In addition to providing a pathway to leadership, Girl Scout summer camp is just plain fun and gives girls of all ages the opportunity to develop independence and new skills against the backdrop of nature. Programming includes creative arts, water sports and boating, horseback riding, orienteering, archery, backpacking, and high and low ropes courses with a variety of elements. Sessions are girl-led and girl-driven and foster hands-on, cooperative learning, thereby helping girls to integrate new skills and knowledge.

More than 1600 girls attend GSCI summer camp programs each year, but not all of them can afford it. In partnership with generous donors, GSCI provides $30,000 in campership assistance each year so that girls from low-income families may have equal access to Girl Scout summer camp programs.

We know that an investment in girls’ summer programming is an investment in our communities. Research tells us that summer enrichment programs allow students to better retain the knowledge they learn during the school year and they return to school more ready to learn in the fall. Summer enrichment opportunities are especially important for children from low income families because these children often do not have the same access to summer programming.

Girl Scout summer camp programs are open to all girls – you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to attend!

Girl Scouts of Central Illinois is committed to helping all girls develop the tools necessary to reach their full potential. Girl Scout summer camp programs are open to all girls – you don’t have to be a Girl Scout to attend! Learn more at http://www.girlscouts-gsci.org/summer-activities-guide.

For information about how to make a gift or how your gift can send a girl to camp please contact Kate Peters, COO of Fund Development and Marketing/ Communications at kpeters@girlscouts-gsci.org.