Go for a Hike, or Stay Overnight

Troop camping is an opportunity for troops and groups to get together for friendship and fun as they increase their camping skills. Usually, younger Girl Scouts begin their camping experience in a safe, familiar setting like the Friendship Center at Camp Winding River or the troop house at Chinook Program Center.

	Chinook Program Center Camp Winding River Reservation Form Fowler Park Troop House

Reserving A Date:
To give all troops an equal chance to secure a site, our council holds three lottery draws after each reservation period ends. Your best chance for selection is to list multiple dates and sites on your reservation form.

Council facilities are open for camping during the week, so you may want to consider weeknights if your troop has time off from school. To enter the lottery, your troop's reservation form and security deposit (please send a troop check) must be received at the Council Office by the close of business on the 10th. There are no exceptions!

Once your troop has been chosen in the lottery, you will be notified by mail. To find out if sites are still available, contact the Kathy one week after the lottery.

You can download the Troop Camping Reservation Form from the Forms page or you can find a copy in the Idea Book.

Lottery Waiting List
The council maintains a waiting list of troops who requested dates during a lottery period but were not placed. Troops not selected during the lottery will be contacted for alternate dates and sites before the dates are open to the general membership. Troops not placed in a previous lottery will be given special consideration in subsequent lotteries.

Service Unit/School Events
Service unit/school events that include girls from three of more Girl Scout troops will receive priority placement for camp dates. Contact Kathy for information and forms.

Outside Users
The council facilities may be used by outside groups if the group and the planned activities are consistent with Girl Scouting and do not conflict with council activities. Sponsoring groups must follow all policies, provide proof of sufficient liability insurance coverage, and pay all fees and deposits as currently established. For more information, contact Kathy.

TRAINING CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED BEFORE YOU CAMP

Troop Camping Training
Girl Scout safety standards require one adult accompanying the troop to have taken training prior to overnight camping or cooking in the out-of-doors. These requirements can be met by taking Troop Camp Training along with Basic and/or Intermediate Outdoor Skills training. Troops using council-owned tents must have an adult that has taken Tent Certification. Adults who feel they possess sufficient skill/experience to complete the requirements without attending training may complete an independent study program and proficiency test. Contact Sherry.

First Aid and CPR Certification
Your troop must have an adult certified in First Aid and CPR on site, and documentation for this person must be on file at the Council Office at least two weeks in advance of your camping trip. If you do not provide proof of these certifications at least two weeks before your camping trip, your reservation will be cancelled and you will automatically forfeit your fee and security deposit.
First Aid Trainings Schedule

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOUR TRIP

Troop Camp Check In/Out
The camping period of one day starts at 4:30 p.m. and ends at 3 p.m. the following day. The ranger will contact you a few days before your arrival to verify your arrival time and answer any last minute questions. Upon arrival, check in with the ranger to pick up the Troop Camp Report, and any necessary keys. All troops at each facility share the use of the property with others.

Emergency Contact Information
An emergency contact information sheet will be enclosed with your troop camping confirmation. You must fill out this form completely and turn it in to the ranger at check-in time.

Insurance for Non Members
Everyone attending your troop's camping trip needs to be a registered member of the Girl Scouts. If you have an adult who is not registered, you must purchase insurance for the trip. Contact the Council Office at least two weeks in advance of your trip to purchase this insurance.

Click here to download the Troop Camping Reservation form.

CALCULATE YOUR SECURITY DEPOSIT AND FEE

The total fee is due four weeks before your reserved date. The security deposit is not part of your fee. If we do not receive your fee before the due date, your site will be assigned to another troop with no refund of the security deposit.

A security deposit is required for each site and date reserved.

Security deposit checks are held at the Council Office until your troop checks out of the facility properly. After your troop camp report is turned in to the ranger with no damage noted, we will mail back your security deposit check within two weeks of your camp date.

In order to receive a refund of your security deposit, you must:

· Leave the site in good condition.
· Complete a Troop Camp Report Form.

The ranger will verify the condition of the property and equipment by signing your completed Troop Camp Report Form. If more than normal cleaning or maintenance is required after your stay, part or all of your deposit will be forfeited. Your troop will be responsible for the cost of repair or replacement of anything damaged.

Cancellations, Credits & Refunds
If you need to cancel a reservation, or part of a reservation, you must notify the property associate at the Council Office in writing as soon as possible.

Depending on how far in advance your written notice is received, you may be eligible for a refund.

If written notice is received:

• at least six weeks in advance, your troop will be eligible for a full refund including security deposit less a $2 handling charge.
  
• between six and four weeks prior to your camping date, your troop will forfeit your security deposit. If full payment has been received, your payment will be refunded less a $2 handling charge.
  
• between two and four weeks prior to your camping date, your troop will forfeit the security deposit and 50 percent of your fee, plus a $2 handling charge.
  
• less than two weeks prior to your camping date, no refund will be given (except in the case of severe weather). Full payment for the site is still required.

• If the council must close the facility, you will be notified as soon as possible, and your troop will receive either a full refund (including security deposit) or full credit to reschedule your camping date within one calendar year (your choice).

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