development of girls into successful and resourceful young women. In this outdoor setting, girls gain an appreciation of the environment, lean to live and work together, and learn in a friendly, fun, and safe setting. ACA Accreditation Camp Conowingo is accredited by the American Camp Association, a private, non-profit, educational organization with members in all 50 states and several foreign countries. Its members represent a diverse constituency of camp owners and directors, executives, educators, clergy, business representatives, consultants, camp and organization staff members, volunteers, students, retirees and other associated with the operation of camps for children and adults. The purpose of the American Camping Association is to assure the highest professional practices for administration and extension of the unique experience of organized camping in to: To enhance the quality of the organized camping experience. To interpret the value of camping to the public. To maintain contact with contemporary societal forces as related to camping and to develop appropriate response and action. Our Civil Rights I have a right to be happy and to be treated with compassion at this camp: This that no one will laugh at me or hurt my feelings. I have a right to be myself at this camp: This means that no one will treat me unfairly because I am black or white, fat or thin, tall or short, I have a right to be safe at this camp: This means that no one will hit me, kick me, push me, pinch me, or hurt me. I have a right to hear and be heard at this camp: This means that no one will, yell, scream, shout, or make loud noises, unless it’s the proper time to do so. I have a right to learn about myself at this camp: This means that I will be free to express my feelings and speak without being interrupted.
Growth is slow and steady Large muscles are more developed than small, fine motor skills awkward Short attentions span – keep activities 5-15 minutes in length Hyperactive but tire easily Don’t always know what is right and wrong Strong attachment to home and family - homesickness Teasing, boasting, and tattling are common Easily motivated and eager to try new things Wants attention and affection from adults Use hands on and physical learning Give and specific instructions competition Allow campers to share with group about themselves Encourage free play Want to please adults and do well Will argue over rules and fairness Loses interest is discouraged or pressured Sensitive to criticism Use consistent routines and avoid disruptions Gender differentiation important Characteristics of ages 9-11 (Juniors) Growth spurts common Secondary sex characteristics developing Very curious – help by asking what they think, explore ideas as group Will admire and imitate campers Better coordination but unequal growth can create awkwardness Enthusiastic Likes group activities Interests will change rapidly Need guidance to stay on task – but avoid nagging Focused on immediate gratification rather than working toward a future goal Needs recognition and praise Have campers participate in parts of planning Use hands on and physical activities Use activities where campers achieve and have an end product Give and reasonable boundaries No favorites – treat all fairly Do activities with mature campers Encourage Free play Be visible for group but not the primary focus – stay in background Strong attachment to home and family – homesickness to make and collect things Same gender friend Characteristics of ages 11-13 (Cadettes) weight gain with large appetites Primary and secondary sex characteristics developing Emotional changes common and frequent May act like “know it alls” Want to be accepted by peers Wanting independence – give it to them within established boundaries and provide lots of guidance Increased attention span and Influenced by pop culture, popular adults, and older campers Involve in planning activities and establishing rules of group Can work toward short term goals Cliques may form – mix up groups often More competitive May be daring and mischievous Concerned about physical appearance discipline
If you have a problem girl or group, take a moment to ask yourself: Are they doing what they want to do or what we want them to do? Do they really know what we expect of them? Have we planned too much! Ceremonies and Traditions Girl Scouts and the Leave No Trace Ethic – it’s a Tradition! As part of the Girl Scout Law, Girl Scouts have been taught since 1912 to “use resources wisely” and to leave a place better than they found it. But they don’t have to be in the back country to practice this. The Leave No Trace ethic is just as relevant to the backyard, the local park and the Girl Scout camp. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation, and respect for the outdoors. It builds girls’ courage, confidence, and character, so that they can plan and be prepared for the situations they encounter in the outdoors, enjoy their recreation experiences, and have minimal impact on the Earth. When Girl Scouts practice Leave No Trace skills and ethics, they literally make the world a better place. The seven Leave No Trace Principles are rooted in both science and common sense: Plan ahead and prepare - “Know Before You Go” Travel and camp on durable surfaces - “Choose the Right Path” Dispose of properly – “Trash Your Trash” what you find – “Leave What You Find” Minimize campfire impacts – “Be Careful with Fire” Respect wildlife Be considerate of other visitors - “Be Kind to Other Visitors”