Camp Frequently Asked Questions

Why did you move the camp up one week  (vs. 2015)?

The vast majority of our high school age Counselors attend La Canada High School and a large share attend the LCHS Summer School program.   We moved our camp up one week to avoid conflicting with the LCHS Summer School session as well as to avoid conflicting permits with Tom Sawyer Camp.

Will camper enrollment numbers be reduced?:

After much study and deliberation by the Camp team, we made the decision to reduce overall camper enrollment in 2016 in order to ensure that the camp experience is not only fun, but safe for everyone:  campers, Counselors and Volunteers.   Our camp has grown to be very popular with local Girl Scouts over the years, and while we would love to continue with our "more the merrier" position, we cannot do so.  Our camp has always met Girl Scout adult:child ratios, but its location and the type of activities offered mean that we have to down-size in order to make it a comfortable and safe experience for everyone.  We know that this may mean some disappointed Girl Scouts and we apologize.  Please be sure you have considered all your family obligations before applying to camp.  If your Girl Scout has to arrive late, leave early or miss days, perhaps this is not the camp for her.   We would also like to remind you that our camp is only open to Registered Girl Scouts within the La Canada Service Unit. 

What age Girl Scouts can attend?

Campers must be registered Girl Scouts within the La Canada Service Unit going into grades 1 through 6 in the FALL OF 2024.   LCF GS Day Camp does not have a program for girls coming into Transitional Kindergarten or Kindergarten. 

What are CHICs?

CHIC I (entering 7th grade in the Fall of 2024)  and CHIC II (entering 8th grade in the Fall of 2024 who completed CHIC I in camp last year or GSGLA's Program Aid class) are CAMPERS, but they will learn important leadership skills to help them become Counselors in the future.   All must be registered Girl Scouts within the La Canada Service Unit.

What Badges are Earned?

Below are the TENTATIVE Badges & Patches Girl Scouts can earn at Day Camp.  All attendees will also receive an official LCF GS Day Camp fun patch, which can be worn on the back of a Girl Scout uniform smock/vest/sash.  Campers also receive a t-shirt and bandana.

How are Camper Unit Assignments Determined?

All campers in grades 1-6 are hand placed into Units so as to achieve a balance across all the Units for that grade.  We always place campers in Units with at least a few of the girls from their Troop (assuming others from their Troop attend camp).  Then we mix 2 or more Troops in a Unit so that the campers begin to make new friends with Scouts from other Troops and schools.  Camp embraces the Girl Scout philosophy of being "a sister to every Girl Scout" and hopes that you, as parents, trust the care and time we take in placing your daughter into a Camp Unit and introducing her to Scouts from around the area.  We have learned from previous years that the parents are usually more anxious than the girls about making new friends, and once camp has started, the girls have a blast!  Please trust us to balance our Units for all girls, and please trust your daughter to make new friends.

What equipment is needed for Camp?

Campers are asked to bring a "mess kit" each day.  This can be camping equipment or can be sturdy plastic plate, bowl, cup and utensils.  All campers will need a spray bottle (no fans attached) and water bottle.  Campers will be given a list of food items that they will bring to camp.  For example, they may be asked to bring favorite ice cream topping or fresh fruit.  Items should be brought ready to eat in quantity for approximately 10 people.  Some campers may need a portable (e.g. sling) chair.   Campers in the 6th grade overnight unit will be given a specific list of supplies and equipment needed.  Most items can be rented.   Campers are provided a t-shirt that must be worn each day and campers should wear older play clothes and closed toe shoes.

What meals are served at camp?   What about food allergies?

We realize that it can be scary sending girls to camp who are picky eaters, especially if they are first-time campers.  We encourage you to trust your daughter and to trust the counselors who typically choose tried-and-true menus passed down through years of camp. 

Campers will have dinner at camp each day, plus snacks.  One day during the week they will make their own ice cream from scratch, too. 

We also realize that some campers have allergies to specific foods.  We try to run a peanut-free (but not a nut-free) camp, and your daughter's counselors will be made aware of all the allergies you listed in your application well before they start planning their unit's meals. 

In the past, we have tried to accommodate campers with food allergies by having counselors modify menus, by sharing menus with parents, and by offering a host of other efforts that left our volunteers and counselors exhausted and that didn't always meet expectations anyway.   We no longer share unit menus with parents or allow access to counselors before camp.

If your camper has significant allergies or dietary constraints (e.g. gluten-free), you will need to send sack dinners and snacks to camp with her.  Please send peanut-free foods so we can maintain a peanut-free camp.  Because food is sent in from outside parents, we cannot guarantee camp is peanut-free.

If you are still concerned about how to handle food for your child at camp, talk to your counselors on the first day of camp and find out what their meal plan is for the week.  You may be able to send foods that compliment the unit's meal plan.  Note that meal plans may change and counselors are not required to alter their meal plans per parent request.  And if it isn't absolutely necessary to talk to your counselors about food, please don't.  They are very busy on the first day of camp.

What is the 6th Grade "Overnight/Backpacking" Unit?  What if my Camper has medical issues? 

NEW IN 2018:   ALL BACKPACKING CAMPERS ARE ASSESSED THROUGHOUT THE WEEK OF CAMP FOR THEIR LEVEL OF HEALTH AND FITNESS.  IF A CAMPER IS NOT FIT OR HEALTHY ENOUGH FOR THE BACKPACKING TRIP, SHE WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO ATTEND THE TRIP.  PARENTS CAN BE NOTIFIED UP TO THE DAY OF THE OVERNIGHT OR THURSDAY MORNING.  THIS IS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CAMPERS.

Pending availability of trained Adult volunteers, Camp is able to offer an option to 6th Grade Cadettes to either be in the "General" unit OR the "Overnight/Backpacking" Unit at camp.   The overnight unit has limited enrollment based on Adult:Scout ratios.  Both units attend camp from 2:30-7:30 on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.  On Thursday/Friday,  the Overnight unit goes on an extended hike and stays overnight at a local hiking spot.  They hike back to camp the next day and participate in Camp closing and are ready to be picked up at 7:30 pm.  Campers in this unit must furnish their own equipment such as sleeping bags and hiking backpacks.  A list is furnished.  IMPORTANT NOTE:   Campers with certain medical and dietary issues may not make good candidates for this unit.  If your camper has medical/dietary issues, PLEASE EMAIL CAMP prior to Pre-Registration so we can determine with you if your camper should enroll in this unit.