From Zip Lines to Stargazing: Is Your Camper Ready for Overnight Camp?
March 20, 2025
Summer camp is an exciting opportunity for Girl Scouts to build confidence, make new friends, and experience the wonders of the outdoors. Whether they’re soaring on a zip line, riding a horse, or marveling at a sky full of stars, overnight camp offers unforgettable moments of adventure and growth. But is your camper ready to spend a night (or more!) away from home?
Signs Your Camper is Ready
Overnight camp is a big step, and every child’s readiness looks different. Here are some key indicators to consider before signing up:
- Comfort with Overnight Stays: Has your child spent the night at a friend’s or relative’s house without issues? This is a great indicator of how they’ll handle camp.
- Excitement for Outdoor Adventures: Does your camper enjoy nature, campfires, and exploring the outdoors? Loving the idea of camp is the first step toward a great experience!
- Independence in Self-Care: Can your child handle basic tasks like getting dressed, brushing teeth, and keeping track of their belongings? Camp encourages self-sufficiency.
- Openness to New Experiences: Is your Girl Scout willing to try new foods, meet new friends, and follow camp rules? A positive attitude goes a long way in making camp fun.
- Ability to Communicate Needs: Can your camper ask for help when needed? Whether talking to camp counselors or peers, being able to express concerns is essential.
If your camper checks most of these boxes, they may be ready to dive into the excitement of an overnight Girl Scout camp! With a variety of camp programs available, every Girl Scout can find an experience that matches their interests and comfort level.
Preparing for a Successful Camp Experience
If your camper is excited but a little nervous, that’s completely normal! Here are a few tips to help them (and you) feel more prepared:
- Practice Overnight Stays: If they haven’t spent much time away from home, try sleepovers with family or friends to build confidence before the summer.
- Get Comfortable with Camp Routines: Review what a day at camp might look like, including meals, activities, and lights-out time.
- Pack Together: Let your camper help pack their bag so they know where to find everything. Labeling items also helps!
Stephanie S., mom to a first-time overnight camper, shared: “As a mom I was nervous because she had only spent the night at grandmas before. I packed a special surprise stuffie in her bag that she found once she got to camp and unpacked and made her bed. She took her favorite blanket from home and lots of hugs and kisses before I left! Knowing she had a friend at camp helped her too. But when I when I picked her up all she could talk about how much fun she had and her new friends she made!”
- Talk About Homesickness: Reassure them that missing home is normal, but camp is full of fun distractions. Share coping strategies like writing letters or bringing a comfort item.
Laura S., Seasonal Camp Director, shared: “At camp, homesickness is a normal feeling, and something we all go through at some point. One of our campers who was initially feeling a bit homesick, found comfort in talking with the counselors and taking breaks with the sensory bin during the day. As the day went on, she got so caught up in the fun and excitement that by the end of the week she didn’t want to leave! Sometimes it’s about finding those little moments of comfort like writing letters to your family or journaling before bed. We also make sure to wind down each evening with bedtime stories or songs helping everyone settle into rest. The beauty of camp is that while missing home is natural, there are so many exciting experiences and new friendships to cherish. The memories you create here will be stories you’ll love to share later, and those moments of homesickness become just another part of your adventure.”
- Encourage a Positive Attitude: Remind them that camp is an adventure! Trying new things, making friends, and learning independence are all part of the experience.
Emilee S., a Brownie Girl Scout staying overnight at camp for the first-time, shared: “I was a little nervous my first time staying overnight at camp. My mom got me a special stuffie as a surprise and I hugged that. When my best friend arrived that helped too knowing I had someone I knew at camp! Once I started all the fun activities at camp I felt way better!”
Find the Perfect Camp Experience
Girl Scouts Spirit of Nebraska offers a wide range of overnight camp opportunities, from traditional outdoor adventures to specialty-themed sessions. No matter your camper’s interests or experience level, there’s a camp that’s just right for them!
To explore camp options and prepare for an amazing summer, visit our Camp & Outdoors page.
Give your Girl Scout the chance to discover their courage, embrace new challenges, and create lifelong memories at camp this summer!
