General Information about Camp
Fees, Buddies, Camp Living, Cancellation
Withdrawal and Refunds
Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. Written cancellation notices and requests for refunds for the balance of the camp fee must be received at least four weeks prior to the opening day of the camp session. If you register your child less than four weeks before camp starts, no refund will be considered if you cancel. No refunds will be made for a camper arriving late, leaving early or attending only part of a session regardless of the reason. To request a refund please call 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 to 5 staff per group. At resident camp girls stay in either cabins (6-12 girls), yurts (6 girls), tent-a-los (5 girls) or platform tents (4-6 girls). All cabins, tents, and yurts are supplied with cots/beds and mattresses. The program, number of girls and the camper’s age determine the living arrangements. Each unit has shelter for rainy day activities, bathroom facilities and storage.
Cancellation of Programs
All programs have a minimum number of campers required by camp or a program provider. A program may be cancelled or changed by GSEM or provider if the minimum number required is not reached. In the event this action is taken, you will be notified and every effort will be made to place your daughter in another program or a full refund will be granted.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 Girl Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts makes every attempt to offer summer camp opportunities to all girls. If you have a camper with special needs, please call 617-350-8335 so we can discuss what we can offer to make your camper's experience one that is exciting, appropriate and fulfilling. The information that you share with us about your camper will be held confidential and shared only as HIPPA allows, and in accordance with your wishes.
Special Programs
The horseback riding program allows campers to develop their riding skills, equine care and knowledge, and barn management. All girls registered for the riding program 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 purposes, all girls will be skill tested and the Camp Director will place girls in programs/lessons that reflect their skill level.
Horseback riding 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
The staff at our camps is selected for their interest and ability to work with young people, to teach and share skills, their willingness to be part of a team and their commitment to the values of honesty, respect, caring and responsibility. All staff are at least 18 years of age or have graduated high school. Criminal Background and Sexual Offender checks (C.O.R.I. & S.O.R.I.) are conducted on all camp staff. (In order to comply with the MA Dept. 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, discipline policies, as well as policies for filing grievances).
All staff attends pre-camp orientation where 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 will run from Boston, Braintree and Burlington for $50 each way. Parents who register for the bus and then cancel must give 7 days notice to receive a refund of bus fees. 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 (e.g. Swiss army knives, scissors, etc.). Prescription medication should arrive in it’s originally container with the appropriate campers name and be turned over to the bus monitor or health supervisor upon arrival at camp.