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COLFAX — From the city block to the suburban backyard to the backcountry, Girl Scouts has a long and storied history of getting girls outdoors. This summer, Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) will continue to build on the outdoors tradition by offering safe, in-person day and overnight camping options and virtual camp programming at its three resident camp properties.

Offerings are open to all girls in grades K-12 and will include day and overnight in-person camp and horse programs (for rising first-12^th graders), multi-day virtual sessions girls can do from home (for rising K-12) and Kamp Kits with outdoor, interactive programming sent straight to a girl’s door. All in-person sessions will follow current COVID guidelines to keep all girls and staff safe, and camps will operate at 50% capacity for the summer.

“We know that outdoor experiences have the power to change girls’ lives,” said Gayle Rose, chief operating officer for GSCP2P. “Girl Scout camp gives girls a chance to be a part of a special sisterhood where they can explore new things, be themselves and grow confident in their abilities. We are excited that we are able to offer both in-person and virtual programs for our girls this summer, giving families an option for what they feel most comfortable with.”

According to a 2019 Girl Scouts Research Institute (GSRI) study titled “Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors,” 86% of girls agree they learned more about nature through Girl Scouts and 80% state that they participated in outdoor activities through Girl Scouts that they never would have done otherwise. When girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally and intellectually.

Girl Scout camp is the perfect place for a girl to be a great climber, creative artist, new friend, expert s’more-maker, strong hiker, best song leader, outdoor cook or experienced archer. At all GSCP2P camp properties, girls can explore traditional camp activities like swimming, boating, nature exploration, challenge courses, hiking and nightly campfires. And each camp offers a variety of programs to meet the interests of all girls including arts, dance, horseback riding, STEM, adventure sports, cooking and more.

GSCP2P resident camp are located at Camp Ginger Cascades in Lenoir, Camp Pisgah in Brevard and Keyauwee Program Center in Sophia. These properties are accredited by the American Camp Association, meaning around 300 different standards encompassing safety, hiring, health care and program planning are met every season, and all camp counselors go through a thorough background check. All camp sleeping areas also have access to electricity, plumbing and hot showers.

Girls who register before March 31 will receive a $50 early bird discount. Financial assistance for camp is also available. To learn more about summer camp opportunities with GSCP2P or to register, go to www.CampLikeaGirl.org. Questions can be directed to info@girlscoutsp2p.org or 800-672-2148.