Camp Skylark Ranch Director Eliz “Apple” Adem spent a lot of time at Skylark Ranch as a Girl Scout, attending Service Unit Camporees and completing her Counselor-In-Training (CIT) Program, which inspired her to pursue her current career. She shares her experience with the CIT program, and why she believes that leadership training is so important for every Girl Scout’s development.
Camp can change your life. Girl Scout staff member and former camper and counselor Gabi shares how her experience at Camp Bothin shaped who she is today.
Our council-run camps at Skylark Ranch, Sugar Pine, and Bothin are full of fantastic outdoor adventure, but they aren’t the only options! Volunteer-run camps (VRCs) also serve up a classic Girl Scout camp experience. From Gilroy to Humboldt and everywhere in between, there is a camp for every girl. Here are 5 reasons why you should sign your girl up for one of your local VRCs this summer.
![4 Ways to Prepare Your Girl for Her First Time at Camp [Video]](https://trailhead.gsnorcal.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/prepare-your-girl-for-her-first-time-at-camp-1080x675.jpg)
Camp is a transformative experience for every Girl Scout: trying new things, roasting marshmallows under the stars, and making life-long friends and camp sisters. But that kind of transformation can be daunting or even a little scary for first-time campers. Here are our four best tips on making sure your girl is a happy camper.
With over 280 acres of land, Camp Skylark Ranch is home to dozens of horses and quality riding programs that attract campers and staff members from all over the world, beginners and experienced equestrians alike. When you spend every day saddling up, feeding, grooming, and exploring the dirt paths and redwood forests of Santa Cruz County with your horses, it’s hard not to develop a special bond. Three past staff members, Squirrely, Willow, and Phoenix, share some magical memories from their time riding and making friends with the horses at Skylark Ranch.
Deep in the forested foothills of Calaveras County you’ll find ancient trees, glittering lakes, and one of GSNorCal’s oldest camp properties: Camp Sugar Pine. For over 75 years, generations of campers have laughed, learned, and explored, but the camp still has tons of magic and mystery for new campers and veterans alike.
![Why You Should Send Your Girl to Girl Scout Camp [Video]](https://trailhead.gsnorcal.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Camp17_MNWIRV_1122_1438-1080x675.jpg)
With so many outdoor program options, you may be wondering “Why should I send my girl to Girl Scout Camp?” In this post, Mary, our Senior Director of Camps & Adventure, shares the greatness of a Girl Scout camp—the activities, friendships, experiences, personal growth, tradition, and fun, sprinkled with camp magic and mashed together over the span of one, two, or even three weeks away from home.
Girl Scout camp plays an essential part in the growth of your girls, but it’s not always easy sending your daughter to camp for the first time. Angela shares her experience and why it turned out to be the best decision for her daughter.
If your girl is headed to camp or another traveling adventure this summer, exchanging SWAPS (Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere) can help her hold onto the magic of the season a little longer.
![13 Words You’ll Only Know If You’ve Been to Summer Camp [Quiz]](https://trailhead.gsnorcal.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Camp14_Colorado_0744_01266-1080x675.jpg)
Whether your summer camp days are recent or long gone (or you’re new to camp altogether!), put your camp savvy to the test with this fun quiz!
Did you know that summer camp actually affects the physical structure of children’s brains? It’s true! Keep reading to learn more about the brainy benefits of summer camp.
![Which GSNorCal camp is right for you? [Quiz]](https://trailhead.gsnorcal.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Smore-Senior-1-1080x675.jpg)
Camp is calling and your girl is ready to take on another summer of fun, but which camp should she attend this year? Round up your Girl Scout and have her take this quiz to find out!
