Deer Lake Resident Camp

Camp Life & Activities

Deer Lake is a camp that is full of adventure and excitement. Almost everything we do is structured around being outside and active from sunrise to sunset.

Camp sessions range from 4-13 days, with a different group of campers arriving each session. Girls register in the spring for a group program. Programs range from a sampling of camp activities to specialized programs such as white water rafting, or backpacking.

Campers live in units based on their programs and age. Most units range in size from 12-20 girls. Girls not only have the opportunity to participate in the activities for their specific specialized program, but there is a wide range of all-camp activities that are available to all girls at camp.

Most girls ride the chartered bus to camp, providing them with the opportunity to meet staff and other girls they’ll be living with during their time at camp. Once you arrive at camp, you’ll get settled into your living unit, have a snack, take a swim and canoe tip test, and learn about what you could make in arts and crafts. After dinner you’ll have a campfire in your unit before heading off to bed.

The second night at camp is our special opening campfire, complete with songs and skits that will introduce the camp staff to you. Throughout the session you spend at camp you’ll have the chance to participate in theme meals, all camps, and polar bear swim in Deer Lake. On your last night in camp we’ll have closing campfire where you and the rest of the girls in your unit will perform the skit you’ve created about your week, we’ll sing songs, and finish with an amazing Deer Lake tradition you have to come to camp to learn about.

Adventure by Choice
Deer Lake has a unique program structure – Adventure by Choice! Girls make independent decisions on activities they want to participate in each afternoon. Activity choices may include specialty arts, music, swimming, canoeing or kayaking, the climbing wall, high ropes, archery, volleyball, fort or raft building, drama or even hanging out in the “Club House” and more …the possibilities are endless! Girls will receive “Adventure Beads” for each different activity they try. Free choice activities are in addition to the unit program in which they are registered. (Note: Campers on field trips will not participate in free choice activities when they are out of camp.)

High Adventure Programs
Nobody does High Adventure like Deer Lake! At the heart of this camp friendships are forged, challenges are overcome, character is built, and bravery is rewarded. In the Sierra High Adventure Programs, every girl from any background has the opportunity to do something truly adventurous. These programs put the “Adventure” in High Adventure Camp!

Meals
Our food service staff at resident camp prepares variety of pleasing and nutritious meals appropriate for children. Camp food isn’t what it used to be! Our camps serve plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, eggs and breads. Salad and sidebars are available and snacks are provided in the afternoons. Meals are served family style in the Dining Hall that overlooks Kidd Lake. We do offer a vegetarian alternative at each meal. During breakfast, a cereal bar is available in addition to the main meal. During lunch and dinner we offer a fresh salad bar as a supplement to the main meal. If you have certain tastes, allergies, dietary needs or requirements based on religious or philosophical beliefs, we should discuss this as we may or may not be able to meet your requirements. Contact happycamper@girlscoutsnorcal.org to clarify what can be provided at camp.

A Typical Full Day at Camp:

Camp Activities

Deer Lake or “The DL” as our returning campers like to call it is a place full of adventure and fun designed specifically for older girls entering grades 5-12.
You might have the opportunity to fly down the zipline, navigate a windsurfer around Kidd Lake, or go white water rafting on the American River. Maybe you’ll go backpacking in the Tahoe National Forest, learn how to prepare a delicious meal over a fire, watch the stars shoot across the sky, or play funyak water polo on Deer Lake. Probably the best thing you’ll do is make friends, and have an amazing time.

Camp Fees Include

• Sickness/accident insurance
• Camp photo and patch
• Camp t-shirt
• Bus Transportation
• Meals and healthy snacks, including fresh produce bar at lunch and dinner

Transportation

Chartered bus transportation provided from Oakland, Walnut Creek, Fairfield, Redding and Chico.

“I had amazing fun.” - Deer Lake camper

“It seems to have increased her confidence, self esteem, and ability to problem solve.” - Deer Lake parent

“She wants to take all the CIT courses so she can become a counselor.” - Deer Lake parent