Summer will be here before you know it (despite what the weather that our Northern sisters are getting right now), so you might be starting to think about camping opportunities for your troop. Most Girl Scouts who go camping participate in either Troop Camping or Summer Camp (or both).  

Both experiences can be AMAZING, but there are some big differences between the two. So what does each experience have to offer?

What is Troop Camping?

You guessed it! It is when a troop plans an outdoor outing. “Camping” typically implies an overnight, maybe in a tent or cabin, but it is important to remember that Girl Scouts recommends leaders follow the Outdoor Progression. That way girls’ experiences in the outdoors lengthen and expand over time to prepare for overnights.

What is Summer Camp?

When we discuss Summer Camp in this comparison, we are generally talking about a council-sponsored camp experience with counselors and staff members leading girls through their day or overnight experiences. These often vary from week-long day-only experiences, to half week, full week, or even more-than-a-week experiences. The length and type of programs vary from camp to camp and council to council.

Who are her fellow campers?

In troop camping, her campmates will be other girls from the troop she’s in, girls she is familiar with and likely already has bonds with.

At summer camp, she might sign up with a buddy, but there will be lots of girls that she won’t know.

Your girl likely has a preference. If she is less comfortable in the outdoors, she might prefer starting with troop camping, finding comfort in her friendships. On the other hand, she might not mind arriving on her own, knowing that she will make lots of new friends in her cabin, tent, or unit group.

Who are her adult role models and guides?

In troop camping, it will probably be her troop leaders and other adult volunteers she knows. Not all troop leaders LOVE to camp. And that’s ok. Other adults in your troop might be interested and can complete the training and guide the experience instead.

At summer camp, her adults are typically paid staff or trained volunteer staff that the camp has organized to be there. Many camps offer a few programs where girls can attend with their favorite adults, but the bulk of programs are for the camp kids only.

How does the planning work?

In troop camping, she’ll plan a lot. Troops make decisions about where they are going, what they are eating, and what they will be doing. Troop leaders will also do planning, and this balance changes as girls grow in the program, with girls taking on more and more of the responsibility as they grow. Troop camping offers the most customization and direct planning opportunities for girls.

At summer camp, planning looks different. Girls typically perform very little planning prior to camp, apart from packing their bags. Once at camp, they might have some choices about activities or meals. These opportunities vary from program to program.

Are the benefits different?

These two types of camping share a lot of benefits. Girls get to spend time outdoors, play with their peers, and develop independence and practice nights away from their home.

Girls participating in troop camp will get a stronger focus on girl-planning and strengthen the bond of friendship in their troop.

Girls participating in summer camp will practice making new friendships and experience a different type of independence because they are away from their families and troop leaders.

New research from the Girl Scout Research Institute and the American Camp Association gives us a look into even more benefits for girls.

Both camping experience are wonderful for girls. There are lots of camping opportunities in between, like service unit/community camporees and weekend programs for troops or families at camp properties. Each has its own specialty and rewarding qualities.

What is your girl’s favorite way to camp?