleys. Memberships last one year, from October 1 through September 30, and includes access to other Girl Scout events and activities.
How much does camp cost?
We strive to keep camp affordable while covering all our expenses. Because expenses can change depending on factors like supplies, programming, and facility costs, camp fees are posted each year on our registration page. This ensures we are charging only the fees necessary to run camp. Please visit the registration page for the most up-to-date information.
What is the cancellation policy?
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Full Refund: Cancellations made by March 31, 2025 will receive a 100% refund.
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Partial Refund: Cancellations after March 31 and before April 30, 2025 will receive a 50% refund, minus a processing fee.
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No Refund: Cancellations made after May 1, 2025 will not be refunded.
Caddie Program
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What do Caddies do?
Caddies are older Girl Scouts who take on leadership roles to support camp operations. Their responsibilities include:
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Assisting adult volunteers with camp activities and unit management.
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Leading games, songs, and crafts for younger campers.
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Serving as role models by demonstrating Girl Scout values.
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Helping ensure camp is a fun, safe, and welcoming environment for all.
Caddying is an excellent opportunity to develop leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while making a positive impact on younger campers.
How do Caddies sign up for camp?
Caddies do not register like campers. Instead, they apply to participate in the program. This process allows us to:
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Match Caddies’ skill sets and leadership readiness with the needs of the camp.
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Provide the best experience for both Caddies and younger campers.
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Ensure Caddies are prepared for their roles through training and proper placement.
If you or your child have questions or concerns about the application process, please contact camp leadership for more information at valleyadventurescamp@gmail.com.
What are the Caddie requirements?
Caddies must be entering 7th grade or higher in the fall. Recent high school graduates (from the current year) are also eligible to be Caddies during their first summer after graduation. Caddies must complete our VADC Caddie training prior to camp. While Caddies are not solely responsible for the safety of campers, they are expected to be responsible and exercise appropriate judgement at all times.
What training is required for caddies?
Caddie training is mandatory for all new and returning caddies. Training will cover leadership skills, activity and craft instructions, and camp expectations. Most importantly, training will cover safety protocols that will keep Caddies and Campers safe throughout camp. For this reason, Caddies who cannot attend training will likely not be able to participate as a Caddie at camp.
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Training dates are communicated as soon as we are able to schedule a space. This is typically in early spring.
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If a caddie cannot attend, they must contact us as soon as possible to discuss whether we can accommodate an alternative training. There is no guarantee or promise that another training opportunity will be available.
How are campers grouped during camp?
Campers are placed in units based on their grade and Girl Scout level. While we do our best to honor friendships, we also aim to create a welcoming experience for everyone. Some troops may send 10 girls who hope to be together, while others may send just a few girls—or even just one. To ensure no one feels like they’re the only one who doesn’t know anyone, we mix units to foster new connections and friendships. Entire troops are often split into separate units to help create a balanced, inclusive, and fun camp experience for all.
What should campers bring to camp?
A full list of camper supplies is sent out to families before the start of camp. Here’s a summary list of items to bring each day:
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Day Essentials: Refillable water bottle, sunscreen, bug spray, hat, and comfortable closed-toe shoes.
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Gear: A backpack to carry personal items and bring crafts home at the end of each day, and a sit-upon if desired.
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Overnight gear for Thursday: Sleeping bag, pillow, pajamas, toothbrush and toiletries, and no more than one stuffy.
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Campers are NOT allowed to bring any food from home. We are a 100% peanut-free camp, and to ensure the safety of all campers, we supply all snacks and meals.
Remember to label all belongings with your camper’s name. Campers are responsible for carrying all their own gear to their campsite, which is a 1/4 mile hike through the woods.
There is no lost-and-found after camp ends.
How does camp drop-off and pickup work?
For a smooth and efficient process:
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Drop-off: Campers should be ready to get out of the vehicle when it is their turn. This helps keep the line moving quickly and ensures a fast drop-off experience for everyone. Drop-off begins at 8:55 AM.
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Pickup: We aim to have girls ready to enter your vehicle quickly during pickup. Please follow the instructions provided for pickup times and procedures to ensure everyone’s safety and a seamless process. These are sent to parents prior to the start of camp.
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If your Camper requires additional accessibility considerations, you may park your vehicle in the parking lot for extra loading/unloading time.
Safety and Health
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Is there a nurse or medical professional on site?
Yes, a camp nurse or certified medical professional is on-site at all times during camp. They are available to handle minor injuries, distribute medication, and manage camper health concerns. In additional, there are usually several adult camp volunteers that are certified medical professionals or are CPR/First Aid certified.
What should I know about allergies and health accommodations?
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Allergy Awareness: Camp is a 100% peanut-free environment. Please do not pack any food or snacks. We will provide all food for the day, ensuring that we maintain safe food allergy protocols.
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Medication: Medications must be turned in to the camp nurse on the first day of camp. All medications must be labeled and in their original containers.
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Health Forms: All campers complete a health form as part of their online registration, which includes allergy and medical information. These forms will be provided to the attending health care professional(s) during medical emergencies, so please make sure all information is accurate and up-to-date.
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Severe allergy or medical concerns? Contact us directly to ensure proper accommodations.
How are safety and security handled at camp?
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All camp staff and volunteers are background-checked through Girl Scouts River Valleys and trained in safety protocols.
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Campgrounds are supervised at all times.
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Pickup Policy: Only individuals listed on the camper’s registration form may pick up the camper. Color-coded signs for pickup will be handed out Monday morning.
What happens in case of bad weather?
Camp will run rain or shine! Part of camping is learning to be outside during all forms of weather.
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Activities will move under unit canopies in case of rain.
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Severe weather plans are in place, including designated storm shelters and evacuation procedures.
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Parents will be notified immediately if any significant weather concerns arise.
Volunteering
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What volunteer opportunities are available?
Our camp is 100% volunteer-led. Our camp relies on volunteers to provide a memorable experience for our campers! Without enough adult volunteers, we are unable to hold camp. There are several ways to volunteer - read below for more information!
What are the roles and responsibilities of camp volunteers?
Camp volunteers are essential to creating a successful and fun camp experience. As a volunteer, you will:
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Support a group of campers, assist with activities, and help manage the unit’s daily schedule.
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Lead specific camp activities like crafts, games, or skills workshops (materials and instructions provided).
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Mentor Caddies and provide guidance and support as they exercise their leadership skills.
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Assist wherever needed throughout camp, from setup and cleanup to camper support.
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HAVE FUN!
No prior experience is required—just a positive attitude, flexibility, and a willingness to join in the fun!
Are there opportunities for parents to volunteer part-time?
Yes! As we get closer to camp, we will send out communications with opportunities for half-day time slots where parents can volunteer in various roles. This is a great option for those who can’t commit to a full week but still want to support camp. Roles may include:
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Assisting with crafts, games, or activities
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Helping during lunch/dinner
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Supporting camp setup or cleanup
Even a few hours can make a big difference, and we appreciate all the help we can get!
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*Please note that parent volunteer roles are not eligible for camp discounts and benefits.*
What are the requirements to volunteer at camp?
To ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all campers:
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All volunteers MUST be registered volunteers with Girl Scouts of Minnesota & Wisconsin River Valleys. This ensures all our volunteers have passed a background check.
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To become a registered volunteer, please visit https://www.girlscoutsrv.org/en/get-involved/become-a-volunteer.html
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Volunteers are required to attend a brief training session prior to camp, which covers safety procedures, camp expectations, and tips for working with campers.
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Volunteers must be able to commit to the role and responsibilities assigned for the week or time slot.
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Volunteers must be good role models for how to live the Girl Scout Promise & Law.
What are the benefits of being a camp volunteer?
Volunteering at camp is a rewarding experience with several great benefits:
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Free or Discounted Camper Registration:
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Full-Week Volunteers (5 days, including Thursday overnight): Receive one free camper spot as a thank-you.
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3-Day Volunteers: Receive $100 off one camper’s registration.
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2-Day Volunteers: Receive $25 off one camper’s registration.
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Boys’ Unit: Sons (1st through 6th grade) of volunteers can attend camp for the days you are volunteering. The Boys’ Unit includes similar crafts and activities.
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Sibling Unit: Younger siblings (ages 3 through entering Kindergarten) can attend camp for the days you are volunteering. The Sibling Unit is held inside the temperature-controlled Lodge, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. Siblings must be fully potty-trained.
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Quality Time Outdoors: Spend an unforgettable week (or a few days) in the great outdoors, surrounded by nature, fresh air, and fun activities.
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Make Memories with Your Child: Share this special experience with your camper while creating lasting memories for both of you.
Can parent volunteers have a child in the Boys’ Unit or Sibling Unit if they are not volunteering that day?
No. The Boys’ Unit and Sibling Unit are only available to volunteers for the days they are actively volunteering at camp (2, 3, or 5 days). If you are not volunteering on a particular day, these units are not available for your children.
This ensures we have appropriate supervision, safety, and resources in place for all attendees.
Parents that volunteer for a few hours during a particular day are not eligible to register a child with the Boys or Siblings unit.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
If you are interested in volunteering, please register using the registration link found on the registration page. Don't hesitate to reach out with questions about the role, training dates, or any other topics.