Day Camp | Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland

Get Outside & Explore

Did you know that our Camp Ken-Jockety and Camp Crooked Lane were voted in the 500 Summer Camps in America by Newsweek?

Girl Scouts day camp is a great way to introduce girls to the outdoors–our programs are full of sun, fun, and friends! With nine weeks of summer day camp programs to choose from at a variety of locations, girls are sure to find a camp that’s just the right fit!

Day camp gives her the chance to try something different, face new challenges, and meet other girls who share her passions. Girls learn songs, play games, make arts and crafts, and gain outdoor skills and badges, all while being encouraged to feel comfortable and be their awesome selves. Her summer adventure should definitely include Girl Scout day camp!

Resources

Design a Patch for Day Camp 2027 toggle arrow

Be an Artist! Design a Patch for Day Camp 2027.

All GSOH Girl Scouts from grades K-12 are invited to submit a design for the 2027 Girl Scout Day Camp patch. The winning design will be made into a patch given to all Day Camp participants in 2027.

Requirements:

Theme: Camp Clue: Summer of Mystery
Submission Deadline: Monday, December 7, 2026
Patch must include "Day Camp 2027" and the theme.
Design must fit into a two and a half inch square or circle
Choose one color for the background.
Use no more than five colors in the design.
Copyright statement: Please be aware that characters, certain phrases and symbols are subject to copyright protection and cannot be reproduced by Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland.
Use of the Girl Scouts logo cannot be superimposed onto anything due to GSUSA regulations.

If the above requirements are not met, the design may not be considered.

Email your entry to camp@gsoh.org OR mail your entry to:

2027 Day Camp Design Contest

Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council

1700 Watermark Drive

Columbus, OH 43215

Download the submission form using the button below!

Day Camp Guide toggle arrow

Coming soon!

Schedule

Coming soon!

Forms

Registration Forms

Member Form
Non-Member Form
Fee Waiver Form
Volunteer Form
- Want to skip the paper form? Complete your volunteer registration online here!
Add-On Form

Financial Aid toggle arrow

When registering for day camp, please apply for the tier 3 pricing if you are seeking financial assistance.

Link to the online form (coming soon)
Link to the paper form.

Volunteer Information toggle arrow

The magic of day camp is possible because of caring adults like you.

What Does it Mean to be a Day Camp Volunteer?

Ready to volunteer? Submit a Volunteer Position Request form today! Want to skip the paper form? Complete your volunteer registration online here!

Teen Leadership Opportunities

Share your camp enthusiasm with younger girls as you strengthen your outdoor skills and develop your own leadership style. Build teamwork, learn practical problem solving, and earn leadership awards. Younger campers will be excited by the skills you can teach them!

Check out the opportunities below to discover which program is for you! You may choose to participate in any leadership program for which you meet the requirements.

Note: All teen mentors must be currently registered Girl Scouts. Most day camps require attendance at some additional trainings prior to camp for all program aide levels.

Leaders in Action (LiA) – Completed grades 6–8 toggle arrow

Experience camp in a whole new way! Learn basic outdoor skills and how to teach them. Have fun building teamwork and leadership skills with your group and earn one of the LiA awards.
Previous day camp experience not required.

To apply for the LiA program
Complete the day camp registration form online or submit a paper registration form to Council Headquarters with the camp fee. See the camp session’s description in the day Camp Guide for the cost of camps and registration deadlines.

Program Aide 1 (PA1) – Completed grades 7–12 toggle arrow

Share your love of camp with younger Girl Scouts! PA training teaches you skills to be a confident and effective leader. You’ll practice teaching activities and learn to be a mentor for younger girls. You’ll get training to help you develop outdoor skills and become proficient in other camp tasks.
Prerequisite: LiA Award (earned in troop, camp, or individually) or completed ninth grade.

To apply for the PA1 program
Register online or submit a paper registration form to Council Headquarters with the program fee of $35 for all day camps. PA1, PA2 and APL do not pay the camp fee associated with the session they register to attend. Upon registration, complete the Program Aide Application from the link in the confirmation email.

Program Aide 2 (PA2) – Completed grades 8–12 toggle arrow

Take your leadership skills to the next level as a PA2! Earn service hours toward recognitions and assist day camp adult volunteers to help create a positive camp experience for girls.
Prerequisite: Day Camp PA1.

To apply for the PA2 program
Register online or submit a paper registration form to Council Headquarters with the program fee of $35 for all day camps. PA1, PA2 and APL do not pay the camp fee associated with the session they register to attend. Upon registration, complete the Program Aide Application from the link in the confirmation email.

Advanced Program Leader (APL) – Completed grades 9–12 toggle arrow

Take the lead this summer as an advanced program leader. Work with the camp director to determine where your skills are most needed. Lead a daily activity, assist in a unit, create your own special activity, or follow another path as you serve as a mentor to younger girls.
Prerequisite: Must have progressed through both Day Camp PA1 and PA2.

To apply for the APL program
Register online or submit a paper registration form to Council Headquarters with the program fee of $35 for all day camps. PA1, PA2 and APL do not pay the camp fee associated with the session they register to attend. Upon registration, complete the Program Aide Application from the link in the confirmation email.

Welcome to Girl Scout Day Camp

We are so glad that you decided to send your camper to day camp and we are looking forward to spending a fun-filled week with them. Throughout the week your camper will be trying and learning new things such as outdoor cooking, participating in flag ceremonies, learning camp songs, archery (must have completed 2nd grade) or slingshots, camp chores, hiking, wading in the creek (if applicable), and so much more! Day camp allows campers to discover more than just how to cook and eat a delicious s’more. They can make new friends, try different things, develop leadership skills and build confidence in a safe environment.

Day Camp Frequently Asked Questions toggle arrow

Please see below for helpful information on making your camper’s day camp experience a success!

What to Wear at Day Camp toggle arrow

Wear clothing that can get dirty and provides good protection from bugs, thorns or prickly foliage, and the sun, such as: long shorts with tall socks or pants (if they are light and it’s not too hot), T-shirt or other top with sleeves, closed toed shoes with a secure heel be worn at all times. Spaghetti straps, tank tops, and camis are not permitted. A hat that covers the head, like a ball cap (not a visor) or a bandana is highly recommended for protection from the sun and from ticks. For many camps this is mandatory.

What to Bring Each Day toggle arrow

Backpack: For personal belongings, please nothing larger than they can carry.

Packed lunch: They will keep it with them so be sure it is non-perishable or it has an ice pack in it. Lunch beverages (this may only be water) will be provided. Pack a lunch even if your camper’s unit is cooking that day. Days spent outdoors create hungry campers! Please pack food in reusable containers when possible. This aids in the reduction of garbage generated at camp.

Filled water bottle: Refillable water bottle (if ice cubes can be inserted, all the better).

Mess kit: This can be any set of non-breakable cup, plate, bowl, and silverware. Disposables will not withstand boiling water and we really try to minimize the amount of trash each day. All items should be packed in a drawstring mesh laundry or dip bag. (some camps may have them bring this only on days they are cooking, check with your specific camp director!).

Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Please send non-aerosols and something that your child can apply. These items cannot be shared with others due to allergic reactions. If permission is indicated on the CampDoc forms, adults may help apply these items on your child as needed.

Rain jacket or poncho: We hold day camp rain or shine! Please, no umbrellas.

Optional items:

A sit upon or stadium cushion. The grass can be dewy in the morning or if it rains.
Change of clothes in a Ziploc bag.
If creeking, please pack creeking shoes. Old tie on shoes, water shoes work best.

NO SANDALS, CROCS OR OPEN TOE SHOES as we don’t want campers to get any scrapes or cuts on their feet from rocks and creek bed debris.

*For camps that offer swimming or spraygrounds (i.e. Ken Jockety, Molly Lauman, Crooked Lane, or Wooster), please pack a towel and swimsuit as well as a grocery bag or dry bag for wet items to go home in.

What Not to Bring toggle arrow

iPods, cell phones or any other electronic devices.
Candy, gum or snacks, except for what is to be eaten at lunchtime.
Personal sports equipment.
Anything of value, sentimental or otherwise.
Firearms, sparklers, explosives, or weapons.
Illegal drugs, alcoholic beverages.
Pets are not permitted on camp property.

Staying Healthy at Day Camp toggle arrow

About insect repellent & vector borne diseases:

Each person is responsible to provide for their own protection against diseases carried by mosquitoes and other insects. We encourage parents to keep up with current health department and medical information by consulting their own pediatrician or the American Academy of Pediatrics at www.aap.org/.

Some helpful hints for staying healthy at camp:

Avoid wearing floral fragrances from perfumes, soaps, hair care products, and lotions. These may attract mosquitoes.
Spray clothing with an insect repellent.
Avoid applying repellent to the hands of children. Repellents may irritate the eyes and mouth.
Remember to check your camper when she gets home for ticks.

Avoiding heat stress:

Remind your daughter to drink plenty of water. We remind them as well, but it’s important to have them drink lots of liquids while at home in the evenings, so they can be well-hydrated the following day while outside at day camp. Wear clothing that is light-colored and lightweight and limited to one layer of absorbent material so sweat can evaporate.

Your camper should wear sunscreen, an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or greater is recommended which she can apply herself. Apply in the morning before drop off. Sunscreen cannot be shared with other campers.

Health Checks and Health History toggle arrow

Each girl will be screened the first day of camp for any minor health problems. No one is permitted at camp with a contagious disease, including head lice. We require that everyone be “Nit free”. Therefore, a “head check” will be conducted either at your camp’s open house if applicable or on Monday morning at drop off. Any child with head lice or nits will be sent home and may return when they are free of lice and nits. For the health and safety of everyone at camp, the day camp director, not the participant’s doctor, will have the final say. Hair should be left down until after a lice check unless the style allows easy access to multiple views of the scalp.

Health History information is REQUIRED for each camper and MUST be completed prior to arriving on site.

You should have received a welcome email from CampDoc.com with information about how to complete your camper’s health information and have gone online and completed it. If you did not, you still have time to go online and complete it. If you do not have internet access or would prefer, you can contact our office and we can enter the data for you over the phone, it takes about 12-15 minutes. If this information is not completed in one way or other, your daughter CANNOT attend our day camp.

If any changes occur such as major injuries, surgery, allergies, or illnesses with complications, please notify the day camp director of this change. We have a first aid/CPR certified adult at day camp for emergencies. Only basic first aid treatment is provided at day camp. You will be contacted should your camper become ill at camp or otherwise need medical attention.

Medications toggle arrow

If your daughter needs to take prescription medication while at day camp, the dosage required to be taken during day camp hours must be sent to camp in the original container labeled with her name and the dosage and instructions. No over-the-counter medicine will be accepted at day camp In CampDoc, you will be asked about specific over-the-counter medications you authorize for your child, however, we do not provide these or handle these OTC medications at day camp but do utilize them at resident camp. For safe keeping, all medications must be given to the day camp first aider. Campers will administer their own medications in the presence of the first aider. If campers need to keep medications with them at all times, as in the case of inhalers or Epi-pens, arrangements must be made ahead of time.

Pick-Up and Drop-Off Procedures toggle arrow

Drop-Off: All campers must be checked in during drop-off. You will not be asked for a signature in the morning. On the first day of camp, a process will be in place where all campers/cars are stopped and checked to ensure all required information (i.e. health information, photo releases, etc.) has been submitted. As a result, the drop-off may take a little longer than usual, so we thank you for your patience. If this information has not yet been submitted, the camper cannot be dropped off. So, it is critical that this be done prior to the first day of camp.

Pick-Up: During pick-up, the driver will be required to show photo ID to sign out the camper(s) they are taking home. If the driver’s name is not on the Approved Pick-Up List OR the driver does not have a photo I.D. to show, the driver will be asked to pull over and the issue will be addressed.

Who Runs Day Camp? toggle arrow

Day camp is run solely by volunteers who have gone through the Girl Scout volunteer process, which includes a criminal background check. This is a state regulation for operating a day camp.

Unfortunately, what this means is that parents/guardians cannot stay past the opening flag ceremony when dropping off their child, as their presence past that point puts us in violation of statutory criminal background check requirements. We ask that you please respect this policy.

Our volunteers are also trained in how to work with girls in the outdoors, as well as how to build their confidence and teach them new things in a safe environment. Each volunteer brings different experiences and backgrounds, and while each location may be different, each camp shares the same structure and offers similar programming.

What is a Program Aide? toggle arrow

A day camp Program Aide is a Girl Scout Cadette, Senior, or Ambassador who assists unit leaders where needed, and they are crucial to running a successful day camp. They will carry out program plans such as helping to teach basic outdoor skills, arts & crafts, or assisting with songs and games. These girls are working on leadership requirements towards either the Leader in Action (LiA) or the Program Aide award or service hours, with the chance to use and develop their leadership skills. Not only do the campers look forward to spending time with these young leaders, they want to grow up and be a Program Aide just like them some day!

Day Camp Unit Placement toggle arrow

Every effort is made to pair your camper with her buddy if requested or someone from their troop if possible. This process is extremely time-consuming, so we ask that you respect the placement before requesting a change. Part of the day camp experience is to meet girls from different troops, schools, backgrounds, and hopefully make new friends. Please explain this to your camper, as it’s not always possible to accommodate every request.

Please note: If your vehicle is to remain at camp, it must be parked in the designated areas. The camp, nor council, does not assume responsibility for personal vehicles.

Council Position on Concealed Carry toggle arrow

Firearms or weapons of any type are strictly prohibited anywhere on council-owned premises, whether or not permitted by Ohio law. With the exception of the police or sheriff’s personnel, the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Council does not permit its members, guests, employees or any other individual to carry weapons, such as firearms, on their body or in their belongings while engaged in Girl Scout activities or on Girl Scout property.

Ken-Jockety (KJ) Camp Site Information toggle arrow

PICK-UP and DROP-OFF PROCEDURES

All campers must be signed in and out of camp.

Monday Check-In at Camp: When you arrive at camp on Check-In Day you will be directed to a parking spot in the STEM Center lot. From there, you will be guided to the pond pavilion* to begin check in. Check in will not start until 8:30 a.m. Campers will get their lice check first and then proceed to check-in with the Day Camp Staff. After you have checked your child in with their unit leader, you are free to go. Please ensure that you have any medications that you need to check-in with you at that time. Non-Volunteer adults will not be permitted beyond the check in area on check-in day so that campers can get started with their daily activities.

Please expect that Monday morning check-in may last until 9:15 a.m. to ensure safe travel time to your next engagement.

*In the event of inclement weather, check-in will take place inside the STEM center

Tuesday- Friday Drop off: Drop off is between 8:45 – 9:00 a.m. at the circle. Once you enter camp, please drive slowly down the drive, turn right into the STEM Center parking lot and follow the lane behind the STEM building and a staff member will direct you to the unloading zone. You must stay in your car and a volunteer will assist with the unloading of your camper(s). Please do not exit your car for any reason. You will need to sign in your camper(s) during this time.

Pick-up instructions: Plan for pick-up to begin around 3:40 p.m. unless your camp director indicates otherwise. Once you have entered camp, please drive slowly down the drive, following all directional signs. A staff member will direct you to the loading area marked with cones. From 3:15 p.m.- 4:00 p.m., you must follow the flow of traffic around the STEM building and towards the traffic circle and wait in the pick-up line. If you need to leave expeditiously for any reason (work, ball games, appointments, etc.) you MUST get prior approval from the Day Camp Director and arrange for an early pick-up (prior to 3:15 p.m.). Volunteers will assist so please do not exit your vehicle once you have entered the line. Please place a piece of paper on your dash (passenger side) indicating the name(s) and unit(s) of those you are picking up. You will need to sign out your campers and show photo I.D.

SWIM CHECKS AND POOL INFORMATION

All of our lifeguards are full-time, paid staff members at Camp K-J who have been certified through the American Red Cross. On the Monday of each session, campers will have the opportunity to participate in our Swim Check. This check is not meant to be a “pass/fail” test model. It provides the guards with an opportunity to assess the skill level of each camper. The swim check is designed to ensure that each camper has successful and safe swim sessions for the entire week. Should a camper feel that they do not want to try the swim check, they are never required to participate. Campers who opt out of the swim check will automatically be given access to the shallowest end of our pool (3 feet at it’s deepest).

The Swim Check itself is comprised of two parts. The first phase requires the camper to swim one lap, on their belly, without touching the ground or stopping. Every camper who adequately swims their lap will earn the capability of swimming in the middle depth (5 feet). Further, campers who complete phase one will have the opportunity to attempt phase two. In phase two, the campers will enter the deep end (12 feet) and tread water for one minute without stopping, bobbing, or grabbing the side of the pool. Campers who successfully complete the 1-minute tread will be allowed access to the deep end.

Please understand that every evaluation made during the swim check is made completely at the discretion of the highly trained lifeguard assigned to perform the assessment. Due to the high number of swim checks required on Monday, the swim check may only be attempted once and the assignment given that day will be final. However, we understand that the first day of camp can be overwhelming and some campers will not feel comfortable or perform their best at that time. We also realize that many parents will be present and familiar with their child’s swim capability. To this end, we allow every camper to have the opportunity to re-try the swim check at the start of the next day’s swim session. We encourage our campers to grow, learn persistence, and to pursue personal goals at the pool.

Our primary concern at the pool is your camper’s safety, but we also want them to have fun and grow! If you have any questions or concerns please feel free to reach out to our the Emily Bargiel, Camp Ken-Jockety Senior Manager who oversees the training and hiring of the lifeguards, at ebargiel@gsoh.org.