General Information about Camp
Fees, Buddies, Camp Living, Cancellation
Camp Discounts
Each camper who registers by April 1, 2010 will receive a one-time $25 discount. To receive the early registration fee, a completed registration and downpayment must be received by GSEM (not postmarked) by April 1. All registrations that are incomplete on or received after April 1 will be charged the full fee.
Withdrawal and Refunds
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Written cancellation notices and requests for refunds of the camp fee balance must be received at least four weeks prior to the beginning of the camp session. If you register less than four weeks before camp starts, there is no refund. No refunds will be made for a camper arriving late, leaving early or attending only part of a session. To request a refund, call the camp hotline 617-350-8335.
Buddies
A camper may request one “buddy” per session. Both buddies must register for the same camp, program and session and list each other’s name on their registration forms. The Camp Director has final say on placement.
Camp Living
Campers are placed in groups of 5-30 girls, with 2-5 staff per group. Resident campers stay in cabins, yurts (6-12 girls), platform tents (4-6 girls) or tentalos (5 girls), with cots and mattresses. The program, number of girls and the camper’s age determine living arrangements. The Camp Director will assign a site the Friday before each session. Each unit has shelter for rainy day activities, bathroom facilities and storage.
Cancellation of Programs
If a program is cancelled because of low registration, every effort will be made to place you in a similar program. Camp goes on regardless of weather, but programs may be modified in extreme weather conditions.
Meals, Special Needs, Special Programs
Meals
Meals and snacks are provided at resident camp. Please do not send food with or to resident campers. Day campers should bring a non-perishable lunch, snack, drink and water bottle each day to camp.
Special Needs Campers
Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts makes every attempt to offer summer camp opportunities to all girls. However, our counselor-to-camper ratio cannot support campers who need one-to-one attention during activities or in the living unit. Please call (617) 350 8335 in advance to determine what we can offer to make your daughter’s camp experience appropriate and fulfilling.
Special Programs
The horseback riding program allows campers to develop their riding skills and knowledge of equine care and barn management. All girls registered for riding programs must bring jeans and boots with one-inch heels. If your daughter has a Pony Club approved riding hard hat with chin strap she may bring it to camp; if not, camp will provide a riding hard hat. For safety reasons, all girls will be skill tested and the Camp Director will place girls in programs and lessons that reflect their skill level.
Horseback riding, adventure trips and water activities may be cancelled when weather conditions are unsuitable. Alternative activities will be provided. Refunds are not given when activities are cancelled due to weather conditions.
Staff; Transportation; Weapons, Drugs, Smoking Policy
Staff
Our camp staff is selected for their interest and ability to work with young people and to teach and share skills; for their willingness to be part of a team; and for their commitment to the values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. All staff are at least 18 years of age or have graduated from high school. Criminal Background and Sexual Offender checks (CORI and SORI) are conducted on all camp staff. In order to comply with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and to be licensed by the local Board of Health, we inform you that you have the right to request proof of background checks, camp health care policies, and policies for filing grievances. All staff attends pre-camp orientation in which they learn or review camping skills, risk management and safety procedures, Girl Scout program, human relations and communication skills. Many of the staff return each year and travel from all around the world to join us.
Resident Camp Transportation
Bus service to Resident Camps is offered from Boston, Braintree and Burlington for $50 each way. 7 days’ notice of cancellation of a bus reservation is required for a refund of a bus fee. Buses may be cancelled by GSEM due to insufficient enrollment.
Weapons, Drugs and Smoking Policy
Campers and staff are not permitted to bring drugs, alcohol, pets, tobacco products or weapons of any kind to camp. This includes pocket knives (like Swiss Army) and scissors. Prescription medication must arrive in its original container with the camper’s name and be turned over to the bus monitor or health supervisor upon arrival at camp.