Today’s Tips 2.2.26

GSCP2P Summer Camp and Property Updates: What Girl Scouts Need to Know for the Coming Season

We’re excited to share updates on our camp properties and summer camp planning as we prepare for a busy and fun-filled season ahead. Significant work is underway across all properties, and our team is focused on ensuring camps are safe, welcoming and ready for Girl Scouts this spring and summer.

Summer Camp Updates

• Summer camp registration opened Tuesday, January 20!
• We are thrilled to welcome Lena “Pyro” Watson as Assistant Camp Director for this summer.
• We are excited to partner with Wolfoods as our new summer camp food vendor at Keyauwee this year.
• Transportation will be available for western North Carolina Girl Scouts during the weeks of June 21 and July 12.
• Financial assistance is available to any Girl Scout who needs support attending camp. Applications are available once a $50 deposit is made.
• Additional savings opportunities include:
  • Early bird discounts (through March 31)
  • Multi-week discounts
  • An opportunity to use your Nut Bucks, Cookie Dough or Daisy Dollars earned through the Product Programs
• All campers will again enjoy horse experiences, just like last summer.

Girl Leadership Program Updates
We’ve made a few updates to our outdoor leadership programs. Girls are no longer required to be a member of the Teen Outdoor Leadership Program (TOLP) to enroll in the Counselor-in-Training (CIT) programs.

• CIT I
  • No application required
  • Register directly through gsEvents
  • Open to rising 11th graders
• CIT II
  • Requires both an application and gsEvents registration
  • Open to rising 12th graders only
  • Completion of CIT I is required
• Girl Scouts who have already completed CIT II are eligible to work as unit counselors at camp this summer! Come join our amazing team!

Property Updates
Keyauwee Program Center

• Keyauwee welcomed a new ranger, Wayne Lawrence, who joined the team on December 1. Wayne is already hard at work and serves as the primary onsite contact for visiting groups and vendors.
• Units at Keyauwee are currently open for reservations through CampLife, though activities are limited while we complete hiring for a new Outdoor Experience Manager.

Camp Ginger Cascades

• Recovery efforts from hurricane impacts continue at Camp Ginger Cascades as we are continuing to work on “Phase 1” hurricane projects and are awaiting final recommendations from Newmark, our Property Assessment team, which will guide next steps and help us prioritize infrastructure repairs.
• This camp has also experienced water issues and is scheduled for compliance testing in February/March. Once testing is complete and the water system passes all requirements, we plan to reopen Camp Ginger Cascades for spring programming, likely starting with day-only events in April.

Camp Pisgah

• A trusted local electrical contractor has been approved to complete several long-needed upgrades identified through both the Newmark Property Assessment and a full-camp electrical inspection. The work is currently being scheduled, with a goal of completion by the end of February.
• As you may remember, during county testing in early summer 2025, the water system showed bacterial contamination (non–E. coli). While routine state testing has consistently passed for several years, corrective actions taken at the time did not resolve the issue long-term. As a result, Camp Pisgah has remained closed and will require full water system approval before reopening for the 2026 season. Planned corrective steps include:
  • Clearing vegetation around cisterns and repainting them with a dark, opaque coating
  • Professional cleaning and chlorination of both cisterns
• Because painting must occur in warmer weather, this work is anticipated to begin later in February, weather permitting. After the work is completed, follow up testing from the county health department will be requested with the hopes to open Camp Pisgah for troop and service unit reservations in April.

Looking Ahead
We are also thrilled to welcome Clayton Sheehan as our new Director of Outdoor Experience and Property. Clayton began January 20 and is eager to visit each camp, support ongoing projects and help move us toward the goal of having all three camps open for spring and summer programming.

Thank you for your patience, excitement and continued support as we prepare for an amazing camp season. We can’t wait to welcome Girl Scouts back to camp! If you have questions, we’re always happy to help- reach out anytime.

Sincerely,

Jaclyn Johnson, GSCP2P Chief Mission Delivery Officer

Congratulations, Walk-About Winners

Congratulations to Reign from Troop 41353 and Ellery from Troop 2374! By participating in Walk-About Week and entering our photo drawing, these Girl Scouts won an ice cream party for their troop.

Cheer On Our Cookie Rookies

Special Shop Hours

Girl Board Member Applications Open

Service as a Girl Representative to the Council Board of Directors offers girls in 10th or 11th grade the opportunity to learn leadership and real-world skills needed to work in a business atmosphere. During a Girl Representative’s one-year term, beginning at the Annual Meeting, she will learn about the inner workings of Girl Scouts, how the Board influences and supports the Council and the girls, group dynamics, planning skills and financial accountability. Applications to become a Girl Board Member are open until February 22, 2026.

Thank you to Gayasha Abeykoon and Kaveesha Abeykoon for serving as our 2025-2026 Girl Board Members!

All members are invited to join us at Annual Meeting on Saturday, April 25 as we gather in Thomasville to “Make New Friends while Keeping the Old,” welcome our new Girl Board Members and recognize the amazing accomplishments of our volunteers. Our day of celebration will include lunch, guest speakers and a business meeting with important council updates. Registration will be live on our calendar soon, but save the date as this is an event you won’t want to miss!

Convention Bound

This summer is the 58th National Council Session and Girl Scouts Unite event in Washington, D.C.! The Girl Scout National Convention occurs every three years and is a stellar opportunity to see girl-led governance in action, connect with Girl Scouts from all over, hear from inspiring speakers, learn leadership skills through interactive workshops and discover unique adventures.

While we will be represented by GSCP2P National Delegates, GSCP2P is not organizing a trip to Washington, D.C. Girl Scouts, volunteers, alums and families are all invited to attend, and group travel plans can be coordinated within your troop or service unit. You can also connect with members in our council on Rallyhood! Our council has booked several rooms and is able to offer discounted lodging to our members traveling for the convention. Learn more and complete our National Convention Lodging Interest Form to reserve your rooms.

Board Forums

Bandit’s Tips For Cookie Program Fun

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has officially started, and we’re excited for you to learn entrepreneurial skills, have fun raising funds for your next adventure and earn financial literacy badges. 

Get on Campus With Wake Forest 

More discoveries await! Use our Community Partner Directory to schedule unique experiences for your troop.

Patch of the Month: World Thinking Day

Adult Volunteer Resources & Trainings

There are several trainings being offered throughout the spring, but you can also join us in Hickory on Saturday, March 21 for a full day of adult learning, certifications and fun at Leaderfest!

You’ll find the opportunity to take certification courses such as Basic Camping Skills License and First Aid/CPR. You can also choose from a wide assortment of enrichment classes in troop leadership, traditions, badge work, arts and crafts. Throughout the day, you’ll meet and learn from other volunteers, make new friends and go home inspired and energized to lead your troop wherever they want to go. Need childcare to attend? There is also programing for children grades K-5!

Upcoming Adult Programs:

VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Monday, February 9
Register by February 4.

VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Thursday, February 12
Register by February 9.

VIRTUAL: Adventure Awaits: Destination Diaries- Girl Scouts Share Their Adventures!
Sunday, February 15
Register by February 11.

First Aid/CPR Certification
Saturday, February 28
Greensboro, NC
Register by February 18.

VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Thursday, March 5
Register by February 27.

First Aid/CPR Certification
Saturday, March 14
Gastonia, NC
Register by March 4.

MADD: Power of Parents
Saturday, March 21
Hickory, NC
Register by March 13.

Keyauwee Program Center Camp Workday
Saturday, March 28
Sophia, NC
Register by March 20.

Camp Pisgah Workday
Saturday, April 11
Brevard, NC
Register by April 3.

Upcoming Programs at a Glance 

VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Thursday, February 12
Register by February 9.

VIRTUAL: Adventure Awaits: Destination Diaries- Girl Scouts Share Their Adventures!
Sunday, February 15
Register by February 11.

Safe Sitter: Safe@Home
Monday, February 16
Statesville, NC
Register by today!

VIRTUAL: Teaching Leadership- Program Aide
Tuesday, February 24 & Wednesday, February 25
Register by February 17.

Safe Sitter: Intro to Safe Babysitting
Saturday, February 28
Black Mountain, NC
Register by February 13.

Riding Instructor-In-Training (RIIT) Orientation
Saturday, February 28
Sophia, NC
Register by February 22.

VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Thursday, March 5
Register by February 26.

Design in Nature
Saturday, March 7
Winston-Salem, NC
Register by February 27.

Future Designer
Saturday, March 7
Winston-Salem, NC
Register by February 27.

Girl Scout Fest
Saturday, March 14
Gastonia, Greensboro and Hickory, NC
Register by March 2.

Rise Up: A Mental Wellness Patch Program
Saturday, March 21
Hickory, NC
Register by March 13.

Junior RIIT Explorer
Saturday, March 21
Sophia, NC
Register by March 15.

Keyauwee Program Center Camp Workday
Saturday, March 28
Sophia, NC
Register by March 20.