Fun is always in season at Camp Kaufmann!

Camp Kaufmann is currently closed for all visitors through at least Spring 2021. Currently, we are only offering virtual programming – see below for more information.

About Camp Kaufmann

Located 75 miles north of New York City in Dutchess County, Camp Kaufmann stretches over 425 acres and features a lake, an archery range, a pool, hiking trails, a frog pond, a butterfly garden, an organic garden and greenhouse, and rope challenge courses.

Each year, our camp welcomes more than 5,000 New York City Girl Scouts. A distinguishing feature of Camp Kaufmann is that it brings together girls from diverse backgrounds – some of which have never left their own borough, let alone experienced camp. Camp Kaufmann is owned and operated by the Girl Scouts of Greater New York, and is fully accredited by the American Camp Association.

"At camp I learned that you can be who you want to be and you don’t have to follow other people all the time" – Brownie Girl Scout

Winter 2021 Programing

This new year we are excited to continue to bring an all virtual experience each week. While we can’t be together in person, we will bring the outdoors to you through fun and innovative programming for all age levels. All events will be held on Zoom.

While we are unsure when Camp will be open for in person programming, we will continue to offer virtual programming in 2021.

All events will be on Tuesdays at 6pm*. See dates below.

Week One: Campfire Singalong

What's a better way to bring camp to you than through a virtual campfire? Join camp staff and volunteers to sing your favorite camp songs, read stories, and learn about camp traditions with the whole family.
Dates offered: February 2, March 2, April 6, May 4. (6–7pm)
For all ages
Don’t forget to follow along with our Campfire Sing-A-Long Book!

Week Two: CIT Night

CITs are an integral part of our Camp Kaufmann community, and we are excited to launch our new training program. Each month, girls in 10th grade and above will learn about how camp runs, how to interact with younger Girl Scouts, and more! By the end of these sessions, girls will be ready to be CITs when camp is able to open safely.
The 2021 CIT Program is no longer taking applicants. For more information on the program, please email Carolyn Brown.

Week Three: Leaders Learning Together

We will focus on how troop leaders from Daisy to Cadette levels can incorporate the outdoors into their troop meetings. Topics include, but are not limited to bringing nature online, teambuilding games and facilitation techniques. We also want to hear from you! If you have a topic related to camp/the outdoors you need help implementing with your troop, please email Camp Kaufmann.
For Troop Leaders from Daisies to Cadettes

Week Four: Special Event Series

Each month we will be offering a special event—from guest speakers to game nights and more! Each event will be all ages and family friendly. Specific information on each event will be shared at least two weeks before it is scheduled to take place.

Come to Camp Kaufmann

There are lots of ways for you and girls to enjoy the outdoors. No matter the length of your experience, girls will certainly benefit from it. They can try new things, build team-building skills, meet new friends, feel a connection to the natural world, and enjoy the fresh air.

Living in an amazing city like New York can provide so many unique opportunities, but sometimes you need to break out of the concrete jungle and enjoy the benefits of the outdoors.

Click below to explore the different opportunities to come to Camp Kaufmann. Whether you’re interested in a Day Trip, Summer Sleep Away Camp, or everything in between, Camp Kaufmann has something for every girl!

Troop Camping

Troop Camping is a weekend experience for up to 72 hours in duration, planned and carried out by a troop at camp. The troop leaders reserve housing at camp, plan for meals (buys, brings or orders her food) and plans all activities on their own (bringing their own supplies). Arrival window time on Fridays is between 5pm – 10pm and departure time is on Sunday at 10:00am.

Adults attending will need to ensure they are at the Girl Scout ratio and meet the necessary Camp Certifications.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Troop Camping has a 3 outdoor classroom maximum per unit. Outdoor Classroom requests must be submitted 30 days prior to your camping weekend. They are approved by the Camp Director two weeks prior to your camping trip, which will include a designated time slot available. There is limited availability and Outdoor Classroom booking depends on certified staff availability and weather. Troops are grouped together to meet a minimum ratio and for Girl Scout troops to get to know new Girl Scout friends.

Theme Weekends

Theme Weekends are for Girl Scouts of all ages and their troop leaders. Meals and programming are provided by camp staff.

Theme weekends are a great opportunity to come to camp in a smaller group, while still given the opportunity to bond with sister Girl Scouts. Girls will earn badges, explore camp, and more! Girls sign up for these events individually (not per troop). Troops are welcome to come, however girls will still need to be registered in an individual basis.

Adults attending will need to ensure they are at the Girl Scout ratio and meet the necessary Camp Certifications.

Day Trips

Day trips provide Girl Scouts to opportunity to visit camp for the day and earn outdoor themed badges while enjoying everything Camp Kaufmann has to offer. Day Trips are $35 per person and run from 10am – 4pm. Girls sign up for these events individually (not per troop). Troops are welcome to come, however girls will still need to be registered on an individual basis.

Adults must also purchase a ticket for these events, however no certifications are required to attend day trips. Groups coming must meet the Girl Scout ratios. All day trips include lunch, an afternoon snack, all badge materials, and a fun patch.

Summer Sleep Away Camp

Summer Sleep Away Camp is all about making everlasting memories with new friends! In the past we offered weekend experiences for girls and their caregivers. However, research has shown that girls who participate in a sleepaway program rather than a weekend program report more opportunities to become a leader, show a greater sense of self, and are more willing to take on a challenge*.

Campers in grades 2 – 12 have the opportunity to select themed programs that range from 3 days to 2 weeks. Our program gives girls the chance to try new things in a safe and supportive community. There is a special magic that exists in the woods and in building camp traditions. Campers will earn badges and enjoy camp amenities such as:

Ziplining*
High ropes course*
Low ropes course
Swimming in the pool
Row boating on Lake Carola
Canoeing on Lake Carola
Archery*
Theater & performing arts pavilion
Campfires and s’mores
Vegetable garden
Butterfly garden
Frog pond
Environmental science activities
Hiking trails
Basketball court
Soccer
Volleyball
Stargazing

*Available for Juniors and up

All of this is a part of an amazing summer experience at Camp Kaufmann. We hope you join us in giving girls a variety of experiences that acclimate them to the natural world.

We are so excited for Summer 2021!

*More Than S'mores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts' Outdoor Experiences (2014)

Camp Resources:

For more information, please contact Carolyn Brown.

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