Girl Scouts launches a new series of 50+ outdoor programs for girls to have 'Endless Summer Adventures'

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) summer camp registration is open for all girls ages 5-17 to preregister to reserve a spot to attend day camp, resident camp, alternative camp and/or family summer camp options.

A press release said, “Summer camp is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Whether for a day, a week, or longer, Girl Scout camp gives girls an opportunity to grow, explore and have fun in an all-girl environment under the guidance of caring, trained adults.”

GSWNY’s American Camp Association-accredited camps all begin in July and run until the beginning of August. Girls do not need to currently be in Girl Scouts to attend camp, as all summer campers can sign up for Girl Scout membership at the time they apply.

Financial aid is available for girls in Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties, with special aid for girls in Monroe County through a location-specific grant.

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, GSWNY is asking all camp families who are interested in having their girl participate in summer camp 2021 to preregister to reserve a spot from now to April 30, with a refundable $25 deposit. The cost of camp varies based on the type of program and length of participation, and through funding by the United Way, girls can have “Endless Summer Adventures.”

•At day camp, costs range from $100 to $440. It is projected to run July 5 to Aug. 13 at Camp Piperwood in Fairport. Camp Windy Meadows in Lockport is expected to run July 5-23.

•And at resident camp, costs range from $275 to $665. It is projected to run July 5 to Aug. 6 at Camp Seven Hills in Holland and Camp Timbercrest in Randolph. In person, girls can explore activities such as hiking, backpacking and kayaking, compass/orienteering, knot-tying, building safe fires, horseback riding, tech-building and designing, archery, and the importance of bugs.

•At alternative camp and family camp, costs range from $25 to $60. It is expected to run July 5 to Aug. 13 virtually and at Camp Seven Hills/Goodyear in Holland, Camp Timbercrest in Randolph, Camp Piperwood in Fairport and Camp Windy Meadows in Lockport. Activity kits will be mailed directly to homes, as well as offer three, weekly, live activity Zoom sessions on outdoor topics. Families will also have the option to come to any of GSWNY’s four properties (Camp Piperwood, Camp Seven Hills, Camp Timbercrest or Camp Windy Meadows) for a day rental or an overnight/ weekend rental to hike, cook their own meals, do arts and crafts, swim and boat, try their luck with archery, or test their skill level on the ropes challenge course. With financial aid available, all families are encouraged to apply.

The release said, “GSWNY knows how important it is for girls to have a wonderful summer camp experience and has every intention of operating summer camp 2021 in person while following all of COVID guidelines and regulations. However, if the need should arise, GSWNY is prepared to provide girls with an amazing alternative camp program. On April 30, GSWNY will make the final decision to offer in-person camp, a hybrid of in-person and alternative (virtual) camp, or switch to alternative camp only.”

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, on May 1 families who have preregistered will be notified the summer camp registration portal is open, and families can continue with completing their child’s camp registration. If the desired program is not able to be offered, families can explore other offerings, or GSWNY will refund the deposit. Preregistered girls will have from Saturday, May 1, to Wednesday, May 5, to complete their summer camp registration before it’s opened up for general camp registration on May 6. Families who preregister their girl for camp between now and April 30 will also receive an exclusive GSWNY summer camp 2021 patch, available through pre-registration only.

“Girl Scout summer camp is an important part of the Girl Scout experience and we are committed to providing outdoor and summer camp programs for girls and their families if possible,” said Alison Wilcox, Girl Scouts of Western New York CEO. “The safety of girls, families, volunteers and staff are our highest priority, while still providing a high-quality camp experience.”

The release noted, “GSWNY has a robust COVID-19 safety plan in place with stringent procedures, including screening and sanitation that all staff and campers must adhere to. All GSWNY protocols follow the guidance set forth by the NYSHD, CDC, WHO and GSUSA, which are monitored and will adjust to any changing regulations as needed.”

For busy parents, before- and after-care is also an option, and transportation is available for day camp in Rochester. GSWNY also offers financial aid opportunities. Girl Scouts and non-Girl Scouts ages 5-17 can register for Girl Scout summer camp. Non-Girl Scouts will need to enroll in Girl Scouts at the time of camp registration for $25. To learn more about GSWNY summer camp, including a list of all the available camp programs and details regarding the online or paper registration process, or for girl membership and adult volunteerism, visit www.gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.

Girl Scouts of Western New York (GSWNY) serves nearly 14,000 girls and 6,000 adult volunteers across the GSWNY jurisdiction, including Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Monroe, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. The council’s administrative service centers are located in Buffalo, Jamestown, Lockport, Niagara Falls and Rochester.

To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.gswny.org or call 1-888-837-6410.