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A Girl Scout on a high ropes course at camp

Outdoor Adventures

We know that girls of all ages enjoy participating in outdoor activities at GSEMA properties. Outdoor adventures and camping are such an important part of the Girl Scout experience, allowing girls to challenge themselves and increase their interest in and love for the outdoors.

COVID-19 has had a significant impact on our ability to safely open up our camp properties for girls to enjoy. We are continuously monitoring GSUSA, MA.gov, NH.gov, and CDC guidelines to make sound decisions to offer outdoor adventure programs with the safety of our Girl Scout members and staff in mind. The program team is being innovative and creative to offer at-home unplugged and virtual outdoor experiences, too. Check out our Programs page for newly-added outdoor programs, and check back to this page for the latest updates for outdoor adventures and GSEMA property use. 

Updates as of November 9, 2020

At this time, until further notice, the only in-person outdoor programs we are offering are scheduled staff-lead archery and letterboxing programs at Camp Cedar Hill and Camp Wind-in-the-Pines.

Troops and Service Units cannot request GSEMA outdoor facilitators to lead outdoor adventure activities on GSEMA properties at this time.

All GSEMA properties and offices will remain closed to the public through December 31, with the exception of scheduled staff-lead archery and letterboxing programs at Camp Cedar Hill and Camp Wind-In-the-Pines.

Questions? Our Customer Care team is available Monday-Thursday, from 8:30 AM-5 PM.

Outdoor Skill Builder Boxes

Build your outdoor skills through brand new, mailed-to-you Outdoor Skill Builder Boxes, progressing through beginner, intermediate, advanced, and adventurer levels. Activities are focused on outdoor ethics, first aid and safety, outdoor cooking, camping skills, Girl Scout traditions, navigation, and more!

Become an ace outdoor adventurer as you practice leadership, develop important outdoor skills, and grow a deep appreciation for nature. Practice makes perfect! Many of these activities fulfill requirements for Girl Scout badges.

Outdoor Skill Builder Box Levels

Girl Scout Daisies–Ambassadors should start with the Beginner level and continue sequentially, at their own pace, to complete any or all levels. Girls may start at the Intermediate level if they have completed at least two summers at a GSEMA summer camp. Girls should progress through the program according to their needs and abilities, and based on the Safety Activity Checkpoint guidelines.

BEGINNER (50 boxes)
Suggested first box for Daisies–Ambassadors who haven’t participated in Girl Scout summer camp for at least two years 
$45.00 per kit
Kit includes: kaper chart materials, first aid kit materials, a dress-for-the-weather activity, no-cook recipes, knot materials, maps, and more

INTERMEDIATE (50 Boxes)
Suggested first box for Brownies–Ambassadors who have participated in Girl Scout summer camp for at least two years 
$54.00 per kit
Kit includes: a survival tool with compass, a bandana, maps, craft activities, knot materials, survival kit materials, a flashlight, an emergency blanket, a paper jackknife activity, and more

ADVANCED (25 boxes)
$64.00 per kit
Kit includes: compass, animal track cards, planisphere activity, paracord, pocket knife, water purification activity, a tarp and stakes, a bandana, and more

ADVENTURER (15 boxes)
$68.00 per kit
Kit includes: topographic maps, rope, a hammock, ink pad and rubber stamp activity, an advanced first aid kit, a triangle bandage, and more

Outdoor Skill Builder Rocker Patch
rocker-patch

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At GSEMA Properties

Archery

Archery is an experience unique to camp life. As a core Girl Scout camp activity, shooting a bow and arrow is a great way to practice skills and focus in a fun, outdoor setting. Our USA Archery-certified, professional staff are available to facilitate an archery program, or any adult volunteer with the appropriate instructor certification may facilitate. 

Age levels: B, J, C, S, A
Months available: late April through early November
Program fee: $15/participant with a facilitator (no rental fee required)
Rental fee: $25 for two hours on the range with your own facilitator (no program fee required)
Locations: Cedar Hill, Favorite, Maude Eaton, Menotomy (rentals only), Runels, Wabasso (rentals only), Wind-in-the-Pines

Canoeing

Canoeing is a great first-time boating experience for any age! Paddling across a pond, either to explore the wetlands of our camps or to race another canoe can be exhilarating. Our water sport safety-trained, professional staff are available to facilitate a canoeing program, or any adult volunteer with the appropriate instructor training may facilitate. 

Coast Guard-approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn properly by all participants at all times while in canoes. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced.
Note: Please dress for the weather and wear shoes that can get wet.

Age levels: D, B, J, C, S, A
Months available: late May through October
Program fee: $15/participant with a facilitator (no rental fee required)
Rental fee: $25 for two hours in canoes with your own facilitator (no program fee required)
Locations: Favorite, Maude Eaton, Menotomy (rentals only), Runels, Wabasso (rentals only), Wind-in-the-Pines

Challege Course: Low

Low ropes challenge courses consist of a variety of elements designed to help girls learn about communication and working as a team. Whether the object is to get your entire team across an imaginary river, to walk a tightrope a foot above the ground, or to maneuver on a balance beam, girls will learn about trust and their ability to complete difficult tasks with the help of their friends. Our trained, experienced, professional staff are available to facilitate challenge courses and low ropes elements.

Age levels: B, J, C, S, A
Months available: late April through early November
Program fee: $15/participant with a facilitator
Locations: Cedar Hill, Favorite, Maude Eaton, Runels, Wabasso, Wind-in-the-Pines

Climbing Wall: Indoor or Outdoor

Climb to new heights on our indoor or outdoor climbing wall! First-time climbers can challenge themselves by getting a few feet off the ground, while experienced climbers can work on increasing climbing speed or mastering more difficult routes. Our trained and certified professional staff are available to facilitate climbing programs. Tested, approved helmets and climbing harnesses are provided. All participants are required to wear properly fitting helmets and harnesses at all times while on climbing walls. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced.

Age levels: B (indoor only), J, C, S, A
Months available: late April through early November for outdoor (indoor available year round)
Program fee: $25/participant with a facilitator
Locations: Cedar Hill (outdoor only), Wind-in-the-Pines (indoor only)

Challenge Course: High (Indoor or Outdoor)

High ropes courses and elements are a way for girls to work together as a group, or challenge themselves individually. We have a wide variety of high ropes elements available, each with its own challenge. Some elements have a “team belay system” where the group works together to pull team members off the ground. Some elements are more individual, presenting a challenge or obstacle for each climber to overcome. Our trained and certified professional staff are available to facilitate high challenge course programs. Tested, approved helmets and climbing harnesses provided. All participants are required to wear properly fitting helmets and harnesses at all times while on high elements. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced.

Age levels: B (indoor only), J, C, S, A
Months available: late April through early November for outdoor (indoor available year-round)
Program fee: $25/participant with a facilitator
Locations: Cedar Hill (outdoor only), Maude Eaton (outdoor only), Wind-in-the-Pines (indoor and outdoor)

Challenge Course: Voyager

The Voyager Challenge Course is an outdoor high ropes circuit of elements designed for a group experience. Climbers, on a unique belay system called a static belay, are responsible for belaying themselves from element to element around a circuit built into the trees at varying heights. During the program, participants will get to climb the elements of the course and assist other team members as ground crew. Ground crew roles include managing elements using ropes from the ground and helping climbers on and off the course. Tested, approved helmets and climbing harnesses provided. All participants are required to wear properly fitting helmets and harnesses at all times while on high elements. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced.

Age levels: C, S, A
Months available: late April through early November for outdoor
Program fee: $25/participant with a facilitator
Location: Runels

Kayaking

Kayaking is a great intermediate to advanced boating experience for girls who have enjoyed paddling canoes and are ready for the next challenge. This solo boating experience gives girls a chance to be independent on the water. Our water sport safety-trained, professional staff are available to facilitate kayaking programs. Coast Guard-approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn properly by all participants at all times while on kayaks. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced. Note: Please dress for swimming, bring a towel, and wear shoes that can get wet.

Age levels: J, C, S, A
Months available: late May through October
Program fee: $15/participant with a facilitator (no rental fee required)
Locations: Favorite, Runels, Wind-in-the-Pines

Stand-Up Paddle Boarding

Stand-up paddle boarding is a great intermediate to advanced paddling experience for girls who have enjoyed paddling canoes and/or kayaks. Stand-up paddle boarding requires a bit of balance and some practice to master. Girls will start by sitting or kneeling, and gradually work up to standing. Our water sport safety-trained, professional staff are available to facilitate stand-up paddle board programs. Coast Guard-approved Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn properly by all participants at all times while on stand-up paddle boards. Instruction will be given and all safety procedures will be strictly enforced. Note: Please dress for swimming, bring a towel, and wear shoes that can get wet.

Age levels: J, C, S, A
Months available: late May through October
Program fee: $15/participant with a facilitator
Locations: Maude Eaton, Wind-in-the-Pines

FAQs

Weather:
Outdoor activities and adventures happen rain or shine! Please plan to be out in the weather (i.e., apply sunscreen, wear a rain jacket, bring a hat for warmth or sun protection). In case of extreme or dangerous weather, your reservation will be rescheduled. A GSEMA Outdoor Program Team member will notify you of a new date as soon as possible. If we are unable to reschedule your adventure, a full refund will be issued.

What to Wear and Bring:
If your program takes place outdoors, prepare for and dress for the elements. On chilly days, this might mean dressing in layers, a warm hat, snow boots, etc. On warm days, it might mean applying extra sunscreen. All outdoor program participants should bring full water bottles. Specific information on what to wear and bring will be provided in the confirmation information you will receive after registering.

Changing Your Group Reservation:
If you’ve made a group reservation for eight or more participants and your number of participants changes, please email the manager below based on the property you selected.

For changes to a group reservation at Cedar Hill, Favorite, or Runels, please email .

For changes to a group reservation at Camp Maude Eaton, Camp Wabasso, or Camp Wind-in-the-Pines, please email .

Need to Cancel?:
Read our cancellation and refund policy.