2022 Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails Camp

What paperwork is required for camp? 

After completing your registration and payment you will be emailed a Camp Confirmation Packet. This is your go-to guide for all camp questions, check-in/out information, and paperwork. Below are the paperwork forms that will be emailed and you are required to return them as a PDF via email  no later than two (2) weeks prior to your camper’s program.  

 Resident Camp 

• Health History Form (four-page, extended version) 
  
• Authorization to Administer Medication Form (if the camper is bringing prescribed or over the counter medication to camp) 
  
• Signed and Reviewed Code of Conduct 
  
• Minor Check-Out Form 
  
• Get to Know Your Camper Form 
  

 Day Camp

• Health History Form (two-page version) 
  
• Authorization to Administer Medication Form (if the camper is bringing prescribed or over the counter medication to camp) 
• Signed and Reviewed Code of Conduct 
  
• Minor Check-Out Form   (Camp Staff will make copies of the Check-Out form for each day) 
  
• Get to Know Your Camper Form 
  

Is there a bus or carpool for camp? 

For the Summer of 2022, we will not be providing buses to or from camp. We will , however, be creating a closed Facebook group for parents to connect with each other and coordinate carpools, before camp meet-ups, and to communicate with each other after the session in case your Girl Scouts want to stay in touch with each other more easily. These pages will be invite-only and private. They will close at the end of August. 

Do all campers need a bathing suit?

If your camper is attending Camp Elliott Barker we suggest they bring a bathing suit or set of clothes for water activities just in case. All campers will have the option of potentially going swimming or canoeing even if that isn’t the focus of their program. Bathing suits should be appropriate for active water play (jumping of the dock, splashing, climbing, falling off the kayaks, etc). If your camper doesn’t have an active swimsuit or isn’t comfortable in one – athletic shorts and a t-shirt or tank top work great! Campers attending Rancho del Chaparral should have a pair of water shoes (old sneakers are athletic sandals, etc) for stream stomping but we don’t have a pond there (yet!).  

Why do you say “Grace” at every meal? 

We sing a “Mealtime Melody” (which used to be called grace but the name changed several years ago) before every meal as a part of our Girl Scout Traditions. While some of the songs do state “God” or “Lord” campers are encouraged to omit that if it doesn’t align with their beliefs, replace it with the name in alignment with their religion, or to thank nature/earth/the camp cooks for providing the food. Girl Scouts is non-denominational but several of our original camp songs are adapted from different religions.  

 Can my camper earn a badge for a camp she attends that doesn’t match her Girl Scout level? 

Unfortunately no, Girl Scouts can only earn (and place on their vests) the badges meant for their level. Because our camps cross-level lines we try to offer multiple badges per camp so that all Girl Scouts who attend that program can earn a badge specific to their level.

 My camper is nonbinary, can they attend camp?

 Yes! All Girl Scouts are welcome at camp, this is not dependent on their gender identity or sexual orientation (or religion, or culture, or anything else). If you or your Girl Scout need special accommodations for changing or showers, please let the Camp Director know. While these are not topics that staff will discuss in depth with campers (to respect caregivers that are not ready for their camper to hear about them) we will respect everyone’s pronouns at camp. All aspects of Girl Scouts are safe spaces.

 How does camp handle bullying/violence?  

Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying in all programming. Depending on the severity of the instance (accidental, violent, repeated, etc) the consequences will range from a sit-down talk with administrative staff, a call home to caregivers, suspension from specialized activities, being sent home, or a decision reached specific to the situation in a conversation between administrative staff, the camper, and their caregiver.

 What are situations that might occur where I should expect to receive a call from camp?

 We do our best to not call home and will only do so in serious circumstances. A call home does not always mean that the camper needs to be picked up early, occasionally we just need more insight into the camper’s behavior and to talk through how the behavior is worked through at home. If any of the following happens, a member of the administrative team or the Health Supervisor will call and inform you:  

• Camper is ill and in the care of the nurse for more than 6 hours. 
• Camper is injured in a way that inhibits movement (ankle, knee, shoulder injuries) but does not require a trip to the hospital (sprain, strain).
• Camper is experiencing extreme homesickness that is impacting their time at camp and cannot be resolved with ordinary methods. 
  
• Camper runs away (this includes leaving the group, to spend time on their own, without telling their counselor where they’re going – campers may not wander camp on their own and must be with a buddy and a staff member at all times). 
  
• Camper does not follow the Code of Conduct. 
  
• Camper needs to go home for any reason (illness, behavior, etc). 
  
• Camp staff need help with camper behavior they’re not used to (occasionally in the case of homesickness campers will act out, we’ll call and explain what happened, ask if it’s normal, and how you approach it at home). 
  

Can I call my camper while she’s at camp? 

No, we do not allow campers to receive or make phone calls from camp unless it’s an emergency. CITs/WITs are allowed to have their phones to use on breaks but may not have them out and in use around other campers.  

 Is there Wifi at camp campers can use?

No, wifi is not available for camper use. This goes for both adult and youth campers. If you are at a weekend camp and need to contact home there is cell phone service at Camp Elliott Barker and a landline you can request at Rancho del Chaparral.