Summer Camp Orientation Guide
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Get ready for your best summer ever
The Camp Orientation Guide has everything to prepare campers (and their caregivers) for summer camp, including information about the activities available, costs and how to pay for camp, checking in and out, health and safety, and camp policies.
Camp Philosophy and Camp Life 
Camping provides Girl Scouts a rich experience away from home. Camp is a great place for Girl Scouts to unlock their potential and discover the world and the great outdoor adventures that await them. This unique environment helps your camper develop positive self-esteem, leadership skills, and social skills - all while having the time of their life.
The summer camp experience is truly a building block in the development of Girl Scouts into successful and resourceful young adults. In this outdoor setting, Girl Scouts develop a strong sense of self, gain practical life skills, become resourceful problem solvers, and cultivate healthy relationships by living and working together.
Diversity and inclusion have been our core values since our founding in 1912. Girl Scouts of Utah and Girl Scouts of the USA value and celebrate diversity. Our sisterhood is committed to providing a welcoming, equitable, and inclusive environment for every Girl Scout and their family. This is at the core of who we are - it’s about being a sister to every Girl Scout.
Camp Outcomes
Girl Scout Mission Statement
Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
Girl Scout Leadership Experience
At Girl Scouts, guided by supportive adults and peers, members develop their leadership potential through age-appropriate activities that enable them to discover their values, skills, and the world around them; connect with others in a multicultural environment; and take action to make a difference in their world. These activities are designed to be girl led, cooperative, and hands-on-processes that create high-quality experiences conducive to learning.
When they participate in Girl Scouts, members benefit in five important ways:
- Strong Sense of Self
- Positive Values
- Challenge Seeking
- Healthy Relationships
- Community Problem Solving
When Girl Scouts exhibit these attitudes and skills, they become responsible, productive, caring, and engaged citizens. But don’t take our word for it! Studies show that the development of attitudes, behaviors, and skills like confidence, conflict resolution, and problem solving are critical to wellbeing and rival academic and technical skills in their capacity to predict long-term positive life outcomes.
All programs at Trefoil Ranch and Cloud Rim meet the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) standards of program excellence by focusing on core activities that develop new skills, following the National Girl Scout Leadership Experience, and embracing the traditional Girl Scout camp experience.
Meet the Outdoor Program Team
We know you want your camper to have a chance for personal development in a safe environment. We also know Girl Scouts want to have a fun adventure. We work to provide both, by hiring and training qualified staff and offering a quality outdoor experience.
Our full-time Outdoor Program team is in place to ensure an exceptional experience for your Girl Scout – and peace of mind for you.
We look forward to meeting all of you and can’t wait for your adventure to begin!
Meet the Camp Staff
Camp Counselors
Our camp staff are talented, energetic role models who are selected based on hard and soft skills and childcare experience.
All camp staff members receive intensive training on risk management, program development, Girl Scout program and philosophy, age-level characteristics, environmental education, behavior management, and outdoor skills. Additional training is given for adventure programs. All staff members are CPR and first-aid certified.
We are committed to inclusion and diversity on our staff team. We actively seek to employ a diverse group of individuals from a variety of different races, religions, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, and backgrounds.
Know someone who would be a great camp staff member? Refer them to Work at Camp.
American Camp Association Accreditation
Girl Scouts of Utah Camps are proud to be accredited by the American
Camp Association (ACA) and meet high standards for program design and
activities, site and food service, transportation, health and wellness,
operation management, and human resources. For more information, visit
the ACA website
.
Our Camp Properties
Camp Cloud Rim
Camp Cloud Rim sits at an elevation of 9,200 feet near Park City, nestled among the aspen and pine trees on the shores of Lake Brimhall. Camp Cloud Rim has beautiful facilities including a lodge and shower house, electricity, hot water, and flush toilets. Campers stay in cabins or platform tents with staff located nearby. A highlight of Camp Cloud Rim is beautiful Lake Brimhall where campers can canoe, sail, kayak, and swim. Other activities include pottery, rock climbing, hiking, and backpacking.
Trefoil Ranch
Trefoil Ranch is located on 123 acres of beautiful ranch country tucked away in Provo Canyon. Trefoil Ranch features a lodge, ranch house, bunk house, showers, electricity, hot water, and flush toilets. Trefoil Ranch is home to our herd of horses, offering unique opportunities to experience equestrian programs. Campers stay in cabins or platform tens with staff located nearby. Activities include horseback riding instruction, high and low ropes courses, archery, woodworking, hatchet throwing, biking, and hiking.
Sample Daily Schedule
7:00 a.m. Wake up
7:45 a.m. Flag Ceremony
8:00 a.m. Breakfast and Kapers (camp chores)
9:00 a.m. Unit Program Activities
12:00 p.m. Lunch
1:00 p.m. Me Time (quiet time for campers to rest)
2:00 p.m. Unit Program Activities
5:45 p.m. Flag Ceremony
6:00 p.m. Dinner
7:00 p.m. Evening Program
9:30 p.m. Lights Out
Daily schedules vary according to program theme and content. Regardless of what program they attend, all campers will:
- Learn outdoor skills such as knots, fire building, navigation, trail etiquette, and outdoor cooking.
- Work toward earning badges and patches related to outdoor living and their program content. Campers may or may not complete an entire badge.
- Play games, sing songs, visit the art room, participate in nature awareness activities, go on a hike, participate in a flag ceremony, go to the Trading Post, attend campfire programs, have a cookout, and help take care of camp by doing “kapers” (chores).
- Make choices about what they would like to do, in addition to activities specifically mentioned in program description.
Program Area Specific Information
Camp Cloud Rim and Trefoil Ranch have numerous program areas for the campers to experience during their stay.
- All program areas have staff who are specifically trained for that activity.
- Campers will receive a safety orientation and will be monitored until competency is demonstrated.
- Campers will use the equipment provided by camp; no personal sports equipment is allowed.
- All program areas are progressive in nature by grade level.
- Our camps follow the safety guidelines outlined by GSUSA and the American Camp Association.
- All program areas and activities are subject to weather conditions
Archery at Trefoil Ranch (Campers Entering Grades 1-12)
Campers can experience Trefoil Ranch’s archery range, which uses Genesis Compound Bows (official bow of the National Archery in Schools Program) and basic archery targets connected to hay bales. Campers can also try out field archery where they have a pre-determined course with targets throughout camp. Camp staff are trained for the camp’s specific archery range through a Level 2 USA Archery Instructor. Some programs may include archery as an optional activity for campers.
Backpacking Experience at Cloud Rim (Campers Entering Grades 6-12)
Backpacking trips differ in location, varying from Big Cottonwood Canyon to the Uinta National Forest, depending on the group’s grade level and experience. All campers should be able to carry a hiking backpack three to five miles a day for three days. Individual and group gear is distributed among the campers and staff in order to ensure campers are only carrying up to one fourth of their body weight. Campers will be emailed a separate packing list specific to backpacking. Camp staff will have gear for the campers to borrow if needed.
Camp staff leading backpacking trips have documented experience leading similar trips and have Wilderness First Aid or higher certification.
Bike Riding Experience at Trefoil Ranch (Campers Entering Grades 4-12)
Campers participating in rafting programs at Trefoil Ranch may ride bicycles from camp to Vivian Park (five miles one way). Camp staff will provide the bicycles and helmets, which will be fitted for the individual camper. Camp staff will lead the campers at the front and back of the group. The group will stop several times along the way to regroup. Camp staff are trained by the Camp Director. Some programs may include bike riding as an optional activity for campers.
Horseback Riding at Trefoil Ranch (Campers Entering Grades 1-12)
If your camper is in a horseback riding-specific program, they will be assessed during their ride on their first trip to the stables. The assessment is based on skill, comfort level, and ability to give commands to their horse. Campers in any equestrian program will be grouped according to experience level and lessons will be geared toward the least experienced rider. Four to six equestrian staff, with extensive Western horseback riding and teaching experience, manage this program with the Camp Director.
Overnight Campouts at Both Camps (Campers Entering Grades 4-12)
Campers participating in high adventure-focused programs may go on an overnight hike during the week (hiking equipment is provided). Overnight locations are determined by camp staff and campers in each program. Campers will pack their gear for the night, hike to a location, set up pop-up tents, cook dinner on camp stoves, enjoy the evening together, fall asleep under the stars, wake-up and make breakfast, pack up their gear, and hike back to camp. Some programs may include overnight camp outs as an optional activity for campers.
Rock Climbing at Camp Cloud Rim (Campers Entering Grades 1-12; Campers Entering Grades K-1 Bouldering Only)
Camp Cloud Rim has a rock face chimney attached to the lodge where campers can learn the basics of bouldering and rock climbing. There is also a rockface outcrop on property where campers in grades 6-12 can experience more climbing. Programs that include an off-site rock climbing trip go climbing in Big Cottonwood Canyon with trained, experienced staff. In addition to climbing, some 6th-12th grade programs begin teaching the campers the basics of belaying. When campers are belaying one another, there is always a second belayer, ensuring the safety of both the climber and belayer.
Ropes Course at Trefoil Ranch
(Low Ropes Course: Campers Entering Grades 1-12
High Ropes Course: Campers Entering Grades 4-12)
Trefoil Ranch has a low and high ropes course. The low ropes course includes several elements for campers to work as a team while working on problem-solving and communication skills. All campers can participate in the low ropes course. The high ropes course provides campers the opportunity to challenge themselves individually or as a team up to 30 feet in the air through a variety of elements while on a smart belay system. Each summer the course is inspected and camp staff are trained by an Association of Challenge Course Technology approved vendor.
Waterfront at Cloud Rim (Campers Entering Grades 1-12)
At Camp Cloud Rim, all campers will have the opportunity to experience the waterfront, regardless of their chosen program. The waterfront is staffed by lifeguards with training in watercraft activities. All campers are required to wear lifejackets while operating canoes, kayaks, sailboats, and other watercrafts. Those campers in waterfront specific programs may have the option of doing a swim test. The swim test consists of a 25-yard swim (any stroke), a tread, and a float. Upon successful completion of the swim test, the camper may be in the designated swim area without a lifejacket. All campers can canoe and swim. Campers entering grades 4-12 can kayak and paddle board. Campers entering grades 6-12 can sail.
Transporting Campers
Some camp programs require campers to be transported by vehicle for off-site activities such as backpacking, rock climbing, or rafting, or from one camp to the other. Both camps have Girl Scout-owned vehicles and/or rental vehicles to transport campers. Drivers are camp staff who have passed a driving test, are 21+ years old, and have passed a driving background check. Campers may also be transported to and from a hospital or clinic in the event of a medical situation.
Before Camp
- Read over all the information on this Camp Orientation Guide webpage. If you have questions or concerns, please contact us at info@gsutah.org or at 801-265-8472.
- Complete your camper’s forms and payments prior to May 20. See Camp Payments, Trading Post, and Cancellations and Camp Forms sections.
- Go over the camp guidelines and expectations with your camper. See Camp Guidelines section.
- Make sure your camper has had success sleeping away from home.
General Check-In & Check-Out Information
Checking In:
- Before leaving home, check your arrival time.
- If your camper is of driving age and will drive to camp on their own, contact the Camp Director to discuss this process.
- Leave your dogs/cats at home. Pets are not allowed in camp – no exceptions.
- No smoking while on camp property. Camp is a smoke-free environment.
- To provide the best experience for all families, Girl Scouts of Utah uses a staggered check-in time for opening day. Arriving at your assigned staggered check-in time helps lessen your wait time and the wait time of others.
- If you are checking in campers with different last names, please arrive at the earliest check-in time.
- If you are checking campers in at both camps, check-in at Trefoil Ranch at the earliest check-in time then proceed to Camp Cloud Rim.
- Before leaving home, make sure you have the following:
- Sleeping bag, pillow, backpack, water bottle, and duffle bag or suitcase.
- Directions/map to the camp property (attachment in confirmation email).
- Have any medications/vitamins, mail, and paperwork easily accessible for check-in; this includes over-the-counter medications. It is not necessary to send common over-the-counter medications. We have those in our Health Center if needed. All medications must be in their original containers. Due to American Camp Association (ACA) requirements, medication not in its original container will not be accepted under any circumstances. Prescription medication must be labeled with the child’s name.
- During check-in, campers will complete a health screen, stop by the trading post, unload their luggage, see their living area (tents, cabins, or bunkhouse), and meet camp staff.
Checking Out
- Before leaving home, check your pick-up time.
- Leave your dogs/cats at home. Pets are not allowed in camp – no exceptions.
- No smoking while on camp property. Camp is a smoke-free environment.
- To provide the best experience for all families, Girl Scouts of Utah uses a staggered check-out schedule. Arriving at your assigned staggered check-out time helps lessen your wait time and the wait time of others.
- If you are checking out more than one camper, please arrive at the earliest assigned check-out time.
- If you are checking campers out at both camps, please contact the Camp Directors to make arrangements.
- During checkout, families will park, checkout their camper with their counselor (photo I.D. required), load their camper’s luggage, visit with camp staff, and stop by the trading post if they’d like.
Early Check Outs
We encourage campers to stay for the full program to get the most out of their camp experience; however, we understand that other situations may arise. To give the least amount of impact on your camper and camp’s programming, caregivers can choose one of two early check-out times on Friday.
- Choose 8:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. check out on Friday
- If you need to pick up your camper on a different day (like a Thursday) please reach out to info@gsutah.org and the appropriate Camp Director will assist you.
To request an early check out: Inform staff when dropping off your camper and complete a form. Administrative staff need to collect and manage information related to early check-out requests.
If you need to request an early check out AFTER your camper has been dropped off, please reach out to info@gsutah.org and the appropriate Camp Director will assist you.
Overnight Camp Check-In/Out Times
Overnight Camp Check-in
- If you are checking in campers with different last names, come to the earliest check-in time.
- If you have campers checking in the same day at both camps, check-in at Trefoil Ranch at the earliest check-in time then proceed to Camp Cloud Rim.
Sunday Check-in Times (Both camps)
- 3:00 p.m. – Last names A-E
- 3:30 p.m. – Last names F-K
- 4:00 p.m. – Last names L-R
- 4:30 p.m. – Last names S-Z
Wednesday Check-in Times (Both camps)
- 9:00 a.m.
Friday Check-out Times (Both camps)
- 1:00 p.m. – Last names A-E
- 1:30 p.m. – Last names F-K
- 2:00 p.m. – Last names L-R
- 2:30 p.m. – Last names S-Z
Tuesday Check-out Times (Both camps)
- 4:00 p.m.
Request a Late Check-in
Girl Scouts of Utah recommends that campers are able to attend the full duration of their camp experience. This allows enough time for them to create meaningful connections with others in their group and ensures they are able to complete all program aspects. However, we understand that some situations may require a different check-in or check-out time. Late check-ins and early check-outs are at the discretion of the Camp Director. Email info@gsutah.org to request late check-in.
Lost & Found
- Girl Scouts of Utah is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
- “Found” items are returned to the GSU Salt Lake City office (445 East 4500 South) every two weeks.
- Craft projects, personal hygiene items, socks, underwear, and other such items will not be sent to GSU.
- Please do not contact the camp about lost and found items. Call (801) 265-8472 for lost items.
- All items not claimed by Labor Day will be sent to a local charity.
Packing List
Review the Camp Packing List (PDF). Please adjust accordingly for shorter or longer sessions.
- Pack enough clothes to last your camper’s entire stay at camp.
- Laundry facilities are not available for camper use.
- Label your camper’s belongings! Many campers bring similar looking items. Labeling items reduces conflict over ownership and reduces unclaimed lost and found.
- Do not bring Girl Scout Uniform pieces, Journey books or badge books. They are not required at camp and more often than not get misplaced and lost.
For programs listed below, review the Backpacking Packing List (PDF).
- Backpacker: 7/20-7/25 at Cloud Rim (Entering Grades 7-12)
- Note: Campers will bring the items on the Backpacking Packing List on their three day backpacking adventure. Campers are to bring additional items from the Camp Packing List. Items that are not needed for the backpacking adventure will be left at camp in a designated area while the group is off-site.
Dress Code
- Girl Scouts of Utah’s camp dress code is similar to a public school dress code.
- Clothes sent to camp should protect your camper from the elements.
- Closed-toed and closed-heeled shoes and socks are required and are the only shoes to wear around camp.
- Your camper may wear sandals or water shoes while showering.
- Shorts should be an appropriate length.
- Clothes/appearance should not promote drugs, alcohol, or be gang related.
Weather and Special Packing Considerations
At Trefoil Ranch, the days are hot and the nights are cooler. At the beginning and end of the summer it may be quite a bit cooler at camp than in the Salt Lake Valley.
Camp Cloud Rim will, on average, be 10-20 degrees cooler than the Salt Lake Valley. Afternoon rain showers are common. Mornings and evenings are cool, days are moderate, and the nights are cold. The camp often has patches of snow on the ground through June. It is possible for camp to reach freezing temperatures at nighttime in June and August.
Camp Health Information
Health Supervisor
All camps have a qualified Health Supervisor on site with a Level 2 First Aid certification or higher. Camp administers basic first aid only. A doctor is on-call and medical facilities are readily available. In the event of an emergency, the camp staff will transport the camper to emergency services. You will be notified in the event of a serious illness or injury.
Communication About Health/Behavioral-Related Concerns During Camp
Girl Scouts of Utah will communicate with families in one of two ways during their campers stay at camp.
For all basic first aid, mild to moderate homesickness, and mild to moderate behavioral issues, we will communicate to caregivers through a form included in the camper’s take home packet they will receive during check-out.
For all first aid where it is recommending the camper sees a physician, severe or ongoing homesickness, severe or continued behavioral issues, we will call the caregivers (then the emergency contact if no one has been reached) to discuss the situation and make an action plan to support the camper.
For all cases where access to EMS is time-sensitive, caregivers will be called while in transit to the ER.
Medications
Your child will be assisted in taking prescribed medication, provided the medication is in its original container and is prescribed specifically for them. Both camps carry over-the-counter medication such as: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, Benadryl, and cough drops, which you can authorize the camp to administer.
Asthma: A child with asthma needs to be able to carry the inhaler, take their medication when needed, and report to camp staff if additional assistance is needed.
Diabetes: A child with diabetes needs to be able to test their own blood, communicate when they need rest or a snack, and manage their own medication. Camp staff cannot administer shots.
Anaphylactic Allergies: A camper who has been prescribed an Epi-pen must fill out an additional form stating how the family would like the Epi-pen handled while their camper is at camp. Epi-pen Authorization form found under Forms & Documents or in UltraCamp profile.
Health Insurance
Campers are covered by health and accident insurance while at camp. Pre-existing illnesses or conditions are not covered.
Health Screen
All participants staying at camp will go through a brief health screening upon arrival. Girls found to have a temperature of 101° or contagious disease may be sent home. All campers are checked for head lice and, if found, may be sent home for treatment before being allowed back at camp or we will treat on site.
To perform lice checks, camp staff need to be able to look underneath hair and examine the scalp. Various hair styles prevent staff from accurately examining the scalp and may need to be taken out for this check. Staff or families can help the camper put their hair back after the check if needed.
Physical Examinations
GSU, in accordance with American Camp Association and GSUSA, requires all campers attending programs that go off-site or have intense high adventure programming to have a physical examination by a licensed health care professional within 24 months of camp attendance. The Physical Examination Form can be found in your UltraCamp account.
Refer to the Physical Exam Forms section under Camper Forms and Medications to determine if your camper’s program requires a physical exam.
Accessibility and Accommodations
It is our goal to provide a positive experience for all individuals who attend our camp programs. Help ensure your camper’s success by contacting us prior to registration regarding your camper and their experience – including disabilities and mental and physical health needs. This allows us the opportunity to discuss and determine appropriate accommodations so they can be successful while at camp. The Outdoor Program Team can also help guide you toward the best programs and locations for your camper.
Camper Physical Well-being
Physical Requirements
Programs at both Camp Cloud Rim and Trefoil Ranch require that participants are able to walk up and down hills on uneven trails, climb stairs, hike up to a mile, and carry daily necessities in a backpack (flashlight, jacket, water bottle, sunscreen, etc.).
Some programs may have additional physical requirements. To participate in any program, campers must be able to listen to and follow directions, wear required safety equipment, and perform the physical requirements of the activity.
Camp Cloud Rim is at a high elevation (9,200 feet). It is not recommended for people with heart conditions or breathing problems. Please consult your doctor before enrolling in a program at Camp Cloud Rim if your camper has any such condition.
Self-Care
To be successful at camp, your child needs to be independent with self-care and be able to function in a 1:8 counselor-to-camper ratio. Campers must be able to manage their own basic health and hygiene, such as carrying and drinking water from their water bottles throughout the day, eating a variety of food, putting on sunscreen when asked, wearing appropriate clothing for the weather, brushing their own hair and teeth each day, walking to and using camp restrooms, showering twice during the week, and changing clothing each day. Counselors will cue campers with basic needs.
Bed Wetting
Each morning as the campers leave to go to breakfast, one of the camp staff stays back in the sleeping area to do a bed check. The camp staff checks sleeping bags and blankets for dampness due to bed wetting. If a damp sleeping bag or blanket is found, the camp staff look for pajamas and underwear in the camper’s luggage.
The camp staff will wash the items for the camper discreetly and return the items. Camp staff also speak with the camper to see if they would like to shower or clean up with baby wipes.
Please talk with your camper about bed wetting so they feel comfortable telling camp staff if it happens. Remember: bed wetting happens at camp with campers who don’t typically wet the bed – camp is a new environment, which may trigger this response.
Menstrual Cycles
Please have campers pack pads and/or tampons if they are close to their menstrual cycle while at camp. With the change in environment, sometimes periods begin a few days before they should. If a camper gets their period and does not have supplies, camp has some available. If a camper experiences their period for the first time, families will be contacted and the camper will be able to talk with their family.
Insect Related Diseases
Campers spending a majority of their time outside while at camp are subject to the potential exposure of diseases associated with insect bites, such as West Nile Virus, Zeka Virus, lice, bed bugs, and Lyme disease, among others. Girls can take precautions against insect bites by wearing long sleeves, long pants, and mosquito repellant containing DEET – especially in the early morning and evening hours when insect activity is higher.
Sun Safety
At camp we have two common and completely preventable problems: sunburn and dehydration. Counselors will remind campers many times a day, but it is up to the campers to be responsible for applying their own sunscreen and drinking water throughout the day.
Sunburn
Campers should have sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater. Campers should put on sunscreen 10 minutes before going outside so that it can be effective. Campers should also bring and use lip balm with SPF 15 or greater.
Hydration
Water is critical to our body’s health. Campers need to drink at least three water bottles a day. An easy-to-carry water bottle is recommended. Campers will drink one glass of water at meals before other beverages. Encourage your camper to get used to drinking water before coming to camp.
Showers at Camp
Both Camp Cloud Rim and Trefoil Ranch have hot and cold running showers. All campers are encouraged to shower during their stay. In consideration of Utah’s water supply, showers will be limited to twice a week and everyone is asked to keep their shower time to a minimum. Your camper may want to practice taking five-minute showers before arriving at camp. Thank you for supporting our effort to use resources wisely!
Contacting Your Camper
Cell Phones, Smart Watches, and Phone Calls
Sending your child to camp with a cell phone may interfere with their ability to build a trusting and independent relationship. Any cell phone (or phone-enabled device, like a smart watch or Gabb watch) brought to camp will be secured in the camp office until your child returns home. Campers are not allowed to use the camp phone, but you are welcome to contact the Camp Director at any time to check on how your child is doing. Campers may be sent home for having a cell phone with them.
Camp Cloud Rim
(435) 649-8641
camp@gsutah.org
Trefoil Ranch
(801) 224-2735
camp@gsutah.org
Girl Scouts of Utah 24 Hour Emergency Hotline
(801) 483-3413
For first aid where it is recommended the camper sees a physician, severe or ongoing homesickness, severe or continued behavioral issues, Girl Scouts of Utah will call the parents/guardians (then the emergency contact if no one has been reached) to discuss the situation and make an action plan to support the camper.
Family to Camper Mail
Starting in summer 2024, GSU will offer the option of sending your camper eLetters during the week through your UltraCamp account. Parents/caregivers with a child currently at camp will be able to use the Message Center in UltraCamp to email a letter to their camper.
Letters will be printed once a day at camp and distributed at the next meal time. This is a free service to our camper families, and it is the recommended communication method for parents and their camper.
In the UltraCamp Message Center, families will have the option to add "friend accounts" allowing other friends and family members to also write letters to your camper.
Tips for writing letters: Make sure your letters are cheerful and positive. Ask questions about what your camper is doing at camp, but please don't tell them about all the great things they are missing or how much you miss them. This can lead to increased homesickness. Make it fun by including inside jokes, a riddle, or start a story for them to finish. End with encouragement and love.
If you would like to write letters beforehand, please pack the letters in your camper's luggage to open each day. Please do not send candy, gum, or food with your camper.
Mailing letters and packages to camp is not recommended due to the short session length.
Camper to Family Mail
Campers in 4-night or longer programs will have an opportunity to write a letter to their family on Wednesday of their camp session. Letters will be uploaded to your UltraCamp account and the primary email on your account will be notified.
Camp will make every effort to have these letters uploaded by end of day Wednesday, but internet at camp can be spotty.
Visitors
Due to the full schedule of activities, having family and friends visit while overnight camp is in session may be disruptive for campers. Therefore, we do not have a camp visitation day while overnight camp is in session.
Homesickness
Whether this is your child’s first time at camp or they have been to camp before, most campers experience “homesickness” to some degree – it is a normal part of growing up and learning how to be okay without their family right there beside them.
Our staff are trained in techniques for helping campers through feelings of homesickness and taught that homesickness is not so much about missing home as it is about making sure this unfamiliar environment is safe.
This adjustment period usually lasts two to three days. If your camper is not adjusting to camp life, the Camp Director will call you to discuss the situation.
Sometimes homesickness occurs due to changes at home such as marriage, divorce, new sibling, death of a loved one, parents traveling, etc. If your camper is in any of these situations, please talk about it before leaving for camp. This helps them process the changes so they won’t have to worry at camp. You can also include this information in your camper’s “All About Me” form so camp staff are aware of the issue in case your camper addresses it with them while at camp.
You may be tempted to say, “If you are really homesick, then I will come and get you.” What you are really saying is, “I expect you to get homesick.” Instead try, “Being at camp is going to be different. You may even be nervous sometimes, but I know you will make it. Your counselors will be there to help you.”
Please don’t promise your camper that you will come and get them if they are homesick – this doesn’t allow them to process and cope with homesickness. Instead, it allows them to continue to build on the homesickness because their family told them they would come and get themr and they wouldn’t lie about that. It makes your camper confused and more upset.
If you feel your camper might be struggling with homesickness when at camp, please contact the Camp Director and they’ll be more than happy to check on your camper and call you back. Please remember, we want all of our campers to be successful at camp – we will contact families if the camper’s homesickness is outside the norm for their age level.
All parents/guardians are encouraged to visit the American Camp Association’s (ACA) website for parents for more information on how to make your camper’s stay at camp successful.
Camp Life
Lodging
At both camps, campers live together in groups called “units” based on their grades and chosen programs. Whether they sleep in cabins or platform tents is determined based on the number of campers in camp that week and the age levels of those in attendance.
We are not able to guarantee specific housing for any programs. Campers in grades 1-3 receive priority for the cabins or bunkhouse at Trefoil Ranch. Campers in grades 6-12 are typically housed in platform tents. Campers in grades 4-5 may be in cabins or tents based on programs running that week.
Sleeping assignments are made prior to campers' arrival. Assignments are made based on buddy requests and age of campers. Due to sleeping capacities, large buddy groups (3 or more campers) may be split. F
amilies will have the opportunity to help their Girl Scout move in during check-in. Each tent or cabin has one metal bed frame and mattress per camper with bathroom facilities nearby.
GSUSA requires that counselors have separate sleeping accommodations from campers. Counselors live in a tent or room in close proximity to the campers.
Camp Kapers (camp chores)
Campers do kapers to help keep the camp and their living unit clean. Kapers include sweeping, cleaning bathrooms, setting and wiping down tables during meal time, and picking up litter. When campers assist with kapers, they gain a sense of pride in ownership of our Girl Scout facilities.
Meals and Snacks
Campers will be provided tasty, nutritious, kid-friendly meals. Two snacks are also provided throughout the day. Campers are given an opportunity to cook outdoors or have a picnic at least once during their stay.
Possible Menu Items
- Breakfast: Pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, cereal, yogurt, fruit, toast
- Lunch: Pizza, sandwiches, soup, tacos, salad bar
- Dinner: Spaghetti, baked chicken, steamed vegetables, fajitas, salad bar
- Two snacks are also provided daily to campers
These are just some of the meal options – different meals may be served while your camper is at camp. Please do not send any candy, gum, food, or soda to camp with your camper.
Weather
Camp Cloud Rim is located at 9,200 feet elevation, which lends itself to high snow loads over the winter months. Depending on snow amounts and temperatures during spring months, Camp Cloud Rim may not be able to open for camp as scheduled.
If Camp Cloud Rim is unable to open on time, the Camp Directors and camp staff work together to offer Camp Cloud Rim programs at Trefoil Ranch (making modifications to camp program as needed due to the change of location). If this occurs, families are notified of the situation and will be given options, including receiving a full refund, transferring their camper to a different camp program, or keeping their camper in their current program (going to Trefoil Ranch instead of Cloud Rim).
Campers attending Camp Cloud Rim programs in June will likely experience cold nightly temperatures and see patches of snow on the ground around camp, especially in shaded areas.
Special Dietary Needs and Severe Food Allergies
The camps can facilitate basic special diets, including lactose-intolerance, vegetarian, gluten-free, and simple allergies.
Campers with severe food allergies must be fully able to manage their allergies at camp and know not to eat any food that they are allergic to. We do our best to accommodate but cannot guarantee that a child will not come into contact with a specific type of food or allergen during their stay. When you register your child for camp, you will be asked about your camper’s dietary needs and the severity of any food allergies to ensure that we can plan meals accordingly.
Campers are asked to help supplement their diet by bringing food from home. Food will be checked-in with the Kitchen Director and/or Health Supervisor upon your arrival at camp. If your child has severe dietary restrictions and food allergies, please consult the Camp Director before enrolling in a camp program.
Camp Guidelines & Rules
Girl Scout camp is a safe environment. Therefore, campers who come to camp are expected to adhere to the following guidelines. Please discuss these guidelines with your camper prior to check-in day.
- Follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
- Socks and closed-toed/closed-heeled shoes must be worn at camp.
- Walk in camp, no running.
- Use the buddy system.
- Stay with the group.
- Listen and follow the directions of camp counselors.
- Treat others with dignity and respect.
- Refrain from telling ghost stories, talking about death, etc.
- Help with daily kapers (camp chores) like cleaning the tables after meals, cleaning the bathrooms, or picking up litter around camp.
- Ask permission to enter other campers’ living areas or to touch or use other campers’ personal belongings.
- Report any problems or concerns to a counselor, the Health Supervisor, or the Camp Director.
- No drugs, weapons, alcohol, or contraband of any kind.
Misconduct
Campers are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law. If a camper is unable to follow camp guidelines, damages property or becomes a danger to themselves or others, the Camp Director will work one-on-one with them and/or may choose to send the camper home.
For the safety of everyone at camp, campers may be sent home for the following:
- Running away or talk of running away.
- Violence towards another person like biting, hitting, kicking, or threatening to hurt another person.
- Vandalism of any camper, staff, or camp property.
- Possession or use of any weapons, drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or vapes.
- Talk or gestures pertaining to sex.
- Bullying, ridicule, or name calling.
- Racist comments or actions, including hate speech and microaggressions
- Refusal to follow camp rules, communicate with camp staff, or participate in activities.
- Possession of a cell phone.
- Refusal or inability to eat meals or sleep at nighttime.
- Any self-harm or talk of self-harm such as cutting or suicide.
- Excessive homesickness or crying.
- Inappropriate touching.
- Any additional actions at the discretion of the Camp Directors
No refund will be given if a child is sent home due to misconduct. If it is determined that a camper needs to go home, their parents/guardians are expected to come get them within a four-hour time period. A camper may be asked to stay in the camp office or Health Center until parents/guardians arrive at camp.
Camp Forms
All forms required for camp are found in your UltraCamp account – this includes buddy requests, health forms, and release forms. For overnight camp, you will need to know the month and year of your camper’s last tetanus shot.
To complete your forms, log in to UltraCamp and click the envelope icon on the top right corner of the toolbar or click on “Message Center” from the drop-down list. Incomplete forms and tasks will be listed in the Message Center under Alerts. Click each form, enter the requested information, and click “SAVE”.
To update a form(s), log in to UltraCamp and click on your camper’s name (a new screen will open with all your camper’s information listed). Click the “My Forms” drop down, click on the specific form you need to update. A new screen will open for that specific form. Update as needed and click “SAVE”.
If you need to update any form within seven days of camp, please email info@gsutah.org in addition to updating it in UltraCamp.
Buddy/Friend Request
To Request a Buddy or Edit a Buddy Request
Buddies are listed on the Camper Information Form (All About Me/Buddy). See Camp Forms dropdown above. If you need to update your Buddy/Friend Request within seven days of camp, please email info@gsutah.org in addition to updating it in UltraCamp.
About Buddies at Camp
If your camper wants to go to camp with a buddy, both campers must register for the same session. When completing your camper’s forms after registration, there will be a place to list your camper’s buddy. Campers may choose to attend camp with one buddy who is a friend in their same program and grade ranges.
Campers attending camp as buddies will sleep in the same quarters and participate in the camp program together.
Some campers choose to come to camp with friends, troop members, or sisters while others choose to attend camp on their own. Day one of any camp program focuses a lot of attention on community building within the individual programs, with camp staff paying attention to social groupings that naturally take place.
Camp staff work with campers to help all of them feel included in the group. So, whether they come with a friend or not, there will be plenty of time for each camper to develop new friendships.
If coming with a buddy, it is important for the campers to know that they may not always be together for every single aspect of camp. They will share a living area (the same tent or cabin), but they might be asked to partner up with a new friend as they line up to walk from a program area to dinner. Or they might be asked to sit at a table with people they don’t know as well during an art activity. We encourage the campers to develop healthy relationships with one another, and to get to know everyone in their program group.
We ask that families only request one buddy when they register for camp instead of multiple buddies. Accommodating numerous buddy requests (groups of three or more in one program from the same school or troop) isn’t always feasible and limits the campers’ ability to develop relationships with others in their program. If multiple buddy requests are made, please note that campers may only be paired with one buddy for their living areas. For example, a group of five will be split into a group of two and three.
Pick Up Authorizations (Overnight Camp ONLY)
Edit Pick Up Authorizations in UltraCamp
Log in to UltraCamp, scroll down to the Pick
Up Authorization section on your My Account page, and click Edit.
About Pick Up Authorizations
At the time of registration, you had the option of adding
individuals to be authorized pick up persons for your camper. The
people you list here are the only people your camper will be allowed
to check-out of camp with on check-out day. If you need to update
your Pick Up Authorization within seven days of camp, please
email info@gsutah.org in
addition to updating it in UltraCamp.
Physical Exam Forms
Programs requiring a Physical Exam Form:
- Range Riders (Overnight): July 10-11 at Trefoil Ranch
- Backpacker: July 26-31 at Cloud Rim
Download and Upload your Physical Exam Form
Download the GSU Physical Exam form (PDF) and submit the completed form by uploading it in your family's UltraCamp account in the Document Center under the Health Forms section.
Note: Uploaded forms must be processed by GSU, which can take 1-2 business days. Once the form has been processed, the task to upload forms below will no longer be listed in your account.
About Physical Exams
GSU, in accordance with American Camp Association and GSUSA, requires all campers attending programs that go off-site or have intense high adventure programming to have a physical examination by a licensed health care professional within 24 months of camp attendance.
Physicals are valid for up to 24 months prior to the program start date. For example, if your camper is attending a program starting on July 2, 2026, a physical form from July 2, 2024, and after will be accepted.
Immunization Exemption Certificate/Waiver
Upload Your Immunization Waiver Form
If your camper claims exemption to immunizations for medical, religious, or personal reasons, a copy of an immunization exemption waiver or certificate is to be uploaded in your family's UltraCamp account in the Document Center under the Health Forms section.
Uploaded forms must be processed by GSU which can take 1-2 business days. Once the form has been processed, the task to upload forms below will no longer be listed in your account.
About Immunization Exemption Certificates/Waivers
Girl Scouts of Utah follows the Utah Health Department’s guidance on required vaccinations for K-Grade 6 and Grades 7-12. Proof of vaccinations is not required. Your camper’s forms have you indicate your camper is up to date on vaccinations or if they are exempt from immunizations. Participation in activities is not limited based on vaccination status.
Camper Medications
Enter Medications in UltraCamp
All medications (i.e., prescription, over-the-counter, herbal) a participant is bringing to camp must be entered into UltraCamp.
- Log into UltraCamp and select the participant’s name from your Account Member list.
- A new screen will appear for that participant.
- Click on the “Medications” section and then “Manage Medications.”
- Follow the prompts.
If the participant has attended camp previous summers, please check medications are up to date as it saves medication entries from previous years.
Please do not send as needed over-the-counter medications to camp. Both camps carry over-the-counter medication such as: Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Tums, Benadryl, and cough drops for as needed use per our Treatment Guidelines and per your approval on your camp forms.
If you need to update your camper’s medications within seven days of camp, please email info@gsutah.org in addition to updating it in UltraCamp.
About Medications
Refer to the Camp Health Information dropdown above for more information.
Online Payments with a Credit Card
Log in to UltraCamp and click “Make a Payment” from the toolbar. If you have multiple program registrations with balances, be sure to select the checkbox next to “specify how this payment should be applied. (optional).”
Payments with Activity Credits (GSU Members ONLY)
Mail your 2025 or 2026 Activity Credits to Girl Scouts of Utah, 445 East 4500 South, Suite 125, Salt Lake City, UT 84107 with the Activity Credits and a payment form (PDF).
For those of you who had us HOLD your 2026 Activity Credits and apply them to your camp balances: You will receive an email notice with a receipt once the payment has been posted in your UltraCamp account. Any remaining balances will be mailed back to your family in May.
For those of you receiving 2026 Activity Credits in the mail: You can still use these as payment toward your camp balances. These will be coming to you in the mail end of April/early May.
Note:
- 2024 Activity Credits have expired. 2025 Activity Credits expire June 30, 2026.
- Change cannot be given for partially spent Activity Credits.
- Out-of-council Girl Scouts need to ask their council about transferring their cookie dough, program credits, etc. to Girl Scouts of Utah to pay for their camp program, if desired.
Selecting a Different Tier (Overnight Camp ONLY)
To Edit your Tier Pricing Selection
Log in to UltraCamp, click “My Reservations”, click on the program registration for your camper, and then you can click “edit” next to the “Options”. You may also email info@gsutah.org for assistance.
About Tiered Pricing
Tiered pricing makes it possible for all campers to have the same experience regardless of what their caregiver can afford. Tiered prices are listed with each camp session description and should be selected based on the family’s budget. Girl Scouts of Utah strives to ensure all campers have the opportunity to experience camp. No financial documentation is required.
Tier One (T1): The actual cost to run camps: staffing, program supplies, food, and maintenance costs. Tier One pricing is available for: Girl Scouts of Utah members, Girl Scout members from other councils, non-members.
Tier Two (T2): Partially subsidized cost for families that can pay a little more, but not the actual cost of camp. Tier Two pricing is available for: Girl Scouts of Utah members and Girl Scout members from other councils.
Tier Three (T3): The standard fee that all GSU members are asked to pay. Girl Scouts of Utah subsidizes the entire remainder of the cost. Tier Three pricing is available for Girl Scouts of Utah members only. Activity scholarships are available for Girl Scouts of Utah members if assistance is needed to pay for Tier Three (T3).
Activity Scholarships (GSU Members ONLY)
Apply for an Activity Scholarship
Overnight camp and Troop Camping participants may apply for an activity scholarship between March 1-31. All applications received after April 1 will be awarded based on funding available at that time. Minicamp participants may apply for an activity scholarship at any time. Learn more and apply for an activity scholarship.
About Activity Scholarships
This program provides assistance to individual campers who are registered Girl Scouts of Utah members and wish to attend Girl Scouts of Utah-sponsored camps or programs but are unable due to financial restraints. This program is not a reward, nor is it a way to repay volunteer work a caregiver might have done in Girl Scouting.
The decision to grant an activity scholarship, and the amount, is based on information provided on the application form. All information is confidential and discussed only by those responsible for allocating money. Activity Scholarships are available for Girl Scouts of Utah girl members. Learn more and apply for an activity scholarship.
Trading Post (Camp Store)
To Edit your Trading Post Amount
During registration (overnight camp and Troop Camping only), you had the option of placing money in your camper’s trading post account. If you need to update the amount after registration, log in to UltraCamp, click “My Reservations”, click on the program registration for your camper, and then you can click “edit” next to the “Store Deposit.” You can pay online with credit card or use Activity Credits (see sections above on payments).
If you need to update your camper’s Trading Post within seven days of camp, please email info@gsutah.org for assistance.
About Trading Post (Camp Store)
The Trading Post carries a variety of items, such as stuffed animals, postcards, hats, patches, and jewelry. Items range from $1 to $40. Trading Post shopping is optional.
Overnight Camp and Troop Camping
If your camper plans to purchase anything from the Trading Post, we ask that you set up a Trading Post account in UltraCamp before they go to camp, allocating spending money to their account.
- At Overnight Camp, the Trading Post will be open during check-in and check-out. Your camper will have the opportunity to visit once during their session.
- For Troop Camping, participants have the option to load credit into their UltraCamp accounts while completing their health and program release forms.
- Participants may also bring cash, credit cards, or Activity Credits as a form of payment with them to camp. GSU is not responsible for any lost or stolen cash, credit cards, or Activity Credits.
Campers are free to choose any items they would like to purchase in the Trading Post. Camp staff will not question campers’ purchases. If you would like to guide your camper’s purchase, you should discuss that with them before camp.
At the end of the week if your camper’s Trading Post balance is between $5 and $25, a gift certificate for the remaining balance will be mailed to the household after the camp session ends. This gift certificate can be redeemed at the Girl Scouts of Utah shop, for program registration, or merchandise.
If your camper’s remaining trading post balance exceeds $25, the balance will be refunded by the council in the form of a check mailed to the household. Activity Credit refunds will also be issued by the council in the form of Activity Credits mailed to the household.
Cancellations, Refunds, & Program Adaptations
To Cancel your Registration
Log in to UltraCamp and click on “My Reservations”, click on the program you want to cancel, and then select “Cancel this Program Registration”. You may also email info@gsutah.org.
Cancellation and Refund Policies
Overnight Camp. The $50 deposit is non-refundable. The remainder of the camp fee ($50 deposit excluded) will be refunded if:
- GSU receives an email (info@gsutah.org) notification at least three weeks prior to the start date of the camp program.
- Camper leaves the camp program due to illness or injury and GSU receives an email (info@gsutah.org) request for a refund within two weeks after camper returns home. Refunds will be pro-rated on per-diem basis.
- GSU cancels the camp program and alternative programs were offered, but you choose to not select an alternative program.
Cancellations within three weeks of the start date of the camp program:
- If a camper is unable to attend camp due to illness, injury, family emergency, etc. GSU will work with families to see if the registration can be transferred to another camp program in the current summer.
- If an alternative program cannot be found for the same summer (June 1 – August 15), families will receive credit for the amount paid for the program ($50 deposit excluded) for the following summer (terms and restrictions apply).
No refunds will be provided if a camper returns home due to homesickness, misconduct, parent/guardian request, and/or any other circumstance.
Troop Camping. Due to the popularity of GSU’s Troop Camping program, troops are responsible for paying the full amount for the number of spots selected during registration.
Email GSU (info@gsutah.org) as soon as possible if a participant is unable to attend camp due to illness, injury, family emergency, etc.
No refunds are given if a participant returns home during camp because of illness, injury, homesickness, misconduct, and/or any other circumstance.
The camp health supervisor has the right to refuse admittance to any participant who does not meet acceptable health conditions. The Camp Director reserves the right to request that any participant who is ill or unable to adapt to camp living be returned home.
Minicamps. Program deposits are non-refundable.
Program fees (less the deposit) may be refunded before the program registration deadline*. Cancellations after the program registration deadline* will forfeit the full amount of the fee for each person registered.
For cancellations and registration changes, please contact Girl Scouts of Utah at 801-265-8472 or info@gsutah.org.
GSU Program Adaptations and Cancellations
Girl Scouts of Utah plans quality programs with the health, safety, and well-being of campers as our first priority. Sessions may be altered or canceled due to weather, fire, natural disaster, staffing challenges, or low registration numbers. If a session is canceled due to low registration numbers, campers will be given the opportunity to select another program. No refunds will be issued if changes are made to activities due to weather, fire, or natural disaster.
The Camp Director may determine whether a camper is competent to participate in any activity, and, if necessary, transfer them to another program. When necessary, campers will participate in alternate activities. Campers are expected to follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law. If a camper is unable to follow camp guidelines, damages property, or becomes a danger to themselves or others, the Camp Director will work with the camper and may elect to send them home.
