We learn oh-so-many things at summer camp: how to roll a sleeping bag or bedroll, how to start a fire and cook a s’more, how to make a sit-upon, and how to protect our natural environment. But there are lessons learned that go way beyond practicing an outdoor skill – like sparking lifelong friendships, admitting you messed up, surviving your first friendship fight, stepping outside your comfort zone, and even surprising yourself.

When Girl Scouts enjoy a camp experience outdoors, they:

• Discover that they can better solve problems and overcome challenges
• Develop leadership skills, build social bonds, and are happier overall
• Become team players and care more about protecting our environment

When girls spend quality time outdoors and increase their exposure to nature, they thrive physically, emotionally, and intellectually. Our research shows that girls who attend camp experience two types of fun: “hard fun” (overcoming challenges) and “people fun” (building strong relationships). “Hard fun” provides opportunities for challenge, mastery, and feelings of accomplishment. It involves goals, strategies, and obstacles. “People fun,” on the other hand, provides opportunities to build and strengthen social bonds and to hang out with friends. In this sort of fun, girls cooperate, communicate, and compete. Learn more about how outdoor experiences positively impact girls’ lives.

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We rounded up just a few of our favorite life lessons from Girl Scout camp, shared directly from alumnae and staff:

Camp life is like Florida weather: it changes often during the day. Just be ready.
-Cookie

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Independence. Being away from my usual routine and the people I normally rely on in everyday life was a huge step towards figuring out how to do things for myself. And not only just how to be self-sufficient, but also how rewarding it can be to be independent and be able to do things and figure things out for myself. Asking mom and dad for help is always 100% ok, but sometimes it’s really cool to be able to prove to them, and yourself, that you are capable.

Camp friends are lifelong friends. Friendships made at camp are so much stronger than friendships made anywhere else. Camp is a place where you can be yourself 100%, so the people you meet at camp know you for your true self. They love and accept you for who you are, which makes your bond so much stronger. Camp friends really are the best.
-Firefly

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Camp taught me that I can always be myself no matter what. With all the counselors wearing wacky clothes and being so confident in them, it taught me that I can do the same. It taught me that there is nothing I cannot do. I was terrified of the ropes course when I first starting going to camp and eventually I did the course for the first time and fell in love. Eventually, I became a certified instructor. Camp helps you overcome your fears!

Ahhh this makes me miss Camp so much!
-Scooby