Program areas at GSEMA
Girl scout camps and outdoor experiences provide opportunities for campers to discover, connect, and take-action in ways that build their courage, confidence, and character. Gsema camps offer campers unique and adventurous opportunities in the outdoors, including archery, rock climbing, ropes courses, swimming, survival camping, and more! Our camp properties host summer day camp and resident camp, year-round outdoor programs, and troop, and group camping. What we learned in 2021, is that camp and outdoor programming can be run during a pandemic. Safety is a cornerstone of Girl scouting. In response to the covid-19 pandemic, we took special precautions to keep our campers and staff safe and healthy, including increased cleaning measures, reduced capacities, adjusted program and operational procedures, and detailed training for our summer camp and full-time staff.at gsema, our outdoor and camp programs are designed to provide outdoor fun throughout the summer by offering four day camps at cedar hill, maude eaton, rice moody and wind-in-the-pines and four resident camps with unique features at favorite (sailing), runels (back packing trips), wabasso (kayaking and hiking), and wind-in-the-pines (high adventure elements). All camps offer traditional camp experiences such as opening ceremonies, outdoor cooking, campfire sing-alongs, nature activities and crafts.throughout the troop year, volunteers, families and Girl Scouts can participate in a variety of outdoor experiences that are intentionally progressive to meet the needs of everyone. Members might start out at a day program such as the outdoor fall festival (suitable for families and younger Girl Scouts). As Girl Scouts and volunteers explore outdoor experiences, they may attend an overnight program like gal's night out or troop camping. These programs offer our members the opportunity to learn new skills, challenge by choice, and develop teamwork and self-confidence. Outdoor activities may include environmental stewardship, archery, boating, hiking, low and high ropes challenge courses or climbing walls.last year we provided services and programs for just over 3,900 participants who took part in our summer camps and 2,596 participants who took part in our year-round outdoor programs and troop camping (reduced numbers due to covid-19 restrictions and precautions).
Community engagement programming - gsema aims to address and remove barriers to participating in Girl Scouts to families and caregivers in the target communities by providing: * assistance with membership and program cost as needed * access to uniforms with financial assistance if needed* a safe, familiar, and accessible community location* background-checked and trained staff and/or volunteers* access to special stem and leadership events, and outdoor programs at Girl scout properties with transportation available* opportunities to learn about college and career options, from female mentors in their local communities and professional females in their chosen careers, especially in areas that address the gender gap and stereotypes* options to apply for financial aid for other Girl scout experiences such as summer camp and travel* family engagement opportunities* translated communications and materials
Girl scout program activities - the Girl Scouts of easternmassachusetts supports girls' advancement in leadership by providingleadership program opportunities such as a yearlong experience on thegirl and teen leadership committee or an opportunity to participate in the entrepreneurship series, which is a five-week-long program during which Girl Scouts concieve, pitch, and plan their own business.girls in 4th to 12th grade can exercise their leadership skills tocreate change in their communities by earning highest awards: bronze(junior Girl Scouts), silver (cadette Girl Scouts), and gold (seniorand ambassador Girl Scouts). All three awards give girls the chance toaffect change in the community while gaining essential life skills. Girls learn to find and use their voice to speak up for themselves and others.council and partner programs focus on developing life skills in the areas of stem, art and culture, cooking, civic engagement, financial literacy and personal skill development such as public speaking. Often times girls, volunteers and families are looking for unique experiences outside of their troop meeting to complete Girl scout badges and journeys.