Summer Resident Camp
”I think in many ways the camping experience gives
children the chance to be children, to enjoy a time
that really uses their minds and their bodies,
develops their spirits, exposes them in a safe
environment to other people, lets them learn about
themselves. And that is important because I think it
really relates directly to the kind of citizens and
leaders we will have in the future.” -
Hillary Rodham Clinton -
The Benefits of Exposure to Nature
By Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the
Woods: Saving Our Children From Nature-Deficit
Disorder
Recent research suggests that exposure to nature can
improve all children's cognitive abilities and
resistance to negative stresses and depression (Kahn
1999; Wells and Evans 2003; Ulrich 1984; and Frumkin
2001).
·
More than 100 studies reveal that one of the main
benefits of spending time in nature is stress
reduction.
·
Environmental psychologists reported in 2003 that
simply a room with a view of nature can help protect
children against stress, and that the protective
impact of nearby nature is strongest for the most
vulnerable children — those experiencing the highest
levels of stressful life events.
·
Other studies indicate that nature can be powerful
therapy for such maladies as obesity and depression.
·
Fascinating recent studies by the Human-Environment
Research Laboratory at the University of Illinois
show that direct exposure to nature relieves the
symptoms of attention-deficit disorders. By
comparison, activities indoors, such as watching TV,
or activities outdoors in paved, non-green areas,
leave these children functioning worse.
·
In addition, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests
that creativity is stimulated by childhood
experiences in nature.
To read more
click here.
What the Research Says About Camp
From the American Camping Association Website
Results confirmed that camps build skills necessary
to prepare campers to assume roles as successful
adults. Parents, campers, and camp staff
independently reported growth in areas such as
self-confidence, independence, making friends,
exploring and learning new activities, and
spirituality. Indeed, camp provides growth
experiences for youth that can benefit them through
adulthood.
Campers Say
·
Camp helped me make new friends. (96%)
·
Camp helped me to get to know kids who are different
from me. (93%)
·
The people at camp helped me feel good about myself.
(92%)
·
At camp, I did things I was afraid to do at first.
(74%)
Parents Say
·
My child gained self-confidence at camp. (70%)
·
My child continues to participate in some of the new
activities he or she learned at camp. (63%)
·
My child remains in contact with friends made at
camp. (69%)
To read more
click here.
High Adventure and Older Girl
Opportunities at Summer Resident Camp.
Camp Whip-Poor-Will
Rock On - June 14-19
Take the challenge of a mud obstacle course and
spend time at the adventure water park where you'll
zip line into the lake, jump on the water
trampoline, and climb the huge water iceberg. Two
days of your trip will be whitewater rafting the
upper and lower river in West Virginia, and spending
the night on the river.
Saddle Up - June 21-26
Enjoy an intense week of horseback riding at Canyon
Rim Ranch. You will get to work one-on-one with
instructors and ranch hands learning the ins and
outs of owning a horse. Learn the basics of riding,
and by the end of the week, you’ll take a day long
trail ride overlooking at the beautiful sites of
West Virginia.
Just Do It - July 5-10
Try it all by heading to Mammoth Cave and taking on
exciting adventures. You’ll try caving, horseback
riding, canoeing, and even do an overnight
backpacking trip. The first three nights will be
spent at Jellystone Park in a bunkhouse!
Paddle Power - July 12-24
It's time to test your stamina! Spend the first part
of this session at Camp Whip-Poor-Will learning all
the canoe basics. You'll spend each day on the lake
and if possible, go down the little Miami River to
prepare for your trip. You'll then travel to the
Current River for a 5-6 day trip down the river.
You'll be primitive camping on your trip!
Scuba Dooba Doo - July 26-31
Travel to Rockford Illinois, and get certified in
open water scuba diving. That’s right, in just one
week you’ll be able to amaze your friends with the
skills you learned this summer. You will have to do
some course work that will be mailed out to you
ahead of time. Cost of this adventure includes all
course materials.
Roots, Ropes & Trees – July 14-19 & July 12-17
Have you done the basics of indoor climbing? Are you
ready for your next challenge? Warm up with the low
ropes course and then move on to the indoor climbing
wall. Once you've completed those challenges, you'll
tackle the high ropes course and show everyone your
courage and skill.
River Runners - June 21-26
Are you ready to learn how to canoe? Learn the
basics of canoe safety and how to work your paddle.
Cross your fingers because as long as the weather
holds, you'll spend a day traveling down the Little
Miami River.
To Register for any of our Great Summer Camp
Opportunities please
click here to see
the Online Camp Brochure.
OUTDOOR PROGRAM
STAFF CONTACTS
Maumee
Valley -
Adam Cassi - 419-784-5888
Appleseed Ridge -
Kelda Heitkamp - 419-225-4085
Buckeye Trails -
Sarah Kelly - 937-279-6537
Great
Rivers -
Mary Beth King - 513-489-1025 |
High Adventure and Older Girl Opportunities at
Summer Resident Camp.
Camp Libbey
Ghost Hunters - June 14-19
Do you like ghost stories and scary movies? Spend
the week investigating haunted attractions around
Ohio like the Wood County Historical Society. Learn
about vampires, werewolves, and other things that go
bump in the night. The highlight for the week will
be setting up your own haunted house for the rest of
camp.
Paddle On - June 14-19
Get wet with activities such as snorkeling, diving,
water games, and a twilight swim. Work on your
skills as you get an introduction to kayaking and
canoeing. Go on a day long canoe/kayak trip. Campers
attending this session should be able to swim at an
intermediate level.
Captain Jack’s Crew - June 24-July 3
Spend this 1 1/2 week session exploring the world of
pirates. Learn about famous pirates, try canoeing,
and learn about fencing. Top this off with a
treasure hunt around Ohio as you go "geo-caching"
using GPS systems to find hidden "treasures."
Backpacking Pre-Adventure - July 26-31
Learn the basics of backpacking from equipment,
compass work, food, and how to pack. Put that
knowledge to use on a short backpacking excursion.
This session combines part one and two of the
backpacking workshops; you will earn the Backpacking
Interest Patch and qualify for our Adventure Camp-
Backpacking trips.
Marine Biology - June 14-23
Are you interested in learning more about marine
biology? We will be heading to Mystic, Connecticut,
for this 1 1/2 week adventure of a lifetime. Work
with Project Oceanology and the Mystic Aquarium as
you submerge yourselves in marine science. The trip
will include a plankton class, squid dissection,
beach clean-up service project, a trip to Mystic
Seaport, shopping in Old Mystic, and much more.
Highlights will include an Oceanographic Research
Cruise and a penguin contact program where you will
get hands-on work with penguins.
Coaster Craze - July 8-17
Are you a thrill seeker? Do you like roller coasters
or giant water slides? Either way this camp is for
you. Spend time at camp preparing yourself for your
adventures on the High Ropes and Zip Line. Then head
out to visit four amusement parks including Cedar
Point, Soak City, Kings Island, and Wildwater
Kingdom.
Backpacking - July 8-17
This year's backpacking adventure will take campers
north to Pictured Rocks National Park in Michigan's
beautiful and rugged Upper Peninsula. On this trip,
you will explore sandstone cliffs, sand dunes,
waterfalls, and forest all along Lake Superior, the
deepest, largest, and most pristine of the Great
Lakes. Pre-requisite: Girls must have completed and
earned the Backpacking Interest Project patch.
Summer
Staff Applications ON LINE NOW!
Do you know a college
student who is looking for a summer job? Someone
who loves to work with children? Someone who loves
camping and the outdoors? How about a summer job at
Girl Scout camp! We are searching for that dynamic,
responsible, and dedicated person who wants to build
girls of courage, confidence, and character. Do you
know a person like this? Summer staff applications
are
on-line now.
Volunteer at Camp this Summer!
Girl Scouts of Western Ohio has many Volunteer
Positions available at Camp Whip-Poor-Will, Camp Libbey,
and
Camp
Myeerah. Come be a camp
nurse, activity leader, unit assistant, or check-in
volunteer. If you are interested or have any
questions, contact the outdoor program staff or
camp
director in the appropriate
region.
REGIONAL
OPPORTUNITIES
Did you know that you can find all the
council-sponsored outdoor program opportunities on
the website on their own page?
Check it out!
(Click on "Program
Resources/Council-Sponsored/Outdoor)
Winter is a great time for your
troop to visit camp! Stay in one of our warm and
cozy lodges, cabins or troop houses, get a nice fire
going and make some hot chocolate and s’mores.
While at camp:
·
Work on any number of Badges and Try
Its.
·
Go on a winter hike looking for dear
tracks in the snow.
·
Make snow sculptures and snow men…or
women.
·
Go sled riding.
·
And so much more!
Click here to check out what opportunities are
available at each Camp!
If you know what camp you would like to stay at
click here and fill out the Camp Site Reservation
Form!
MAUMEE VALLEY
REGION
Troop Horseback Riding Clinics
This is a time for your troop to experience
horseback riding at Camp Libbey. Your troop will receive a basic
introduction to horses and continue with a ring ride
or trail riding adventure. If you have already done
the basic class let us know and come back for a more
advanced experience.
For more information
click here
APPLESEED RIDGE
REGION
Camp Myeerah –
50th Anniversar y
Annual Earth Day Event
Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
Time: 10:30-3:30 pm
Cost: $3/girl
This year at Earth Day:
• Opening/Closing Flag Ceremony
• You pick & choose activities
• Troops selling lunch items & snacks
• Bring SWAPS to meet other Girl Scouts
• See the new Program Backpacks that will be
available for troop use this summer!
• Rain or shine – Dress for the weather
Activities include:
• Energy Conservation Games
• Recycled Art Projects
• Wildlife Games
• Animal Exploration
• Story Telling
• Natural Dyes
Register today! Complete a Council Sponsored
Opportunities Registration Form and send along with
payment to 1870 W. Robb Ave, Lima, OH 45805 or
register online.
Camp Myeerah Open House
(Family & Public Welcome)
Date: Sunday, May 17, 2009
Time: 2:00-4:00 pm
Cost: Free to Everyone!
This open house is perfect whether you have never
seen Camp Myeerah or you would like to relive old
memories! Girl Scouts past and present, parents, and
the public are welcome and encouraged to visit Camp
Myeerah for our open house. Contact Maggie at
419-225-4085 to register for this event or send in a
Council-Sponsored Opportunities Registration Form.
• Walk through the historic log cabin
• Visit the old cemetery
• Reflect by the Lake
• Stroll through the wetland
• Check out the Covered Wagons & Treehouses
• Hike a trail
Bring a water bottle, sturdy shoes and lots of
friends! |
