Sleepaway Camp

Your most epic summer adventure is waiting for you!

Located just 75 miles north of NYC in Dutchess County, Camp Kaufmann is a 425-acre country oasis where you'll find fun, friendship, and a love of the great outdoors.

Sleepaway camp is for Girl Scouts who have been to Camp Kaufmann before and feel comfortable spending the night away from home without their families or troop leaders. Girl Scouts are supervised by trained camp counselors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Preparation

How can I learn more about Camp Kaufmann's summer programming? toggle arrow

Visit the Camp Kaufmann page to view our Sleepaway Summer Camp brochure and learn more about upcoming events at Camp Kaufmann!

What is the Sleepaway Camp experience like at Camp Kaufmann? What activities are included at Sleepaway Camp? toggle arrow

Depending on their age, interests, and comfort levels, campers and caregivers can choose which session they sign up for. Program session lengths range from three days (Wednesday to Friday) to six days (Sunday to Friday), and each program has a different focus and badge earning experiences. Three-day campers will earn one badge per session and six-day campers will earn two badges or one advanced Leadership Award per session.

All summer camp sessions, regardless of theme, include a sampler of classic camp activities. Every camper will enjoy daily pool time, arts and crafts, lakefront activities, free play, guided games, adventure sports and challenge courses, nature classes, and more. While each session features its own specialized badge or focus, these core camp experiences are included for all campers to ensure a full, fun, and well-rounded summer adventure.

How do I know if my Girl Scout is ready for sleepaway camp? toggle arrow

Children are ready for an overnight camp experience at different ages. The key is whether your child is mature enough, emotionally ready to be away, and is excited about the experience. It’s okay to be nervous or have worries, but your child should be interested in going.

In addition to attending a pre-summer camp event, such as a Day Trip, Overnight Trip, or Open House, we suggest going over the summer brochure with your child to introduce them to what they will experience at Camp Kaufmann. We also recommend taking the Camp Readiness quiz, which can be found on our website and in the sleepaway camp brochure.

How do I register for Sleepaway Camp at Camp Kaufmann? toggle arrow

In order to register for sleepaway camp, you'll need to create a CampBrain account. If you have questions or require assistance, please email us at campkaumfann@girlscoutsnyc.org or call the Camp Registrar at (332) 323-7767.

What camp session should I register my Girl Scout for? toggle arrow

Camp sessions are Girl Scout level-specific. Girl Scout level for sleepaway camp is determined by your child’s rising grade. Various camp session themes are offered over the summer to appeal to different Girl Scout interests and abilities. We suggest going over the summer brochure and session themes with your child to decide which one is best for them.

Girl Scout Level	Grade in Fall/Upcoming School Year
Brownie	2nd - 3rd
Junior	4th - 5th
Cadette	6th - 8th
Senior/Ambassador	9th - 12th

Does my child need to already be a Girl Scout to attend camp? toggle arrow

No previous Girl Scouting experience is required and you can register them for camp without already being a Girl Scout, BUT they will need to be registered as a Girl Scout member before they attend camp. Your child does not need to join a troop, however, and can register as an independently registered Girl Scout, also known as a “Juliette.”

Register for Girl Scouts through the link below. If you require any assistance obtaining membership for your child, reach out to customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Is transportation to camp provided? What about pick-up and drop-off? toggle arrow

Yes, complimentary busing is available from Manhattan, Bronx, Brooklyn, and Queens (based on demand). Your requested bus stop is selected during the initial registration process on CampBrain and exact bus stop locations are not shared publicly.

You will receive the location information as part of your Summer Sleepaway Camp confirmation materials pre-summer. Caregivers may drive to camp for drop-off and pick-up, or request a combination of these two options by emailing campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org.

What is the cost? toggle arrow

The price of camp depends on the length and content of each program session. Costs range from $375 to $1,100 per session. A $50 non-refundable deposit is required at time of initial registration for each desired session of camp. Your deposit will go towards your total balance.

Is there financial aid available? How do I apply? toggle arrow

Financial aid is given on a sliding scale based on need. The financial aid application form is filled out during the registration process on CampBrain. This form must be completed in order to be considered for financial assistance. After registration and application submission, the application will be reviewed by the Camp Team and you will be notified of your new balance once your financial aid package has been applied to your account.

When are all forms and payments due? toggle arrow

We highly suggest that all required forms be submitted for review by June 1, but all documents and payments are due no later than 3 weeks before your Girl Scout’s first camp session. Your Girl Scout will not be able to attend camp if we do not have the appropriate forms on file. Nonadherence to this due date can result in your camper losing her spot without a refund of previously made payments. Click here to see how to pay your outstanding balance and complete forms.

Can a spot for the Sleepaway Camp be reserved prior to submitting a registration form and deposit? toggle arrow

Spots cannot be reserved prior to submitting your child’s initial registration. Initial registration is finished by completing the Household form, Financial Agreement & Refund Policy form, and making your non-refundable $50 per session deposit. Incomplete applications do not hold a spot in a session. We encourage early registration, as we can’t guarantee when a session will become full. If a session fills up, we recommend joining the waitlist, where we will contact you if a spot is available.

How can we obtain information regarding our Girl Scout’s program for the session? toggle arrow

The session name/theme, dates, and your balance information can be found by logging into your CampBrain account. More detailed information about transportation, packing lists, camp policies and procedures, etc. will be sent to you in your Sleepaway Summer Camp Confirmation Packet in early May, or upon your initial registration. Please read this confirmation packet thoroughly prior to your Girl Scout's arrival to camp.

I still need help/don’t understand! What do I do? toggle arrow

If you have any questions or need anything clarified, please contact the Camp Registrar at (332) 323-7767 or e-mail campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org. We are happy to help and will get back to you as soon as possible!

Camp Safety & Experience

Can my Girl Scout bunk with her friends? toggle arrow

Some Girl Scouts come to sleepaway camp individually, some come with their best friend, some with their siblings, and others come with their troop. Our aim is to give Girl Scouts new experiences and for them to make new friends.

Each Girl Scout can choose one camp buddy, if requested beforehand via the Camper Information form on CampBrain (completed during the registration process). Both children must be registered for the same session, be the same Girl Scout level, and must request one another for camp to consider this accommodation request. If these parameters are met, we will do everything we can to ensure that your Girl Scouts are in the same cabin or at least part of the same Unit group.

Can I visit my Girl Scout while she is at camp? toggle arrow

No, you will not be able to visit your camper at camp. Our longest camp sessions are just six days, and all campers must return home on Fridays, so you’ll see them after each session! Additionally, we believe that with a strong community of peers, your camper will be able to have the best experience at camp.

If you wish to contact them, you’re invited to correspond with them via letters. We suggest mailing letters a week before your Girl Scouts session to ensure that they arrive while Girl Scouts are at camp.

Who is watching my camper? What are their qualifications? toggle arrow

We staff at a 1:8 ratio, providing consistent high-quality supervision at all times, day and night. Our staff is comprised of many confident, caring, capable, and driven individuals who want to make a difference in Girl Scouts’ lives.

Interviewed and hand selected by our Camp Director, each staff member also undergoes rigorous background and reference checks, as well as completing an extensive staff training program during our pre-season. This includes first aid certification, age-appropriate youth development, conflict resolution, and activity-specific certifications (high ropes, archery, etc.), and more.

Why do staff use “Camp Names"? toggle arrow

Using camp names is a long-standing tradition at Girl Scout camps, including Camp Kaufmann. It dates all the way back to Juliette Gordon Low, who was affectionately known as “Daisy” by the very first Girl Scouts. So don’t be surprised if your camper comes home talking about a counselor named “Bubbles” or “Sunshine”!

Camp names are a bit like a superhero’s cape and mask; they help staff step into their role as positive, energetic, and supportive leaders. Taking on a camp name encourages staff to embody the very best version of themselves, serving as strong role models and creating a fun, welcoming environment for every camper.

They also serve a practical purpose. In today’s social media-driven world, camp names provide an added layer of privacy and protection for both staff and campers. They help maintain appropriate boundaries, ensuring that relationships stay safely within the camp setting.

For campers, camp names add to the magic of the experience. Hearing a friendly, playful name can make staff feel more approachable and help ease any nerves about being in a new place, allowing campers to feel more comfortable, connected, and ready to fully enjoy camp life.

What are the sleeping arrangements? toggle arrow

Three-Day Campers (Brownies and Juniors) sleep in our Lake Houses. These houses have large bunk rooms as well as indoor bathrooms and showers. Six-Day Campers (Juniors-Ambassadors) will stay in one of our Outdoor Unit cabins. Bathrooms and showering facilities are separate from the cabins in a unit specific bath house.

All Brownies, Juniors, and Cadettes will always have a counselor sleeping in the same cabin to provide high-quality and engaged supervision. Seniors and Ambassadors sleep with a staff member in a neighboring cabin (within earshot).

How do you handle homesickness? How can I support my child before coming to camp to avoid homesickness? toggle arrow

Homesickness is natural and happens to many campers. We validate their feelings while encouraging program engagement and participation. Establishing a routine for campers is our primary goal as the more they feel connected to the community and engage with the activities, the less likely they are to be focused on homesickness. The Camp Team will notify caregivers if homesickness is severe or a concern.

It is important to note that experience and studies show that phone calls home or speaking with caregivers often makes homesickness worse. The best way to support your camper prior to their departure to camp is to avoid promises of pick-up and use language that assures them that you are confident in their abilities and proud of them for growing these new, independent skills. Caregiver anxieties are normal, but refrain from sharing these feelings or worries with your child. Contact the Camp Director directly to discuss these feelings or support strategies further.

What happens if my camper gets sick? How does the camp maintain a healthy environment? toggle arrow

On the first day of camp, all campers will be screened to ensure they do not have lice, a fever, or any contagious illnesses. If a camper does have any of these, they will not be permitted to stay at camp. The caregiver(s) will be contacted immediately, and arrangements must be made for same-day pick-up of the camper; please have a plan in place for your Girl Scout if this occurs. Once the issue has been treated and the camper is symptom/issue-free for 24 hours, they may return to camp.

Minor illnesses and injuries that occur at camp will be treated by the Camp Nurse at our Health Center. Care will be provided based on your child’s medical forms and authorizations. Caregivers will be notified as needed or if the injury/illness is noteworthy. All visits to the Camp Health Center are documented in our medical logs and added to Camper Care Plan files.

If any additional care is required, such as a visit to the hospital, urgent care, or a doctor, caregivers will be informed immediately. Sick or injured campers for whom advanced medical care is not necessary, but who cannot safely or comfortably continue in the camp program, must be picked up from camp by an authorized adult within 12 hours of being contacted. If campers need to be held for observation and care overnight, there is a sick camper/isolation room that will be provided.

What medical staff are on site during Summer Sleepaway Camp? toggle arrow

We always have a registered nurse Health Director on site as well as additionally scheduled Camp Nurses that is able to attend to camper’s illnesses or injuries. Additionally, all members of our staff are first aid and CPR/AED certified to handle minor scrapes and bruises as well as quickly address a variety of emergencies.

What if I’m unable to send my Girl Scout to camp due to an emergency? Who do I contact in an emergency? toggle arrow

Please email campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org to let us know as soon as possible. Details and accommodations will be decided on a case-by-case basis.

If an emergency occurs while your child is at camp, contact the Camp Director at (917) 679-8240.

Ccomplete these important forms before you visit camp!

Learn about Camp Kaufmann's various sleeping arrangements.

Helpful info on how to prepare for your sleepaway camp experience.

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Camp Readiness Quiz

Not sure if your Girl Scout is ready for sleepaway camp? Take our quiz!

LEARN MORE

Green Angel Memorial

Purchase a commemorative paver at Camp Kaufmann.

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