Camp and Outdoors | Girl Scouts

You’re a force of nature, Girl Scout.

And you are ready for more outdoor adventures! Whether you’re discovering the wildlife in your own backyard, swimming in a lake for the first time at summer camp or being a citizen scientist and observing bees in your neighborhood park, every outdoor adventure grows your “I’ve got this” attitude. And once you unlock that confidence, you’ll aim as high as the stars you see outside your cabin window.

Camp Programs

Explore upcoming council-sponsored outdoor programs for your next adventure!

Camp Properties

Discover more about each of our camp properties or make a troop camping reservation.

How to Participate

Learn ways participate, how to register, view packing lists, bus schedules, and more.

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Life-changing adventures await! Girl Scout camp programs are for all girls, grades K-12. Check the age requirements for each program. If you are not a current Girl Scout member, just pay the annual Girl Scout membership fee and let the fun begin! Please allow 24 hours for your membership to process prior to registering for a camp program.

If you are a member of a different Girl Scout council, we welcome you! Non-Girl Scouts are also welcome. Please contact Member Support to register for any Spirit of Nebraska program.

Day Camps

Girls who want to have fun all day but go home each night will enjoy our day camp programs. Available in all areas of the state, we designed these programs with the girl-on-the-go in mind.

Day Camp Packing List (PDF)
Camp Maha Welcome Packet (PDF)

Girls attending Camp Maha summer day camps may choose to ride the bus by completing a Camp Bus Transporation Request or be dropped off by a parent/caregiver.

At the end of the camp day, a person authorized to pick up your girl must be at the bus stop at the designated pick-up time. If no one is at the stop at the designated time, your girl will be transported to the Spirit of Nebraska Service Center. Council staff will stay with her until you arrive.

Bus 1A
Benson West Elementary
6652 Maple St., Omaha
Departure: 7:40 a.m.
Return: 5:05 p.m.

Bus 1B
Girl Scout DreamLab
8601 West Dodge Rd., Ste. 102, Omaha
Departure: 7:55 a.m.
Return: 4:50 p.m.

Bus 1C
Tara Heights Elementary
700 Tara Rd., Papillion
Departure: 8:25 a.m.
Return: 4:25 p.m.

Bus 2A
Aldrich Elementary
506 N. 162nd Ave., Omaha
Departure: 7:45 a.m.
Return: 5:00 p.m.

Bus 2B
Willowdale Elementary
16901 P St., Omaha
Departure: 8:05 a.m.
Return: 4:40 p.m.

Resident Camp

If girls are ready to go to camp and stay for a few days, it’s time for resident camp. These are council-sponsored, last two or more nights, and generally have a theme. Many of the council’s resident camps are held at Camp Catron but there are also multi-night programs at other sites.

Overnight Camp Packing List (PDF)
Camp Catron Welcome Packet (PDF)
Camp Cosmo Welcome Packet (PDF)
Camp Crossed Arrows Welcome Packet (PDF)
Camp Maha Welcome Packet (PDF)
Lakeview Cabin Welcome Packet (PDF)

Horse Camps

We offer many outdoor opportunities for girls and troops—including summer programs for those who want to ride high in the saddle. Riding opportunities are provided at both day and overnight camp levels. Giddy up, Girl Scouts!

Horse Day Camp Packing List (PDF)

Horse Camp Progression

Build your horsemanship skills as you make your way through the horse camp outdoor progression. Progression ensures girls are prepared for the programs they attend.

Optional	Step 1	Step 2	Step 3	Step 4
Saddle Up Day Camp and I Love Horses	Beginner Horse Camp	Intermediate Horse Camp	Intermediate Horse Travel Camp	Advanced Horse Camp

Saddle Up Day Camp and I Love Horses: Day camps; beginner ride with instruction from trail hands; horse walks only; open to all abilities. No experience necessary.
Beginner Camps: Overnight camp; learn basic riding skills, tack and types of horses; horse walks and trots; ride once daily. No experience necessary.
Intermediate Camps: Overnight camp; learn more horse care and intermediate riding skills; ride twice daily. “Beginner Horse Camp” is a prerequisite.
Intermediate Horse Travel Camp: Overnight camp; travel with your horse from North Platte to Halsey for tent camping and outdoor cooking. “Beginner Horse Camp” is a prerequisit
Advanced Camps: Overnight camp; travel with your horse from North Platte to Fort Robinson; learn advanced riding skills; learn saddling; ride twice daily. “Intermediate Horse Camp” is a prerequisite.

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We have seven properties and special pricing for Girl Scouts! Discover Nebraska like never before. Add swimming and challenge courses to your agenda for more thrills and adventure.

Not sure if you have the skills? Not a problem! We provide training that will give you the essentials necessary to take girls outdoors.

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Archery Club

Experience a USA Archery six-week course to learn archery basics, sharpen your skills, and receive a certificate upon completion. Participants must be at least 8 years old.

Counselor-In-Training (CIT)

Take a Program Aide into the great outdoors and you’ve got a Counselor-in-Training! With so many camps and programs across the state, you will become one with nature and make gobs of friends—some of the eight-legged variety. If you love being outside and helping make things run smoothly, we want you!

Trailblazers and Mariners

Are you an older Girl Scout looking to challenge yourself on land or water? Trailblazers and Mariners are calling you!

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Ethel N. Ericksen Memorial Camp Scholarship

The Ethel N. Ericksen Memorial Camp Scholarship is open to Nebraska Girl Scouts from the Northeast and Rural Southeast Membership Areas who wish to attend a Camp Crossed Arrows program. Scholarships are funded by Ethel’s daughters in her memory. Two $150 scholarships are awarded annually. Please submit completed applications by June 1.

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Online Registration

Registering online is the quickest way to reserve your spot at program Accepted online payments are debit and credit cards (VISA, MasterCard, Discover, or AMEX).
- NOTE: Your spot at programs is NOT saved until the program registration fee or deposit have been paid in full by the stated deadline (on applicable programs).
Let us know if you wish to pay for programs with Cookie Dough, Nut Bucks, Program Credits, Travel Bucks, or Financial Aid—though more action is still required:
- Cookie Dough, Nut Bucks, Travel Bucks, or Program Credits: Complete a "Request to Use Cookie Dough, Nut Bucks, Travel Bucks, or Program Credits Form" at least 30 days before the registration deadline. Product Program rewards and Program Credits may not be used for deposits.
- Financial Aid: First register for the program online and select “Financial Aid” as the payment type. Next, complete a “Girl Program Financial Aid Application.” Within one week you will receive a notification via email with approval status and amount granted, if approved. You will be responsible for paying the remaining program fee by the registration deadline.
To view your upcoming programs, past programs, and remaining program registration fee balances, login to MY GS and navigate to the “My Events” tab.

Paper Registration

Complete a “Program Registration by Mail Form” and mail to:

Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska
Attn: Registrar
8601 West Dodge Rd., Ste. 102
Omaha, NE 68114

Accepted mail payments are checks, debit/credit cards, Cookie Dough, Nut Bucks, Travel Bucks, and Program Credits. If paying with Program Credits, please enclose the original paper Program Credit.

NOTE: It may take up to two weeks to process paper registration forms.

Attendee Health Forms

Some programs require additional documents for attendees after registration. To check if this applies to you, login to your MY GS account, select the program in the “My Events” tab and see “Additional Documents.”

Overnights: Girls participating in programs of three nights or more may be required to submit a Physical Examination Form that has been completed within 12 months of the trip dates and signed by a physician. Details will be emailed to participants after the registration deadline.
CampDoc®: Parents/caregivers will receive an email requesting camper health and medication information to be completed online via CampDoc®. This allows us to prevent paper waste and keep our records easily accessible. The amount of information required will be determined by the length of stay at Girl Scout camp.

Registration Confirmation

Confirmations will be emailed to the email address on file when your payment is processed. You will also receive an email with additional information such as directions, what to wear, emergency contact numbers, etc., approximately one week prior to the program.

To confirm/update your email address on file, please review your MY GS profile prior to registering for events. If you need assistance updating your contact information, please contact Member Support.

Policies

Health Policies

CampDoc®

Prior to check-in, you will receive an email requesting your camper’s medical information in CampDoc®. This program allows us to prevent paper waste and keep our records easily accessible. All camper health information and medication forms must be completed prior to check-in.

The amount of information required will be determined by the length of stay, but this is your opportunity to share any information with us that will help your camper have a great experience!

Health Concerns

Please disclose other health-related concerns, such as bedwetting, sleep walking, etc. on the CampDoc® forms so we can best meet the needs of your camper.

Food Allergies and Restrictions

We can accommodate vegetarian diets and most food allergies/restrictions at camp. Please list your camper’s dietary needs and/or allergies in CampDoc®. Our staff is trained to assist children in avoiding exposure to allergens, to recognize reactions, and respond appropriately.

If your daughter has complex allergies or restrictions, and/or is likely to turn down alternatives we provide, then we recommend food be sent from home (contact our Camp Director for guidance on your daughter’s camping session menu).

Medications

List all medication in “Health History” (including over-the-counter) online in CampDoc®. Any medication to be dispensed at camp must be listed in CampDoc®.
All medications, including vitamins, must be kept in their original containers, marked clearly with your camper’s name, and include directions for use. Only the dosage listed on the original container will be followed at camp.
All medication must be given to a staff member at check-in for distribution.
Medication will only be dispensed to the person listed on the original prescription container.
All medications for campers and staff are stored in a secure location for safety purposes.
First aid supplies, acetaminophen (comparable to Tylenol®), and many other common over-the-counter medications are available for camper’s use as needed. Please ensure to fill out the CampDoc® “Health” section in detail so we may give your camper over-the-counter medication if needed.
After a discussion with the Camp Director, it may be determined that campers who require an inhaler or EpiPen (on an as-needed basis) may carry it in a backpack to activities. The parent/caregiver and Camp Director will determine if the camper is suited for this responsibility.

Communicable Illnesses

If a camper shows symptoms of a communicable illness, such as vomiting, diarrhea, fever, lice, rash, flu, or eye infection, she will be immediately isolated from other campers. Camp staff will notify the parent/caregiver that their camper must be picked up immediately. Campers may return to camp once they have been free of symptoms for 24 hours. We may require a negative COVID-19 test if appropriate. Once she returns to camp, our Camp Director will do a health check.

If your camper exhibits signs of an illness at home before camp, we ask that you please keep her at home and let us know she may not be attending camp due to illness.

Head Lice

If a camper shows noticeable symptoms of head lice, camp staff will first verify head lice is the cause. Camp staff will notify the parent/caregiver that their camper must be picked up immediately. Camp staff will discretely isolate her and help pack up her belongings. Parents/caregivers of other campers in attendance will be notified of the exposure by camp staff and asked to monitor their camper for an appropriate period of time after they return home. Refunds will not be issued for head lice and campers may not return to camp until a medical professional confirms they have successfully eradicated head lice.

Parent/Caregiver Contact

We will contact parents/caregivers by phone if a camper...

Experiences atypical homesickness and/or behavioral challenges
Has an acute, sudden, or communicable illness
Has a temperature of 100.5° F or higher
Has an active case of head lice
Needs Urgent Care or hospitalization

Homesickness

Every camper misses her family, friends, and favorite pet during her stay at camp. Homesickness is normal behavior among both first-time and experienced campers, but it usually disappears in the first few hours.

A common challenge campers and staff experience are the promises parents/caregivers make to pick up their camper if she misses home or experiences symptoms of homesickness. When a camper hears these promises, she is not determined to be successful and often gives up at the first sign. Instead, reassure your camper she will be successful and you look forward to hearing about her amazing camp adventures at the end of her camp session.

If a camper leaves a camp due to homesickness, we are unable to offer a refund.

Miscellaneous Policies

Cell Phone Policy

Camp is a time to unplug from electronics and we discourage campers from bringing cell phones. Cell phones are only permitted for campers 6th grade and above. Campers are responsible for their own cell phone and charger. GSSN will not provide chargers to campers who have forgotten theirs. GSSN is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged cell phones or cell phone accessories. Cell phones will only be allowed for a short time each day as determined by the Camp Director. We ask that you refrain from texting and calling your campers as they practice independence. Campers may be asked to leave their phones in a designated box until tech time each day.

Refunds and Cancellations

Refunds will be granted under the following conditions:

The refund request is received before the cancellation deadline (found in the event details in your MY GS account).
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska cancels the program.
The girl or family moves away from the area.
A physician confirms that the registrant is physically unable to participate.

All requests for refunds/cancellations must be emailed to Member Support before the cancellation deadline. Refund requests must include:

The participant’s full name
The participant's address
The program name
The program date
The reason for the refund/cancellation request

Allow up to six weeks for refunds. Refunds will be issued to whom the payment was received.

Lost and Found Policy

All items left at camp will be taken to the closest GSSN Service Center and held until October 1 each year. If the item is not claimed, it will be donated.

FAQs

What are “kapers?”

Kapers are chores each camper and staff member are assigned to help with “camp-keeping.” Examples of kapers include: picking up supplies, sweeping, washing dishes, taking out trash, etc. Help prepare your camper for her kapers by letting her help out at home before coming to camp. Kapers are a Girl Scout tradition that helps girls learn responsibility and teamwork skills in caring for our facilities.

What is the difference between “day camp” and “overnight camp”?

Day camp is for girls who want to have fun all day but go home each night. Available in all areas of the state, we designed day camps with the girl-on-the-go in mind. Overnight camp is for girls who are ready to stay at camp for a few days. These are council-sponsored, last two+ nights, and generally have a theme.

What are the sleeping arrangements at camp?

Unless otherwise noted, May–September campers will sleep in...

Camp Catron: Kimmel Lodge (climate-controlled)
Camp Cosmo: Paradise Cove, Sherwood Forest, and/or Cedar Grove (no electricity available)
Camp Crossed Arrows: Troop House (climate-controlled) or Yurt Village (climate-controlled)
Camp Maha: Burr Oak Cabin (climate-controlled) or Riverview Lodge (climate-controlled)
Hidden Oaks Cabin: Sleeping Loft (climate-controlled)
Lakeview Cabin: Bunk Rooms (climate-controlled)

What kind of coverage is available at night? What if my daughter has a nightmare?

There will be a minimum of two adult camp staff members staying in each of the girls’ sleeping areas at night. All camp staff are trained, registered with Girl Scouts, and background screened. Additional staff are added as needed in accordance with Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Can my daughter call home?

We discourage phone calls home unless there is a mitigating circumstance like an injury or a behavioral incident. Frequent phone calls home may distract campers from being present and engaged while at camp. If there is an emergency, camp staff will phone parent/caregivers immediately.

What if my daughter misses home?

Our staff has been trained to recognize and deal with a camper who is missing home. We find it best to keep the girls occupied and distracted if they begin to experience homesickness. Pairing them up with a buddy and keeping them involved in activities often does the trick!

What if my child is a picky eater?

We cannot cook for all tastes, but we try to provide options where girls may select some ingredients they will be eating. We will not let anyone go hungry and will have a variety of options available during meals.

Can my daughter bring food?

Unless she suffers from complex diet restrictions/allergies, bringing food to camp is not permitted. There are many very clever animals living in wooded areas who we do not want to attract.

What happens if my child gets ill or injured? When and why do you notify us?

If your child becomes ill or injured, we will provide care as needed to remedy their injury or illness. In the unlikely event that professional resources are needed, parents/caregivers and EMS will be contacted. You will be notified any time treatment is given beyond a bandage.

What if severe weather happens at camp?

We have designated storm shelters located at each of our camp properties. If there is an emergency at camp, we have a crisis emergency plan in place. Campers will be notified of what steps to follow and parents/caregivers will be notified.

If you have any questions or need assistance registering for Girl Scout Camp, please contact Member Support. If you are interested in seasonal summer camp employment, please visit our Careers page.

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