Summer Sleepaway Camp

Camps are dependent upon current COVID conditions and therefore subject to change, including but not limited to a shift to virtual instead of in-person, rescheduling, or cancellation. Current COVID-19 Protocols: Negative test is required regardless of vaccination status. Test can be an at-home rapid test. Proof of negative test will be checked upon arrival at camp. Wearing of masks while at camp is optional and up to each participant's personal choice. Updates will be provided as your scheduled session nears.

Girl Scouts of Orange County Camp Scherman was voted by the readers of Parenting Orange County as a 2021 Reader’s Choice Award winner for Best Camp for Girls in OC!

Summer Sleepaway Camp at Camp Scherman is an enriching outdoor experience for Girl Scouts in grades 2-12. Campers experience independence as they explore the world around them, challenge themselves to try something new, and build self-confidence while making new friends.

Located just a few hours outside Orange County in the San Jacinto Mountains, Camp Scherman has been a special place for Orange County Girl Scouts for over 50 years. Under the soaring Jeffrey Pines (that smell like butterscotch!), girls take on new challenges, learn to collaborate with others, become self-reliant, and develop lifelong leadership skills. Whether she’s hiking the Cedar Springs Trail, playing games in the pool with friends, kayaking across Promise Lake, or participating in Camp Scherman’s many timeless traditions, there are endless possibilities for her to connect with nature and discover her greatness.

2023 Summer Sessions: 2023 Summer Sessions - VIsit Sessions at a Glance to register for individual sessions.

Session 1: July 3-7

Session 2: July 10-14

Session 3: July 17-21

Session 4: July 24-28

Session 5: July 31- August 4

Session 6: August 7-11
Summer Camp Descriptions: Visit "Sessions at a Glance" to register for invidual camp sessions.

Artrageous

Get your creative juices flowing and let your imagination go as you make your own unique jewelry, colorful tie-dye creations, and intricate lanyards. Explore camp, create art out of nature, draw, paint, and create as you find inspiration in the beauty of the mountains.

Grades 4-6, RH Cabins- Session 1 July 3-8, Session 5 July 31- August 4

Axes, Knives and Arrows

Stay sharp and safe. Learn proper knife safety and work on your outdoor skills while you learn safe and proper techniques. Learn how to safely throw on the tomahawk range and take archery to the next level.

Grades 6-12, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 4 July 24-28, Session 6 August 7-11

Brownie Blast

Explore camp like only a Brownie Can! Paddle around the lake, take aim at archery, and get creative at arts and crafts. Sing silly songs with your new friends under the starry night sky. Each day will bring new and exciting adventures.

Grades 2-3, RH Cabins- Session 1 July 3-7, Session 2 July 10-14, Session 3 July 17-21, Session 4 July 24-28, Session 5 July 31- August 4, Session 6 August 7-11

Camper Sampler

Don’t sit inside when you can be outside and enjoy the crystal-clear mountain air! Whether you are new to camp or a camp regular; try a little bit of everything- including hiking, climbing tower, archery and so much more. Choose your own adventure and have a summer to remember!

Grades 4-6, RH Cabins- Session 1 July 3-7, Session 2 July 10-14, Session 3 July 17-21, Session 4 July 24-28, Session 5 July 31- August 4, Session 6 August 7-11

Camper Explorer (formerly Camper Sampler Older)

Whether you are new to camp or a camp regular; challenge yourself and explore all that camp has to offer the older campers. Try a bit of everything- including hiking, climbing tower, archery and so much more. Choose your own adventure and have a summer to remember!

Grades 7-12, RH Cabins- Session 1 July 3-7, Session 2 July 10-14, Session 3 July 17-21, Session 4 July 24-28, Session 5 July 31- August 4, Session 6 August 7-11

Camper Odyssey (formerly Camper Sampler Extended)

Explore all that camp has to offer during 12 fun filled days at camp and enjoy the crystal clear mountain air! Whether you are new to camp or camp regular, challenge yourself and try a little bit of everything- including hiking, low ropes, archery and so much more. Choose your own adventure and have a summer to remember!

Grades 7-12, RH Cabins- Session 2 July 10-21

Girls and Guitars

Learn how to play guitar to accompany popular songs. Join your fellow musicians for camp activities when you aren’t strumming. If you have a guitar please you are encouraged to bring it, but it is not required.

Grades 5-8, RH Cabins- Session 4 July 24-28

Good Eats

Cook up a storm while you learn to prepare mouthwatering meals and delicious treats. In between tastings, you can experience a buffet of activities, like the climbing tower, archery and canoeing.

Grades 5-8, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 2 July 10-14; Grades 4-6, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 5 July 31- August 4

High Adventure (New)

Challenge yourself and climb beyond the rock wall. From field archery to axe throwing and team belay on the tower, so many adventures await your next challenge at camp!

Grades 6-12, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 2 July 10-14

Medieval Survival (New!)

Where the wonders of the medieval times and the zombie apocalypse collide for a week of adventure and survival. While exploring camp, mix in a bit of magic as you hone your basic survival and marksmanship skills with orienteering, archery and axe throwing challenges.

Grades 6-8, RH Cabins Session 3 July 17-21, Session 5 July 31- August 4

Night Owls

Do you like to stay up late and sleep in later the next day? Experience the wonders of camp after the sun goes down and enjoy a wide range of activities under the starry sky. Enjoy an evening canoe paddle, tell stories and roast marshmallows. Use your night vision to hike using the light of the moon as your guide and find constellations while exploring camp by night.

Grades 7-12, RH Cabins- Session 1July 3-7, Session 3 July 17-21, Session 6 August 7-11

Outdoor Camper

Embrace the adventure of the outdoors; sleep outside in a tent or under a blanket of stars. Learn knots, and orienteering, and when not eating in the dining hall, enjoy outdoor cooking. Are you ready to take on a challenge? Work on outdoor skills throughout the session as you prepare to take a walk on the wild side. Test yourself against the elements when kayaking, and on the climbing wall. Challenge accepted!

Grades 5-8, 101 Meadow/Lower Camp Cabins -Session 3 July 17-21, Session 5 July 31- August 4

Swim Paddle Play

Grab your sunscreen and your swimsuit for a water-filled adventure! Experience a “polar bear” swim in the morning and swim under the stars at night, play battleship on the lake, and paddle onto your next camp activity.

Grades 4-6, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 1 July 3-7, Session 4 July 24-28, Session 6 August 7-11
Horse Programming: Take the Reins

Beginner and Intermediate riders will have fun with an emphasis on instruction and trail riding, grooming and caring for the horses, as well as developing and strengthening skills of mounting, dismounting, and riding position for walking and trotting. Please note that all riding is western style.
Registration

Grades 4-6, Lower Camp Cabins - Session 6 August 7-11
Grades 4-6, Lower Camp Cabins - Session 4 July 24-28
Grades 7-12, Lower Camp Cabins - Session 5 July 31- August 4

Ridge Riders

Intermediate and Advanced older riders will advance their western trotting skills, ride bare back and learn to maneuver around the poles at a higher gait, perfect your posture and enjoy longer trails in and around camp. All girls will take a riding test and their riding ability will determine their participation in certain activities. Showcase your horse-girl skills during a fun filled all camp “rodeo”. Includes the potential for an out of camp trip multi- night hike/ride. Please note that all riding is western style.
Registration

7-12 Grades Session 2 July 10-21
Leadership Opportunities: Leadership Opportunities

LEAP I

These new leaders will have the opportunity to discover what leadership development means and develop their skills in communication, group dynamics and team building. When not engaging in LEAP programming, campers will be able to participant in a wide variety of camp programming. Take the leap from camper to counselor in this program of Leadership Experience And Practice. Teach new things to other campers, learn what your strengths and skills are, how best to utilize them in a group setting. This is a great opportunity to discover your leadership potential.
Registration

Grades 6-8, Lower Camp Cabins Session 1 July 3-7

LEAP II (New!)

For those that have taken the “LEAP” before, and are looking to further challenge their leadership skills, deepen their understanding of what leadership development means and its impact on communication, group dynamics and team building- this is the session for you. When not engaging in LEAP programming, campers will be able to participant in a wide variety of camp programming. Spend this new 12-day session with other leaders polishing the essentials of leadership. Teach new things to other campers, learn what your strengths and skills are, how best to utilize them and capitalize on this opportunity to discover your leadership potential.
Registration

Grades 8-10, Lower Camp Cabins- Session 4 July 24- August 4
2023 CIT I and CIT II Programs: CIT 1

Discover your leadership skills and talents, while you learn about the needs of children in the camp setting. Learn about the job of a camp counselor at Camp Scherman is all about. Explore the basics of developing and delivering camp programs and camp operations. CITs will stay at camp over the weekend. There is an application process for this program. CIT I Applications must be submitted by 6PM April 20, 2023.

10-11 Grades Session 2 July 10-21

CIT II

Continue to develop your leadership style and discover the challenges and rewards of being a camp counselor. Time will be spent on camp program planning, camper interaction, problem solving and strengthening interpersonal skills. Successful completion of CIT 1 is a prerequisite for the CIT II program. There is an application and interview process for this program. 3. CIT II Applications must be submitted by 6PM April 20, 2023 to be considered for this leadership program.

**This session includes a weekend break from August 4-7. CITs will ride the bus down on Friday, August 4 and up on Monday, August 7 with the campers.

11-12 Grades Session 4 July 24- August 11
2023 Apprentice Program: Apprentice Program

The Apprentice program is an opportunity for those who have successfully completed CIT I and CIT II, are not yet 18 and not eligible to be summer staff. Apprentices will spend the summer at camp and are able to have a narrowed focus on a specific program area of interest, have an active role in the units, as well learning more in depth about the business of camp. There is an application and interview process for this program.

Apprentice applications must be submitted by 6:00 PM April 20, 2023. This session includes weekend breaks from Friday to Monday. Apprentices can ride the bus home on Friday and up on Monday, or be driven to and from camp by a parent/guardian. Email the Camp Director at ejohnson@girlscoutsoc.org with any questions.

**This also includes a weekend break from August 4-7. Apprentices can ride the bus down on Friday, August 4 and up on Monday, August 7 with the campers.

Grade 12 and or 17 years old, Lower Camp Cabins:
Sessions 1-6 July 3 - August 11
Volunteer Information: Camp Scherman is looking for adult volunteers to come up for a session. We are seeking energetic, outgoing adults that love being with campers in the outdoors.

Sessional responsibilities will include working with other camp staff to supervise campers, star gazing, cooking out, singing songs, hiking, being a part of lifelong memories for all the campers. Training for this amazing opportunity is provided. Summer sessions are 5 days, Monday to Friday.

Please email ejohnson@girlscoutsoc.org for more information and/or an application
Summer Camp Cancellation Policy: Summer Camp Cancellation Policy:

If you would like to cancel or receive a refund for Summer Resident Camp, a written request is required. Please email your request to CustomerCare@GirlScoutsOC.org or mail your request to GSOC. Please include the full names of those who cannot attend, the camp program name and the camp date.

More than 4 weeks prior to camp: Full refund minus $75 deposit per girl.

2-4 weeks prior to camp: No refund (except for medical reasons - must be approved by GSOC).

Less than 2 weeks prior to camp: No refund (except for medical reasons - must be approved by GSOC).

**Program Note: Campers that are enrolled to participate in the horse program will be the only campers that will ride horses. All campers will have an opportunity to have some sort of horse programming that does not include riding during their session at camp.

Camperships Assistance Fund
Financial aid "camperships" are awarded to campers on the basis of financial need only and are available for resident camps.
Camperships - Financial Aid Application

Support the Camp Scherman Revitalization Campaign