FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is my full payment for camp due?
Full payment for your each camp session is due four weeks prior to the start of camp. The deadline is the same for all required forms, you can see the deadline date specified beside each required form, listed in your CampInTouch Account.
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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 final day of your camper's session. This is a requirement of our childcare license and our American Camp Association Accreditation.
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How are food allergies and special dietary needs handled at camp?
Allergies and dietary restrictions are collected through CampInTouch on the Health History. Our catering service staff, 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 resident 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.
How long are physicals and immunization records good for when submitting health forms required by 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 camp start date. This is a requirement of both our childcare licensing with the State of Colorado, and our Accreditation with the American Camp Association.
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Who will be at camp?
Girl Scouts of Colorado extends opportunities to campers who identify with the girl experience. Girl Scouts of Colorado serves campers who have been historically marginalized and systemically excluded from outdoor spaces. This can and does include cis-gendered girls, gender-expansive youth, non-binary youth, and trans youth. You can learn more about these terms by visiting GSCO’s Diversty, Equity, and Inclusion webpage.
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Will my camper be asked to share their pronouns?
We will ask how your camper would like us to refer to them during their time at camp (i.e. camp names), and campers may share their pronouns in response to this inquiry if they would like to do so. We will never force anyone to disclose or discuss these aspects of their identity, as with any identity a camper may hold. Staff may model this by sharing their pronouns with groups as they choose. Every effort will be made to ensure individuals who do elect to share this information are referred to by these personally identified pronouns in every aspect of their camp experience and by all Girl Scout volunteers and officials.
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What if gender identity topics are raised at camp?
We respect and nurture belonging, inclusion, and safety for every camper, broadly and by respecting each individual’s gender identity. While campers and staff members may at times share their pronouns, we will only discuss gender identity with campers if questions are raised organically. If questions or issues arise about gender identity among campers, staff are trained to address the questions or issues with respect and in an age-appropriate manner. We do not discuss camper or staff bodies, or sex assigned at birth.
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What if sexual orientation topics are raised at camp?
There is no need to “out” or discuss a camper’s (or staff member’s) sexual orientation, and we do not initiate discussions about sexual orientation or sexuality at camp. We know that questions and conversations sometimes arise organically at camp about “crushes” or attraction, and we are respectful and non-judgmental regarding everyone’s romantic and sexual orientation.
Although sexual orientation is part of someone’s identity, conversations surrounding romantic intimacy are not appropriate at Girl Scout camp, and staff are trained to intervene in these instances with respect and in an age-appropriate manner.
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Are all the camp staff women?
Our staff have a wide range of lived experiences and backgrounds that often mirror that of our campers. Our staff reflect a spectrum of gender identities and expressions. Applicants are encouraged to apply and are selected without regard to gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation, which are protected classes in the state of Colorado. We believe that our campers should have the benefit of a diverse group of role models.
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What about bathrooms and showers?
Privacy is an essential and fundamental right to everyone at camp. We do not have any group shower facilities. Our single-use shower stalls and bathroom stalls provide privacy. This includes toilets, changing areas, and showers, which have single-use stalls separated by curtains or walls. Staff members have separate spaces to shower or may use the same shower facilities as campers but at a different time. Alternate single-use lockable shower, bathroom, and changing facilities are available in health lodges at overnight camp. No one will be forced or required to use these alternate facilities regardless of their gender identity or expression. Please contact your Executive Camp Director and camp team to inquire about property-specific accommodations.
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What about bunks?
Campers are grouped in living units by age and session. We ensure staff-to-camper ratios are met as defined by childcare licensing, and a minimum of a 1:2 staff-to-camper ratio is practiced at all times. Beds are considered private spaces that are not shared with others. With a few exceptions, staff have separate sleeping areas away from campers, either separated by a wall, curtain, or separate cabin, tent, platform, or hammock area. In a few circumstances, like in our 6-person yurts, there is not this separation. Male-identifying staff do not share sleeping accommodations with our campers, and are housed in separate staff-only accommodations.