As Outdoor Programs Director, I am a camp person. I absolutely love camps and believe in their value in the role of the development of our girls, our staff, and our volunteers. I have had the best experiences of my life, and have made the best friends I have ever had at camps. At camp, there is a special magic that exists in no other place in the world. There is a special feeling of “we can do anything” because with the creative energy of your cabin and help from a counselor-and what you didn’t know you had within yourself-you can! It is because of this that I have devoted my entire professional career to working with camps and supporting the growth and development of girls and children in a camp and outdoor environment. It is heart-breaking to me to have to make decisions that decrease any camp programs. Because I work directly with resident and day camps, I get to see first-hand how amazing the programs and staff are, how much they change lives of the campers and staff, and how precious that special place in nature can be to any individual. During this difficult time, I fall back on what I learned at camp. I choose my attitude and find ways to take positive action in this situation. I try to find the silver lining, and I believe there is one! Despite the drastic changes we have had to make to keep Girl Scouts of Colorado thriving into the future, I see this as an opportunity. It is an opportunity to really get back to basics, to value what is truly valuable, and to develop stronger outdoor programs for Girl Scouts that are inclusive and accessible to even more girls and volunteers. Currently, only 10 percent of our membership participate in organized Girl Scout summer camp. With increased community-based opportunities, this can grow! Here are opportunities available to help impact the future of Outdoor Programs for Girl Scouts of Colorado in a positive way: –Join the Outdoor Programs Advisory Committee: This committee will discuss general ideas and direction of Outdoor Programs with Girl Scouts of Colorado. Requirements:  must be Cadette level or older and a current registered Girl Scout. Adults must have registered as a GSCO volunteer. This committee will be volunteer appointments. If you are interested in being nominated for an appointment, please contact any Girl Scouts of Colorado staff member and they will forward your interest to the Outdoor Programs Director. –Become a PA Trainer: We want to increase the accessibility of PA trainings on a service unit level! This will increase opportunities for the Girl Scout Leadership Experience with older girls around the state. Requirements: must be an adult volunteer; must have 6 days/year to devote to PA training and trainer enrichment. Email OutdoorPrograms@gscolorado.org if you are interested in this opportunity, put PA Trainer in your subject line. –Create a Volunteer Day Camp! Council will offer trainings at Springaganzas for volunteers seeking this exciting opportunity. We have many successful volunteer-run Day Camps in place already that can share their knowledge with us! GSCO will provide optional support for volunteers who are offering day camps for Girl Scouts in their communities including: posting their camp in the GSCO Summer Program Guide posting their camp on the website Activity Finder providing online registration providing use of council equipment and gear assisting with purchasing supplies for camp options to use Cookie Credits to help girls pay for camp We will host an interest meeting (online and conference call available) on August 14 at 6pm at the Denver Service Center for those who want to use any or all of these options. Email OutdoorPrograms@gscolorado.org if you are interested in this opportunity, put Day Camp in your subject line. –Create a Volunteer Overnight Camp! Council is developing more Outdoor Program volunteer trainings that can be taken by adult volunteers, and in some cases, Seniors and Cadettes. Overnight Troop or Service Unit Camps can be offered locally. GSCO will provide optional support for volunteers who are offering day camps for Girl Scouts in their communities including: posting their camp in the GSCO Summer Program Guide posting their camp on the website Activity Finder providing online registration providing use of council equipment and gear assisting with purchasing supplies for camp options to use Cookie Credits to help girls pay for camp We will host an interest meeting (online and conference call available) on August 14 at 6pm at the Denver Service Center for those who want to use any or all of these options. Email OutdoorPrograms@gscolorado.org if you are interested in this opportunity, put Overnight Camp in your subject line. –Become a PA/CIT/VIT (used to be LIT): We are examining the PA process, streamlining it, and creating more leadership options for girls year-round. We are seeking PA Committee volunteers Senior level and above to give ideas on how the PA program can support girls as they transition into leadership position. Email OutdoorPrograms@gscolorado.org if you are interested in this opportunity, put PA Committee in your subject line. Don’t have time for any of these volunteer positions? Help us recruit volunteers. Have a connection with a local university or another group of outdoor enthusiasts who you think might make the perfect volunteer for one or more of these positions? Let us know about them. We are sure there are a lot Coloradoans who would love to guide our girls in outdoor adventures, and would appreciate your help in making a connection to them as we seek out these individuals to help with our programming. Volunteer categories in the future of Outdoor Programs…this list is always growing! –Day Camp: see above –Boating: Learn about how to get trained to be a boating volunteer with canoeing, kayaking, sailing and more! Email Judy at Judy.Moisey-Asay@va.gov for more information. –Trip Leader: volunteer trip leader or guide to groups planning trips; this could be for your troop or other troops! –Outdoor Advisory Committee: see above –PA Trainer: see above –Horse Advocate: help build connections with local stables and other horse related programs and GSCO –High Adventure: help facilitate rock climbing, high ropes course, or zip line programs (additional training is required) –Marketing/Social Media: help promote events on the GSCO blog and on social media –Overnight Camp-Troop/SU Volunteer Run: see above –Resident Camp: contact the camp director of your desired camp in November/December to start the interview/screening process. Email Monica.Gray@gscolorado.org for Tomahawk Ranch, and Becky.Saad@gscolorado.org for Magic Sky Ranch. Opportunities for Resident Camp volunteers are limited due to childcare licensing restrictions. –Events/Outreach: help at outreach events; help recruit new girls with outdoor activities, help teach about the outdoors to other Girl Scouts and our community. –Outdoor Volunteer Trainer: help train with Cooking and Camping and other Outdoor Volunteer Trainings To me, the decision to change outdoor programming, is not one that dilutes the value of Girl Scouting in Colorado’s outdoors. We have the same commitment to providing the outdoor leadership experience to girls, yet we need to get creative in how, where and who offers it. We are fortunate in this state to have plentiful outdoor opportunities through National Parks and Monuments, State Parks, Wilderness Areas, and more! Just because we are exploring a place outdoors that does not belong to Girl Scouts of Colorado, does not mean that experience will be any less special. Girl Scouts are resourceful. We will find many and more ways to get girls into the outdoors, creating relationships with others and the world that will last a lifetime. This challenge is a temporary obstacle, and with the help of our girls and adult volunteers, we will come out of this stronger than before. #daycamp #summercamp #cookiecredits #GirlScout #ScoutinginColorado #troopcamp #Horsebackriding #camp #volunteer #Colorado

Attention all Colorado Girl Scouts!  We will be offering hourly riding sessions on weekends through August (after camp season ends) at Tomahawk! Don’t miss out on one last ride with your troop or family, or some lessons to develop your riding skills. You can register for riding at the following link: http://gsusa.ebiz.uapps.net/vp/ProgramActivitiesEvents/tabid/720/default.aspx?pid=23&ProductCode=HORSEB We also still have plenty of room for Cadettes in our “Bows and Arrows” horse weekend event at Tomahawk Sept 13-15th!  If you like horses and archery, this weekend is for you! Register today and don’t miss out on a fun filled weekend! http://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/events/1332 #horsecamp #Horsebackriding #Program #programs #TomahawkRanch #GirlScouts #events #Colorado

We are now able to offer both “Ponies and Pals” and “Horse Fun in the Sun” events for troops and individuals at Colorado Riding Academy in Parker, CO. The events vary and are time dependent on the number of girls who attend. For troops and individuals who register through the facility, you will be provided 15-20 minute sessions, one including a short riding lessons. . . and sessions could vary from 3 – 5 depending on number in attendance.  You should plan on being there for at least 30 mins to an hour for individuals, and hour or so if a large group. The sessions vary and include short riding lessons, grooming and tacking, making horse treats, or learning bout the facility and caring for horses. The cost is $15.00 per girl and the girls will receive a patch and glow in dark bracelet (while supplies last).  The event for small groups and individuals is not 3-4 hours long – that time frame with the special GSCO events was due to the number registered. The facility will create a great session that will be a strong learning experience based on number attending – the girls will get the same information and plenty of hands on time with the horses. If you are interested or have questions, please feel free to contact Julie Fischer or Jessica Soucy – Julie.fischer@gscolorado.org or dj2fischer@wildblue.net 303-747-2512 Jessica Soucy Colorado Riding Academy Office:  303-840-7105 Cell:  970-581-8217 45385 Summit Rd., Parker, CO  80138 www.coloradoridingacademy.net #Parker #Program #horses #ColoradoRidingAcademy #GirlScouts #Colorado

[slideshow] Submitted by Kristi Owen Troop 908 My troop attended Lazy Acres broken circle program camp last weekend. What fun we had! Wild flowwr, Raven and Lacy ( camp names) taught us first aid, knife safety, fire building, knots, and more! It was rustic and traditional making it even more fun and “campy.” Can’t say we loved the latrines or cleaning them but what the heck, it is camping right? And the food was really good. Around the campfire we performed skits, sang songs, exchanged swaps with 40 other Girl Scouts, heard a tadger story. And of course s’mores! I know my troop will remember this Girl Scout experience always! #LazyAcres

Submitted by Kim Petau Colorado Springs Heather: I love watching the little girls having an amazing week in a safe environment. It is amazing watching their faces when learning a new song that I or the PA’s taught them and then to hear them singing the same song all week long or pleading to sing it again. The crafts that the staff always come up with are fun and it’s great helping the girls create something special they made. I love meeting new adults who also share the passion of Girl Scouts. I truly enjoy watching my daughter growing and learning how to be a role model to the younger Girl Scouts. I love that this a non-judgmental place for my daughter to be who she is. In fact the younger girls love to see her dressing up as “fairy” or “princess.” Because of my daughter’s special needs she feels more comfortable when I am around so it is awesome that I can volunteer at day camp, and feel just as welcomed as my daughter. My favorite camp so far has to be “Fairy Camp,” it was great watching the girls make tutus, crowns, necklaces, and ice cream. I can’t wait to volunteer at more camps this summer and next. I think volunteering at day camps will be a summer family tradition. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #ColoradoSprings #daycamp #volunteer

Submitted by Rebecca Wilson Longmont Our amazing Brownies and Juniors in Troop 72081 love to work with younger troops and especially enjoy making a difference in our community. When we heard about “Colorado Reads: The Early Literacy Initiative” we knew we wanted to participate! We teamed up with Troops 70710 and 72558 to take action! The goal of “Colorado Reads” is to help educate the next generation of leaders about the importance of literacy through peer mentoring and girl-led Take Action service. Our Girl Scouts determined that they would hold a read-in with the Daisies from Troop 70710, and our Brownies wrote, illustrated and read a story to them. Our Juniors also read to the Daisies and then we helped them get ready for an ice cream snack that included a gummy “bookworm!” The girls also decided to hold a book drive to benefit an organization in our community, which was one of the challenges of the Program. From mid-March thru April, our Troops collected books by placing collection bins in our elementary school, the church where we hold our meetings, and by going through our own personal libraries. We also received a large contribution of books from Firestone Troop 778. Our girls chose the Wild Plum Center in Longmont to be our partner. After contacting Wild Plum, we learned that they service more than 300 families in the community with in –home services, as well as 100s of children in their preschool programs. Our initial goal was to collect 300 new and gently used books so that every family would receive a book that they could keep. We were thrilled to end our collection with over 600 books, more than twice our original goal! Not only was Wild Plum able to provide a book to each family, but the children in their preschools were also able to choose a book to take home. On May 1, some of our Girl Scouts were able to participate in the book delivery to the Wild Plum Center, as seen in the photograph. The children were so excited to see all the wonderful books and our Girl Scouts were proud of their accomplishments and happy to be able to share their good fortune with the Wild Plum Center. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too #bookdrive #WildPlumCenter #communityservice #ColoradoReads #Brownies #Juniors

Submitted by Daffodil Bear Creek Lake Park View more photos This week Day Camp brought us to many new and intriguing places. Countries and Cultures week at Bear Creek Lake Park in Lakewood gave campers the unique chance to travel the world and learn about new costumes and cultures. The week began with a brainstorm session as girls talked about where they would enjoy traveling. Destinations that the girls were able to visit included parts of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Polynesian Islands. Girls were immersed in these new places through food, music, and crafts. Snack time brought a chance for girls taste cheese from around Europe, and also featured an English-style tea party. Lunch was another creative way that campers experienced new places. Units prepared everything from a hearty poutine to Asian stir fry. Lunch was a fun and interactive experience for the girls every day this week. Along with food, campers delighted in creating arts and crafts from different countries and cultures. Campers made sarongs, Chinese lanterns, African drums, Mexican piñatas, and so much more. For two days this week camp had the pleasure of hosting Sara, a foreign exchange student from Spain. Sara is a Girl Guide back home and jumped at the chance to be a part of Girl Scouts on her visit to Colorado. It was a learning opportunity for both Sara and campers to talk about the differences in our culture, and we loved having her around. The week ended with a global buffet followed by interactive presentations from each unit. The buffet featured the classic all American hot dog, an eclectic fruit salad, a hearty helping of paella, and delicious dumplings. Presentations were presented camp wide and taught us about the culture of Kenya, China, and deaf culture. Girls walked away from camp with new knowledge and a new excitement for learning about our world. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #BearCreekLakePark #CountriesandCultures #daycamp #Lakewood

[slideshow] Submitted by Virginia Brown Glenwood Springs Twenty Girl Scouts along with 10 mothers attended the Glenwood Springs Service Unit Jamboree July 12-14th at the Jackson Ranch in Glenwood Springs. One of the girls came from Silt, while another girl came from Basalt to attend the event. Girls pitched tents, cooked outside, worked on various badges (artist, cooking, GS Ways) caught tadpoles, frogs, and toads! Louise Jackson and other volunteers had actually started with weeklong day camps over 50 years ago. The tradition of Girl Scout events at the ranch continues with today’s girls and moms attending the Jamboree. A special part of each years event includes Louise coming down to the camp area, with her daughter Sandy Jackson. This year, Louise and Sandy also brought Sandy’s sister Patty to visit with the girls about Girl Scout history in not only the Glenwood Springs area, but all over the world. Patty shared stories of traveling to various World Centers, news of the new World Center in Africa; along with tales of canoeing in the Boundary Waters of the Great Lakes as girls themselves. Patty volunteers with the Girl Scout Council of the Southern Appalachians for both the Gold Award Committee and the WAGGGS. Sandy shared about attending what was then called SOS – Scouts on Survival. SOS sounded like a version of today’s reality TV but just for Girl Scouts. Sandy and other Girl Scouts were dropped off on an island with a tea bag, two sugar cubes and a piece of rope. Needless to say, today’s Girl Scouts were enthralled with the chat and are all looking forward to attending their own destinations! Girls worked on various badges, tying knots, building tarp tents and obstacle courses, making homemade ice cream, painting wonderful pictures to share (they used feathers as paint brushes!), learning about GS Ways and helping with kapers around camp. They even worked on some community service projects on the ranch. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.: #GlenwoodSprings #Jamboree

Girl Scouts of Colorado is announcing the following changes in our outdoor program offerings for 2014 in response to high costs and low use, as well as a council-wide effort to create a leaner, financially-strong organization. – GSCO will train volunteers to run day camps in their communities and promote these programs in the camp catalog, but we will not offer council-sponsored day camps. – GSCO will offer some vendor-provided horseback riding opportunities at overnight camps, but our statewide council horse program is being suspended. We would need to increase horse program fees or subsidies an additional 20 to 50 percent to make this program viable. GSCO does not have the resources presently to cover this financial loss. – Magic Sky Ranch will be open from May 15 to September 15 for overnight summer camp and other use, but closed the rest of the year. The Old Lodge and tent spaces will be open year round. – Meadow Mountain Ranch will be open for troop camping and group rental only from May 15 to September 15, with no council-sponsored programming on property. – Kiwa Korral, Lazy Acres, and Sky High Ranch will be open for troop camping and group rental only from May 15 to September 15, but closed the rest of the year. – At this time, there are no scheduled changes to operations at Tomahawk Ranch, Hamp Hut, Twisted Pine or Pawnee Lodge. These decisions are difficult, as camp properties are so close the hearts of those who have made lasting memories at camp. GSCO is committed to offering the best value and Leadership Experience for girls at our overnight programs next summer at Magic Sky Ranch and Tomahawk Ranch. As for the future of the camp properties, we are presently compiling data on usage, demand, program costs maintenance/upkeep costs and customer market research to analyze how much camp property our council can maintain and support on a lean budget. While we have already undertaken some creative solutions to try to increase our property revenue by extending property rentals to Girl Scout family, friends and other groups, this takes time. Girl Scouts of Colorado’s camps are our most highly subsidized programs, with camper fees covering less than 50 percent of the program and property expenses. No decisions have been made on the future of our camp properties at this time, but we do know that we own more property than our membership uses and our property maintenance and upkeep costs are exorbitant, especially considering the low percentage of our membership who use them. We know we need to devote less resources to property and more resources to serving our members in the ways that they are participating in Girl Scouting. GSCO is developing an Outdoor Programs advisory committee of staff, volunteers, and Senior-aged Girl Scouts and above who will help develop more outdoor volunteer trainings and offerings. We look forward to first offering training on Volunteer Day Camps at the upcoming Springaganza in 2014. Please direct any questions or suggestions you have to Betsy Till, Outdoor Programs Director at betsy.till@gscolorado.org. #daycamp #residentcamp #troopcamp #Horsebackriding #GirlScoutCamp #GirlScouts #Colorado

Our first 3-day session of the season was packed full of fun with the theme of “Best 3-Day Camp Ever!”  Cabins brainstormed the first night to come up with creative names based on the theme, and at campfire we welcomed: “Pinky the Chihuahua” “The Shooting Stars”  “The Unbustables” “Isabella’s Biggest Fans” “The Milkyway-inators” “The Fireside Girls” and “The Platypi”. The days were filled with fun at “Major Monogram’s Designs” (arts & crafts), “Doofenshmirtz Goes Good” (nature & science), “Ferb & the Ferbettes” (dance & drama), “Isabella and the Fireside Girls Team Time” (climb wall or team building), “Take Aim with Phineas” (archery), “Perry Goes Back to Nature” (a hike), and “Candance & Stacy Time” (unit/quiet time).  Even s’mores were enjoyed with the “Original Girl Scout-inator” – watching “The Golden Eaglet” – a 1918 film about Girl Scouts. The camp session wrapped up with an all camp “Roller Coaster & Inator Invention Hour” where each unit created quite the creative contraptions and then showed them off to everyone. Thanks to all the families, campers, staff and volunteers for supporting the “Best 3-Day Camp Ever!” July 14-16 at Magic Sky Ranch. For pictures, check here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/sets/72157634668944558/ #camp #GirlScoutsofColorado #MagicSkyRanch #summercamp

Submitted by Daffodil D Interlocken Park, Broomfield Denver Day Camp was all about a key foundation of Girl Scouts this week: Girl Power! Camp was focused on what it means to be a strong woman in today’s society and featured many activities that empowered campers and staff alike. Campers had the chance to talk about what it means to be a young girl with their counselors and peers. They also took time to focus on the character traits of a strong woman and looked for those traits in themselves and their peers. One group dedicated an entire morning to “spa day” in which campers had a relaxing time getting facials, pampering each other, and talking about the importance of taking care of their bodies. Another group spent time doing “affirmation boxes,” in which they decorated shoe boxes and used them like mail boxes to deliver compliments to each other. Day camp also had three exciting speakers visit this week. The first was Dr. Cathy Skokan, a professor of Geophysics from the Colorado School of Mines. Cathy told her story as a woman in the science world and campers were amazed to hear that Cathy was the first woman to receive her PHD from the School of Mines. Cathy has also been a lifelong Girl Scout and was thrilled to share this part of her life with campers. She ended her presentation with an activity that showed the girls what the earth looked like before all of the continents split. Campers enjoyed hearing her story and asking her questions about our wonderful earth. The next guest was Abby Hickman. Abby is an Admissions Counselor from the Colorado School of Mines who specializes in woman’s education. Abby talked to the girls about the possibility of using science in our world. She then had girls participate in a bridge-building activity that taught girls how to use problem-solving skills and how science is fun for all ages. Campers enjoyed having Abby at camp and learned a lot about team work and creativity. The final guest was Bree Zeigler, a martial artist who taught girls the basics of self-defense. Bree talked to campers about the importance of knowing self-defense, about how to be confident when facing a new situation, and left girls feeling empowered. Girls got to take an hour session with Bree and walked away with new tactics and a new sense of self-confidence. This week certainly was all about the girls! This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #Broomfield #daycamp #GirlPower

What a fun week it has been at Magic Sky Ranch! There were very hot and sunny days, and the week finished with a long refreshing rain storm to send campers back to their families. Here are just some of the adventures: Several of the units had some girls enjoy the optional horseback ride at Sundance Trail Guest Ranch. Everyone had a great time visiting Arts and Crafts and creating many fun things to take home. Everyone had a chance to try their hand at archery, as well as enjoying High Ropes or Climb Wall as a new climbing adventure. Much fun stickiness was had with several units also creating GAK, as well as stretching their improve skills at Dance and Drama. The Disney themed All Camp was a big hit, and while the rain and thunder/lightning chased away all the “Green Moose” (watermelons) before we could look for them, everyone enjoyed a dance party with the watermelon instead. And of course –sillyness and songs abound at both the opening and closing campfires. You can find the Session 4 pictures here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/sets/72157634581945391/ Thanks to all the staff, parent volunteers, kitchen, site, and campers and their families for being a part of another great week of adventures at Magic Sky Ranch! Magic Sky Ranch 2013 Staff #camp #GirlScoutsofColorado #MagicSkyRanch #summercamp