There’s so much to know about getting your camper ready for her
exciting camp adventure! To get you started, here are some answers to
questions girls and parents often have about camp.
Once you register your camper, you will receive information on
required forms that MUST be completed before your girl attends camp.
Camp forms are due by June 1, 2021. Please note that a physician’s
signature on a physical exam is REQUIRED. Your camper will not
be allowed to remain at camp without this information.
How do I spend time at camp?
Fun and exciting adventures abound daily at
camp. In our Classic Camp sessions, some of the highlights
are archery, paddle sports, swimming, horseback riding, challenge
course, cooking, biking, rock climbing, high ropes, hatchet throwing,
hiking, outdoor cooking, theater, creative arts, and songs and games,
but there is so much more! There is plenty of time to work on Trail Master levels while having choices to try
new things.
Specialty: Girls focus on particular
skills and out-of-camp trips or experiences, and still have time to
choose classic camp activities! Are you interested in horses? Camp
Pondicherry’s specialty horse programs would be perfect! What about
sailing or rock climbing? Camp Natarswi offers awesome specialty
adventure programs in these areas. Check out our other specialty
sessions - cooking, art, photography, archery, hiking, canoe trips,
wilderness survival and more!
See daily camp schedules here.
No matter the session you choose, you’ll have lots of fun daily
with your counselors and friends,including awesome all-camp
activities such as Bear Hunt, Capture the Flag, campfires, talent
shows and more. There is endless singing and games and sometimes
just chilling out with nature.
There is a daily rest period in your unit after lunch so bring
quiet games or books to read, or surprise your parents with a letter home!
Where will I sleep?
One of the best parts about camp is the chance for you to
connect with the natural world around you, including where you sleep!
Cabins – If you are a younger girl, you can choose to sleep in
bunk beds in a cozy cabin. At Pondicherry, counselors sleep in the
same cabin with campers. At Natarswi, counselors either sleep in the
cabin or in a tent nearby. Look for the cabin icon!
Platform Tents – You’ll get to enjoy the great outdoors in
these tents! Pondicherry has permanent tent shelters with roofs and
four built-in beds each. At Natarswi, you’ll stay in canvas tents with
metal cots with three other girls. At each camp, tents are arranged in
clusters (units) with your counselor’s tent centrally located within
the unit. Bug nets are provided for each individual bunk bed. Look for
the tent icon!
Each unit has a wash station, a campfire ring and a latrine or flush
toilets nearby. Some units have an outdoor pavilion, which is used for
unit activities. Central shower houses are available for you to use.
Don’t worry - indoor shelter is available at both camps for when the
weather gets too severe!
What kind of food is offered?
Most of your meals are served either buffet style or family
style in our camp dining hall. We serve three well-balanced and
nutritious meals daily. We also do campfire cookouts where you’ll help
plan and prepare the meal. There is always one main dish and a
vegetarian option, along with side dishes. You’ll have a snack in the
afternoon and fruit is always available.
Typical meals
include chicken, casseroles, pizza, stir fry, tacos, pasta dishes,
turkey dinners, grilled cheese, and soup. If you’re a picky eater,
don’t worry! We always have other options such as a salad bar,
veggies, or sandwiches and our kitchen staff work hard to provide you
with food you like.
If you have special dietary needs, let us know before you arrive and
we’ll be happy to work with you.
How does the camp manage safety concerns?
Girl Scouts of Maine resident camps are accredited by the
American Camp Association, meeting over 300 safety and health
standards. Both resident & day camps are licensed by the Maine
State Health Inspections Program and meet or exceed all state
regulations. Our camps also adhere to Girl Scout Safety Activity Check
Point standards – a risk management guide designed to protect and
maintain the well-being of every Girl Scout.
What are the camp counselors like?
Camp staff rocks! Our counselors are enthusiastic, caring young
adults who come from all over the world. All staff members are
carefully screened, including background checks, and selected for
their ability to add to the camp experience. Most of the camp staff
are CPR and first-aid trained, and many hold advanced certifications
as Red Cross Lifeguards, Water Safety Instructors, Archery
Instructors, Challenge Course Facilitators, Wilderness First Aiders,
Maine Trip Leaders and Leave No Trace practitioners. Staff members
also complete a week of intensive on-site pre-camp training to ensure
the best camp experience for you.
Can I bring a buddy to camp?
You may request ONE buddy to bunk with during your time at
camp. To be bunk buddies, you and your friend must each request each
other by name and be within the same grade level and registered for
the same session.
Why just one buddy? Our tents accommodate four girls and we
want to ensure that everyone has the best camp experience. A group of
three leaves one girl who may feel left out. You and your buddy may
attend different activities, depending on your personal choices and
your different skill levels.
But what if I come
alone? Many girls come to camp without a buddy, so don’t worry!
You’ll join a group of girls your own age who are excited about camp.
Camp is a great place to make new friends!
What is my "Camp Grade"?
We group girls by “camp grade” which is the grade you will be
entering as of September 2021.
What if I have other questions?
The camp directors for Camp Natarswi and Camp Pondicherry are
available year round and are always happy to answer your questions.
Treasa Wheeler, Camp Natarswi Director, can be reached at twheeler@gsmaine.org. Nicole Nelson, Camp
Pondicherry Director, can be reached at nnelson@gsmaine.org. Each director can be
reached at 888-922-4763.
