What Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts camps offer
Boy Scouts of America (BSA) and Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) run overnight and day camps across the country, but they operate as separate organizations with different structures, age groups, and program styles. Both offer week-long or multi-week sessions during summer, though the specific activities, costs, locations, and how you register differ between them.
BSA camps focus on outdoor skills, merit badge work, and rank advancement within the Scout program. Girl Scouts camps emphasize skill-building, leadership development, and badge work tied to their own badge system. Neither organization requires you to be a member before attending camp — many camps accept non-members, though member rates are usually lower.
The camps themselves are run by local councils (regional divisions of each national organization), so what is available, when sessions run, and what they cost depends entirely on which council serves your area.
Key Takeaways
- Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts camps are run by local councils in your region, not by the national organizations, so you must contact your local council to find out what camps exist near you.
- Both organizations accept non-members at most camps, but member rates are typically lower than non-member rates.
- Boy Scouts camps are organized by age and rank level (Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts, Venturers), while Girl Scouts camps are organized by grade level (Daisy through Ambassador).
- Registration, session dates, costs, and what activities are offered vary by local council and change year to year, so you need to check your council's website directly.
- Many councils offer financial information or payment plans, though the details and how to request them differ by council.
How to find Boy Scouts camps in your area
Start by locating your local Boy Scouts council. Go to scouting.org, click "Find a Local Council," and enter your zip code. This will show you which council serves your area and provide their contact information and website.
Once you have your council's website, look for a section labeled "Camps," "Summer Camp," or "Programs." Most councils list their camps, session dates, age/rank requirements, and costs on this page. Some councils run multiple camps in different locations; others partner with a single facility. The camps may have their own websites with more detailed information about activities, what to bring, and the daily schedule.
If you cannot find camp information online, call your local council directly. Staff can tell you which camps are running that summer, whether non-members can attend, and how to register.
How to find Girl Scouts camps in your area
Girl Scouts is organized by local councils as well. Go to girlscouts.org, click "Find Your Local Council," and enter your zip code or state. This will direct you to your council's website.
On your council's website, search for "camps" or "summer camp." Girl Scouts councils typically list day camps, resident (overnight) camps, and specialty camps separately. Information usually includes the grade levels served, session dates, location, cost, and what activities are included. Some councils run their own camps; others contract with external facilities or partner with other councils.
If the website does not list camp details or you have questions about whether your child can attend, contact your local council by phone or email. They can also tell you about financial information options.
Age groups and what each program level offers
Boy Scouts camps are organized by the Scout's rank and program level, not by age alone. Cub Scout camps (typically grades K–5) focus on outdoor skills, games, and badge work at a beginner level. Boy Scout camps (typically grades 6–12) emphasize more advanced outdoor skills, merit badges, and leadership. Venturing camps (typically ages 14–20) offer high-adventure activities like backpacking, rock climbing, and water sports.
Girl Scouts camps are organized by grade level. Daisy camps (K–1st grade) focus on friendship, outdoor exploration, and straightforward skills. Brownie camps (2nd–3rd grade) introduce more outdoor skills and badge work. Junior camps (4th–5th grade) build on outdoor competency and leadership. Cadette camps (6th–8th grade) offer more challenging activities and leadership roles. Senior and Ambassador camps (9th–12th grade) include high-adventure options and specialized programs.
Some councils offer mixed-age or specialty camps (such as arts camps, STEM camps, or sports camps) that do not follow the standard grade-level structure. Check your council's website or call to see what options exist beyond traditional resident camps.
Costs and what affects the price
Camp costs vary widely by council, location, session length, and whether the camper is a member or non-member. A week-long day camp might cost $150 to $400; a week-long overnight camp might cost $400 to $800 or more. Some councils charge significantly more for non-members than members.
Factors that affect cost include the facility (some councils own their camps; others rent), the length of the session (a long weekend costs less than a full week), the activities offered (high-adventure camps cost more than traditional camps), and whether meals and lodging are included. Specialty camps (such as those focused on a particular skill or activity) often cost more than general camps.
Your local council's website should list the exact cost for each camp session. If costs are not posted online, contact the council directly. Many councils offer payment plans or scholarships for families who need financial information, though the process and amount available differ by council.
Member versus non-member registration
Both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts camps typically accept non-members, but member rates are usually lower. For example, a council might charge members $500 for a week-long overnight camp and non-members $650 for the same session.
To register as a member, you must join the local troop or pack in your area before camp. Membership involves paying annual dues (which vary by council and program level) and attending meetings or activities during the school year. Some families join specifically to access the lower camp rate, while others are already members through school or community involvement.
If you are not a member and want to attend camp at the member rate, contact your local council to ask how to join and whether you can join close to the camp session. Some councils allow last-minute membership registration; others require membership to be active for a minimum period before camp.
What to expect during camp and what to bring
Day camps typically run from morning to early afternoon (often 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and include activities, snacks, and sometimes lunch. Overnight camps run for several days or a full week, with campers sleeping in cabins or tents, eating meals at the camp, and participating in structured activities from morning through evening.
Both organizations provide a packing list when you register. For overnight camps, you will typically need bedding, clothing for warm and cool weather, toiletries, a flashlight, and any medications. Most camps prohibit electronics (phones, tablets, gaming devices) or restrict their use. Camps provide activities, so you do not need to bring sports equipment or craft supplies unless the camp specifically requests it.
Before camp starts, your council or camp will send you a handbook or information packet with the daily schedule, rules, what to bring, and what to expect. Read this carefully and ask questions if anything is unclear.
Financial information and payment options
Many Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts councils offer scholarships, grants, or sliding-scale fees for families with limited income. The amount available, how to request it, and the process vary by council. Some councils have a straightforward form you fill out; others require documentation of income.
To find out what information your council offers, visit their website and look for "scholarships," "financial information," or "camp costs." If you do not see this information, call the council and ask directly. Be prepared to explain your situation; councils want to know if cost is a barrier so they can help.
Some councils also offer payment plans that let you pay camp fees in installments rather than all at once. Ask about this option when you register or contact the council about costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my child attend a Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts camp if they are not a member?
Yes, most camps accept non-members. However, the non-member rate is usually higher than the member rate. Contact your local council to confirm whether non-members can attend the specific camp your child is interested in and what the cost difference is.
How far in advance do I need to register?
Registration important date vary by council and camp. Some camps fill up weeks in advance, especially popular sessions or specialty camps. Check your council's website for the registration important date for each camp session, or call the council to ask when registration opens.
What if my child has a food allergy or medical condition?
Tell your local council about any allergies or medical needs when you register. Camps have procedures for managing dietary restrictions and medications. You will likely need to provide documentation (such as a doctor's note for an allergy) and may need to bring medications yourself or have the camp store them.
Do Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts camps run at the same time?
No. Each local council sets its own camp schedule, and Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts councils are separate organizations. Session dates may overlap or be completely different depending on your area. Check both your Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts council websites to see what sessions are available when.
What happens if my child gets homesick at overnight camp?
Camp staff are trained to help homesick campers adjust. Most camps encourage campers to stay the full session and provide support (such as talking to a counselor or calling home briefly) rather than picking them up early. Ask your council about their homesickness policy before camp starts so you know what to expect.