Troop Camping

Experience the ultimate outdoor adventure with your Girl Scout troop! Troop Camping at Camp Kaufmann is the perfect opportunity to bond, build skills, and explore nature together. Whether you're staying for one night or two, your troop will enjoy planning meals and creating your own outdoor fun.

Recommended for all Girl Scout levels, Troop Camping typically runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday morning, where you'll stay in camp lodging and enjoy all that the property has to offer. Troops are responsible for planning their own meals and programming, with the option to add on up to two camp staff-led Outdoor Classrooms.

Learn more about how to plan your Troop Camping experience below, and don’t forget to complete the required volunteer trainings before your visit!

Registration

How do I register for Troop Camping? toggle arrow

To register your troop for Troop Camping, log in to CampBrain. If this is your first time using CampBrain, you will need to create an account.

Select “Troop Camping [Season]” to view the weekends that are currently open for registration, then follow the steps below:

Select Dates.
Select Cabins.
Complete all required forms.
Pay and Confirm.

To reserve your space at camp, a $100 deposit is required at the time of registration. The remaining balance must be paid at least two weeks prior to your camp session. Failure to pay the balance may result in the forfeiture of your registration.

Requests for Outdoor Classrooms must be made via the Troop Camping Confirmation Form no later than three (3) weeks prior to your camping trip.

Approval from the Camp Director, pending weather conditions and staff availability, and confirmation by the Camp Registrar will be sent no later than one (1) week prior to your camping trip.

Troop Camping takes place from Friday at 5:00 PM to Sunday at 11:00 AM.

What is the cost of Troop Camping? toggle arrow

Pricing is determined by the number of houses/units booked. Additional costs apply for camp staff-led Outdoor Classroom activities.

The Lake Houses cost $360 for up to 19-20 campers for the weekend. Outdoor Units vary in price, ranging from $330 to $420 depending on the unit capacity and unit type. For more information on unit pricing, check out our Lodging page.

Outdoor Classroom prices are based on staff requirements and program length, but generally run between $3 to $25 per participant. Learn more about program offerings and pricing on our Outdoor Classrooms page.

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

For Troop Camping, financial aid may be requested by sending an email to campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org. Once approved, you will be provided with next step instructions to complete your registration.

Can I use Cookie Credits to book Troop Camping? toggle arrow

No, cookie credits can only be used for Day & Overnight Trips and Summer Sleepaway Camp. If you have cookie credits available and would like to use them towards one of these camp experiences, please e-mail us at campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Can a spot for Troop Camping be reserved prior to submitting a registration form and deposit? toggle arrow

Spots cannot be reserved prior to submitting a form and deposit, but there are a few ways to increase the likelihood of getting a preferred date:

Check the CampBrain website often in case of a cancellation.
Make sure that your application is filled out completely with your deposit. Incomplete applications and/or applications with insufficient funds will be returned without reserving your space at camp.
Please keep in mind that what is open today may be closed tomorrow. There is no way to guarantee that a house will still be open by the time we receive the reservation.
Keep us informed! If you need extra days or time to complete your registration, be sure to email us at campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Can I cancel my reservation or replace a Girl Scout who cannot attend with another Girl Scout? Can my deposit be transferred? toggle arrow

Requests for refunds less than two weeks before your trip due to medical circumstances will be reviewed and will be at the Camp Leadership Team's discretion. No refunds will be given for campers arriving late, leaving early, or attending only a portion of the program for any reason.

To replace a registered Girl Scout for your Troop Camping weekend, we ask that you send an updated roster as soon as possible to campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org. Please make sure any additional attendees have completed all waivers and paperwork.

Deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable.

Who do I contact if I have issues with my registration? toggle arrow

Please email campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org.

What is the registration deadline for troop camping? toggle arrow

Registration for troop camping closes on the Monday three weeks before the start of the camping weekend.

For example: if you plan to go camping the weekend of Friday, April 10, your troop would need to register by Monday, March 23.

Preparation

What training do I need as a troop leader for Troop Camping? toggle arrow

Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out

Troop leaders are required to complete this training before taking Girl Scouts on ANY overnight trip. This includes to Camp Kaufmann, a hotel or Airbnb, museum, church, school, or anywhere else Girl Scouts will be staying overnight. This training can be completed online via the gsLearn platform, accessible through your MyGS account.

If visiting Camp Kaufmann, this training clears troop leaders to bring Girl Scouts overnight for an Overnight Theme weekend, or a Troop Camping weekend in a Lake House.

This training does NOT certify troop leaders to use a firepit or fireplace. To visit Camp Kaufmann for more than one night, and/or to lodge in an Outdoor Unit or the Hillcrest Lake House Unit—all of which require outdoor cooking skills—troop leaders must ALSO complete the Overnight Adventures: Camp Out training.

Overnight Adventures: Camp Out

Troop leaders are required to complete this training before taking Girl Scouts on a multi-night Troop Camping experience in one of Camp Kaufmann's Outdoors Units or the Hillcrest Lake House Unit.

This training prepares leaders for experiences specific to these lodgings, including fire-building, tent camping, meal planning, outdoor cooking, packing essentials, and safety.

How can I complete this training?

Volunteers must complete Overnight Adventures: Sleep Out before attending the Camp Out training. The Sleep Out training may be completed online via the gsLearn platform, accessible through your MyGS account.

Overnight Adventures: Camp Out is offered as an in-person, weekend experience at Camp Kaufmann. Visit the gsEvents catalog to find an upcoming training session!

First Aid/CPR Certification

Troop leaders are required to complete this training before taking Girl Scouts on any overnight trip, including to Camp Kaufmann.

At least one adult with First Aid and CPR certification must accompany the troop. Through these trainings, you will learn how to identify and care for a variety of medical emergencies and administer appropriate CPR measures for adults, children, and infants.

Upon completing your chosen course, email a copy of your validation card to customercare@girlscoutsnyc.org with the subject line "First Aid and CPR Certification". Additionally, GSGNY periodically offers training opportunities throughout the year. Check the gsEvents catalog to sign up for an upcoming session.

What paperwork needs to be completed before participating in Troop Camping? toggle arrow

All adults must sign and turn in the following waivers and agreements on behalf of themselves and any minors in their care. These forms should be completed for each camper; however, siblings may be included on the same form.

These forms MUST be shared with your Girl Scouts and their caregivers PRIOR to your camping trip and must be completed by each Girl Scouts Guardian/Caregiver. Troop Leaders will collect all forms for their troop and either email them to Camp Kaufmann before the camping weekend, or provide them in person at check-in.

For Troop Camping, troop leaders should collect the following from each camper and keep these forms with them for the duration of the trip:

Girl Scout Health & Safety Record
Medical Authorization Form (if applicable)

The following forms must be completed for all participants, youth or adult:

Can I book a charter bus/van for my troop to travel to camp? toggle arrow

Yes, you may book a charter bus to travel to camp with the approval of council. Additionally, you must let the camp leadership team know prior to your weekend at camp. Troop Leaders must complete the Troop Trip/Activity Application for any troop trip. Troops only need "approval" for trips to Camp Kaufmann if they are booking a charter bus for transportation purposes. If you are not booking a charter bus, approval is not required but you still need to fill out this form.

As of 10/1/2023, GSUSA has dictated that troop leaders and volunteers may not sign contracts for charters, even if there is no cost. Submit your contract via the Troop Trip/Activity Application to request approval and signature by council.

Do I or my Girl Scout need to have participated in a Day Trip before attending Troop Camping? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts do not need to have attended a Day Trip to participate in Troop Camping. However, Day Trips allow Girl Scouts to embark on a shorter outdoor adventure and are a great way to see what camp all is about, especially for someone who might not be ready for an overnight experience.

After a Day Trip, many Girl Scouts are even more excited to participate in Troop Camping!

What if it rains during my Troop Camping weekend? toggle arrow

Girl Scouting is rain or shine! Camp Kaufmann offers many indoor activities, such as an in-house campfire, arts and crafts, and games. Many activities can still take place in light rain if there is no thunder or lightning. The Camp team will modify activities and schedules or offer alternatives as needed to ensure a positive experience.

Should conditions be forecasted as severe or unsafe, Camp staff will notify troop leaders, caregivers, and campers of any weather-related cancellations or postponements by 3 PM the Friday before your designated arrival.

Are you able accommodate Girl Scouts with special needs or accommodations? toggle arrow

Our ability to accommodate various needs is determined on a cases by case basis. If your Girl Scout requires specific accommodations, please email us at campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org.

Programs & Facilities

What do the Lake Houses have? What do they look like? toggle arrow

The Lake Houses have a kitchen area equipped with a refrigerator, stove, basic cooking supplies, a 5-gallon jug of water, three folding tables, and chairs. There are two single-person restrooms with flush toilets and showers, and the bedrooms have a combination of bunks and single beds.

All lodging units and houses provide dish soap, sponges, mop and bucket, dustpan and broom, potholders, and other basic cleaning supplies.

To learn more about our lodging options and to take a virtual tour, check out Camp Kaufmann Lodging.

Are meals provided for Troop Camping? toggle arrow

Troops are responsible for planning and preparing their own meals. Here are two options:

Bring Your Own Groceries: Food should be packed in boxes—not shopping bags—and wrapped in plastic. Once you arrive in the parking lot, you can transfer groceries to your House/Units luggage wagon, which will be brought to your unit.
Instacart Grocery Delivery: Order online and the groceries will arrive at camp ahead of you. Please follow these steps:
- When placing your order, be sure to include the name of the unit you're staying in and clear instructions for the delivery driver to REMAIN in the camp parking lot and call the Camp Registrar at (332) 323-7767.
- Email your order confirmation to campkaufmann@girlscoutsnyc.org at least 72 hours before your arrival.
- Your order MUST contain the name of the unit you are staying in and clear instructions for the delivery driver—this will help us get the order to the right troop. All deliveries should arrive Friday afternoon between 12:00 and 4:00 PM.

Can we use our own camp stoves to cook at camp? toggle arrow

Yes, while following these important safety guidelines. All camp stove cooking must take place at least 10 feet away from tents, cabins, or any structures and must be actively monitored at all times. Each outdoor unit has a designated lock box where camp stove fuel must be stored when not in use.

When using a camp stove, leaders must choose a well-ventilated cooking area away from flammable materials, set the stove up on a stable, flat surface, and inspect fuel connections and check for leaks before lighting. Never leave a lit stove unattended and always read and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

Can we build our own campfires? toggle arrow

Yes, with a Camp Out Training Certification. However, during the New York State Burn Ban (March 16–May 14 annually), open burning of brush, leaves, and yard debris is prohibited to reduce wildfire risk.

At Camp Kaufmann, outdoor cooking fires and campfires will still be permitted only in designated fire pits or program shelters at houses and outdoor units, in accordance with state regulations. All fires must be no more than 3 feet high and 4 feet in length and may only use clean, untreated wood (firewood is provided at your house/unit). Fires must be actively supervised at all times, fully extinguished after use, and must never involve burning brush or leaves. Camp staff reserve the right to restrict fires further if weather conditions or safety concerns require it.

What are Outdoor Classrooms? toggle arrow

Outdoor Classrooms are special camp activities led by our certified staff, designed to enhance your troop camping experience. Troops may choose to add up to two Outdoor Classrooms (plus an evening activity such as Night Hike or Campfire) for an additional fee.

Outdoor Classroom requests are submitted on your Troop Camping registration via an online form and must be completed at least three weeks before your Troop Camping weekend. Requests will be approved by the camp staff prior to your camping trip, pending weather conditions and staff availability.

Please note that troops may be grouped together for Outdoor Classroom experiences.

How many Outdoor Classrooms can I add? toggle arrow

Outdoor Classrooms are limited to a maximum of TWO per unit—with the exception of Campfire or Night Hike, which may be a third.

Outdoor Classroom requests must be submitted via your Troop Camping Confirmation Form at least three weeks before your camping weekend. They will then be approved by the Camp Director and confirmed by the Camp Registrar one to two weeks prior to your camping trip. Please note that troops may be grouped together for Outdoor Classroom experiences.

What free activities are available during Troop Camping? toggle arrow

We have a playground, hiking trails, free play equipment (frisbees, balls, hula hoops, etc.), basketball court, select art supplies, and requestable activity kits (such as tie-dye, pie irons, bracelet-making materials, board games, card games, etc.) available for you, free of charge!

Please let us know if you are interested in these items, ideally by the Thursday before your Troop Camping weekend, so that we can have these activities available for you. All items must be requested, signed out, and then returned before the end of your troop camping weekend.

Is there a pool at camp? When is the pool open? toggle arrow

The pool at Camp Kaufmann is only open in the summer and is used strictly for summer sleepaway camp.

Learn about Camp Kaufmann's various sleeping arrangements.

Discover our Outdoor Classrooms, including archery, ziplining, and more!

Helpful info on how to prepare for your troop camping experience.

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Purchase a commemorative paver at Camp Kaufmann.

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