A Girl Scout Leader's Guide: How to Survive Day Camp

A few years ago, I was asked to help out at my daughter's Girl Scout day camp over summer vacation. The day camp was a week-long affair, starting with a bus ride early in the morning, and ending with another bus ride at suppertime. I've always volunteered for various activities, but this request gave me pause. What on earth would I be getting into? Visions of girls running circles around me filled my head.

Fortunately, the experience was a wonderful one. Daunting at first, but still wonderful. The time I got to spend with my quickly-growing daughter was precious, and I also had a chance to get out of the office and into the outdoors. I've volunteered a number of years now, and have compiled a list of ideas that make the experience easier (and more fun) every year.

First and foremost, share the leadership responsibility with more than one parent. Do not try to be super-mom and do it all yourself. Include other parents in on this special time to be with their daughters. Our troop has one mom who stays the entire week, and other moms who attend camp for 1-3 days, however their schedules allow. I've found that leaving my daughter in someone else's capable hands for a few days has given me quiet time at the office and at home. It also gives my daughter a chance to exert her growing independence.

Day camp is normally not an intensive camping experience, but it's still good to pack correctly. The local Girl Scout troop gives us guidelines on what to bring, including rain ponchos, cups, "situpons", sunscreen, etc. Listen to their advice - they really know what they're talking about.

I've found that bringing a fanny pack has been a lifesaver during camp. It will hold my car keys, phone, any "personal" items, wet wipes, and a small pack of facial tissue. The wet wipes are great to pass around the troop, especially after an intensive smores session around the campfire. The facial tissues are wonderful for those of us with allergies, and really don't want to use a leaf to blow our noses. They also make great emergency TP if you're in a rather... rustic situation and need a bit of paper.

I also bring crafts for the girls to work on during slow moments during the day. A bag or two of stretchy craft loops can be stored in a small backpack, and used for finger weaving. (One year the entire camp was sheltered in a small building during a strong thunderstorm. We passed these out, and watched as the girls quietly began to weave, completely forgetting about the storm raging outside.)

Satin nylon string is also a great camp craft. Buy small metal lanyard holders, and have the girls work on their lanyard or keychain the entire week.. They'll end up with a great remembrance of camp, or a wonderful hand made gift for someone special.

If your troop doesn't have song material, print off a few Girl Scout songs from the net, or get copies from the Girl Scout office. Choruses of "Boom Boom Ain't It Great to Be Crazy" may drive you to insanity, but the girls absolutely love the silly songs. Join in, and loose your adult inhibitions for a little while.

Although camp is a time filled with fun, it's a leader's job to keep everyone safe. Knowing the camp's policies (like where to find shelter and what to do in an emergency) will give you peace of mind before camp even begins. Consider meeting before camp with all the leaders who will be volunteering so that you can review safety and policy issues. (It's also a great time to connect with other parents while the kids play.)

Finally, have fun at camp. Your daughter will not be young much longer - it's amazing how fast children grow. Enjoy your time with her, as well as making connections with other parents and kids.