Girl Scouts To Host Camp Open Houses

 Families interested in seeing what Girl Scout camp can offer to girls entering grades 1 through 12 are invited to two Camp Open Houses on Sunday May 1. Events are planned at the 16-acre Camp Aspetuck in Weston from 11 am to 3 pm and at the 87-acre Camp Candlewood on Lake Candlewood in New Fairfield from 12:30 to 3 pm.

A third event, an open house for Camp Rocky Craig Theme Days in Stamford, for girls entering grades 1 through 6, is scheduled for Saturday June 4, from noon to 2 pm. All three open houses will take place rain or shine.

Families can bring a picnic, tour the camps, and meet experienced staff.

 The Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut offers day or resident camps at the Aspetuck and Candlewood camps in Fairfield County with one- and two-week sessions from July 5 to August 12, and daily bus transportation. During the open house events, families can see basic camp facilities where girls will experience new adventures, sports, crafts, and skills in beautiful, rustic surroundings.

Summer camp opportunities include hiking, horseback riding, swimming, sailing, canoeing, arts and crafts, games, outdoor skills, theme days, skits, campfire songs, out-of-camp trips, and low ropes adventures.

Team-building initiatives teach campers self-esteem and respect for others while they enjoy the fun and power of girls together.  Meanwhile, girls get to make friends from different communities, learn about themselves, and forge relationships with peers and adults.  Camp experiences build confidence and skills and help develop new interests and personal potential.  

Rocky Craig Days provide a new summer alternative this year. Three separate one-week sessions from July 5 to July 21 on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:30 to 3:30 offer traditional camp activities such as nature, songs and games, arts & crafts, and outdoor skills, all with a special weekly theme at a 26-acre camp in Stamford.

Rocky Craig Days are a great way to introduce non-Girl Scouts and present Girl Scouts to some of the opportunities and camaraderie found at Girl Scout camp.

Some financial aid is available to registered Girl Scout SWCT members, but girls do not need to be a Girl Scout to apply to any of the camps. Visit www.gscswct.org for camp sessions and registration information.

Call the Girl Scout Council, 203-762-5557 or 800-882-5661, to receive a free camp book or directions to any of the open house events.