Frequently asked questions
What is required for the health history form?
All campers must submit a completed health history form signed by the parent/guardian. No camper is permitted to attend camp without the required health forms completed and signed by a licensed health care professional as noted within the ‘Welcome to Camp Health’.
All medical information must be entered into this form. Medical information should not be entered into the camper profile.
Medical information that is collected includes: health history; allergies; if your camper is bringing an epi-pen; asthma triggers; any restrictions at camp; mental, emotional, and social health (including family changes, homesickness); dietary accommodations; medications; over-the-counter (OTC) permissions; and immunization record (see more below).
Any emergency medications and/or allergy medications that will be sent with your child to camp will also need to have the corresponding forms completed and submitted by the forms deadline for camps to accept the medication. The forms are the Colorado Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan and Medication Orders and/or the Colorado Asthma Care Plan and Medication Order. We are not permitted to accept medications without these forms and without a signature from a licensed health care professional with prescriptive authority.
All of this information is kept confidential. Completing to the best of your ability allows us to best serve your camper and their unique needs.
How does overnight camp handle vaccination records?
All guardians must select an option to verify that their camper vaccination records are up-to-date per school records. If the camper is not vaccinated, there is a special form and paperwork to submit; these are available on the Colorado Department of Public Health and the Environment (CDPHE)’s website. Forms are available for nonmedical and medical exemptions.
Do I have to take my camper to my primary care physician for their overnight camp physical?
You can go to your primary care or any other doctor who is able to complete the physical for your child to complete this form. If your insurance does not allow for a physical in the time you need it, you can get a sports physical from a pharmacy. The physical must be within 24 months of the first day of your camper's session.
This is a requirement of both our childcare license with the state of Colorado and our American Camp Association Accreditation.
How long are medical records valid when submitting health forms required by the State of Colorado Childcare Licensing?
Physicals must be completed within 24 months of camp start date. Immunization records must be dated within 12 months of the camp start date. This is a requirement of both our childcare license with the state of Colorado and our American Camp Association Accreditation.
How should I prepare my camper for camp?
Families play a critical role and can support your camper before they arrive at camp and during their stay.
There is a lot of walking and physical activity at camp; help prepare your campers with walking and other fitness activities at home.
Have your camper drink plenty of water and monitor their health and wellness to ensure good acclimation to camp.
Talk to your camper about living in groups (i.e. asking before borrowing someone else’s things, keeping their bunk in order, disagreements with cabin mates, etc.) and staying comfortable in the outdoors.
Check the local forecast and pack appropriately. This can include the AQI and heat index to make sure your camper has what they need for the weather conditions at camp.
What should I do if my camper is sick prior to camp starting?
Please help us keep other campers, volunteers, and staff healthy by keeping your camper at home if they are not feeling well. If your camper has any consistent signs/symptoms of a communicable disease, campers will not be allowed to attend camp until they are symptom-free and released for participation with a note from their provider. Please send the doctor’s note to the camp.
What should I do if my camper has an injury prior to camp?
Please notify camp of an injury and any accommodations we may need to make (i.e. your camper is on crutches).
My camper has different needs for camp. Is overnight camp still a good fit for my camper?
Campers need to have a certain level of independence and physical ability to attend GSCO camp safely. Campers need to be able to live independently, which means performing basic life tasks, communicating, and living within 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with ratios varying by age. Your camper should be able to, with reminders and within schedule:
Manage personal hygiene (such as brushing teeth, changing clothes, using the bathroom, and showering)
Follow basic camp routines (attending scheduled activities, following instructions, participating in group settings)
Adhere to safety protocols in a group setting (stay with group, follow instructions)
Can I volunteer at camp to see if overnight camp would work for my camper?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept volunteers for overnight and staff-led day camps due to licensing requirements that dictate increased background checks and training, which differs from background checks and training that parents or troop leaders do. We recommend reaching out to a camp that you are interested in and speaking directly with the Camp Team about your concerns.
Can I send my camper with autism/ASD to overnight camp?
Yes! We have many campers who come to camp with different needs. If your child requires a higher level of accommodations to be successful at camp, please reach out directly to the Camp Team to discuss. At a minimum, campers must be able to live independently, which means performing basic life tasks, communicating and living within a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with ratios varying by age. Campers with different needs also sometimes come to a troop camp or family camp, where they can attend with a trusted adult in their life, as a way to build up to overnight camps.
What about my camper with diabetes?
Campers with diabetes are welcome at GSCO camp. Campers should have a pump or be able to manage their insulin injections independently, or with minimal support from a camp nurse. All insulin should follow our process on medicine, including our self-administration process if applicable. We highly encourage you to work with camp staff and proactively communicate so we can make sure we help ensure your camper has the right structure and support while they are at camp.
What happens if my camper becomes ill or injured at overnight camp?
If your camper is ill or injured, their health insurance policy is the primary policy. Insurance through their membership as a Girl Scout is secondary.
The health supervisor and trained staff will administer first aid and follow the written procedures given by the camp physician. If a camper becomes so ill or injured that a long rest period is required for recovery, or they cannot return to camp, they will be sent home, and parents/guardians will be contacted.
If a camper’s illness or injury is severe, they will be given emergency care at the scene, and the parents/guardians will be notified.
In life-threatening situations, treatment begins before notification.
How does overnight camp handle communicable diseases?
Girl Scouts of Colorado is committed to the health and safety of every individual who participates in a camp program. Our camp leadership teams are continuing to closely monitor the latest information and guidance regarding the spread of communicable diseases in our community. The Communicable Disease Plan (CDP) indicates steps taken to help mitigate the spread of illnesses. Our plan is designed around the requirements and advice from the state of Colorado, health department, childcare licensing, Alliance for Camp Health, and the American Camp Association. You can view this document upon registration.
Who works as part of the health team at Girl Scouts of Colorado?
This varies by camp and licensing requirements. Girl Scouts of Colorado has a physician who oversees our programs and is available for consultation. We additionally employ a part-time Health Program and Policy Advisor to support all programs.
At overnight camp, we also have at least one Camp Nurse and one Wellness Supervisor and may also have multiple health assistants.
Leadership and key staff members are also trained in relevant health procedures, such as medicine administration, CPR/First Aid, and similar.
Does overnight camp perform health checks?
Yes. On arrival day, campers will receive a physical health check. This includes a check for contagious scalp and skin conditions, and current body temperature. Our health supervisors also meet with campers who have special medication, known allergic reactions, chronic health conditions, or any known physical limitations, to discuss how to ensure a successful camp experience.
Any camper with a temperature over 100 degrees, who has evidence of nits or lice, or who is otherwise ill will be sent home. After a minimum of 24 hours and the resolution of signs and symptoms, your camper may return to camp with authorization from camp staff.
Daily, we perform wellness checks, performed typically by Wellness Supervisor, or trained support and leadership staff. During a wellness check, staff will have a conversation about how they are feeling physically, emotionally, mentally; how they are sleeping and eating; and similar. It provides an opportunity for campers to have a 1:1 conversation to check-in on overall wellness. If a camper is feeling unwell, the camper will be sent to be seen by camp medical staff.
How is medication handled at overnight camp?
All medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, anti-itch creams, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, vitamins, essential oils, and herbal supplements, etc. must be given to the health supervisor/health lodge upon arrival at camp. All medications must be in their original packaging with the camper’s name, the name of the medication, and the current dosage clearly labeled on the container. It is required for all campers to have a health history form on file so the health supervisors can properly administer a camper’s medication. Medications cannot be dispensed to children without this information, according to state law.
Please send a session’s worth (NOT an entire filled bottle) of medication in its original prescription container so the health supervisor can store it safely and securely for the week and return the empty container at the end of camp.
For essential oils and herbal supplements to be administered at camp, we need written parental consent to administer, authorization from a prescribing practitioner, and indicated on the permission for medicine administration form, per childcare licensing standards.
When siblings are attending a camp program together, ensure that each camper has their own medication. At times, campers may be in different programming or locations and need to be able to access their medication. This includes sunscreen.
What counts as medication?
The following items are included as medication at camp and need to follow our medication process: prescription medicine, over-the-counter medicine, anti-itch cream, antibiotic ointment, eye drops, cough/throat drops, vitamins, herbal supplements, essential oils, melatonin, and similar.
What if my camper’s medication requires a certain temperature storage (i.e. needs to be refrigerated)?
Make sure this is clearly indicated on the medicine packaging. Please additionally reach out in advance (ideally the week prior) so we can ensure we have the right items to accommodate this.
Can my camper keep their medicine in their belongings or backpack?
No. Campers are not permitted to keep medications on their belongings while at camp, with some exceptions outlined below.
Per our advising physician, overnight campers over the age of 14 are permitted to carry their own emergency medicine, provided we have:
A plan for emergency use documented
A signed self-carry contract (available through CampInTouch) which is signed by parents/guardians, licensed health care professional, and the camper.
For overnight campers under 14 and all staff-led day camps, staff assist younger campers by carrying the medicine to ensure safe and secure storage and usage. This is accompanied with an emergency use plan.
Staff are required to be delegated and trained in medical administration by licensed health care professionals in order to administer medicine.
What over-the-counter medicine is available at overnight camp? How is this administered?
The following medication is stocked at camp and used (if approved on the camper’s health history form), on an as-needed basis, to manage illness and injury including Tylenol, Benadryl, antibiotic ointment, anti-itch cream, aloe, ibuprofen, EpiPens, etc.
Do not bring over-the-counter medication unless it is needed on a regular basis and is documented on the Medication Administration Form and is signed by a parent/guardian and licensed health care professional.
No over-the-counter medication is administered at day camp. This also applies to OAC, unless your camper has completed a Medication Administration Form that is signed by a parent/guardian and licensed health care professional.
How is medication handled for trips or travel camps?
In the case that a camper will be away from camp when medication is routinely required to be dispensed, medication will be kept under the control of staff, inaccessible to campers, and administered by trained, delegated staff.
Sometimes my child goes on a “medicine break” in the summer. What does this mean for camp?
While we understand that some families may consider taking a "medicine break" during the summer, please do this in consultation with your healthcare provider’s guidance. Stopping or altering medication without medical guidance can sometimes lead to unintended side effects or affect your child's well-being, especially in an unfamiliar setting.
If you have concerns or are considering any adjustments to your child's medication, we encourage you to discuss it with your healthcare provider before camp begins. Our goal is to ensure your child has a safe, comfortable, and successful time at camp, and maintaining their medication as prescribed often plays a key role in achieving that.
How does camp handle sunscreen and bug spray?
Please send sunscreen with your camper to camp and write their first and last name on the bottle. Please also send a sun shirt (any long-sleeve or covering shirt) with your camper.
Should your camper forget sunscreen, we have a specific sunscreen with limited additives permitted by our physician for usage, that your camper can use.
For day camp we highly recommend, but don’t require, that campers bring bug spray.
My camper has different needs for camp. Is overnight camp still a good fit for my camper?
Campers need to have a certain level of independence and physical ability to attend GSCO camp safely. Campers need to be able to live independently, which means performing basic life tasks, communicating, and living within a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with ratios varying by age. Your camper should be able to, with reminders and within schedule:
Manage personal hygiene (such as brushing teeth, changing clothes, using the bathroom, and showering)
Follow basic camp routines (attending scheduled activities, following instructions, participating in group settings)
Adhere to safety protocols in a group setting (stay with group, follow instructions)
Can I volunteer at camp to see if overnight camp would work for my camper?
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept volunteers for overnight and staff-led day camps due to licensing requirements that dictate increased background checks and training, which differs from background checks and training that parents or troop leaders do. We recommend reaching out to a camp that you are interested in and speaking directly with the Camp Team about your concerns.
Can I send my camper with autism/ASD to overnight camp?
Yes! We have many campers who come to camp with different needs. If your child requires a accommodations to meet the above criteria for independent living at camp, please reach out directly to the Camp Team to discuss. At a minimum, campers must be able to live independently, which means performing basic life tasks, communicating and living within a ratio of up to 1:10 ratio of adult to campers, with ratios varying by age. Campers with different needs also sometimes come to a troop camp or family camp, where they can attend with a trusted adult in their life, as a way to build up to overnight camps.
How do you accommodate campers with accessibility or special needs?
Every Girl Scout deserves the chance to camp, and Girl Scouts of Colorado is dedicated to finding ways to serve all campers regardless of disability, health concerns, mental and socio-emotional needs, and allergies. We will work with you, your Girl Scout, and your family to find reasonable accommodations to meet their needs on an individual basis for an enjoyable and productive experience at camp. Contact the camp or program staff to learn how we can work with you to meet your individual needs to ensure a successful camp experience. Please reach out at any time, but at a minimum, 30 days before program, so we can discuss making camp a successful experience for your camper.
Are there limitations to the types of campers that will be successful at camp?
Camp is a recreational and educational program; campers must be able to benefit from and contribute to their camp experience. Campers must be able to function in up to a 10:1 child-to-adult ratio, with ratios varying by age.
How accessible are the properties?
We are increasingly working to improve the physical accessibility of our camp properties and will do our best to ensure access to any facility. Please reach out to your camp director or to property.reservations@gscolorado.org for more information.
How are food allergies and special dietary needs handled?
Allergies and dietary restrictions are collected through CampInTouch on the Health History. Our kitchen and camp staff review Health Histories before each session to account for all allergies. It is best practice to complete your camper’s health information early to share this information with camp and kitchen staff, so they are ready to help accommodate your camper’s needs. If you do not input the allergy/dietary information on the form by the deadline date listed in your CampInTouch account, the camp staff will not be prepared for your child's dietary needs.
At our overnight camps (Tomahawk Ranch and Sky High Ranch), we are “nut aware.” This means that although we are not entirely nut free, we can accommodate campers with nut allergies. If your camper has an extreme nut allergy, contact the camp prior to arrival for special accommodations.
We try our best to reach out with more complex food allergies and special dietary needs. You can also reach out to camp prior to your camper’s arrival to ensure success at tr.kitchen@gscolorado.org for Tomahawk Ranch, shr.kitchen@gscolorado.org, and Kalyn.odonnell@gscolorado.org for staff-led troop camps and OAC.
We provide a sample menu in advance of the camp for you and your camper. For overnight camp, this is included in your Welcome to Camp letter.
No food or meals are provided for our day camps.
Can I send food to camp with my camper?
For campers that have medically-related food needs, this should be documented as part of their health form so we can treat this as a medicine and keep in our health center. All other external food is not accepted. We will not accept food that is not documented on a medical form. Please proactive communicate with camp staff about this, so we can share what we can and cannot accept.
What about for my camper’s birthday?
We love to celebrate birthdays at camp!