Additional Information and FAQs

Find additional summer camp information here.

Summer Camp 2026

Packing List

Please label all items with girl's first and last name. Encourage your daughter to participate in packing her own items so she knows what she has, where it is located and how she is going to re-pack to go home.

Items to Pack in a Backpack/Tote Bag toggle arrow

These items need to be with your daughter at check-in, so please do not place in the luggage trailer with the luggage that will be kept in her cabin or tent.

Body wash/soap
Brush/comb/hair ties
Deodorant
Feminine hygiene products
Insect repellent
Shampoo and conditioner
Shaving cream & razors
Sunscreen and lip balm (waterproof)
Swimsuit (1 or 2)
Towel (for swimming and/or showering)
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Washcloth or shower puff
Water bottle
Water shoes (old shoes, shoes that will stay on their feet)
Face masks for every day, if required

Items to Pack in Suitcase or Duffel Bag toggle arrow

These items will be placed in a luggage trailer upon arrival at camp and will be driven by a camp staff member to the campsite:

Underwear for each day, plus extras
Socks for each day, plus extras
Shorts for each day, plus extras
Short sleeved shirts for each day, plus extras
Sturdy pair of shoes (that have a back and are already broken in, 1 or 2 pairs, flip-flops are not allowed at camp except for use in the shower house)
Flashlight or headlamp with new batteries
Light jacket, sweatshirt, fleece, or sweater (1 or 2 for colder weather)
Long-sleeve shirts (1 or 2 for colder weather)
Pair of jeans or pants (1 or 2 for colder weather)
Pillow and pillowcase
Poncho, raincoat, or rain gear
Sleeping bag or blanket
Sleepware
Towel (bath & beach type)

Nice to Have toggle arrow

Bandannas
Items to do during Me-Time (rest hour): examples - book, deck of cards, quiet games
Fan (battery operated)
Fitted twin sheet (to be used on cot)
Inexpensive or disposable camera
Items for tie-dying (white t-shirt, pillowcase, etc.). Please note that some sessions may not offer this activity
Laundry bag
Shower shoes (can be flip flops)
Waterproof watch
Pre-addressed and stamped envelopes/postcards (supplies to write letters)
Stuffed animal
Sunglasses
Visor or baseball cap

Day Camp Packing List toggle arrow

Backpack
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Water shoes
Swimsuit and towel
Extra set of clothes
Water bottle
Lunch
- Camp Evelyn - a lunch can be packed, if desired. Hot lunch and snacks are provided at Camp Evelyn.
- Camp Manitou - a lunch MUST be packed. There is no lunch or snacks provided at Camp Manitou.

Important Information

Learn what life at camp is like & start feeling ready for and confident in our summer camps.

Bring a Friend Promotion toggle arrow

Bring a Friend; Gain a Discount!

Current Manitou Girl Scouts will invite their family and friends who have never attended a Camp Evelyn or Camp Manitou overnight camp before to attend one of our overnight camp sessions for summer 2026. Once both the current Girl Scout and friend are registered for an overnight, they'll earn a discount! Read on for the full description, logistics, and rules.

How It Works:

Refer a Camper: Share the excitement of camp with your friends, family, and neighbors who have not been to Camp Evelyn or Camp Manitou for an overnight session. Don't forget that you don't need to be a Girl Scout to come to summer camp!
Registration: When your referral registers for an overnight camp session, they should enter your camper's first and last name in CampDoc in the referral section. Please note: You can only enter one camper's name in the referral section on CampDoc.
Receive a credit: Your camper AND their friend will earn a $25 bonus added to their camp account within the CampDoc system. This credit can be applied to a current/new balance or be transferred to use at the camp store. Please allow up to one week for the referral to appear on the CampDoc accounts.

Rules:

If you've previously attended a Camp Evelyn or Camp Manitou overnight session, you can participate in our referral program and invite a new friend to camp.
The referred friend must register for an overnight session and it must be their first time registering for an overnight session. They are still eligible if they attended only day camp sessions in the past.
Siblings are eligible for the Refer a Friend promotion only if they have not previously attended an overnight camp session.
A referring camper will receive one $25 credit, regardless of the number of new campers they refer. Each new camper referred will still receive their own $25 credit.
You can only enter one camper's name in the referral section on CampDoc.
The referral program will run now through August 10, 2026. Any referrals after the 10th of August will not count for the $25 credit.
The referral does not need to be a current Girl Scout. All girls are welcome to attend summer camp.

Questions about this promotion? Contact Director of Camp & Program, Madison, at madison@gsmanitou.org.

Buddy Requests toggle arrow

A girl may request to be placed in the same unit as her friend(s). The option to add a buddy is located in the health profile section of CampDoc. Please be sure to update the form to include the name of the desired buddy. Buddies must register for the same session and dates.

Sleeping Accommodations toggle arrow

Girls will sleep on cots covered with mosquito netting in tents set up on raised platforms or in cabins. Blankets, pillows, or sheets from home, and maybe even a favorite stuffed animal make your cot comfy and cozy. Counselors sleep in tents or cabins that are VERY close by, but not in the same tents or cabins as girls. Decisions on where the girls sleep depend on girl attendance, camp session and availability.

Meals

There is nothing like activity and fresh air to make a girl HUNGRY! Camp meals and snacks are healthy and are foods kids like. Most meals are prepared by our cooks and eaten in the dining hall, and girls also cook at least one meal themselves outdoors, maybe more.

Most diets (gluten free, diabetic, kosher, vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.) can be accommodated by contacting the Director of Camp & Program at least two weeks prior to your daugther's stay at camp. Girls with dietary restrictions are welcome to bring a few alternative meals if they wish. Please include any dietary or meal restrictions in your daughter's health information as well.

Kapers

Kapers are chores, important in Girl Scouting, to learn that everyone must do their share. In small groups, girls will take turn doing kapers like setting and clearing dining hall tables, sweeping, raising and lowering the flag, and helping camp be as beautiful as it can be.

Arrival Day/Check-In toggle arrow

Check-in is from 2:00 - 3:00 p.m. The entire check-in process typically takes about an hour. We advice all visitors to dress comfortably and for the weather as it is about a 15 minute hike to your daughter's unit (campsite) on varied terrain. Please note that smoking and pets are not allowed on camp property. We ask that whoever is dropping off your daughter at camp to accompany them through check-in.

Once you arrive:

You will be greeted by camp staff at the driveway and instructed on where to park. You will also be given the unit (campsite) name that your daughter will be staying in.
Once parked, you will unload your daughter's luggage into the trailer that is assigned to her unit. Please place everything in the trailer, except the following items:
- Backpack/tote bag with your daughter's beach towel, swimsuit, shower supplies (body wash/soap, washcloth/shower puff, shampoo & conditioner), personal hygiene supplies (toothbrush, toothpaste, brush/comb, hair ties, deodorant, etc.), sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and water bottle.
At the welcome center there will be two options:
- Express Check-in: If you have completed all of your daughter's health information and do not need to turn in any medication or camp store money, you may use the express check-in. All you will have to do is check-in near the office with the camp staff to let them know you have arrived, and then you will be able to head to your daughter's unit to meet her counselors and fellow unit mates.
- If you have health information, medications, or camp store money to turn in, you will be directed to each station and then you will be able to head to your daughter's unit to meet her counselors and fellow unit mates.
Once you have been introduced to your daughter's counselors in the unit, it is time for you to say your goodbyes and leave your daughter in the care of the camp staff.
Camp activities start prompty at 3:30 p.m.; we ask that family and friends help make the transition as quickly as possible.

Departure Day/Check-Out toggle arrow

Please plan on arriving at camp at 3:30 p.m. You will be asked to check-out your daughter by presenting the QR code card you received during the check-in process.

After you have begun the check-out process, you may proceed to pick up your daughter and head to the luggage trailer to unload her belongings.

Please do not attempt to gather your daughter's luggage without her being present. It is far too common for parents to mistakenly grab another girl's items. Also, many girls may end up putting their laundry in plastic bags or may have purchased items at camp that they do not want to be left in the luggage trailer.

Safety

Safety is priority one at camp. Our staff complete intense training in how to keep girls safe while still having lots of fun. Camp Evelyn is operated by the standards of Girl Scouts of the USA, which meet or exceed the standards of the local and state health departments.

All camp staff pass a thorough screening process including criminal and sexual offender background checks. Each staff member is certified in CPR and first aid and many are lifeguards.

A qualified health supervisor is on-site at all times, and a doctor is on-call. Each girl staying five nights or more must provide documentation of a health assessment conducted by a medical professional.

All girls participate in a swimming skills assessment as one of the first activities at camp. Girls will be assigned to a swim area according to their swimming ability. Everyone is required to wear a life jacket in all boats, regardless of swimming ability. All aquatic activities are supervised by certified lifeguards and additional staff watchers.

Girl Scouts of Manitou Council will also meet or exceed standards of the American Camp Association (ACA), the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), and the Sheboygan County Health Department for summer camp operation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Weather & Emergency Preparedness toggle arrow

A Girl Scout is always prepared, and that includes at camp. During training, staff members learn and practice emergency weather procedures and emergency action plans. If the weather is unusually hot or cold, or in the event of rain, activities will be changed to keep the girls safe and comfortable. Weather is constantly being monitored by office staff and there are designated storm shelters throughout camp. Please remember that during weather alerts we will need the phone lines kept open to contact different parts of camp or emergency services. Please refrain from calling camp during severe weather.

Medications toggle arrow

All medications, ointments, vitamins, etc. are dispensed by the health supervisor during your daughter's stay at camp. When you arrive at camp, please be prepared to turn in medications to the health supervisor.

All medications must be in their original containers and must be labeled with the pharmacy label, girl's name, and directions for use. Medications cannot be dispensed to children without this information, according to state law.

Over-the-counter medication, provided by the camp, is available to girls on a case-by-case basis. These medications are only dispensed to girls with parental consent, which is part of the girl's health history. Please do not bring over-the-counter medication unless it is needed on a regular basis.

Emergency medications such as epi-pens, bronchial inhalers, diabetes medication, or other medication that is needed for life threatening situations may be carried by girls or kept with their direct staff. We highly recommend you bring more than one so that your daughter may carry one with her and the other may be held by the health supervisor.

Health Check toggle arrow

On arrival day, all girls will receive a health screening. This includes a check for contagious scalp and skin conditions and current body temperature. Any girl with a temperature over 100 degrees, who has evidence of nits or lice, or who is otherwise ill will be sent home. After a minimum of 24 hours and if there is no longer signs or symptoms, your daughter may return to camp with authorization from the Director of Camp and Program.

Special Needs toggle arrow

EVERY GIRL deserves the chance to camp! Camp Evelyn and Camp Manitou can accommodate most physical, medical, developmental, dietary, behavioral, or communication needs. Contact the Director of Camp & Program to discuss the camp session and specific needs.

Homesickness toggle arrow

Camp staff members are experienced with helping girls move past homesickness. They will work on getting the girls active and involved, help her meet new friends, and let her know that it is normal to have these feelings. We will also encourage homesick girls to write down their feelings in a letter home. If you receive a letter from camp that is less than positive, please do not worry. Homesickness is usually over by the time you receive the letter.

You can help your daughter cope with homesickness by speaking openly about how normal the feeling of missing home is and how fast it usually goes away when she gets involved in activities. Make her aware of what camp life is like so she is prepared for a new routine, lots of activity, spending the whole day out in nature, sleeping outdoors, using latrines, and cooking over a fire. Parents are also encouraged to write positive letters or emails encouraging her to try new things and stay positive.

If the Director of Program Quality believes your daughter is not adjusting to camp life or having a positive experience, you will be contacted.

Keeping in Touch with Your Daughter toggle arrow

While your daughter is having the time of her life at camp, you can see what she is up to and let her know you are thinking about her by:

Viewing photos through Waldo Photos, our camp photo software that is easily accessed (for FREE) through the same system used for registration!
- Prior to her camp session, you can submit a photo of your daughter on the Waldo Photos platform. Waldo Photos uses facial recognition software to find photos of your daughter.
  - You can set it up to get a text alert or app notification every time a photo of your daughter is uploaded.
- Don't want to use facial recognition? No problem! You can still access all the photos from your daughter's session for free.
Like the Camp Evelyn Facebook page and follow campevelyncampmanitou on Instagram! We regularly post photos to these social media platforms, and will continue to add photos throughout the sessions.
Send one-way communications to your daughter through CampGrams! CampGrams are available on the same system we use for camp registration.
- CampGrams will be printed and delivered to girls twice daily.
Mailing her letters or packages (please do not send any food that contains any kind of nuts) to your daughter during or before her session.
- If your daughter wants to send mail from camp to you please do not forget to supply her with envelopes and stamps or she can purchase these items in the camp store (canteen).
Hiding notes in her bag for her to discover.
Purchasing Camp Care Packages at our camp store (canteen). You can purchase these during registration or when you arrive at camp. We will deliver her care package to her at camp.

Phones

Camp is purposefully a place where girls can be "unplugged" allowing them to fully connect with each other and the environment. Cell phones and other electronic devices like iPods, iPads, tablets, computers, gaming systems, and more are not allowed at camp. We also ask that family and friends do not call the camp office to talk to girls as this prevents them from truly experiencing camp life. The Director of Program Quality will notify parent/guardians by phone if there is any kind of accident, illness, or other situations involving their daughter.

Camp Store (Canteen) toggle arrow

The Camp Evelyn store (Canteen) is bursting with camp goodies, including t-shirts, water bottles, toys, additional activity items and more. Prices vary from $1 to $30 so there is something for everyone.

A popular item is the yearly camp t-shirt which can be pre-ordered or purchased onsite for $30.

Help your daughter bring her camp memories home by depositing funds into her camp store account when you register her for camp. Those who have not made a deposit prior to the camp session are asked to deposit any store money into their daughter's account during check-in. Cash, check, credit card, gift cards, and program credits earned in the cookie sale are accepted. Any remaining balance at the end of the camp sessions can be donated to camp or will be refunded to the parent following the camp session. All campers will have the opportunity to visit the canteen at least once during their session, including day campers.

Let your daughter know you will be thinking of her with a camp care package! Care packages are purchased when you register and given to your daughter on her first day at camp:
The Camp Care Package is $40 and includes: tie dye backpack, plush animal, waterbottle, notebook, sunglasses, and a visor.

The Birthday Package is $35 and includes party decor, a patch, a card signed by all the staff and cake & ice cream served at meal time.

All the items in the care package are customized for Camp Evelyn & Camp Manitou.

Refunds

Girl Scouts of Manitou Council incurs costs for those who reserve a spot at camp prior to their arrival. Partial refunds will be considered on a case-by-case basis if the request is made at least three weeks prior to the reserved camp session or in case of a documented sudden illness of the girl or in the event of a documented family emergency.

In the event of a natural disaster that forces cancelation of camp, Girl Scouts of Manitou Council reserves the right to refund on a partial basis.

Girls who do not show up for their scheduled session and have not canceled, girls who are sent home due to behavioral problems, and girls who go home early due to homesickness will not receive a refund.

Unexpected Changes toggle arrow

Although every attempt will be made to follow the activities as mentioned in the camp description, we reserve the right to change activities based on sudden changes due to girls' abilities, surprise presenters, weather, or other factors. For safety, Girl Scouts Daisies will not participate in archery but in other amazing activities in keeping with the theme of the session. In addition, we feel it is important for girls to experience all levels of summer camping, so there may times where girls will take a day trip from Camp Evelyn to Camp Manitou. Transportation and supervision will be provided by the camp staff.

Lost and Found toggle arrow

The camp experience is an opportunity for a girl to learn responsibility for her own personal articles. Please discuss with your daughter the importance of caring for and keeping track of her gear.

Girl Scouts of Manitou Council is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items. Please mark everything with your daughter's full name and check her luggage before leaving camp to ensure she is not leaving anything behind. If you realize something is missing, please contact the Director of Camp & Program. You may make arrangements to pick the item up at camp. If you need the item to be shipped, you will be charged a shipping and handling fee. All unclaimed items will be donated to a charitable organization or disposed of after September 1.

Frequently Asked Questions

These are some of the questions we get asked most frequently that weren't covered in the information above. Have another question? Let us know!

What training do camp counselors receive? toggle arrow

All camp counselors are required to pass a background check and complete a two-week training program prior to working with campers, which includes CPR/First Aid certification and emergency preparedness, child development, group management, how to manage homesickness, and more.

Counselors are trained in safety and facilitation practices for the program activities available (archery, horses, lifeguarding, etc.).

What if I need to pick my daughter up early or drop her off late? toggle arrow

No problem! Contact the Director of Camp & Program prior to the start of the session to make the proper arrangements. Remind a counselor during check-in as well.

What if my daughter can't swim yet? toggle arrow

All girls participate in a swimming skills assessment as one of the first activities at camp. They will be assigned to a swim area according to their ability and comfort level. Life jackets will be provided if needed and are required of everyone for some activities. Girls can also decide not to swim and use the time for other available activities.

Can my daughter attend more than one camp session? toggle arrow

Of course she can! She can come to camp as often and as much as both of you would like! She will make lots of memories here all summer long.

Can my daughter bring a friend to camp even if she's not a Girl Scout? toggle arrow

ALL GIRLS are welcome at camp! We encourage all girls to invite a new friend. Those who aren't current Girl Scouts add the $65 membership fee during registration. Please list your daughter's buddy name on her registration form to be placed in the same unit.

What if I have more questions or concerns about camp? toggle arrow

We want you to feel perfectly comfortable with camp. If you have more questions or concerns, or want to see camp before arriving, please reach out to our Director of Camp & Program, Madison, at madison@gsmanitou.org.