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Activity Planning

Planning Twilight Camp activities is fun and rewarding.  We usually have four activities at each site, each one 30-45 minutes in length. The links below open planning worksheets to help you think through the steps needed to prepare an activity before camp.

To work on an activity:

1. Click the link belowto open the Activity Planning Worksheet for your activity

2. Click Edit Document > Edit in Browser in the title bar to make changes

Site 5 | Lakeview | History | Claire Roth

• Airplanes

• Johnny Cakes

• Obstacle Course

• Water Rockets

Site 4 | Trailside | Mysteries | Risa Barte, Kathryn Fleming-Sumsky

• Geocaching

• Memory Game

• Morse Code Bracelets

• Tea Party

Site 3 | Big Oak |Adventure | Heidi Huffman

• Archery

• Brush Bots

• Garden Globes

• Snow Cones

Site 2 | Hilltop | Fantasy | Amber Smith

• Bead Necklaces

• Fencing

• Honey Biscuits

• Magic

WHAT TO BRING TO CAMP

Everything must fit in a backpack that you can carry. Drawstring bags are NOT reccomended. You are responsible for carrying your own backpack.

• Brown Bag dinner

• Reusable water bottle REQUIRED.

• Sturdy, closed-toe shoes with socks (we walk a lot)

• Camp T-shirt (you’ll receive it on Monday)

• Swimsuit (wear as underwear under clothes, then change after swimming)

• Underwear to change into after swimming.

• Beach towel

• Insect repellent & sunscreen (apply at home before camp)

• Rain gear (camp is held rain or shine)

• Hat with brim or sunglasses (recommended)

• Jacket or hoodie (depending on weather) (optional)

• Something waterproof to "sit-upon" (optional)

• Bandana (hair holder, treasure keeper) (optional)

DO NOT BRING: Flip-flops, sandals, cash, tablets or other electronics, toys, trading cards or similar items.

OLDER GIRL CAMPFIRE

Caddies and Campers entering 6th or 7th grade are invited to join us for a pizza party/campfire on Thursday 8:00 - 11:00 pm.  We'll hang out, share memories of camp, and brainstorm ideas for next year. Cost is $5.  To RSVP:

• Online - Campfire Permission Slip Online - Complete, and send $5 to camp. Make checks out to "Girl Scouts", OR

• Print - Campfire Flyer (PDF) - Print, sign, and bring to camp, along with $5. Turn in at Caddie Corner

Can't get $5 to camp by 2:00? No worries, sign her up, we'll follow up after camp.

Sunday Caddie Training

Times are approximate . . . if we can start Leadership Training sooner, we will. We want to have plenty of time to cover Unit Logistics, especially Safey, Behavior, and First Aid.

2:00 pm - Sign In, Early Arrival 

• • Caddie Packet (PDF)

2:30 pm - Icebreakers, Songs 

• Camp Song Book (PDF)

3:00 pm - Leadership Training (3 groups)

• • Assistant Caddie (PDF)

  • Leadership Skills (PDF)

  • Senior Caddie (PDF)

3:30 pm - Unit Logistics (4 groups round-robin) 

• • Flag Ceremonies (PDF)

  • First Aid (PDF)

  • Ceremony Circle (PDF)

  • Safety, Swimming, and Buddy System (PDF)

  • Behavior Management (PDF)

5:00 pm - Dinner @ HQ. Volunteers welcome

5:30 pm - Camp Tour/Site Activities 

7:50 pm - Rally at HQ and Wrap Up 

WEEKLY SCHEDULE

DAILY SCHEDULE

Once girls check in they'll spend the day in one of the themed Program Sites (picnic shelters). We'll do crafts and games, outdoor activities, and swime each day.

1:45 pm: Camper Check-In at the Ceremony Circle

2:00 pm: Opening Flag Ceremony, Announcements

2:15 pm: Program Site, Activities for the Day

7:15 pm: Closing Ceremonies

7:45 pm: Sign out and Camper pick-up.

Parents/Caregivers are invited to join us at 7:15 pm for closing.

LATE / EARLY / ABSENT

• Absence: Email info@twilghtcamp.org if you will be absent.

• Late Arrival: Check in at Headquarters (main shelter) and we’ll escort you to your Unit.

• Early Departure: Inform your Caddies at check-in, they'll bring you to HQ to sign out
  
  

ARRIVING AT LAKE MINNEWASHTA

• Parking: Park in the large gravel lot in front of Headquarters (main shelter)

• Campers: Check in at the Ceremony Circle. Look for the sign with your camper's Unit number.

• Siblings: Check in at Sibling Care near the Volleyball Court at the main shelter

• Volunteers: Check in your children first, then sign yourself in at Headquarters.

• Sign Out: Sign your Camper out at the Ceremony Circle after closing flag ceremonies.

MOBILE PHONES

Campers may not use a phone during camp - please power it down and store it in your backpack. Campers should NOT contact parents directly from camp. Inform your Caddies if you need anything, they’ll let Headquarters know and Headquarters staff will contact parents.

NEW BRIGHTON BUS

Meet at the Highview Middle School bus parking lot (near the sports fields). We'll travel together to Lake Minnewashta Park and return in the evening. Questions? Contact Megan Grommes.

Highview Middle School

2300 7th St NW, New Brighton, MN 55112
Drop-Off: 12:30 pm

Pick-Up: 8:30 pm

SNACK INGREDIENTS

SITE 2 | FANTASY | Honey Biscuits

Buttermilk Biscuits (Essential Everyday, Cub)

Gluten Free Dough Balls (GF alternative)

Canola Oil Non-stick Spray (Good & Gather)

Heavy Whipping Cream (Good & Gather)

Country Crock Plant Butter (Dairy free alternative)

Honey (clover, Good & Gather)

SITE 3 | ADVENTURE | Sno Cones & Crackers

Penguin Crackers (similar to Goldfish)

Star Puffed Cheddar Crackers (GF alternative)

Sno Cone Syrup (Cane sugar-based syrup)

SITE 4 | MYSTERY | Tea Party Snack

Pretzel Crisps (Snack Factory)

Gluten-Free Pretzel Crisps (Snack Factory, GF alternative)

Fudge Stripe Cookies (Aldi brand, Dairy/Egg/Nut free)

Goodie Girl Fudge Striped Cookies (GF alternative)

Lemonade (Country Time, mixed from powder)

SITE 5 | HISTORY | Johnny Cakes

Cornmeal (Quaker or Essential Everyday)

Crisco Shortening (Butter flavor, dairy free)

Salt

Sugar

MEDICATION, FIRST AID, BEHAVIOR, AND WEATHER

• Scheduled Medications (Prescriptions, Insulin, etc.) - Bring medications that need to be administered at camp to the First Aid station. Caddies will escort her to First Aid when it’s time to dispense her meds.

• Inhaler, Epi Pen, As-Needed (PRN) Medications - Turn in to the Unit Caddies at check in. It'll be stored in an emergency kit that's kept with the unit at all times. Campers may carry their inhalers on their person, inform the Caddies accordingly.

• First Aid and Safety - A certified First Aid volunteer is on-site to provide care for minor accidents, injuries, and illnesses. In an emergency we will notify primary caregivers, then emergency contacts. Activities follow Girl Scouts Safety Checkpoints.

• Behavior - Campers must follow the Girl Scout Promise and Law, treating everyone with kindness, helpfulness, and respect. If a camper is unable to do so, we will ask for her to be picked up early and may have her miss the remainder of that day or the rest of camp.

• Weather - Camp happens rain or shine! Activities continue during rain, with a temporary halt for short-lived thunderstorms, utilizing park shelters.  In the event of extreme weather, we will end camp early and communicate with parents and emergency contacts with further instructions.

• Illness - Girl Scouts encourages up-to-date reccomended vaccinations for all participants. Do not send your child to camp if they are ill, we will have you pick her up if she’s sick. Please conduct a daily health check for symptoms like fever, respiratory issues, or gastrointestinal distress before camp.

• Sign Out - You MUST sign your camper out, so we know you have her. Please convey this to anyone who may pick her up.

VOLUNTEER INFORMATION

Thank you for volunteering at Twilight Camp!  We couldn't make this camp happen without parents and caregivers helping deliver it!

• Volunteer Guide: Please review the Volunteer Guide (PDF), especially pages 1-4 (and pages 5-7 if you’re a Unit Guide). 

• Volunteer Orientation Video: If you’d prefer, watch this 15-minute video on YouTube, it has the same info as the guide. 

• Open Volunteer Spots: We still have spots open. Please check the Twilight Camp 2024 SignUp Genius for additional volunteer opportunities

Please email info@twilightcamp.org if you’d like a printed copy of the PDF or have any other questions. We are looking forward to a great week at camp!

FOR CADDIES ONLY

ADDITIONAL DATES AND TIMES

• SUN July 21 2:00 – 8:00 pm: Older Girl Training (Mandatory) - Join us at Lake Minnewashta Park for camp preparation, leadership training, and a chance to meet other Caddies in your Unit team. Bring yourself and a reusable water bottle. Dinner is provided.  UPDATE - We are moving start time to 2:00 pm on Sunday.

• MON July 22 1:30 pm:  Twilight Camp!  Caddie sign-in is 1:30 pm on Monday, 1:45 Tuesday - Thursday.

• THU July 25 8:00 – 10:00 pm: Older Girl Pizza Party and Campfire - We'll celebrate the end of camp with a pizza party and campfire. Cost is $5, will have details and permission slips onh Sinday

• THU July 25 10:00 pm: Older Girl Campout - Tentative campout and overnight, if we have enough chaperones. Cost is an additional $5 for the overnight.

CADDIE CHECK-IN

• Caddie Sign-in 1:30 pm: Sign in at Caddie Corner (picnic table near the grill) by 1:30 pm

• Driving: Speed limit is 20 MPH. Park your car in the large gravel lot in front of Headquarters

• Sign-Out: Camp concludes at 7:45 p.m., but Caddies remain until Campers are signed out. 

• New Brighton Caddies: If you're coming down on the bus from New Brighton we'll help your unit and make sure you leave on time

CAMPFIRE/CAMPOUT THURSDAY

We have a celebration campfire on Thursday for girls in 6th grade and older. A Caddie Campout is also on Thursday. You’ll receive a flyer with additional details and can sign up at training on Sunday, July 16. If you stay for the campout you must set up your tent by 1:30 on Thursday before the Opening Ceremonies.

SILVER/GOLD RECOGNITION

If you earned your Silver, or Gold Award in the past year, we’d like to recognize your accomplishment at an Awards Ceremony during Twilight Camp. If you earned a higher award since August 1 2023, let Katie know at camp, or email info@twilightcamp.org.

Registration Closed

Registration for Twilight Camp 2023 is now closed. We'll send out additional information (details on schedule, what to bring, etc.) to everyone registered in mid-June. We'll see you at Twilight Camp!

2023 Adult Volunteers

Thanks for volunteering at Twilight Camp! Please sign up for a specific assignment at the Adult Volunteer Sign-Up Genius Form.  Let us know if you have questions about what each spot entails.  We’ve got a 15 minute video and a printable PDF that summarizes Twilight Camp and what’s involved with volunteering. Please take 15 minutes this week and review them (if nothing else, watch the video):

Printable Guide: Twilight Camp Volunteer Guide (PDF)

Daily Schedule

Here's a typical day at Twilight Camp. Girls arrive in the day camp and check in, then spend the day in one of the themed "Sites" (picnic shelter). We'll typically do several outdoor games, STEM activities, crafts, or woodcraft activities each day. She'll also go swimming and spend time together with other girls in her Unit.

        1:45 pm Check-In

        2:00 pm Opening

        2:15 pm Round-Robin Site Activities

        7:00 pm Walk to Ceremony Circle

        7:15 pm Closing Ceremonies

        7:45 pm Camp Dismissed

She'll need a backpack with a bag lunch, good walking shoes, a water bottle, and to be ready for a great time!

2023 Adult Volunteers

Thanks for volunteering at Twilight Camp! Please sign up for a specific assignment at the Adult Volunteer Sign-Up Genius Form.  Let us know if you have questions about what each spot entails.  We’ve got a 15 minute video and a printable PDF that summarizes Twilight Camp and what’s involved with volunteering. Please take 15 minutes this week and review them (if nothing else, watch the video):

• Twilight Camp Volunteer Orientation Video

• Twilight Camp Volunteer Guide (PDF)

Caddie Training Sunday

Training for Caddies is mandatory on Sunday July 17th.  Meet at Lake Minnewashta Park.

• Caddie Packet (PDF)

3:00 pm Games/Icebreakers

3:30 pm Leadership Training

4:00 pm Unit Logistics

5:30 pm Dinner

6:00 pm Site Activities and Camp Tour

8:00 pm Dismissal

Activity Station Planning Help Needed

Have an idea or know someone?  We'd love your and input. 

We're planning activities now for our four programming areas.  Want to help plan a station?  Or do you know an outside expert?  Or just share a contact?  Email us at info@twilightcamp.org, we'll connect you with one of the program areas

Bring-a-Friend

Campers, invite a friend who isn't a Girl Scout to camp!

Girls entering grades 1-6 can invite a non-Girl Scout girl friend who is new to Girl Scouts and in the same grade to Twilight Camp.  We’ll make every effort to place them in the same Unit.  This is a great way to try out Girl Scouts!  Have the friend register as a camper and indicate the Girl Scout who invited her.  Be sure to list the other girl as a placement request when you register (there's a spot for the other girl's name on the form).  Current and past Girl Scouts must be registered with GSUSA. Contact the local River Valleys council at 800.845.0787 if you need to renew your membership or check your status.

Cancellation and Refund Policy

Cancellation Policy: We hate to have her miss camp!  Late arrival/early departure is an option, email us to discuss.  Otherwise submit camp cancellation requests via email to info@twilightcamp.org.  Registration fees will be refunded at 100% thru May 31st, and at 50% June 1 thru June 15th.  No refunds will be issued after June 15th.  Thank you for your understanding.

Questions?  Comments?  Ideas?  Email info@twilightcamp.org

Whew, thanks for reading all that!  Click below once you're ready!

Cookie Credits

Register now and get reimbursed, or wait until late April

"Cookie Credits" are sales rewards girls can opt in for instead of the award prizes, and can be used by Girl Scout Campers and Caddies toward camp fees.  Each credit is worth $5.00.  You can register now, paying for camp, and we will reimburse you $5.00/cookie credit when they arrive from Council.  Email info@twilightcamp.org with questions.

Q: This seems like an extra step.  Can I just wait until I know how many Cookie Credits she earned?

A: Yes!  Cookie Credits arrive in April, Early Bird camp discount runs thru April 30th.  Just don’t forget!

Q: We're going to register now.  How will you reimburse me once I send in Cookie Credits?

A: We'll send you a check in June for the amount turned in.

Q: We're not using Cookie Credits - do I need to worry about this?

A: No, you can safely ignore it!  Go ahead and register now

Twilight Camp registration is now open!  Registration takes about 10 minutes, you'll need her health history and a method of payment. Early bird cost for campers (girls entering grades 1-6 and 7th graders participating as a camper) is $85 thru April 30.  For Caddies, early bird pricing is $45 - $10 depending on experience.  Sibling care is $20/day.  Financial aid is available,  All grades refer to the grade you are entering in fall 2019.  Early Bird Pricing ends at Midnight on April 30. Click here to register for camp.

Older Girl Campfire/Campout Thursday

Thursday evening we have our Older Girl campfire/pizza party,  and camp out. Girls entering 6th grade are invited to join us for the campfire, 8:00 - 10:00pm.  Cost is $5 for the campfire, $10.  Let Nick know (nickstillings@hotmail.com) if you will attend either.  Drop off your permission slip and money at the Caddie Corner table at camp.

Registration Closed

Registration for Twilight Camp 2023 is now closed. We'll send out additional information (details on schedule, what to bring, etc.) to everyone registered in mid-June. We'll see you at Twilight Camp!

Weather Update

• We may have a thunderstorm today.  We will wait to hear from the National Weather Service before doing anything like cancelling camp.  We need a Severe Thunderstorm Warning alert to do that and the camp directors will decide.  Otherwise camp happens rain or shine!

• Rain - Carry on!  Camp proceeds as usual - get out the rain gear!

• Thunder - Check with an adult at the Site.  Thunder can be up to 30 miles away, we may carry on, or take shelter

  • Lightning/Thunderstorm -   Remain calm.  Walk.  Thunderstorms are usually short duration.  Go to the nearest shelter to continue on with camp activities.  

    • Sites -  Everyone should go to the picnic shelters.

    • Trail – Move quickly to the nearest shelter

    • Beach - Everyone should get off or out of the water at the first sound of thunder.  If there is lightning, go into the boys and/or girls bathrooms.

• Severe Thunderstorm - If we have a Severe Thunderstorm we'll take additional shelter precautions.  We will be in contact with the Carver County Emergency Director to determine the storm's path and strength and decide on any additional course of action.

We will cancel camp today?

Not for rain.  Maybe for a thunderstorm.  We'll send a mass email/text after we check storm path and make the call.   DO NOT TXT/CALL YOUR CAMPER.  It's fine to communicate with the Camp Director Lisa (612) 306-8523.  Please don't contact your camper directly or come into the park before we announce anything.  It creates confusion with parallel communication threads that makes it harder to manage the situation.  We'll txt/email and post to Twitter (@nstwilightcamp, https://twitter.com/nstwilightcamp) and Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/NSTwilightCamp).  We're Girl Scouts, we have shelter, we have rain gear!  We'll be fine!

Daily Site Schedules

Tap below to see the detailed schedule for that site

Thursday Night Campfire & Camp Out

Join us for the campfire and camp out on Thursday Night.  The campfire & pizza party will go from 8:00 pm - 10:00 pm, 6th grade campers are invited to join us.  The overnight camp-out is for girls entering 7th grade and older, at Site 5 (Headquarters) from 10:00 pm Thursday - 8:00 am Friday.  This is a really fun way to celebrate the end of camp.  Girls camping overnight must sign up for a tent below.

Who: Girls entering 6th grade and older (7th grade for overnight)

What: Pizza Party/Campfire and Overnight Camp out

When: Pizza Party/Campfire - Thursday 8:00pm - 10:00pm / Campout - Thursday 10:00pm - Friday 8:00am

Where: Site 5 (Headquarters). 

Cost: $5 for Pizza Party/Bonfire, additional $5 for overnight

Payment: Turn in payment and permission slip in an envelope with your name on it at the Caddie table or to Nick.  Make checks out to "Girl Scouts Northern Skies"

Older Girl Twilight Camp Wrap Party

Save the Date! New this year, we’re holding an Older Girl Twilight Camp Wrap Party.  Join us Thursday Aug 3rd for snacks, fellowship, and feedback.  We’ll swap stories, review what went well at camp, what we could improve, and brainstorm ideas for next year.  All Older Girls welcome!

WHO: Twilight Camp 2017 Unit and Programming Caddies

WHAT: Twilight in the North Woods Wrap Party

WHEN: Thursday, August 3rd, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

WHERE: Chaska Qdoba, 194 Pioneer Trail, Chaska, MN 55318 (Next to Culver’s)

WHY: Fun, Capture Learning, Ideas for 2018

COST: Free (we’ll buy chips/salsa/guac, anything else you’re on your own!)

RSVP: Email or txt Nick (nickstillings@hotmail.com, 612.865.9657) by Wed Aug 2nd

I'll post updated here each morning before camp (usually by 11:00 or so).  Have a great week, great weekend, and we'll see you at camp!

 Thursday Camp Out Tent Sign-up (Opens Sunday July 24)

Please sign up below if you will be camping overnight.  Girls should discuss who they want to tent with and sign up below no later than Tuesday.  You are expected to do this as a Girl Scout - with a big group like ours, there's a good chance someone may get left out while we're figuring out tents.  You are expected to be Considerate and Caring and make sure no one is left out or excluded.  

• • Are You Bringing A Tent?  If you are bringing a tent, sign up under the Personal Tents section of the table below.  Pick a tent size based on how many people will be sleeping in it.  Put the names of everyone sharing the tent in the same row.

  • Do You Need A Tent?  We have 2 person tents available.  Sign up, along with your tent mates, under the Girl Scout Tents section below.  Put the names of everyone sharing the tent in the same row.

  • Everything Else.  Email Nick at nickstillings@hotmail.com  if you have any questions or problems, or a special signup (if you have a three person tent or something) set up for your tent

Camp Registration Checklist 

You'll need to following for each person (Girl Scout, Volunteer, and Sibling Care brother/sister) you are registering for camp:  

• Health History - Insurance plan info, medications, allergies, immunization record

• Cookie Credits - If you are using one or more $5 Cookie Credits to pay for camp

• Volunteer Dates - The dates you can volunteer at camp

Financial Assistance - Apply Before Registering

Confidential financial aid is available to help pay for camp. Apply online at Girl Scouts of River Valley's website before registering. It typically takes 3-5 days to get approved; we'll send you a coupon code to use when you register.

1. Click here to apply online at River Valley's web site. 

2. Enter contact and caregiver information for your Girl Scout

3. Select Registration fee for a community/area or volunteer-led event or day camp

4. Enter the following:
   Name of Event: Twilight Camp
   Community/Area: Eastern Carver County
   Location: Lake Minnewashta Park
   Start Date and Time: 07-21-2025, 2:00 pm

5. The Twilight Camp Registration Fee is based on the grade your Girl Scout will be entering next fall and her experience as a Caddie. Enter the amount you can contribute, and the remainder you are asking for assistance with. The 2025 fees are:
   $95 for Campers grades entering 1-6 next fall
   $55 for new Assistant Caddies entering grade 7
   $35 for Caddies entering grades 8-9 (with 1 week's experience already)
   $20 for Senior Caddies entering grades 10-12

6. The River Valleys council will contact you via email and cc Twilight Camp with approval status.

7. We'll email you a code to use when you register.

 Dance Warehouse Audition Conflicts

If your are auditioning for a Performing Line at The Dance Warehouse, plan to leave check out of camp late afternoon so you can get ready to dance.  Remember - your unit is still depending on you for leadership, so you'll need to work it out with your other caddies as you'll miss closing ceremonies and possible swimming. 

 Tips:

• Offer to help as much as you can at check-in and the first few activities

• Watch the energy you expend swimming

• Don't schedule anything else for the morning on Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur - rest, hydrate, and recover, you will have a busy week!

Parents/Babysitters/Nannies/Guardians

It happens every year...you're running late so you ask your sitter/spouse/partner/older child to swing by camp and pick up your child. They pull into camp at 7:30, see the child standing by her friends, tell her to hop in, and take off...and she leaves without signing out.

• Site Volunteers (adults working at Site 3) are pre-approved to drive to their sites and park there after checking in

• Unit Guides (adults supervising a unit of Girl Scouts or siblings) should park in the Daily Volunteer parking lot by Site 2

• Everyone else - check in at Site 5/Camp Headquarters

  • Few helpful reminders:  First day check in is always stressful and chaotic.  Please be patient with us.  We will get your child where they need to be and get you where you need to be.  Issues will be addressed as soon as possible.  Don’t let bumps in the road get you down – we will resolve any issues as soon as possible.  Having a great time at camp is our priority.  

  • Picking your children up early: If you have to get your child early, you will need to check in at HQ and we will find and bring your child to HQ.  Please bring ID so that we can confirm that you are authorized. Do NOT drive around camp looking for your child.  Unit Leadership WILL NOT release your child from the site.

Twilight Camp Caddie Corner

Reminder! Mandatory Pre-Camp Caddie Training is Sunday, July 16 3:00 - 8:00 pm.  You'll complete leadership training, practice songs, meet the other Caddies in your Unit, have dinner (Jimmy Johns), and preview the camp activities.

Who: Twilight Camp Caddies

What: Pre-Camp Training

When:  Sunday July 17, 3:00 - 8:00 pm

Where: Lake Minnewashta Park, 6900 Hazeltine Blvd, Chanhassen, MN 55317

Why: Leadership training, preview site activities, get ready for cam

What to Bring: yourself, comfortable casual clothes (no uniform needed), water bottle

Online version of the Training Packet:
https://rebrand.ly/2023precamp