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A group of Girl Scouts wearing helmets and harnesses, getting ready for the challenge course at Camp Dorothy Thomas.

Summer Camp

Friendship, Fun, and Adventure!

June 4–July 29, 2023

Registration is closed. We wish our participants an amazing camp experience!

Girl Scouts and Girl Scouts Summer Camps are special. When you come to Camp Dorothy Thomas, Camp Wai Lani or Camp Wildwood, you join a family who stands by you, encourages you and cheers you on, whether you are one foot off the ground or twelve! 

You can ride that horse, climb that wall, hit that target, row your way to victory, and so much more. Girl Scout Camp is a place to go on adventures, develop new skills, build new relationships and strengthen existing ones.

2023 GSWCF Summer Camp Guide

Check out the 2023 Summer Camp Guide to see everything we've got planned at Camp Dorothy Thomas, Wai Lani and Wildwood!

2023 Summer Camp Begins June 4, 2023
  • Day Camp and Overnight Camp at Wai Lani (Palm Harbor)
  • Overnight and Equestrian Camp at Wildwood 
  • NEW Family weekend camping at Dorothy Thomas (Riverview)
Summer Camp Open Houses 
  • Camp Wai Lani:
    • March 19, 2–4 p.m.
    • April 30, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–4 p.m.
  • Camp Wildwood: 
    • March 26, 2–4 p.m.
    • May 7, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. and 2–4 p.m.

Nuts, Bolts, & FAQs

Are Sessions Based on My Camper's Grade?

Camp is a great place for progression and we feel it is important to focus on your child's developmental needs at different ages. For this reason, you’ll find that many of our sessions are now focused on specific ages aligning with the Girl Scout program levels. Campers of similar ages will be housed together and participate in activities designed for their age group. Campers will participate in activities with their cabin mates. Campers’ schedules are set based on age and sessions: younger campers will have set schedules while older campers will have more flexibility.  

Accessibility & Accommodations

It is our hope to be able to serve everyone wishing to attend camp. We strive to make accommodations for campers with disabilities and are able to in many cases. Campers must be able to function independently in a 6:1 girl-to-adult ratio.

Accessibility accommodations can be provided for a range of physical, medical, developmental, dietary, behavioral, or communicative abilities. Providing a safe and positive experience to all campers is of the utmost importance to us. We reserve the right to make decisions of participation based on the extent of the girl’s needs and our ability to meet those needs in a camp setting.

Please contact the camp director if you have any questions or concerns about your camper attending camp.

If your camper has physical restrictions and/or uses a wheelchair, crutches, braces, or similar assistive technology, please contact our camp directors so we can plan the best possible experience. Many programs may be modified to meet the specific needs of our campers

Bunk Buddies
What is a Bunk Buddy?

Campers may choose to attend summer camp with a bunk buddy. A bunk buddy is someone who is attending the same session and would like to stay in the same cabin as your child.  

Requesting a Bunk Buddy

Bunk buddies must be registered for the same camp session and select each other mutually during registration. Campers may only select ONE bunk buddy. If more than one is selected, only one will be honored. Bunk buddy requests are not required. Be sure to fill out your bunk buddy requests during registration and coordinate with the guardians of your child's bunk buddy so that they also select your camper when they register. We may not be able to accomodate last minute requests.

Camp Staff

Our camp staff are selected based on their experience, enthusiasm, and desire to work with children in a camp setting. Our counselors strive to be role models with a focus on the needs of campers both in individual and group settings.

They model the Girl Scout Promise and Law and receive extensive training in a variety of topics (including youth development and risk management) so your child will be successful throughout their summer camp adventure. We screen each applicant through in-depth interviews and multiple reference and background checks, as well as a drug screening.

Camp staff go through more than ten days of training, including CPR and First Aid, safety and risk management, emergency response, activity leadership and outdoor skills, how to support campers' mental health (including homesickness and bullying), and much more. Staff who supervise specialized activities (such as swimming and archery) have additional training and qualifications.

Staff Opportunities 

Being a camp counselor will be one of the most fun and fulfilling jobs of your career!

You wake up every day in the summer to form amazing friendships, build concrete skills, and do daring and adventurous things. You care for campers and use your training to build courage, confidence, and character in the next generation of young women. You model healthy relationships. You teach them how to expand their comfort zones. We’re hiring staff who want to make a meaningful contribution to our camp community and to create Summer Camp magic for our campers, all while building your resume and getting paid. If this describes you, see below for more information and to apply! 

Benefits 
  • Get paid to play! - salaries start at $600/week 
  • Live and work in the beautiful outdoors 
  • Meals and housing provided for most positions 
  • Strong relationship-building opportunities  
  • Leadership and growth opportunities 
  • Diverse certification opportunities 
  • Internship hours (if applicable) 
Responsibilities 
  • Provide quality programming 
  • Uphold Girl Scouts core values 
  • Maintain health and wellbeing of campers 
Apply for a camp staff job.
CITs, Internships & NEW Rangers

Calling all future camp counselors! If you are ready to unlock your leadership potential and your love of the outdoors, you can start working towards your Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Awards.

In our CIT program, you will gain the tools you need to become a mentor to younger campers. This training is aligned with the CIT Awards Girl Scouts can earn and display on their uniform. Once you begin working on our CIT II Award, you may choose to take one of our specialty tracks, including a focus on the equestrian, challenge course, or waterfront programs.

These leadership programs are the first steps toward learning the skills necessary to one day work as a volunteer CIT and then a full-fledged camp counselor!

CIT Progression
CIT ▶ CIT II ▶ Camp Intern

The CIT Award is only the beginning. Here's how you can go from trainee to paid camp counselor. 

  1. CITs must attend the two-week CIT I Camp to complete their CIT I Award. 
  2. CITs then attend at least one CIT II Camp session. The CIT I Award is a prerequisite for this session.
  3. If they have earned both the CIT I and CIT II Awards and are still enrolled in high school, they may apply to be a Camp Intern at one of our summer camps. 
NEW Ranger in Training

Have you completed CIT 1 but feel the call to be a Ranger instead? Try out the new Ranger-in-Training track at Camp Wildwood! Explore what goes in to being a Girl Scout Camp Ranger and having a career in the outdoors from our very own rangers! Learn about building and ground maintenance, land stewardship, vehicle maintenance, setting trail markers, help with a purposeful special camp project, meet guest experts, and more! Seniors in this program can earn their Car Care badge and all girls will earn STEM Career Exploration.  *Must have completed CIT 1.  

For more information, contact customerconnections@gswcf.org.

Apply to be a Camp Intern.
Electronic Devices

Summer camp offers a great opportunity to learn about and navigate social situations while disconnecting to the digital world. We have a “no electronics” policy at all camps.

If your child is experiencing a major challenge at camp, we will contact you to discuss the best way to help her navigate. We ask that campers leave all iPods, cell phones, tablets, e-readers, and smart watches at home. Standalone digital cameras are encouraged and allowed.

Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF) is not responsible for any loss or damage to your child’s electronic equipment.

Prohibited electronics that are brought to camp will be placed in a secure location with the owner’s name and returned to parents at checkout. Please note that camp staff use phones for communication among staff member, to play music, and take the photos you see on WaldoPhotos.

Financial Information & Camperships
Deposits

A non-refundable deposit is required for each camp session. The deposit for day camp is $25 per session. The deposit for overnight camp is $50 per session. The deposit for Travel camp is $100 per session. The deposit for Family Camp is $25 per person.

Payment Plans

Payments can be made on camp balances in any amount at any time up to the deadline. All camps must be paid in full by May 15, 2023. Failure to pay in full may result in deposit and space forfeited. CampDoc has a feature where you can set up automatic payments. 

Financial Assistance ("Camperships")

Camperships are available on an as-needed basis for registered GSWCF members whose financial circumstances might otherwise prevent them from attending camp. Learn more about our Camperships.

To apply for assistance, you must register and pay a deposit to hold your camper’s spot in a session. Then apply for camperships by completing this form. Deposits will be refunded if the scholarship amount is not sufficient to meet your needs. If your family cannot pay the deposit, please contact us to discuss alternative options. Due by May 12, 2023.

Apply for a Campership.
Changes, Cancellations, and Refunds

Requests for session transfers (space permitting) and cancellations must be made via email to CustomerConnections@gswcf.org three weeks before the session to be completed and/or receive a refund, minus the deposit. No refunds will be offered within two weeks before the start of the session unless canceled by GSWCF, the camper is required to attend summer school (notice from school required), or due to illness (physician’s note is required). We do not offer refunds for no-shows or campers leaving camp early due to behavior, homesickness, or health issues. Refunds are not offered for campers arriving at camp with head lice. 

Let Cookies Pay Your Way to Camp

Did you know that your child can use any council money they earn through our Product Sale Programs (GS Sweets & Treats and the Girl Scout Cookie Program) to help pay for camp? Whether it’s Council Dough or Council Credit, your vouchers can be applied to some, most, or all of your camp costs or toward items at the Trading Post! Contact us at CustomerConnections@gswcf.org for assistance. 

Food, Health, and Safety
What will my camper eat? 

Meals provided at camp are kid-friendly and well-balanced. Our overnight campers receive three meals and one snack a day. Day campers receive a morning snack, lunch, and an afternoon snack.

What about health and dietary needs?

The health and safety of your camper is our utmost concern. If your camper has a physical need, food allergy, religious dietary restriction, or any other special considerations, please specify in writing on the Health History form you complete online using CampDoc.com. Vegetarian meals are an option and must be noted on forms. We are able to work with parents and guardians to meet a variety of diets due to allergies or other medical issues. If you would like to discuss any special considerations or diets before registering for camp, please contact us at CustomerConnections@gswcf.org. 

Not a Girl Scout? Not A Problem!

Girls entering grades 1–12 in Fall 2023 can attend camp. Non-Girl Scouts will be contacted to pay a $25 membership fee in addition to the camp fee to become a registered Girl Scout. Upon joining, girls will have all of the benefits of Girl Scout membership through Sept. 2023!

Photos and Email With WaldoPhotos

We partner with WaldoPhotos for camper pictures and email. Parents and guardians will receive an email on how to sign up for the paid service that sends photos of your camper directly to your phone!

The best part? 50% of the fee goes to GSWCF’s Campership fund! All camper families may view photos for free by visiting waldophotos.com and entering your camp specific information, which will be emailed to you after registration. Waldo Photos also offers Waldograms™, or electronic mail to and from your camper for a small fee.

Registration Information

Summer Camp registration is being hosted on CampDocs. 

Returning campers should use the CampDocs login they created last year to sign in and register for this year's camp sessions. New campers will need to create a profile prior to registering for their chosen session(s). 

Waiting Lists 

Some programs are in high demand and will fill early in the year. If your camper is placed on a waiting list, you have several options: 

  1. Remain on the waiting list for an available space. Camp directors check waiting lists weekly and make adjustments depending on available space. Occasionally spaces open quickly, but sometimes they will not open at all. You may remain on the waiting list for as long as you’d like, or you may request a transfer or a refund at any time. 
  2. Transfer to a different camp week with availability. Simply contact the camp director to make this change.  
  3. Request a refund. Contact the camp director to cancel your program and request a refund. 

If you join the waiting list of two or more programs and then receive placement in one, you must cancel any additional programs within 10 days of receiving your placement notice. Failure to do so will result in forfeiting your deposit in any additional programs that your camper is placed in. 

Resources
Sample Schedules

What’s an average day at camp like? Whether you’re an overnight resident or a day camper, you can expect to have an action-packed schedule while at camp! Camp schedules may vary by session, location, and weather. 

Sample Overnight Camper Schedule

7:15 a.m. — Rise and shine!
8 a.m.  — Breakfast
8:45 a.m. — Morning flag ceremony
9:15 a.m. - noon  — Morning activity rotations
Noon  — Lunch
1 p.m.  — Turtle Time
2-5:30 p.m. — Afternoon activity rotations
5:45 p.m.  — Evening flag ceremony
6 p.m. —  Dinner
7:15 p.m. — All-Camp Activity
8:15 p.m. — Showers
9:30 p.m. —  Lights out for younger campers
10:30 p.m.  — Lights out for younger campers 

Sample Day Camper Schedule

8 - 9 a.m.  — Camper drop-off
8:45 a.m. — Morning flag ceremony
9:15 a.m. - noon  — Morning activity rotations
Noon  — Lunch
1 p.m.  — Pool
2-5:30 p.m. — Afternoon activity rotations
5:30-6 p.m.  — Camper pick-up

Summer Camp Care Packages
Pamper Your Camper

Surprise your camper with a special care package that will be delivered during her summer camp session! Basic, Happy Camper, and Bells & Whistles kits purchased before May 1, 2023 will receive (3) free snack tickets to use at the Trading Post ($6 value). 

We have a number of base packages to choose from and you can give your camper a little extra something special with an add-on pack. 

Summer Camp Care Packages 

BASIC, $30 + tax  

Clear tote bag, autograph pillowcase that glows in the dark w/ fabric marker, 2023 patch, postcard with stamp, and water bottle stickers. 

Happy Camper, $40 + tax  

BASIC + bandana and 2023 collectible trading pin 

Bells & Whistles, $60 + tax  

BASIC + HAPPY CAMPER + Smillow S’more scented pillow and ball cap  

 

Add-on Packs for your Care Package (can also be purchase separately) 

Daily Surprise Pack! $35 + tax  

Campers who are staying for a week of camp will receive a different item delivered daily beginning on Monday (half-week campers will get three items at once on their last day). Surprise items include something fun for the nighttime, something to capture memories, something to play with, something practical and something fun in the sun!  

Glow in the Dark Pack $20 + tax 

Your camper will literally “glow” with excitement when they see this pack! Includes items that glow, blink and shine at night. 

 

**GSWCF reserves the right to substitute items of similar style and value. 

Trading Posts Gift Certificates  

The Trading Post offers girls the opportunity to make decisions about what they want to purchase using a gift certificate you have put on their account.  

Items available at the Trading Post include snacks and drinks, camp memorabilia like t-shirts, stuffed animals, water bottles, journals, flashlights, bandanas, autograph items, fun patches, games and much more. Prices vary from $1-$30 so there is something for everyone.  

Purchase your Trading Post Gift Certificate online during the registration process or while checking -in at camp. We also accept credit cards, cookie dough and nut bucks at the trading post. Camper rules prohibit cash in the sleeping units so please do not send cash, as we will not have any change on hand.  

Most families leave deposits of $30 for their camper. If a camper does not spend the entire amount, she will receive change in the form of a gift certificate that she can spend at any GSWCF Trading Post or GSWCF Girl Scout Store location. PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept cash at the Trading Post. 

*Gift Certificates are only valid for use at Girl Scouts of West Central Florida Shops or Trading Posts. They are not valid for online purchase at the Girl Scout Shop ecommerce.  GSWCF Trading Post Gift certificates do not expire. 

All Care Packages, Add-on Packs and Trading Post Gift Certificates are available for purchase during registration or on check-in day at camp while supplies last. Please note: items in the kits are different every year.  

Weather

Camp is open rain or shine! Programs may be modified in extreme weather conditions, including extreme heat. If severe weather is present, campers are moved to a safe location and alternative activities are offered. For specific weather-related emergency plans, please contact us at CustomerConnections@gswcf.org.