Everything we use to plan and run camp is stored in Microsoft OneDrive. You'll need a personal Microsoft Account to edit the files on OneDrive and access the detailed registration report. Let Nick know the email address associated with your account and he'll grant you access.
Embedded Files
Twilight Camp Core Staff and Project Plan
Resources
Flyers
Girl Scout Badges
Kathryn is working on a running list of badge requirements matched to camp activities: Twilight Camp 2025 Badges
Below are PDFs of the badges for each program level. The National Proficiency Progression PDF shows how badges relate across program levels.
Girl Scouts River Valleys Resources
Twilight Camp is chartered as a volunteer-led day camp by Girl Scouts of River Valleys. There are about 40 volunteer-led camps in the council. Many bus girls into one of the GSRV camps, and many of River Valley's guidance focuses on running a camp at a GSRV property. That doesn't apply to Twilight Camp in Chanhassen, but the other resources are relevant and required.
Volunteer-led Day Camps Resource Page - Main landing page
Rallyhood - Day Camp Directors GSRV - Discussion forum with other directors
Volunteer-Led Day Camp Application - Must be completed and approved by GSRV
Volunteer-Led Day Camp Final Report - Must be completed as soon as possible after camp
Activity Planning Resources
Sample Activities
These are from past years and are good examples of well-planned activities:
Aviation (good example of a simple activity with clear steps)
Knot Tying (good example of a craft that needed pre-camp work)
Sno Cones (good example of an activity with a STEM visual aid)
Tree Charms (good example of an activity that needed detailed proctoring)
Resources
These can help you get started with ideas for your activity.
E.D.G.E. Experience Design Video - Nick rambling for 15 minutes on how to design an activity.
Site Schedule Info Graphic - This is a typical daily schedule for a programming site
Twilight Camp Equipment Inventory - All the gear we have, for stations, props, shelters, etc.
Minnesota Field Trip Library - Clearinghouse of field trip/activity providers. We have budget for limited outside vendors
Registration Report
Current camp registration is updated by Nick a few times each week. To access the report, you'll need the password from Nick. It is best viewed on a computer screen rather than on your phone.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
Everyone’s priority is the physical and emotional well-being of the campers, siblings and older girls. Keep units together and keep calm. Camp Directors will direct operations in an emergency.
Alerting Headquarters in an Emergency
1. Program Area Coordinator, Unit Guide or Senior Caddie (in that order) – radio/call HQ at Site 5
2. Communicate to HQ:
· Type of emergency
· Who is involved
· Where the emergency is occurring
· Any assistance required
3. Emergency team from HQ will be dispatched
4. One person in each area is designated to take the appropriate action needed.
Headquarters staff will use Emergency Contacts section in the HQ binder to contact medical personnel, emergency services (police, fire, ambulance), Carver County Parks staff and/or GSRV’s Crisis Communications team.
Parent Communication
In an emergency information must be communicated clearly and appropriately to people who need it immediately.
DO NOT CONTACT parents directly outside of camp unless you are directed to do so by Camp Director or Camp First Aider. Camp Director will use the Twilight Camp email lists in Outlook.com and the Text-Em-All service if needed.
WEATHER AND FIRE EMERGENCIES
A National Weather Service weather alert radio will always be on at Camp Headquarters. Headquarters staff will stay abreast of any developing threatening weather and will communicate any changes. Camp happens rain or shine!
Rainstorm - Camp proceeds as usual -- get out the raingear!
Thunderstorm - Remain calm. Walk. Thunderstorms are usually short duration. Direct Units to the nearest shelter to continue with camp activities.
Sites - Everyone should go to 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 restrooms.
· Severe Thunderstorm, Tornado Warning - Follow the guidelines for a thunderstorm AND have campers crouch under the secure (bolted down) picnic tables in the picnic shelters and/or inside the restrooms at HQ and the Beach. Have everyone adopt a crouching position sheltering their heads with their arms. We will be monitoring NOAA/NWS and Carver County Emergency Management and Communication Services to determine the storm's path/strength and decide on any additional course of action.
· Fire - For a fire that is contained and not likely to spread, efforts will be made to keep it contained and campers and staff immediately around the fire will be moved. For a fire at risk of containment notify Headquarters, who will call 911. Local fire authorities will initiate fire management and other emergency procedures.
ANIMALS AND WILDLIFE
Raccoon, Skunk, Coyote
These animals live in Carver County and are usually active at night. If you see one out during the day, it may be sick (rabies is a risk), so stay away. They generally avoid people but might scavenge for food near campsites or garbage cans.
Deer
Deer are common in Lake Minnewashta Park and will usually keep their distance. However, late-season fawns may approach groups. If you see one, move away—its mother is likely nearby and may see you as a threat.
Stray Dog
Do not approach stray or off-leash dogs. Notify camp headquarters and guide your group away from the animal.
Reptiles, Amphibians
Small toads are often found along lakeside trails. Turtles—especially painted turtles and snapping turtles—may cross roads and paths, and aquatic frogs are common throughout camp.
1. Never pick up a snake, turtle, frog, or toad.
2. Observe wildlife from at least 10-15 feet.
3. Warn other groups if an animal is nearby.
4. If an animal is in danger on a roadway, alert camp headquarters.
UNAUTHORIZED PERSON IN CAMP
(We’ve never had an issue with someone interfering, but it’s always good to be prepared!)
Shared Public Spaces – The beach, playground, fishing dock, and trails are open to the public during Twilight Camp. Please be courteous and expect the same from others.
Reserved Camp Areas – Sites 2, 3, 4, and 5 are designated for Twilight Camp. If someone enter, it’s likely a misunderstanding. Program Area Coordinators should politely let them know the space is reserved for the day.
Site 5 Restroom – All restrooms are open to the public, Site 5 is where we’re most likely to get traffic. For 2025 we don’t know if the new playground will bring in additional foot traffic during the day.
If someone is in a reserved area or behaving inappropriately:
If you feel comfortable approaching them:
1. Politely greet them: “Hi! We’re holding a youth day camp in the park today. May I help you?”
2. Show them the areas we’re using, thank them for sharing the park, and guide them away from the camp activity.
3. If they have park-related questions, direct them to the gatehouse at the park entrance.
If the person seems aggressive or makes you uncomfortable:
1. Immediately notify headquarters.
2. Camp Directors will handle the situation and involve Carver County resources if necessary.
LOST CAMPER
STEP 1: CONFIRM MISSING
IMMEDIATELY
1. Unit Leadership (Unit Guides/Caddies)
a. STOP WHERE YOU ARE. Do a unit headcount and role call (Senior Caddie or Unit Guide).
b. Gather these details from the girls:
· Who is the camper’s Buddy?
· Does anyone know where the missing camper is?
· Where was the camper last seen?
c. Contact the Camp Headquarters with the following information:
· Name and Gender
· Shirt Color, Unit, Approximate Age
· Last known location
d. Remain at your current site (continue to destination site/beach/area if on the trail)
2 MINUTES
2. Headquarters Staff
a. Note the time
b. Start a simple Activity Log (e.g., "3:10pm Unit reported Amelia missing; 3:11pm began radioing sites)
c. Notify all Site Leads and Core Staff that there is a missing camper. Provide the following information:
· Name and Gender
· Shirt Color, Unit, Approximate Age
· Last known location
3 MINUTES
3. Program Area Coordinators
a. Pause any programming you are personally delivering
b. Oversee search at your Site. Remain one spot, ask others to check specific areas and report back to you.
c. Communicate with HQ and Camp Co-Directors via cell phone
d. Ask all Senior Caddies and Unit Guides to:
· Do a unit headcount and roll call
· Ensure there are no extra campers will their unit
· Remain in their current location (sit at a picnic table!) until further instructions
4. Swim Watcher
a. Alert the Lake Minnewashta Waterfront Staff (if present) that we have a missing camper
b. Check the beach, restrooms, fishing dock, and other waterfront areas
T CAMPER
STEP 2: SEARCH
5 MINUTES
5. Camp Director - If camper is not found within 5 minutes, Camp Director/First Aider/Designee(s) notify:
Carver County Sheriff (911)
Carver Parks Staff (see Core Staff Contact Card)
Lake Minnewashta Park Staff (if present, including beach lifeguards)
Camper's Parents and Emergency Contact (Unit Rosters)
6. Headquarters Staff - Broaden search area as directed by the Camp Director
7. Program Area Coordinators
· Hold units in current locations. Continue with program at the site.
· Keep units stationary so we don’t get confused by girls moving between groups.
· Determine if any adults can be spared to help with search activities
· Communicate adult availability to Camp Director
WHEN EMERGENCY SERVICES ARRIVE
8. Camp Directors - Turn over control to the local emergency services. Serve as emergency services assistant/delegate and continue to coordinate camp resources. Request/Inform Sites, Beach of status.
ONCE FOUND
9. Camp Directors
Gather to assess the situation and determine next steps, including:
· Adjustments to the camp schedule for the day or remainder of the week.
· Designating a team member to write up an event timeline and outcome
· Coordinating clear messaging for staff and camper parents.
· Completing necessary documentation for Council:
· Requesting a copy of the Sheriff’s report, if applicable.
· Completing a GSRV Council Incident Form (blank copies in the HQ binder)
FIRST AID
There is a small first aid kit in the Caddie Bin for minor cuts and scrapes. Take the camper to First Aid for anything else.
NO TREATMENT other than Band-Aids should be done by CADDIES or UNIT GUIDES except for supportive care in the event of a medical emergency. DO NOT MOVE the victim, and contact HQ/First Aid immediately.
Medical Emergency Procedure
Call/Radio HQ immediately, providing a brief description of the emergency and the status of the camper
HQ/First Aid may contact emergency medical services (911) if necessary.
Onsite Safety:
o Caddies and Unit Guides move all campers and caddies away from the injured person
o Keep adults and children calm
o If a trained First Aider is onsite, they can provide care until the Emergency Team arrives.
Emergency Team (First Aider, Camp Director, Driver):
o Assess the situation and determine if emergency medical services are needed.
o Transport to First Aid if necessary
Parent Communication – Headquarters will Contact Parents
Please do not contact a camper’s parents directly . . . Camp Directors/First Aid will do so as soon as appropriate
When to call 911
If a situation is clearly life-threatening (e.g., severe injury, fire, or an active safety threat), Unit Guides and Program Area Coordinators should use their best judgment and call 9-1-1 immediately while notifying HQ as soon as possible.
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