Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the frequently asked questions that many parents and campers have about Twilight Camp. If you have any questions, please email us at info@twilightcamp.org.
Q: What is the theme this year?
A: "Twilight on a Stick" with State Fair-themed program areas and activities. Girls take part in outdoor activities, songs, swimming, STEM, crafts, and snacks each day. Activities are run by older girls (grades 7-12) and adult volunteers.
Q: What do we do at camp?
A: It's a day camp, we're outdoors all day at Lake Minnewashta Park doing activities, games, skills, crafts, and swimming. We don't cook out (unless we're making a small snack as an activity); each girl brings a bag dinner. Each day the girls will be at a different Site (Picnic shelter) within the park, with themed activities for that day. The order of the Site Activities changes each day, but we begin and end in a large group at the Ceremony Circle. Your actual schedule will be similar to the one below.
1:45 pm Check-in
2:00 pm Opening
2:15 pm Site Activities (Games, Crafts, Activities, Swimming)
7:00 pm Walk to Ceremony Circle
7:15 pm Closing Ceremonies
7:45 pm Camp Dismissed
Q: How long do we get to go swimming?
A: We go swimming for about 45 minutes each day, unless there is a thunderstorm or reason to not be in the water. There are changing rooms at camp. We ask campers to wear clean swimsuits under shorts/shirts and bring dry undergarments to change into after swimming. The swimming beach at Lake Minnetonka Park is staffed by professional lifeguards.
Q: What does she need to bring to camp?
A: Your child should bring a small backpack for gear, a brown bag supper, a water bottle, closed-toed sturdy shoes, a swimsuit and towel (if swimming), and a change of undergarmets. Optionally rain gear, a jacket or sweatshirt, and a hat with a brim or sunglasses. Insect repellent and waterproof sunscreen should be applied at home before came.
Q: How does my Girl Scout sign up? Does she tell her Troop Leader?
A: Register at www.twilightcamp.org/register. Twilight Camp is not a troop event, we have girls from different troops together, sometimes all the girls in one troop can't attend, and even troop leaders and their families have conflicts. We try to place each girl with at least one friend, if the request is mutual, but we cannot keep entire troops together. Twilight Camp is a Girl Scout experience that's independent form her Girl Scout Troop experience (though other troop members may also attend.)
Q: How much does camp cost?
A: The fee structure is based on camper or older girl position. Confidential financial assistance is available, details are on the registration page. Early Bird Registration ($5 off) runs through April 30th. Registration Fees:
Camper ($95): Grades 1-6, or 7th graders as campers
Assistant Caddie ($55): First-time caddies, grades 7-8
Caddie ($35): 1-2 years of experience, grades 8-10
Senior Caddie ($20): 2+ years of experience, grades 10-12
New Brighton Bus: $45/week
Q: What are Cookie Credits? How do we use them?
A. Cookie Credits, Juliette Program Credits, and Fall FUNds are fundraising sales rewards that can be applied toward camp registration fees. Girl Scouts can opt in to receiving these instead of the sales prizes. They're distributed electronically, you should get an email with the codes in late May. Contact your Troop Leader or Troop Cookie Manager if your Girl Scout hasn't received hers.
Q: Can we register if my Girl Scout hasn't received their Cookie Credits yet?
A: Yes! Indicate how many Cookie Credits you'll redeem, we'll follow-up and ask for the codes in May.
Q: Is there financial aid available?
A: Yes, confidential financial assistance is available, details are on www.twilightcamp.org/register.
Q: Does my daughter need to be registered with Girl Scouts to attend?
A: Yes. If you're not sure of her registration status, contact Girl Scouts of MN and WI River Valleys, www.girlscoutsrv.org, (800) 845-0787 or girlscouts@girlscoutsrv.org
Q: Can my daughter only sign up for 1-2 days and what would the cost be?
A: We do not offer partial weeks of camp. There is no price adjustment or prorated fee. She can register and miss part of camp, just let us know in advance at info@twilightcamp.org.
Q: How are the campers organized?
A: Campers are placed in units with 6-12 girls of similar age and grade (typically grades 1-6). Each unit has 1-3 older girl counselors called Caddies.
Q: Will my daughter attend with other girls in her troop?
A: Unlike a Service Unit event, Twilight Camp is considered a council event. Girls register individually rather than with their troop. Girls are placed into "Units" for the duration of camp, and we try to have at least 1 girl from her troop with her.
Q: How can I make sure my daughter is with her best friend?
A: You can't. We try very hard to place girls with friends when a reciprocal replacement request is made during registration. However, our safety ratio requirements mean we sometimes put girls in different units to distribute them evenly. We cannot keep entire troops together. Camp is also a time to make new friends - it's not logistically possible to put every girl with every request, but we will try our best.
Q: Can my Girl Scout join a friend in another Unit (group)?
A: You can put in a friend request when you register, and we do our best to honor that if it is mutual. We cannot guarantee we'll keep troops together at camp. You must stay with your Unit during camp, but there are times (like swimming) when several Units are together at once. If your friend is in another Unit, it's better to make time to see her outside of camp and make new friends in your Unit during the camp day itself.
Q: What is Sibling Care?
A: Sibling Care is a program for siblings of Girl Scouts entering grades K-6, available for parents or caregivers volunteering all 4 days of camp. The cost is $95 per sibling, with a $5 early bird discount if registered by April 30.
Q: What activities will siblings participate in?
A: Siblings will join all camp activities within their own special unit.
Q: What time is camp each day?
A: Camp will go from 2:00 -7:45 pm. Sign-in starts at 1:45 pm. Pick up is at 7:45 pm. All campers will need to be signed out (the caddie has the sign-out form) from their unit before they can leave. Campers traveling from New Brighton will have drop-off at 12:30pm and pick up at 8:30 pm.
Q: My daughter plans to ride the bus that's being organized for girls from the New Brighton area. How can I find out more?
A: We're finalizing the bus process and will send a separate communication with details.
Q: What are the main responsibilities of a Caddie?
A: The main responsibilities of a Caddie include ensuring the health and safety of the girls in their unit, tracking attendance, assisting with activities, and providing support and guidance to the younger campers.
Q: How can I support the Caddies in their leadership roles?
A: Encourage the Caddies to take on leadership roles while providing guidance and support as needed. Be patient and understanding, as they are still developing their leadership skills. Offer constructive feedback and praise their efforts.
Q: Why do you need adult volunteers?
A: Camp is completely run by volunteers (parents and alumna) in our community. We take time from work, family, and vacation to provide an inexpensive outdoor experience for the girls. We need adults to help run certain activities, and maintain our adult:child safety ratios.
Q: What are the main responsibilities of a volunteer at camp?
A: If you're helping with a Unit, your main responsibilities are ensuring the health and safety of the girls and providing support and guidance to the Caddies (older girl counselors) who are leading the units. If you're helping in a program area, you'll help deliver or proctor an activity or help reset between groups.
Q: How are adult volunteers assigned?
A: We'll send a SignUp Genius form out in June with exact days, times, and volunteer opportunity, so you can select a spot that matches your availability and gifts!
Q: This whole thing sounds amazing. I'd like to be part of the core group. How can I participate?
A: Email info@twilightcamp.org. That goes to Camp Directors Beth and Nick, and volunteer coordinator Kate - we'll loop you in!
Q: Why is it called Twilight Camp?
A: It's called Twilight Camp because camp runs each day from early afternoon to early evening (the twilight of the day) allowing parents to volunteer without taking an entire day off work.
Are we missing a common question? Email info@twilightcamp.org and we'll add it! Thanks for suggesting it!