Frequently Asked Questions

Day Camp

Q:Is lunch available for day campers?
A: No. Day Campers must bring their own lunch.

Q:What are the pick up/ drop off locations for Camp Coleman Day Camp?
A:This year transportation is not provided. All campers need to be dropped off at Camp Coleman located at 7717 North Lake Drive, Trussville, AL 35173.

Q:What time is day camp?
A:The day camp program is from 8:30-4:30. Drop off begins at 8 am and concludes at 5 pm.

General questions

Q:Can my child bring their cell phone/ tablet/ device?
A:We understand that everyone is connected through technology in today’s world. Girls may bring their device to camp and will be allowed to use it for about an hour each day. The rest of the time, all devices will be stored in a secure location. Wi-Fi is not available and cell service is spotty. Camp staff will not monitor the content of the device usage. For the safety of your daughter and the other campers, we ask that location services be turned off while she is at camp. All devices, chargers and accessories should be well labeled. Girl Scouts of North Central Alabama will not be responsible to damage to, loss or theft of any electronic devices.



Q:How does my child get to camp?
A:No transportation is provided for campers. You are responsible for getting your child to camp. The address for Camp Coleman is 7717 North Lake Drive, Trussville, AL 35173. The address for Camp Trico is 315 Trico Drive; Guntersville, AL 35976.



Q:What about severe weather?
A:The weather is always a concern at camp. The conditions are monitored constantly.
In the event of thunderstorms, activities will be canceled, campers in bunk houses will return to their bunk houses for games and songs. Campers staying in cabins will be moved to an indoor location with their cabin unit for songs and games.
In the event of a tornado warning in the area, all camps have storm shelters. Parents will be notified of severe weather adaptations via text message and/ or email.




Q:What does my child need to bring to camp?
A:When you register for camp, you will receive a packing list.
For spend the night camp and day camp, the only specialized equipment required is related to horse camps. Please refer to the packing list provided when you register for camp.



Q:What if my child gets homesick at camp?
A:It is normal to expect campers to be somewhat homesick while at camp. The summer camp counselors are trained to handle these situations.
In the event that the child cannot be consoled, a call home may be needed. The camp director will call the parent to come up with a plan of how to best meet the needs of the camper.
Do not tell your child that you will come get them from camp. That sets the child up to leave during the session.
No refunds will be given for any campers who leave early.



Q:What is the camp store?
A:The camp store will be open on two days during the week. The camp store is stocked with camp SWAG including T shirts, patches, hats, bags, and other memorabilia. It is optional to deposit money for purchases into the camp store. Pre-orders will be available for pick-up at check-in.

Q:Where will my child sleep?
A:While at camp, girls will sleep in one of two different types of housing:
Cabins are rustic structures that sleep 4-10 people in bunk beds. The group of cabins (unit) are arranged in close proximity to each other that allows good sight and hearing of everyone in the unit. Cabin walls have a good amount of screen to allow for good air flow. Cabins have lights, fans, and an outlet. Counselors sleep together in one cabin within the unit, so there is not a counselor sleeping in each cabin with the girls. Bathrooms and showers are located outside of the cabins. Each cabin unit has a dusk to dawn light in the middle to allow for more comfort. Counselors will ensure that each girl is in their bed after at and after lights out.
Bunk Houses are fully enclosed buildings with 16-20 bunk beds in one large room. Most bunk houses have a bathroom inside and have air conditioning. The counselors sleep together as a group in one corner of the room. Bunk houses are usually reserved for the youngest camper’s.
Cabin Mates- Girls can request to be in the same cabin with another girl who is coming to camp at the same time and is close to the same age by completing the cabin mate portion of the registration form.


Q:Who are the counselors and staff?
A:The summer camp staff is led by a team with more than 50 years of summer camp experience.
The counselors are mostly college age young ladies. We also have adult age volunteers to assist with various aspects of camp.
All counselors and volunteers have been thoroughly vetted including background checks.
All counselors participate in at least 40 hours of training prior to camp regarding camp philosophy, camper interactions, safety policies, and procedures.
You can contact the Camp Director by emailing acanterbury@girlscoutsnca.org



Health and Safety

Q:Campers with special needs
A:GSNCA Summer camps welcomes all campers. If your child has a special need that is not common or may not adjust well into the camp environment, please contact the camp director.
GSNCA requires that all campers be able to shower and toilet themselves. The ground at camp is rugged, uneven, and natural. The ability to navigate the camp property with minimal assistance is necessary for a successful camp experience. If your child does not meet these requirements, please contact the camp director for options and accommodations available.


Q:Health and safety at camp
A:Safety is the top priority at camp. All counselors have been trained in first and CPR. First aid kits are at each activity area and with every counselor. A first aider is on duty 24/7. Staff with advanced medical experience are always at camp and medical professionals are on call.
Operating procedures for each activity and well trained staff provide additional layers of protection to ensure safety.


Q:What if my child takes or needs medications?
A:Campers needing medications at camp is common. Normal medication times are before breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime. Other times can easily be arranged. Medication use is confidential. Counselors know that a camper needs medications at a certain time of day, but are not given any additional information.
All medications are stored in a locked cabinet in the health care center except for emergency inhalers and epi pens. All medications must be in the original container. Medications will be dispensed as directed unless accompanied by instructions from the prescriber. Emergency inhalers and epi pens will be with the camper in the care of their counselor. Please label the actual inhaler/ epi pen in the event that it is accidentally separated from the original box.

The health care center is well stocked with common over the counter medications. There is no need to send Tylenol, allergy medication, or anti itch topicals to camp with your child.


Meals and Food

Q:Meals at Camp
A:Meals at camp are prepared in a commercial kitchen that has been inspected by the local health department. The menu is planned with campers in mind. Fruit is available at every meal. Portions are genreous and not restrictive. Campers expend a great deal of energy at camp and their choloric demands often increase from what they need at home or at school.

Q:Special Dietary Needs
A:With advance knowledge, we can have food on hand for most diets. There is a question on the health history form related to the child's diet. If anything changes with your child's diet between registration and summer camp, you can simply edit the health history.

Q:What about snacks
A:Daily snacks are included in the summer camp fee. Campers have several options to choose from and can pick 2 healthy snacks or 1 fun snack and 1 healthy snack plus a drink.

Registration and Payments

Q:What do I have to pay at the time of registration?
A:A $50 payment is due at the time of registration
The balance is due 2 weeks before the start of the session
Automatic draft payment plans are available.


Q:What does the registration fee include?
A:The summer camp covers all of the expenses related to
spend the night camp.

Q:What is the cost to register?
A:The regular fee for spend the night camp is $575. Girl Scout members pay $550. Girls who participated in the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program pay $525 for spend the night camp.

The regular fee for day camp is $300. Girl Scout members pay $275. Girls who participated in the 2022 Girl Scout Cookie Program pay $250 for day camp.

*There are additional costs for horseback riding.

Q:When is the registration deadline
A:The registration deadline is 2 weeks prior to the start of the camp session. Space is limited and will be filled on a first come, first served basis.


Q:Who can attend GSNCA Summer camp?
A:GSNCA offers summer spend the night camp for all girls entering grades 2-10. Girls must have completed 1st grade to attend the five night sessions at either camp. Day Camp at Camp Coleman is open to boys and girls entering grades 1-7.