Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Summer 2018 Camp Photos

Resident Camp 2018

Girl Scout Resident Camp at Camp Ondessonk
Girl Scout Resident Camp at Touch of Nature: Mini Sessions
Girl Scout Resident Camp at Touch of Nature: Full Week

Day Camp 2018
Belleville/Swansea
Centralia
Clinton County
Collinsville
Columbia Area
East St. Louis
Edwardsville
Effingham
Granite City
GSSI Mini STEM
GSSI STEM
Highland
Jefferson County
O'Fallon/Shiloh
UPAC 

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois and East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America Partnering to Provide STEM Opportunities to Underserved Girls

The East St. Louis Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc. (J&J) is partnering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) to offer underserved girls an opportunity to participate in summer enrichment programs in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). A grant of $3,000 from Jack and Jill of America Foundation will enable girls from East St. Louis to attend GSSI's STEM Day Camps in July.

Photo ID: (From L to R) Michele Henry-McGee, J&J Chapter President, Carolyn Brooks (GSSI), Dr. Lillian Parks (J&J), Villie M. Appoo, GSSI CEO, Lauren A. Parks (J&J), D’Jamildo Graham (J&J), Angie Suhre (GSSI) 

About Jack and Jill of America

Jack and Jill of America is a membership organization of mothers with children ages 2-19, dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving and civic duty.

About Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois

The mission of Girl Scouting states: Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Girl Scouts is the world's pre-eminent organization dedicated solely to girls - all girls - where, in an accepting and nurturing environment, girls build character and skills for success in the real world. In partnership with committed adults, girls develop qualities that will serve them all their lives - like strong values, social conscience, and conviction about their own potential and self-worth.

Plan a Girl Scout Day Camp for Summer '16 in Your Area!



WOW!
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois already has 18 Day Camps scheduled for 2016.  The most ever...thanks to all of our wonderful day camp volunteers who are committed to providing girls a fun and safe camp and outdoor experience.

Where
Belleville, Charleston, Collinsville, Columbia/Dupo, East St. Louis, Effingham (2), Edwardsville, Granite City, Greenville, Highland, Massac County, O'Fallon, Staunton, UPAC, Waterloo.

In addition, we have two staff run STEAM day camps that will be held at Camp Torqua.

It's Not Too Late
We would love to expand our volunteer day camps so more girls can experience the fun of camp and outdoors.  But to do this, we need the committment of a Day Camp Director to make it happen.  Day Camp directors must commit to two meetings with a GSSI staff member prior to camp, run camp (either day camp or twilight camp), follow GSSI rules and guidelines, and meet one time after camp to just talk about how things went.  Volunteers from their area would also be needed to meet girl/adult ratios.  GSSI Program Managers Carolyn Miener and Emily Stanley will help make it easy and fun for Day Cmap directors and volunteers.  We would like to have day camps here:

Crawford County area
Jefferson County area
Lawrence County area
Marion County area
Randolph County area
Richland County area
Shawnee SU area
Wayne/Hamilton/White County area

For More Information:
Carolyn Miener: 618.307.3641 or cmiener@gsofsi.org  
Emily Stanley: 618.307.3611 or estanley@gsofsi.org

Laura Keiser Honored for 11 Years of Day Camp Service

Laura Keiser from Edwardsville was recognized by Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois for 11 years of outstanding service to girls at various Girl Scout day camps.    For the past 4 years she was the Assistant Day Camp Director and then the Day Camp Director for Collinsville Day camp which was held at Camp Torqua in Edwardsville.  In addition, Laura has volunteered at several other day camps throughout the years.  “We are so pleased to recognize Laura for her dedication and volunteer leadership skills to ensure so many girls had the opportunity to have a camp and outdoor experience,” said Villie M. Appoo, GSSI Chief Executive Officer.  “It’s volunteers like Laura who help Girl Scouts provide and affordable and accessible outdoor experience where girls can experience the wonders of nature, explore the natural environment and develop outdoor and leadership skills,” Appoo added.

Volunteers Needed for GSSI STEM Day Camps!

 

 

Do you love science, technology, engineering, art & math?  Come out and volunteer at a GSSI STEM Day Camp in July!

 

STEM Explosions 3: Made By Me (Juniors-Ambassadors)

July 6-10  9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Camp Torqua - Edwardsville

 

Girls will participate in several exciting science, technology, engineering, art and math activities that they helped plan.  There will also be an overnight camping experience during the week to enjoy after dark activities.

 

Full time volunteers who work all five days will receive a camp shirt and be reimbursed $35 for one camper at the close of camp.  If interested in volunteering, a volunteer application and health history form should be completed and sent to Council.  These forms can be found on the GSSI website.  Please write on the volunteer application "STEM Explosion".  Ed

 

A Mini STEM Explosion 2 (Daisies & Brownies)

Daisies and Brownies will enjoy two full days of hands on science, technology, engineering, art and math activities at Camp Torqua. They will play some games, make some explosions and create a science mess. Experiments will range from chemistry to physics and will be appropriate to try at camp and demonstrate to parents at home.

 

Full time volunteers who work all five days will receive a camp shirt and be reimbursed $15 for one camper at the close of camp.  If interested in volunteering, a volunteer application and health history form should be completed and sent to GSSI.  These forms can be found on the GSSI website.  Please write on the volunteer application "Mini STEM".  Edwardsville  Edwardsville

Adventure Awaits at Girl Scout Camp!

Adventure awaits at  Girl Scout Camp!  At Girl Scout Camp, girls can:

Develop their leadership skills through teamwork and social interactions with other campers

Discover their interests through diverse activities and skill building sessions

Enhance their self confidence while trying new things

Increase their awareness and appreciation of the natural world

Meet new people and make lasting friendships

Stay active while having FUN! 

2015 Camp Opportunities:

Day Camps Across Southern Illinois 

Resident Camp at Touch of Nature 

There's Still Time to Sign Up for a Girl Scouts STEM Day Camp

 

 

 

 

Put some STEM in your summer! GSSI’s STEM Explosions 2 and A Mini STEM Explosion Day Camps are open for registration until June 23.

STEM Explosions 2: Camp CSI
Grades: 4-12 (Fall 2014) • July 21-25, 2014 • Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL

Join us on a week long adventure into the world of science, technology, engineering and math with a focus on crime scene investigation. We will perform experiments, learn from experts and put the pieces together to solve a high profile crime. Every good detective needs a break now and then, so we will take a day and travel off-site to refresh and recharge ourselves. Of course, our STEM Explosions camp would not be complete without a few “exploding surprises” and traditional camp activities.


A Mini STEM Explosion!
Grades 2-3 (Fall 2014) • July 24-25, 2014 • Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL

 Brownies love STEM, too! Join us on a two day adventure into the world of science, technology, engineering and math. During this two day camp you will enjoy amazing hands on science experiments, robots and, of course, some things that “explode”. Since we are at camp, we will also include some traditional camp activities like outdoor cooking, games and songs.

 

 

GSSI Day Camp Deadlines Approaching! Register Now!

 
 Becoming a Well-Rounded Girl Scout
June 9-12, 2014
First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, IL
Deadline: May 8

Artful Antics
June 9-13, 2014
Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL
Deadline: May 23; $10 late fee is past deadline

Camp Survivor II
June 9-13, 2014
American Legion Post 58, Freedom Farm, Freeburg, IL
Deadline: May 17; $10 late fee if past deadline

Muggles, Magic & Mayhem
June 9-13, 2014
Highland Silver Lake, Highland, IL
Deadline: May 2

Arts in the Park
June 16-20, 2014
Fox Ridge State Park, Charleston, IL
Deadline: May 15; $10 late fee if received between May 16-June 1)

Camp Wassatoga’s Dude Ranch! (for Cadettes, Seniors & Ambassadors)
June 16-20, 2014
Camp Wassatoga, Effingham, IL
Deadline: May 5

Girl Scouts Reconnect with Nature! II
June 16-20, 2014
Camp Chan Ya Ta, Worden, IL
Deadline: May 23

Once Upon a Time, Chapter 2
June 16-20, 2014
Horner Park, Lebanon, IL
Deadline: May 26

Fort Massac Day Camp
June 18-20, 2014
Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis, IL
Deadline: June 1

Around the World in Eighty Days
June 23-27, 2014
Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL
Deadline: May 10

Camp Wassatoga’s Dude Ranch! (for Daisies, Brownies & Juniors)
June 23-27, 2014
Camp Wassatoga, Effingham, IL
Deadline: May 5

Once Upon a Time in Dupo
June 23-27, 2014
Dupo Park, Dupo, IL
Deadline: May 15

Surf’s Up
June 23-27, 2014
Camp Vandeventer, Waterloo, IL
Deadline: May 19

Mom and Me Craft Camp
June 26-28, 2014
Mt. Vernon Little House, Mt. Vernon, IL
Deadline June 1

 Artistic Adventure
July 14-18, 2014
Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL
Deadline: May 15

STEM Explosions 2: Camp CSI
July 21-25, 2014
Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL
Deadline: June 23

A Mini STEM Explosion!
July 24-25, 2014
Camp Torqua, Edwardsville, IL
Deadline: June 23

Skills & Thrills
August 1-3, 2014
Randolph County Conservation Area, Chester, IL
Deadline: July 1





 

GSSI Gearing Up for Camp Season

It’s officially spring, which means it’s time to start preparing for camp season!  This summer, GSSI is offering 20 Day Camps and 26 Resident Camp sessions with a variety of fun themes.  

Resident Camp Registration Ends April 29! 

See 2014 Sessions  

Register Now

Day Camps Are Filling Up Quickly!

Click to see 2014 Sessions  

Register Now

Volunteers are needed to help make GSSI Summer Camp programs a success!  Put a little sun in your summer by volunteering with Girl Scouts!  Call 800.345.6858 for more information. 

2014 Day Camp Opportunities from Southern Illinois!

Camp	Location	Date	Grades	Deadline
Bond County
Becoming a Well Rounded Girl Scout Contact:  Misty Mezo at 217.556.1887	First Presbyterian Church Greenville, IL	June 9-12 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	1-6	5/8
Coles County
Arts in the Park Contact: Heather Todd at 217.549.6305	Fox Ridge State Park Charleston, IL	June 16-20 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	1-12	5/15
Effingham County
Camp Wassatoga’s Dude Ranch Contact: Dawn Quicksall at 217.342.4233	Camp Wassatoga Effingham, IL	June 16-20 8 a.m. – 4 p.m.	6-12	5/5
Camp Wassatoga’s Dude Ranch* Contact: Dawn Quicksall at 217.342.4233	Camp Wassatoga Effingham, IL	* June 23 (1) * June 23-24 (2-3) * June 25-27 (4-5)	1-5	5/5
Jackson County
Making a Splash at CCP Contact: Anne Townsend at 800.345.6858	Camp Cedar Point Makanda, IL	June 30-July 3 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.	1-5	4/29
Jefferson County
Mom & Me Craft Camp Contact: Joan Foltz at 618.315.2218	Mt. Vernon Little House Mt. Vernon, IL	June 26-27: 6-9 p.m June 28: 10 a.m. -3 p.m.	1-6	6/1
Madison County
Artful Antics Contact: Laura Oesterle at 618.520.2856	Camp Chan Ya Ta Worden, IL	June 9-13 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.	1-3 4-7	5/23
Muggles, Magic & Mayhem Contact: Julie LaFrance at 618.581.6537	Highland Silver Lake Highland, IL	June 9-13 6-9 p.m.	K-12	5/2 at 9 p.m.
Girl Scouts Reconnect with Nature! II Contact: Poonam Jain at 618.978.1847	Camp Chan Ya Ta Worden, IL	June 16-20 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.	1-12	5/15
Around the World in Eighty Days Contact: Denise Coad at 618.444.2775	Camp Torqua Edwardsville, IL	June 23-27 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.	1-7	5/10
Artistic Adventure Contact: Laura Keiser at 618.659.1022	Camp Torqua Edwardsville, IL	July 14-18 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	1-6	5/15
STEM Explosions 2 Contact: Mary Buchanan at 618.692.0692	Camp Torqua Edwardsville, IL	July 21-25 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	4-12	6/23
A Mini STEM Explosion Contact: Mary Buchanan at 618.692.0692	Camp Torqua Edwardsville, IL	July 24-25 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	2-3	6/23
Massac County
Fort Massac Day Camp Contact: Jennifer Larrison at 618.638.2582	Fort Massac State Park Metropolis, IL	June 18-20 9 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.	1-12	6/1
Monroe County
Surf’s Up Contact: Teresa Bushong at 618.975.1469	Camp Vandeventer Waterloo, IL	June 23-27 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.	1-7	5/16
Randolph County
Skills & Thrills Contact: Beverly Vanover at 618.559.8974	Randolph Co. Conservation Area – Chester, IL	Aug. 1-3 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.	1-12	7/1
St. Clair County
Camp Survivor II Contact: Jodie Herbstritt at 618.978.5703	American Legion Post 58 Freedom Farm - Freeburg, IL	June 9-13 9 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.	1-12	5/17
Once Upon a Time, Chapter 2 Contact: Karlene Hoefener at 618.531.5918	Horner Park Lebanon, IL	June 16-20 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.	K-8	5/26
Once Upon a Time in Dupo Contact: Sandy Nelson at 618.410.5329	Dupo Park Dupo, IL	June 23-27 5-9 p.m.	K-12	5/15
Union County
Dancing Through the Decades Contact: Marci Malnar at 618.697.3738	Cobden Park Cobden, IL	June 16-20 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.	1-8	4/15