Attending camp is one of the true highlights of the Girl Scout Experience, and Girl Scouts Heart of Central California’s fun-in-the-sun, memory-making, challenge-taking camp season is right around the corner. At our camps, girls build independence, develop an appreciation for nature and a hone a host of other skills in a safe, supportive environment.

Alexa B. was six years old when she first attended our Camp Menzies in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Nervous at first, she built up her confidence and used her newfound courage to tackle challenges year after year. After logging 10 summers at camp, Alexa is set to serve as a Counselor in Training so she can help younger girls love the outdoors as much as she does.

“I love everything about camp,” says Alexa. “It’s important for girls to attend camp because they learn things about themselves that they didn’t know they could do. When they are put in this different setting, they become stronger and are able to change the community around them when they go back home.”

She knows she’s fortunate to have had the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone at camp all these years; giving back to other girls this summer is a natural for girls like Alexa. “By going to camp by myself every summer, I have gained a greater sense of independence.”

When girls venture outside, they learn a lot about who they are on the inside.

Camp shows girls they can reach for the stars and try new things… even if they might be intimidated at first. For many, it’s their first chance to ride a horse, take aim at a target in archery, use tools to help build a new cabin or participate in an outdoor science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) program.

What adventures does your summer hold? There are so many ways to make this the best summer ever: girlscoutshcc.org/camp