An Experience to Remember: Resident Camp

Our summer camps are magical places where learning and growth go hand in hand with fun and friendship. GSSWT offers girls a wide range of resident camping options. Parents and daughters should talk about available camping options well in advance of registration.

What does camp do for girls?

The resident camp experience gives girls the self-confidence and skills they need to succeed in the future. With all the negative pressures girls face today, camp plays an important role in building strong girls who can overcome challenges.

Outdoor and experiential education activities build not only confidence in girls, but also teach the importance of setting and working towards goals, as well as enhance communication skills. All campers will help plan their own daily activities, giving them the chance to express their opinions and to contribute to the decision-making process as much as possible.

General Information

• Resident camp campers spend every night at camp in rustic cabins.
• Summer sessions generally last between 4 to 10 days.
• Resident camp is held at one of two places:

Camp La Jita

Our Girl Scout camp on the beautiful Sabinal River near Utopia, Texas. Camp La Jita rests on 236 acres of Texas Hill Country land along the Sabinal River, one hour and twenty minutes west of San Antonio. Camp La Jita is proud to be accredited by the American Camping Association (ACA).Developed exclusively for the camp profession, this nationally recognized program focuses on program quality, health and safety issues, and requires us to review every facet of our operation. The display of the ACA logo is a privilege reserved for camps that have met the criteria.

Camp Mira Sol

Nestled in the Texas Hill Country on a plateau overlooking the Guadalupe River near Waring, Texas. Located approximately 40 miles north of San Antonio.

What will I do at camp?

You decide! Do you like arts and crafts? Playing in the water? Studying nature close up? Singing around a fire with a bunch of new buds? Or riding horses? Whatever you want to do, we've got a camp session just for you!

All sessions let you try " campy" things like swimming, making arts and crafts, playing games, eating meals in the dining hall, cooking out, singing camp songs, acting in skits at campfires, learning camp skills, and exploring camp. However, each session also has a special focus designed for different interest and levels of experience, for first-time to seasoned campers.

For Parents:

Is your daughter ready for resident camp?

The following questions can help you make this important decision:

• Has she been away from home for more than one night without family members?
• Can she take care of her personal belongings?
• Can she care for her own basic hygiene needs, like brushing her teeth?
• Does she like outdoors?
• Can she cope with unfamiliar people, places, and schedules?
• Does she enjoy making new friends?
• Does she like group situations?

Although age is one factor in readiness for camp, a girls maturity level and personality are more important indicators. Talk with your daughter about camp and see if she wants to go. If she is enthusiastic, she is likely to have a wonderful time at camp!

Camp Staff

Staff at both camps are mature, responsible individuals selected for their special abilities and experience in working with children and camp programs. All staff participate in an intensive pre-camp training and ongoing trainings throughout the summer on topics such as child and adolescent development, camp skills, Girl Scout program, healthcare, and safety practices and procedures. Most counselors are college students or recent college graduates. Many staff members have experience working in schools, recreational facilities, or childcare centers. Interested? Please submit a Resident Camp Staff Application. Counselor-in-Training positions are also available, please submit a Counselor-in-Training Application.

Resident Camp Registration

• Select: GSSWT's Camp Guide is published in February and includes descriptions of all resident camp sessions.
• Meet all requirements and prerequisites as specified for each session
• Complete both sides of registration card (camp and office copies).
• Enclose payment for deposits and/or fees with registration card.
• Send camp registration card and fees to:

GSSWT | 811 N Coker Loop | San Antonio, TX 78216

If you have any questions about resident camp from policies to program, refunds to health examsor need additional information please contact Becky Jennings, Outdoor Program Manager/Camp Director (210. 349.2404 ext. 205) or Sandy Finleon, Camp Registrar (210.349.2404 ext. 216).