Girl Scouts set camp open houses

NEW ORLEANS — Girl Scouts Camp open houses will be Sundays, Feb. 19 and April 30 at Girl Scout Camp Marydale in St. Francisville and on Sundays, March 26 and April 9 at Girl Scout Camp Whispering Pines in Independence. Each open house is from 2 to 4 p.m.
According to Lauren Vance, director, Equestrian, Outdoor Program & Resident Camp for Girl Scouts Louisiana East, camp open house gives families the opportunity to tour the camp’s living units, meet the staff and ask any questions they might have about resident camp.
“Girls who are new to camp always feel much better when they see how friendly the counselors are,” said Vance. “They’re reassured that they will know a familiar face when they check in.”
Parents and girls are welcome to come to either or both camps to explore, meet staff and see where lasting memories will be made. “Orientation is not required for new campers, but it helps. Parents need to get prepared just like their daughters,” said Vance.
Overnight Girl Scout resident camp sessions will run May 28-July 21 at camps Covington, Marydale and Whispering Pines, and day camp and troop camping sessions have also been added to this summer’s selection.
Girl Scout Camp Marydale is a 400 acre camp site, located 45 miles north of Baton Rouge. Activities include horseback riding, a low ropes challenge course, hiking trails, archery, swimming pool and canoeing.
Campers sleep in cabins or dormitory-style buildings. There is also a multi-purpose building/dining hall, a large activity center and craft hut, an infirmary, all located near a lake.
Nestled in the forest, Camp Whispering Pines is a 600-acre camp located is north of Hammond. Unofficially referred to as the Girl Scouts’ water camp, Camp Whispering Pines’ water activities include canoeing and kayaking and a large water slide located in Timber Lake.
Girl Scouts may also enjoy swimming in the camp’s Trefoil-shaped pool with ADA-lift. Other amenities include archery, hiking the camp’s many nature trails, climbing the rock wall and challenging themselves on the high ropes course with a zip line.
An archery session for Girl Scout troops and a session for girls and their fathers will be offered at Camp Covington.
The resident camp is accredited by the American Camping Association and is supervised by trained staff. Sessions range from $75-$410.
Open house registration isn't necessary, but registration for resident camp summer sessions begin online at www.gsle.org/ebiz on Feb. 10.
For more information, call the council office at 504-733-8220 or visit the council’s website at www.gsle.org/camp.