Mah- Kah-Wee Program Center

2019 Resident Camp Mah-Kah-Wee Confirmation

Mission Statement: “Girl Scouts builds girls of Courage, Confidence and Character

who make the world a better place.”

Goals of Summer Camp

 To encourage girls to embrace the outdoors and explore nature

 To promote the physical, spiritual and mental well-being of all girls

 To help girls develop their inner leadership and a sense of responsibility

 To create a welcoming environment for all girls

 To build new friendships, create lasting memories and have the best summer

ever!

What’s inside?

 Packing list and tips

 Information on paperwork and paying for camp

 What to expect at check-in

 Paperwork needed to attend camp and much, much, more

Mah- Kah-Wee Program Center

1700 South County Road 419

Chuluota, FL 32766

Office: 407-365-3737

Fax: 321-247-5660

General Questions: Summercamp@citrus-gs.org

Important Paperwork

To ensure your camper has a wonderful and safe time attending camp, we need all parents to

complete all the pertinent paperwork specified on the website: https://www.citrus-

gs.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/forms.html for their camp sessions. Most paperwork is in

a writable format so that you can save the forms and email them directly to

Summercamp@citrus-gs.org 2 weeks prior to your camp start date.

You will also be receiving an email from CampDoc to set up a login for your personal account.

This site is a secure service that we use for our medical information. On the site you will find the

medical form to download and bring to your campers physician when she has her physical. All

physicals need to be completed within 1 year of the camp end date. You will also need to obtain

their current shot records and both of them will need to be uploaded to the site. All tabs need to

be completed no later than 2 weeks prior to your daughters start date of camp.

Please make sure if your browser is Internet Explorer and not current, you will need to

select a different one such as: Firefox, Chrome or Safari

Please remember that if your daughter is attending more than 1 week of camp you will

need to note that on her “Get to Know Your Camper” form so that the paperwork can be

prepared. Please note that there will be minimal paperwork that will need to be signed or

initialed upon check in each week.

Buddies at Camp

Each camper has a different experience at camp that is unique and personal to each of them.

This includes making new friends, creating forever memories, becoming independent and more.

We know that many girls like to experience this with someone they know well. To ensure they

have a balance of both experiences, we can only honor 1 buddy request from each camper.

They need to both select each other, be attending the same session and be in the same grade

level. Please do not list multiple girls and/or troops as we cannot honor these requests.

Packing for Camp

The following tips and suggestions make packing easy. Do not go out and purchase brand new

clothes or equipment. Many of the things your daughter needs are already around the house.

How should my camper pack? (See packing list)

There is no room in the cabins for footlockers or trunks. We recommend backpacks, suitcases

or duffel bags with carrying straps. Remember that your camper should be packing her bags

with adult assistance if necessary. This will make her aware of what she has, and to make it

easy for her to repack at the end of the week.

Your camper will need to carry her own luggage to and from trailer.

Please make sure everything is labeled with her name or initials. We suggest packing a day’s

worth of clothes in zip-lock bags (the gallon size ones work great). Each morning your camper

can reach into her duffel bag and pull out an entire outfit. Extra socks, shirts, etc. can be put in

other zip-locks and labeled. This system works really well for younger campers.

Packing List

*Please remember to label all items

 T-shirts (No Tank, Halter or Spaghetti Strap Tops)

 Shorts, jeans, long pants

 Warm sweatshirt or lightweight jacket

 Rain gear (poncho)

 Bathing suits (one-two for pool and one for waterfront activities)

 One piece or tankini; NO BIKINIS

 2-3 Towels for pool/shower

 Sturdy, closed toe/closed heel shoes for walking around camp (no Crocs or flip flops)

 Shower shoes (these can be flip flops or Crocs)

 Water shoes or old sneakers for waterfront activities. They will get wet (no Crocs or flip

flops).

 Undergarments

 Pajamas

 Socks (worn at all times)

 A hat or bandana

 Laundry bag (for dirty clothes)

 Plastic bag for wet clothes

 Toothbrush & toothpaste

 Soap/Deodorant

 Hairbrush or comb

 Shampoo/conditioner

 Flashlight and extra batteries

 Small backpack/nap sack-(day bag)

 Sleeping bag or blanket and sheets. Note: Bring a single top sheet if you are using a

sleeping bag. (twin size)

 Pillow

 Insect repellant (non-aerosol)

 Sunscreen (non-aerosol)

 Refillable water bottle with name

 Optional Items

 Camera

 Stuffed animal

 Book to read

 Stationary and stamps

- (If you would like your daughter to write to you, please send self-

addressed, stamped envelopes)

Snacks

Parents are permitted to send snacks for their campers providing they follow these guidelines.

 All snacks are labeled in a bag or container that can be closed.

 They must be dropped off at check in.

 Girls cannot have any snacks in their sleeping area.

 All snacks will be stored in the unit house and provided by staff upon request.

 Some children do not receive care packages from their parents. Additional snacks for

girls in the unit are welcomed.

 Please be specific when dropping snacks off.

What Not to Bring or Send to Camp

 Soda, energy drinks, candy, gum, and coffee type drinks

 Fruity smelling deodorant or toothpaste

 Body sprays or perfumes

 Aerosol containers of any kind

 Permanent markers

 Any expensive or irreplaceable items

 Valuable jewelry

 No Electronics - iPods, iPads, MP3’s, digital cameras or any other electronic devices

 NO Cell phones

Please keep in mind that when your camper arrives we want to make sure that this is a

time to enjoy the outdoors, make new friends and develop a strong sense of self. Please

be sure to check your camper’s bags before they arrive to avoid us having to take away

any unnecessary items. We thank you for your assistance and understanding in making

your camper’s experience a memorable one.

If Cell Phones or other items that are not allowed to be on or with the camper are

found, they will be collected and locked in the safe until parent pick up.

Check In

Check in at Camp Mah-Kah-Wee will be on the Sunday of your camper’s camp session.

At Mah-Kah-Wee we check in thru the side entrance which is off of Riverwoods Drive, Chuluota,

FL 32766. Please follow the signs for check in.

 Daisy/Brownies 2:00 pm

 Juniors 2:30 pm

 Cadettes/Seniors/Ambassadors 3:00 pm

 CITs 12:00 pm

This is a very busy time and we ask for your patience. We check-in each and every camper

individually and this takes time. To assist in this please have all paperwork and medications

ready. Please plan on spending some time with us during our check in process. We ask that

everyone that is attending check in please wear closed toe shoes as you will be walking back to

the units with the girls.

All campers must take a swim test on the first day of camp.

Check-in Procedures

 We make every effort to move your child through the check-in process as quickly as we

can. We ask for your patience and understanding if a delay occurs.

 When you arrive at camp, a staff member will direct you to the luggage pavilion.

 You will then put your camper’s luggage in the trailer marked for her unit.

 Please make sure that everyone that is dropping off your camper has closed toed shoes

on their feet to walk down to the units. (Anyone that does not have on proper shoes

will not be allowed down to the unit.)

 You will then proceed to the lodge and go to the designated stations. Make sure you

have any missing paperwork, all medications including OTC, snacks, money for the

trading post or trips, etc.

 “Check In” is where you will turn in most of your paperwork, drop off your mail, and have

any non-medical questions answered.

 “Heads and Toes” is where Girls will have their head and toes checked and temperature

taken. If your camper is found to have head lice, athlete’s foot or a fever she will not

be able to return to camp unless she is cleared. At that time she may return to camp or

choose another camp session, if available.

 “Nurse Station” is where you will turn in any medical documents and medications. At this

time you will be able to discuss with the health staff any medical concerns you may

have. Please remember to complete all of your camper’s information on the CampDoc

website, and upload the Health Form that was completed by your physician.

 “Trading Post” is an area where girls can purchase items for their week of camp. You will

be able to leave money for them to shop during their week. We will have a variety of

items including care packages, stamps, towels etc.

 Once all of the stations are completed you will walk down to the unit that your camper is

staying in to meet some of the staff and drop her off. (This step is not necessary for older

campers, just let a staff member know so they can bring them to the unit)

Unpacking & Saying Goodbye

When you arrive at your camper’s unit, you will be greeted by your camper’s counselors. You

may also want to help your camper pick out a bunk. Once your camper is settled into her unit, it

is time to say goodbye. Our staff has been trained and is prepared to immediately engage your

daughter in fun activities to help facilitate the transition. Due to our tight schedule on this day,

we ask that all parents leave camp no later than 4 PM in order for the girls to get ready for

dinner and their swim test.

Camp Meals

All meals served at camp are formed using the FDA food plate. Girls are always given an

alternative option ranging from a cheese sandwich to peanut butter and jelly. There is a salad

bar available during lunch and dinner every day.

We will try to accommodate most medical special needs, if your camper has any medically

necessary special needs please complete the needs assessment form and fax or email it

2 weeks prior to her arrival to 321-247-5660 or Summercamp@citrus-gs.org It is imperative that

we are aware of these needs before she arrives to camp.

Please be advised that campers are not permitted to drink coffee/soda/energy drinks

while at camp.

Program Opportunities

Each week of camp has a special theme. Please feel free to send in costumes or accessories to

enhance your camper’s experience while she is here. We encourage getting into character for

many of the weeks, so dress up at all ages is always appropriate!!

Some sessions, not all of them may include high adventure activities which are scheduled

according to GSUSA, Safety Activity Checkpoints and ACA guidelines. Some activities are grade

level specific, including our challenge course, archery and waterfront sessions. The girls will

never be forced to participate in anything they are uncomfortable with; however they will be

encouraged to try new things. Please let the girls know that not all sessions include these activities

and to only expect what is in the description.

Below is a list of possible high adventure activities, depending on the camp session:

 Archery - Brownies and up (not available for sampler camp)

 Canoe- Brownies and up

 Funoes – Daisies and Brownies

 Kayaks - Depends on Program and Grade Level

 Challenge Course - Low Elements - Brownies

 Challenge Course - High Elements - Juniors and up

Please be advised that when the girls are participating in ALL lake activities they will be

required to wear a PFD (personal floating device).

Part of the camp experience is being able to have Girl Choice each week. We allow girls to

choose specific activities that they would like to participate in as well. These could range from

sports and jewelry making to extra pool time or me time.

The following activities will be offered during your campers stay: Arts & Crafts, Environmental

Activities, Team Building, Dance & Skits, Campfires, SWAPS and of course S’mores’

Mah-Kah-Wee Pool

All campers must take a swim test on the first day of camp. They will all be given a color coded

swim cap to wear whenever they are in the pool. The different colors will enable the lifeguards

to monitor everyone accordingly. Please be sure to list any allergies to latex on the

CampDoc forms. Anyone that does not have a strong swimming ability will be required to wear

a PFD (personal floating device). Campers will also be given ear drops when they come out of

the pool to prevent ear aches and infections.

*Please be aware that all girls will be required to wear swim caps throughout the week at

the pool, which will be given to them to keep after their swim test.

* Please note that if your camper is coming for multiple weeks, please send her swim cap

back with her, to help us to identify her swimming ability and to be resourceful without

issuing an additional cap.

Health Care Information and Medications

To provide a more secure and accurate database for our medical information, we have moved

to using CampDoc for all medical related information. Please put CampDoc.com in your safe

sender list.

Each camper is required to have a physical exam within 12 months of the last day of their

camp session.

Medications - Please do not pack any medications in your camper’s bag.

Here are a few things to remember about medications at camp:

 When you receive an e-mail from CampDoc, download and print the Health Form. Have

it completed by your physician and upload it to CampDoc. If you are unable to upload

please bring it with you to check-in. Complete ALL sections of the CampDoc survey to

ensure we have the most current information. CampDoc is not considered complete

until the authorization in the last step is checked and submitted.

 Be sure to list ALL medications in CampDoc properly and send it to camp in the original

bottle with the Rx label intact.

 All prescription medications must be listed by the PHYSICIAN on the health form.

Campers who require prescriptions while at camp MUST have their individual standing

orders signed by a physician on the Health Form.

 All over-the-counter medications must be in their original containers with your camper’s

name on it, and turned into the health staff. Vitamins may be stored in a weekly or daily

dispenser, but must also be entered on the form and turned into the health staff.

 All medications will be stored in the infirmary and administered by the health staff.

 Please remember to pick up any leftover medication from the health staff at the end of

the week.

Picking Your Camper Up

Camper’s safety is our #1 priority. It is imperative you completely fill out and sign the “Camper

Release” form included in your documents.

Also remember to list yourself on the Camper Release Form.

Check OUT will be between the hours of 3:00pm and 4:30pm on Friday.

 Please remember to list all the people you think may possibly pick your camper up in

case of an emergency or at the end of the camp session. Don’t forget to include

yourself and your spouse/partner.

 Our staff will only release campers to those indicated on the pick-up form...NO

exceptions!

 Everyone will need to show photo identification. Campers will not be released without

it. Please inform everyone on your list.

 Your camper’s luggage will be under her unit sign. Please be sure to take all of her

luggage and double check that she has packed in the same way she came so you don’t

forget something.

 PLEASE CHECK LOST AND FOUND BEFORE LEAVING! Any items left at camp for

more than two weeks will be donated.

Questions or Concerns about:

Payments

To make payments please:

 Login to your “My GS” account and navigate to your activities tab then select make

payment or

 Contact Customer Care at Custome[email protected]rg or 407-896-4475

Please Note:

 All final payments vary based on the session date.

 Please be sure to note when your final payment is due to avoid forfeiting your camp

session and non –refundable deposit and/or fees.

Camp Forms

Need to be emailed no less than 2 weeks prior to the start of camp to:

Summercamp@citrus-gs.org

Summer Camp General Questions

Jessica MacGregor (Firfley) Outdoor Program Manager at 407-228-1657 or

jmacgregor@citrus-gs.org

Financial Assistance or other questions

Aimee Beauchamp (Ennie) Director of Outdoor Program & Camp 407-228-1655 or

abeauchamp@citrus-gs.org

Camp Doc or other Medical needs

Karen Anderson – Health Supervisor 407-365-1436 or summercamp@citrus-gs.org

Summer Camp Office (at MKW)

Phone: 407-365-3737

Fax: 321-247-5660

Email: summerca[email protected]

In Case of an Emergency Only

Site Ranger: Rose Colson 814-331-3790

See you at Camp!!