Frequently Asked Questions

What makes GMC special?

This camp is a magical place which has fostered confidence, community, self-esteem, empowerment, and much more in young girls for over 100 years. Our motto is “You never know when you’re making a memory”, the chorus in our camp song. We are home to a fairy forest, which is a hotspot for fairy activity with intricate fairy houses built by campers, young and old (counselors too!). In order to preserve the natural and community-oriented vibe of the camp, we try to limit distractions as much as possible. For example, there are no mirrors on our campus, not even in the bathrooms. This represents how we try to value the individuality and uniqueness of each person and being preoccupied with our outward appearances can be very distracting to this. Another huge distraction is technology. We are a technology-free campus, both campers and counselors. This allows everyone to be present and able to communicate face-to-face, which is very important to us. 

When does camp start and end?

Try-Me Camp check-in is organized by last name. A-K is 8:00am, L-Z is at 8:30am. If your camper is going home for the night, pick up is at 4:30pm. Drop off the next morning is at 8:30am. 
Day Camp check-in is organized by last name. A-K is 8:00am, L-Z is at 8:30am. Pick up is at 4:30pm. Drop off is at 8:30am. 
Overnight camp check-in begins at 3:30pm on Sunday. 
All sessions have a closing ceremony that families are encouraged to attend at 5:30pm on the Friday of the session. 

What is the purpose of Try Me Camp?

Try Me Camp was created at Green Mountain Camp for Girls to help campers transition from day camp to overnight camp easily, allowing for the greatest possibility of success for the camper. It also gives the camper who signed up for overnight camp the chance to discover if they are not yet ready for an entire week of overnight camp, they can choose to sleep over each day, depending on their comfort level. Since Thursday is already included in the tuition, there are three possible additional nights that day campers can stay over ($60 per night): Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Full Overnight campers are welcome to join during the Try-Me Camp weeks, they are comparable!

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

Complete the online scholarship application. Scholarships are considered on a rolling monthly basis until funds are depleted.

What does my child need to bring to camp?

You can download a list of items for both day and overnight camp on the What to Bring to Camp page. Please note the list of items NOT to bring on each of the lists!

What if my camper gets homesick?

Here is a great resource for families on the topic of homesickness

http://www.pbs.org/parents/experts/archive/2011/05/helping-kids-beat-homesickness.html

What happens with head lice?

It happens in the best of families and even at the most meticulous camps — even ours! But you can help! How to Prevent Head Lice: Preventing head lice is not an easy task when you consider just how contagious this condition is. Tiny insects known as lice live on the scalp, and feed on small amounts of human blood. These insects lay tiny eggs called nits in the shaft of the hair. One of the best ways to prevent an infestation of head lice is early detection and being aware of the potential for lice.

Head Lice Control: One of the most common misconceptions about head lice is that you prevent an outbreak if you just wash your hair on a regular basis. Head lice are spread from clothing such as hats and coats, and from contact with affected individuals. It can be very difficult to prevent your child from experiencing an outbreak of head lice. Unfortunately, head lice are highly contagious, affecting millions of people every year. Children from the ages of three to ten are most often infected with head lice due to their close proximity to one another. How is it detected? One of the most common ways of detecting head lice is through regular inspections. And that’s why your camper will have a head check their first day at camp, and any time that we see a camper itching their head in an obsessive way. We take head lice seriously and will do everything in our power to prevent an outbreak at camp. We’ll need your help so that we work as a team! If head lice is found at the drop off time, your camper will be sent home for treatment. Your camper may not come back to camp unless she has been successfully treated and you (and we) have checked for any remaining nits. We will check all campers heads daily if there is an outbreak and call emergency numbers for camper pick up if an active case of head lice is found.

Is there swimming at GMC?

Yes! GMC is proud to have a pool at the camp!  A swimming evaluation will be done by our Swim Instructor on the first full day of camp.

How does GMC feel about flotation devices and lifejackets?

We encourage anything that makes your camper more comfortable in the water, but it must be Coast Guard Approved. For example, Puddle Jumpers and Lifejackets are both Coast Guard Approved. We do not allow water-wings/arm floaties in the pool. On another note, even CGA flotation devices are not a replacement for deep-water skills at our camp. Beginning and not-yet comfortable swimmers must stay in the shallow end at all times. 

What if my camper has an alternative diet or food allergies?

At GMC, we do our best to accommodate those with dietary restrictions. With guidance from our cook Laura, arrangements can be made to provide each camper with the food that is good for their body and helps them enjoy and participate in camp activities. Please indicate on your Registration form if your child has any dietary restrictions (Vegetarian, Lactose Intolerant, Gluten Intolerant, Nut Allergy, etc). If you need more information, contact the camp via phone or email. 

What happens when my camper ages out of camp?

At the age of 14, campers age out of camp (5 to 13 years-old). GMC has developed a program called the Launching Leaders or Counselor-In-Training (CIT) program. The program, funded by a generous grant, allows for a bright future for the GMC staff. Older campers who are positive role models are encouraged to apply for these positions. Without them, the functioning of the camp would drastically decrease. Every year, this program gets more and more competitive with many teens applying. These Leaders learn the tips and tricks from the Senior Staff on how to be amazing camp counselors. The CITs live in the cabins with the girls, along with a Senior Staff member. 

How do I visit the camp?

During May, we have our annual Open House which is led by our staff members. This event allows you to take tours of the camp, become comfortable with the staff and ask questions, and see the beautiful campus for yourself. If you are unable to make it to the Open House but would still like a tour of the camp, you can contact the Director to set up a time for a personal tour. 

How do you handle ticks?

Since our campus is in a heavily wooded area, ticks are bound to appear. Our staff perform at least two tick checks on the campers per day. Once when they get out of the pool, since they are wearing bathing suits and have the most exposed skin visible, and once right before they get into bed. If a tick is found embedded, the nurse has specific tools to remove them completely and painlessly. We take ticks and Lyme Disease very seriously, if you have any further concerns: contact the Director. 

What does a typical day look like:

Here is a typical day of Try-Me Camp!
7:30 - Wake Up Bell
8:00 - Breakfast with Chores (French Toast, Sausage, Homemade Applesauce)
8:30 - Day Camper Drop Off
9:00 - Campfire Circle with Singing and Plan for the Day (We call this Council)
9:30 - Activity One (Sports and Games)
10:15 - Snack (Rice Cakes with Sunbutter and Raisins)
10:30 - Activity Two (Swimming Lessons)
11:15 - Activity Three (Nature: Fairy House Building)
12:00 - Free Time (Sandpile, Hammocking, Tetherball, Socializing)
12:30 - Lunch (Chicken Nuggets, Sweet Potato Fries, Orange Slices)
1:30 - Rest Hour (Quiet Time in Cabins to Recharge for Afternoon Fun)
2:30 - Free Choice (Free Swim or Yoga)
3:45 - Snack (Animal Crackers and Apple Slices)
4:00 - Afternoon Council
4:30 - Day Camper Pick Up
4:45 - Free Time (Sandpile, Hammocking, Tetherball, Socializing)
5:30 - Dinner (Chili (with Vegetarian Chili as an option), Cornbread, Watermelon)
6:30 - Prepare for Evening Activity (Bug Spray, Running Shoes, etc.)
7:15 - Evening Activity (Gold Rush!)
9:00 - Prepare for Bed/Tick Checks
9:15 - Flashlight Time
9:30 - Lights Out!

How are the cabins set up?

There are 12 cabins that are used for sleeping on our campus. They are split into two units: Junior and Senior. The Junior unit houses the young campers between 5 cabins, typically 5-9 year-olds depending on the week. The Senior unit houses the older campers between 7 cabins, typically 9-13 year-olds depending on the week. Typically, there are six campers in each cabin with one Senior staff member and one Junior Staff member (CIT or JC). Each unit is complete with a full bath house with showers, sinks, and toilets.