Camp Menzies Sneak Peek: Summer 2013
Can’t wait to see what’s going on at Camp Menzies this summer? We have more than 60 resident camp and travel programs scheduled for summer 2013. Check them out below, and then visit our website again in January for more details, descriptions and fees. Day camp information will be posted online in February.
Resident camp brochures will also be available at service unit meetings and in the council shops in January.
Resident camp registration begins Feb. 1, 2013; day camp registration opens March 1, 2013.
Why camp?
Summer wouldn’t be the same without it. And Girl Scouts Heart of Central California wouldn’t be the same without Menzies—the council’s beautiful camp nestled among the glorious trees of the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
At resident camp, girls entering grades 2-12 are given the opportunity to connect with nature, try new activities and make new friends. They sing around the campfire, have fun and gain a sense of community—all while learning to be independent. Camp inspires interests and gives girls a sense of appreciation for home as well as the great outdoors. What do girls spend most of their time doing at Camp Menzies? Growing.
There’s just something about camp that sticks with girls for a lifetime. Camp creates memories—plain and simple.
Parent Information Nights
Mark your calendars for a resident camp information night nearest you. Take a virtual tour of Camp Menzies, learn more about the programs and get all your questions answered.
Tuesday, January 15, 6:30-7:30 PM, Program Center, 6601 Elvas Avenue, Sacramento
Thursday, January 17, 6:30-7:30 PM, Modesto Office, 5172 Kiernan Court, Suite D, Salida
Leadership Programs at Menzies
Our specially designed leadership programs show girls how to develop and lead camp or horse programs while increasing their communication and problem-solving skills. Each program includes individual and small group training sessions with supervised hands-on experience working with younger campers. Visit the Leadership Programs pages on the Resident Camp section of girlscoutshcc.org in January for all the details.
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Summer 2013 Camp Menzies Resident Camp Programs
Session # |
Dates |
|
1 |
June 17-June 21 |
5 days |
2 |
June 24-June 28 |
5 days |
3 |
June 24-July 1 |
8 days |
3A |
June 25-July 1 |
7 days |
4 |
June 28-July 1 |
4 days |
5 |
July 9-July 12 |
4 days |
6 |
July 9-July 15 |
7 days |
6A |
July 8-July 14 |
7 days |
7 |
July 12-July 15 |
4 days |
8 |
July 18-July 21 |
4 days |
8A |
July 18-July 26 |
9 days |
8B |
July 20-July 26 |
7 days |
9 |
July 22-July 26 |
5 days |
10 |
July 29-August 2 |
5 days |
11 |
July 29-August 5 |
8 days |
11A |
July 30-August 5 |
7 days |
12 |
August 2-August 5 |
4 days |
13 |
August 8-August 11 |
4 days |
Two of Us
Entering Grades: 2-12
Sessions: 8 & 13 (4 days)
Join us for a fun-filled four days designed to give campers a taste of camp life and the outdoors with their special adult there to experience it all with them. A great way for campers to get familiar with Camp Menzies.
Eco Explorers
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 1 (5 days)
Campers will explore our incredible night sky, become an animal tracker, try a nature craft or two, and cook a meal using solar power.
Gold Medal Girls
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 2 (5 days)
Get ready for the Menzies Olympics! With an emphasis on fun and team spirit, girls can choose to sample soccer, canoeing, swimming and more as they work toward earning the Fair Play badge.
Forest Friends
Entering Grades: 2-3
Sessions: 4, 5 & 12 (4 days)
Songs, arts and crafts, swimming, nature study, canoeing, campfires and new friends await in the forest at Camp Menzies
Pixie Painters
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 7 (4 days)
Girls can get inspired by the nature that surrounds them as they try a variety of painting techniques including watercolors, nature printing and finger painting. Plus, they will work together with their sister campers to design a special mural for the camp.
Dazzling Dancers
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 9 (5 days)
Dance the days away in the spotlight—and sunlight! Girls will share moves with new friends, enjoy a dance party, and put on a dance show for the camp as they earn the Dancer badge.
W.O.W. (Wonders of Water)
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 9 (5 days)
Campers will embark on a special Journey to discover the Wonders of Water. They’ll explore the camp waterways, create a rainbow, make watermelon coolers and design special posters for the camp as they become advocates for water conservation.
Firelight and Fairytales
Entering Grades: 2-3
Session: 10 (5 days)
During this camp, girls enter the world of pretend while enjoying s’mores, singing, playing games, and learning about fairytales from around the world.
Get Moving
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 1 (5 days)
Campers will discover the energy inside of them, the energy in places and spaces, and the energy they use to get from here to there. They’ll design their own energizing snack, make an energy pledge and create handmade paper as they work on the Get Moving! Journey.
Harriet Potter
Entering Grades: 4-5
Sessions: 1 & 2 (5 days)
Harriet Potters will try their own kitchen chemistry, potions, and magic at this camp, mixing ingredients, waving magic wands and exploring the world of science. The week will be topped off with a game of Quidditch - Camp Menzies style!
Horse Lovers
Entering Grades: 4-6
Sessions: 1, 10 (5 days)
Sessions: 4, 5 & 7 (4 days)
Girls can improve their horsewoman-ship skills at this beginning-level riding program. There will be three hours of horseback riding sessions as well as ground lessons on horse safety and horse care.
Jump, Jive and Swing
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 1 (5 days)
For girls who love to dance. Campers will get to try many dance styles and steps and even plan a unit dance party and perform for the whole camp. It’s all about stepping, tapping, twirling and whirling at this camp!
S'mores and More
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 1 (5 days)
Campers will have fun discovering how to cook in the great outdoors with a box oven, backpacking stove and solar cooker.
Aqua Explorers
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 2 & 10 (5 days)
Girls will take on a new water challenge each day as they swim, hike, canoe and kayak through the Sierras. They’ll also enjoy activities in camp as well as special field trips out of camp.
Power Up!
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 2 (5 days)
Can one person make a difference? Girl Scouts can! This camp is all about teamwork and leadership. Girls will face team challenges, make new friends, and spend time at camp doing everything they love.
Sierra Safari
Entering Grades: 4-5
Sessions: 4, 5, 6 & 12 (4 days)
Girls can enjoy all the activities camp has to offer: swimming, canoeing, archery, arts ‘n’ crafts, nature study, campfires and more.
Junior JAM
Entering Grades: 4-5
Sessions: 4 & 5
A well-rounded camp experience. Girls work toward earning the Practice with Purpose badge, get creative with arts ‘n’ crafts, participate in all-camp activities, and meet new friends while roasting s'mores around the campfire.
Summer Stock
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 6 (7 days)
Theatre games, acting techniques, costumes, make up, and a day trip to a play awaits campers in this program.
Beads, Jewels and Rhinestones
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 9 (5 days)
Girls will design their own bracelets, necklaces and rings as they work toward earning the Jeweler badge. Plus, they’ll get to create their own special beads, make gemstone rings and paint their own jewelry boxes.
Girl vs. Wild
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 9 (5 days)
It’s all about getting closer to nature at this camp. Girls will build shelter and spend a night sleeping out, learn how to pitch a tent, use a compass and how to build the perfect fire. Cook out, camp out, and get out!
Kickin’ it at Menzies
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 9 (5 days)
Calling all soccer players! Campers will work with college athletes to perfect soccer techniques during daily clinics.
Mystery Makers
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 9 (5 days)
Girls will use their powers of deduction to solve a camp mystery, plan a blindfold mystery meal and take a mystery hike.
Camera Shots
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 10 (5 days)
Campers can earn the Digital Photography badge as they explore the wonderful world of Camp Menzies and Calaveras Big Trees State Park through the lens of a camera
Menzies Musicians
Entering Grades: 4-5
Session: 10 (5 days)
Camp Menzies will be rockin’ with the sounds of music. Menzies Musicians make their own instruments, sing and see a live musical performance as they work toward earning the Musicians badge.
Take Aim
Entering Grades: 5-7
Session: 6 (7 days)
Creativity abounds with the games campers can play all while improving their archery skills.
Aqua Art
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 1 (5 days)
Campers will capture the beauty of the Sierra Nevada mountains with watercolor paints, design their own fountain and create a water-filled display as they experiment with different art media using and inspired by water.
Comic Artist
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 1 (5 days)
At this camp, girls can become writers, directors, actors and illustrators as they work to create their own visual stories through comic art.
Night Owls
Entering Grades: 6-8
Sessions: 1 & 9 (5 days)
Campers will enjoy an evening canoe, tell stories, roast marshmallows over the campfire, plan a unit overnight trip out of camp, sleep in and enjoy a late breakfast while enjoying all the camp activities during the days.
Menzies Mountain Riders
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 2 & 9 (5 days)
This intermediate riding program is for girls who want to improve their horsewoman-ship skills. They will work on timing, rhythm and balance during four hours of horseback-riding sessions and participate in ground sessions on the care and feeding of horses.
Engineers
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 2 (5 days)
This camp is all about finding the fun in physics. Girls will build a rubber band catapult, keep eggs from cracking during an egg drop, and participate in the first ever Camp Menzies model bridge-building competition.
Theatre Buffs
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 3 (8 days)
Campers will explore theatre from the inside out, see a live performance, interview cast and crew and create their own performance to showcase what they have learned throughout the week.
Geoventures
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 3 (8 days)
Girls will learn about rocks, minerals and fossils as they spelunk, climb, swim and repel throughout the Sierra Nevada mountains. They’ll even make rock candy, fossil jewelry, and ice cream using rock salt.
Camp Quest
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 4, 7 & 12 (4 days)
Campers will design the perfect in-camp program with their unit and plan a day trip to a fun location in Calaveras County.
Camp Surprise
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 6 (7 days)
Girls will experience a new adventure daily during this program full of surprises. Each day will feature a special activity or out-of-camp excursion as well as a special overnight. The session will end with girls planning your own surprise for the whole camp.
MEdia
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 6 (7 days)
Girls will tour local media outlets and learn more about interviewing, photography and film before heading up to Menzies to become the reporters who capture life at camp. They’ll also work on the MEdia Journey.
LiA (Leader-in-Action)
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 9 (5 days)
Girls can work on their Leader-in-Action (LiA) Award by spending the week working with younger girls in a hands-on training experience they'll never forget! They will also get the chance to take a dip in the lake, shoot a round of archery or visit the nature hut.
Menzies Master Chefs
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 11 (8 days)
Girls can become master chefs as they try gourmet cooking in the kitchen and the out-of-doors while at camp. They will participate in a cooking competition, tour a local restaurant and plan a special dessert for the camp.
Mythbusters
Entering Grades: 7-9
Session: 11 (8 days)
How many people does it take to sink a canoe? Can an arrow pierce ice? Girls will explore these questions and more as they design and carry out their own experiments to discover what is fact and fiction.
Trot 'n' Trek
Entering Grades: 7-9
Session: 11 (8 days)
Improve your horsewoman-ship skills at this advanced riding program. Work on timing, rhythm, and balance during six hours of horseback riding sessions, and participate in ground sessions on the care and feeding of horses.
Under Construction
Entering Grades: 7-12
Session: 8A (9 days)
Campers will be part of a special construction crew of girls who work with members of the Sacramento Chapter of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction). They’ll swing hammers, pound nails and learn how to use power tools as they help to build a new structure at Camp Menzies.
Aspiring Athletes
Entering Grades: 8-12
Session: 1 (5 days)
With a focus on team-building activities, campers will play games from around the world and work their magic on the sports field. They’ll also take a trip out of camp to try golf and challenge the staff to a game of soccer or ultimate Frisbee.
Expressions
Entering Grades: 8-12
Session: 3 (8 days)
Girls can explore different types of dance and choreography, test out their vocal chords as they try singing like a favorite idol, then head to the art room to paint like Picasso.
Dare to Do it
Entering Grades: 8-12
Session: 11 (8 days)
For girls who love a challenge. Campers can rock climb, slide down a zip-line, white water raft, canoe, spelunk and hike. Every day will be a new exciting adventure.
Summer 2013 Travel Programs
Girl Scouts Heart of Central California offers several programs that allow girls to travel throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains and beyond. Travel programs include a minimum of three to six nights of travel and may not include time at Camp Menzies. Unless otherwise noted, girls will camp in campgrounds during their travels. Programs with (*) next to the name do not spend time at Camp Menzies and will not include horseback riding.
Mystery, Mummies and More*
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 1 (5 days)
Girls will explore the Winchester Mystery house, visit an ancient Egyptian mummy and try to figure out “whodunit?” it at a mystery dinner theatre while earning the Special Agent badge.
Seascapes and Sunsets*
Entering Grades: 9-12
Session: 1 (5 days)
The beautiful Mendocino Coast will inspire on this adventure for artists. Campers can capture dramatic coastlines, towering redwoods, fantastic tide pools and the picturesque village of Mendocino in a variety of different media including watercolor and photography. They’ll also visit the unique Glass Beach, a pygmy forest, and the Mendocino Coast Botanical Gardens.
Survivor
Entering Grades: 7-9
Session: 3 (8 days)
Girls can develop the confidence needed to meet the challenges of outdoor survival by participating in daily role plays and challenges and receiving First Aid and CPR training. A solo sleep and an extended overnight experience out of camp will give them a chance to practice their new skills.
Makin’ Waves*
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 3A (7 days)
For girls passionate about marine biology. Campers will meet women working in the field and explore ways to preserve the animals they love as they earn the Animal Helpers badge. They’ll Observe elephant seals in their natural habitat at Año Nuevo State Reserve, tour the renowned Monterey Bay Aquarium, and visit the Seymour Center at Long Marine Laboratory in Santa Cruz.
Surf, Sand and Sail*
Entering Grades: 9-12, Session: 3A (7 days)
Entering Grades: 6-8, Session: 8B (7 days)
This program includes exciting watersport adventures and much more in beautiful Central California. Girls will take both surfing and sailing lessons and explore a variety of local sites. Plus they get to picnic on the beach and enjoy a special trip to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
Architectural Antics*
Entering Grades: 9-12
Session: 6A (7 days)
This camp is all about creative design and the incredible wonders of California architecture. Girls will visit the bizarre Winchester Mystery House, go on a scavenger hunt through the fairy tale-inspired village of Carmel-by-the-Sea, soak in the history of the Santa Cruz and Carmel missions, and tour the unforgettable Hearst Castle.
Camp ‘n’ Canoe
Entering Grades: 7-12
Session: 6 (7 days)
Campers will practice canoe swamping, self-rescue, paddling techniques and more at camp before heading out for three days of camping on the beautiful Union and Utica Reservoirs.
Tahoe Trekkers
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 6 (7 days)
Girls will earn the Trailblazers badge and explore the natural beauty and history of one of the bluest lakes in the world by taking a cruise on the picture-perfect Emerald Bay, picnicking on the sandy beaches, and exploring several of the hiking trails, historic sites and museums in the area.
Volcano Voyagers*
Entering Grades: 9th-12th
Session: 8B (7 days)
Campers will discover all four types of volcanoes found in the world as they explore Lassen Volcanic National park. Within Lassen’s majestic mountain forests they’ll find hissing fumaroles and boiling mud pots that demonstrate the volcanic processes just under Earth’s surface.
Yosemite Institute*
Entering Grades: 6th-8th
Session: 10 (5 days)
Campers will join other students at the renowned Yosemite Institute as highly qualified professionals in the fields of natural history and environmental interpretation lead them on hikes and other outings throughout the park.
Sonoma Beach Safari*
Entering Grades: 6-8
Session: 11A (7 days)
Campers will need to pack their bathing suits, binoculars and hiking boots to explore the wilds of Sonoma County. They’ll be surrounded by African wildlife in a unique safari experience at Safari West, and let towering groves of coastal redwoods take their breath away as they search for banana slugs. They’ll also hike along the Russian River until they meet the Pacific Ocean, explore tide pools, enjoy a meal by the picturesque Bodega Bay, and camp at Sonoma State Beach.
She’s a Scientist!*
Entering Grades: 8-12
Session: 11A (7 days)
This camp combines fun Bay Area sightseeing with opportunities to explore exciting careers in science and technology. Girls will meet women scientists working hard to make the world a better place as they visit the Exploratorium, California Academy of Sciences, Chabot Space & Science Center, and The Tech Museum of Innovation. They’ll also explore the UC Berkeley and Stanford University campuses to check out future school options.
Mellow Me Out*
Entering Grades: 9th-12th
Session: 13 (4 days)
Girls can recharge by exploring a variety of ways to de-stress: sleeping-in, sunbathing on the beach, practicing ocean-side yoga, going on nature walks, visiting hot springs and enjoying sunset picnics. Must-brings: sketchbooks, hiking boots, bathing suits, and a favorite book.
Locavore*
Entering Grades: 8th-10th
Session: 8 (4 days)
Girls will explore the benefits and challenges of eating locally grown seasonal foods through a variety of hands-on learning experiences. They’ll help out on a farm, travel with the farmers to sell produce at a local farmers’ market, and take a behind-the-scenes tour of a restaurant that cooks with local foods. Plus, they’ll earn the Cook badge as they plan and prepare daily meals with local ingredients.
*These programs do not spend time at Camp Menzies and will not include horseback riding.
Questions?
Contact the camp director for information on programs, or the administrative department for information on fees/registration:
GSHCC Program Center
6601 Elvas Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95819
Telephone: 800-322-4475 or 916-452-9181
Fax: 916-452-9182
Email: campmenzies@girlscoutshcc.org
