Day Camp FAQ

new troops forming!

about our camp

Diamond Crest Day Camp

Diamond Crest Girl Scout Day Camp is an all-volunteer-run day camp and is held at a San Mateo County park. Our camp has been in operation for many years and is rich in traditions and has welcomed girls for several generations.

All applicants are welcome and are admitted by the criteria listed in our Admissions Policy. Our campers will travel to and from camp each day by bus .

What Happens at Camp?

At Diamond Crest Day Camp, your camper will have the opportunity to make new friends while reconnecting with “old” friends all while experiencing the Girl Scout mission which is to build girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. At camp, your child will gather with their unit in their assigned camp site area and participate in activities ranging from games and storytelling to camp skills and arts and crafts. Each day will be very busy and as evidenced by her appearance at the end of the day!
Each day will vary, however all days will include

A warm greeting by their Unit Leaders
Songs and frivolity
In-Unit activities throughout the day
A gathering time to enjoy either a lunch they have brought from home or food cooked with their unit.

At Diamond Crest Day Camp, many of our volunteers come to camp year after year to make new friends and reconnect with “old” friends. These volunteers are dedicated to making your camper’s day camp experience a healthy and positive growth experience while always maintaining a playful atmosphere of friendship.

camp dates

Camp Dates, Locations, and What to Bring/Wear

When will Day Camp be this year?

2023 camp dates are Jul 24-27 and Jul 31 - Aug 3
Camp runs for two weeks - there is no refund for attending only one week.
Please note there is no camp on Fridays.
The last day of camp for campers entering grades 1-3 and the Boys and Pixies units is Wed 8/2.

What should my camper wear/bring to camp?

We have ticks, poison oak, yellowjackets, and the occasional rattlesnake at camp. Please dress your camper in sturdy closed shoes (no sandals, flip flops or crocs), rugged and durable pants, with no holes, that cover the ankles (no shorts, capris, or pants with large holes), and shirts with sleeves (t-shirts are OK). Shorts, capris, shirts without sleeves, pants with large holes, and open toed shoes are NOT safe camp attire. Wearing light colored socks will also help aid in finding any ticks after camp.
Campers should bring a small backpack containing a sweatshirt, refillable water bottle, hat, and sunblock are recommended. Masks are optional.
On Cookout Days (Tuesdays, Thursdays and overnights) campers should bring a dunk bag (mesh bag with plate, bowl, cup, fork, knife and spoon).
On non-cookout days (Mondays and Wednesdays) they should bring a lunch packed in a reusable container.

registration

Registration Details

What if I am not receiving Daycamp emails?
- Please check your SPAM, Bulk Mail or Promotions folder, and be sure to let your email program know to put our emails in your Inbox.
- If you still cannot find our emails, please email us at diamondcrestgsdaycamp@gmail.com
When can I register my child(ren) for Diamond Crest Day Camp?
- Mark your calendar - Registration happens in February each year.
- Registration for Day Camp 2023 will be open in February 2023.
- No late applications for campers will be accepted.
- Admission is NOT first come, first served. Once registration closes, campers will be admitted based on available space according to the Admission Policy. Admission to camp emails will be sent out by late May.
How do I register my child(ren) for Diamond Crest Day Camp?
- The link to register is provided on this website during the registration period, and will also be sent out by email to previous campers through Active on the day registration begins.
Where can I update my online account or make changes to the registration form?
- Families can update their registration forms by logging into their Active account at https://campsself.active.com/DiamondCrestGirlScoutDayCamp until June 30 of the camp year. After that, please email diamondcrestgsdaycamp@gmail.com and unit leaders and/or bus lead with any changes. Please note that, as there is no internet at camp, changes made after June 30 will need to be manually added to all camp reports.
- AIT’s are required to attend all days in order to complete the AIT program.
- Please note the following dates before making changes to your registration form:
  - Campers are placed in units by grade level with their troop members in mid-April. Please be sure your camper’s grade level is correct (grade entering in the fall) is updated before then.
  - The online system is closed to changes as of 6/30 each year, when we start making camp reports and sending them to the printer. If you have changes after this date, please email your unit leaders.
What if I need to cancel my child’s registration?
- Cancellations must be submitted to diamondcrestgsdaycamp@gmail.com, and should include the following information: parent/guardian name, email address, phone number and the name and grade level of the camper(s). Refunds will be processed within 7 business days of the receipt of a cancellation email if requested by 2/20. Due to issues with Active (our registration management system), Day Camp may be unable to process refunds between 3/1 and 5/25. Refunds requested during that time will be processed in late May. If this will result in family hardship, please contact Day Camp to discuss alternatives. Fees below are per participant:
- Prior to June 30: Full refund, less the non-refundable registration fee ($18 if paid in full, $7 if paid $20 at checkout and not yet paid in full or autobilled).
- After June 30: No refund.
My child is not a Girl Scout, can they still attend camp?
- Yes! Please note, there will be an additional $45 fee for any camper, Aide, or Junior Staff who is NOT currently a registered Girl Scout. The fee is required by Girl Scouts of Northern California and covers Girl Scout membership and insurance. Non-Girl Scouts also receive the lowest priority for camp admission. Please see our Admission Policy for details.
Can my son or pre-schooler attend camp?
- As a courtesy to our on-site adult staff members, we will offer an onsite childcare program for Pixies (coed, entering preschool, Pre-K or K) and Boys (entering grades 1-10) for a fee. The staff parent or guardian of the child must be onsite at camp for their child to attend either of these programs.
What grade level should I enter for my camper?
- Campers are assigned to units based on the grade they will enter in the fall (not the grade they are in when you register). Please be sure this information is correct, as it affects unit placement.
Can my child participate in Archery?
- Fifth grade units will participate in Archery with their unit during camp. Please complete the Archery Waiver in your Active account. If you wish for your camper to Opt-Out of Archery, please check the appropriate registration form box.
Can my child participate in Horseback Riding?
- 6th grade campers will participate in Horseback Riding with their unit at Webb Ranch during camp. Details about completing the Webb Ranch required waivers will be sent before camp begins. If you wish for your camper to Opt-Out of horseback riding, please check the appropriate registration form box.
Will my child stay overnight at camp?
- AIT and AIDEs spend the night on Tuesday of the second week of camp to participate in the AIDE Initiation Ceremony. This is a very special event and all AIT's and AIDEs are expected to attend.
- All campers entering grades 4 and higher will have the opportunity to spend the night on Wednesday of the second week of camp.
- If you wish for your camper to Opt-Out of the overnight(s), please check the appropriate registration form box.
How and when will I know that my child has a place at Diamond Crest Day Camp?
- Acceptance to camp or waitlist status will be emailed out by late May of the camp year

program volunteers

All Day Camp staff are volunteers!

All Day Camp Staff Is Volunteer! This opportunity is open to all adults (age 18 as of the beginning of camp), not just Girl Scout leaders. Volunteers are required to complete training before camp.

Please mark your calendar with the following staff training dates:
- New Volunteer Question and Answer Jan 24th 7 pm on Zoom
- Kickoff - April 4th 7 pm on Zoom
- Level - April 26th 7 pm on Zoom
- Program - May 2nd 7 pm on Zoom
- Final Training in person at Huddart July 23rd 9:30a to 12p
- Make Up Training - July 17th 7 pm on Zoom
- Bus Leads - July 11th 7:15 pm on Zoom
- Bus COPs - July 11th 6:30 pm on Zoom
- Outdoor Cooking in person May 21st, 10:00 am (include Aides if they want to attend as a refresher)
- Child Abuse Mandatory Reporter Training (online through the Girl Scouts of Northern CA Volunteer Learning Portal - for all adult volunteers)
I would like to volunteer at Day Camp - what kinds of things could I do?
- If you are interested in volunteering at camp, please register yourself as Adult Staff and fill out the registration forms. Our Volunteer Coordinator will contact you soon! Please also register with GSNorCal and become a registered and screened Girl Scout Volunteer. Below is a list of possible volunteer roles:
  - Aides Unit Leader Assistant – Full Time at Camp and monthly meetings all year – Assists our Aides Unit Leader, McFly, to providing support to our 8th through 10th grade Aides who help in units and program. Camp experience is helpful.
  - Assistant Program Director – Part Time at Camp and monthly meetings year round – Assists the Program Director with pre-camp preparations and early AM help at camp.
  - Assistant Registrar – Does not need to attend camp, but may include attending monthly meetings year round and and at home work before and after registration as needed – Assists our current registrar in all the registration processes. This includes learning the Active Registration System and the Girl Scout Looker Application and following up with volunteers who are not registered Girl Scouts.
  - Unit Leader – Full or Part Time at Camp - co-lead a unit of campers with the majority of activities provided by camp and/or bring your own ideas.
  - AIT Unit Leader –Full Time at Camp – Requires at least 2 years of camp experience being a unit leader. You will be working with 7 th grade campers training them to become AIDES for the following year at camp.
  - Attendance – Full Time at Camp - Help keep attendance at camp. Experience in Excel spreadsheets is a plus.
  - Boys Unit Leader – Full or Part Time at Camp– Manage our boy’s unit’s activities.
  - Bus Check Off Person (COP) – Every day - Not at camp - Checks campers off buses at bus stops in the afternoon; verifies parent/driver pick-up permissions.
  - Bus Lead – Full Time at Camp – Must be able to ride the bus to and from camp each day. Responsible for checking the campers onto the bus each morning at the bus stop and each afternoon at camp.
  - Camp Set Up and Tear Down – Helps load in all camp supplies at Huddart Park before the first day of camp AND/OR Helps load up trucks after camp is over and unload into storage unit
  - Crafts – Full or Part Time at Camp – Help lead pre-planned crafts at the craft table
  - Food Sorter – Does not attend camp. Pick up pre-ordered food at Lunardi’s Market (different food categories desserts, vegetables, or fruits). Sort by unit and deliver to the food station on Monday and Wednesday 1st week and Monday and Tuesday 2nd week.
  - Food Truck Driver – Drives a large U-Haul truck to Huddart Park on Tuesday and Thursday the 1st week and Tuesday and Wednesday the 2nd week. This job can be shared by multiple volunteers.
  - Nurse – Full or part time –Most nurses are able to volunteer for 1 or 2 days. They help keep our camp safe. Responsible for overseeing the care of campers who may be carsick, have a splinter, stung by a yellow jacket, have a headache, etc. Administer prescriptions that are provided by parents of campers.
  - Outdoor Skills –Full or Part Time at Camp - Helps to train campers in camp skills – knot tying, fire starting and safety, knife skills and safety. orienteering, compass skills, nature hikes, etc. We will train you to present these skills to the campers.
  - Outside help – Not at camp - shopping for shed or crafts, craft preparation, etc
  - Program – Full or Part Time at Camp– Leads activities in specialty areas, such as singing camp songs, music-based crafts, field games (Frisbee games, yoga, Zumba, parachute games, hula hoop games, etc), geology, geocaching, Theatre Games, and STEAM (science, tech, engineering, arts and math).
  - Shed Help - - Full or Part Time at Camp – Helps our shed team provide units with cooking and ice cream equipment along with buckets and supplies for fire safety. Optimal days are Tuesday and Thursday and 2nd Wednesday, as those are the cookout days for camp.
What are the benefits of volunteering?
- Children of Staff are given priority for registration.
- Camp is discounted for all children of staff. Child of Staff Discount Fees:
  - Full time (7 days at camp, ) - ~70% discount per Girl Scout camper
  - Part time (4 days at camp) - ~40% discount per Girl Scout camper
  - Outside Volunteer (shopper, COP, etc.) - ~20% discount per Girl Scout camper
What credentials do I need to volunteer?
- Volunteers are required to complete 18 hours of training (6 hours credit for returning staff). Please submit the Diamond Crest Day Camp Training Log once you have completed training dates and online options to fulfill this requirement.
- All staff must also be approved Girl Scout volunteers who have passed a Girl Scout Council background check.
  - If you are already a registered Girl Scout for this year, please log into MyGS and add the "Role" of Volunteer for Diamond Crest Day Camp. If you have issues, please call council at 1-800-447-4475.
  - If you are not a registered Girl Scout for this year, please register with Girl Scouts of Northern CA and complete the Volunteer Screening. If you have any trouble, please call GS NorCal at 1-800-447-4475

transportation and ATTENDANCE

How will my child get to camp?

Transportation to and from camp will be provided on buses. Bus stops are located at several local schools and community centers in Bemont, San Carlos and Redwood Shores. Depending on the number of buses we need and school district use policies, some traditionally-used bus stops may not be available this year. We appreciate your flexibility.

Buses leave between 8:00-8:20am and return between 3:30-3:50p each day, depending on local traffic conditions.

All staff are strongly encouraged to take the bus to and from camp, unless they need to be at camp before the buses arrive.

For COVID safety, the most up to date CDC and GSNorCal guidelines will be followed.

What if I need someone else to pick up my child?

You may include up to 3 people (in addition to listed parents/guardians) in the Carpool/Pickup section of the registration form as authorized pickup persons (this allows for up to 5 people including listed Parents/Guardians!). All changes to this form must be made before June 30 of the camp year, to allow us time to generate paper reports.

If you need to add a pickup person after June 30, please print and fill out the Pickup Authorization Form, sign and date it, and hand it to your Bus Lead in the morning.

I need to pick my camper up early from day camp, what should I do?

Planned Early Pick-Ups:

Please print, fill out, and sign the Diamond Crest Day Camp Attendance Exception Form and hand it to the Bus Lead during drop-off
Remind your camper in the morning that you (or someone you have authorized) will be picking them up early – the camper will be escorted to the Attendance Table at the designated time.

Unplanned Early Pick-Ups:

Sign your camper out at the Attendance Table in the OAK AREA, then the camper will be brought there.

ALL Early Pick-ups - Please go to the Attendance Table in the OAK AREA by 2 pm to pick up your child. A driver’s license will be required for identification, and the adult must be on the camper’s Pickup Authorization List.

If you send someone in your place who is not on the camper’s Pick Up List, either send a signed Pickup Authorization Form or be available at the phone number you have provided to camp as you will need to give phone authorization. In addition, your authorized adult will need to provide their driver’s license for identification.

My camper can’t come to camp on a particular day, what should I do?

If you know this in advance, please print, fill out, and sign the Diamond Crest Day Camp Attendance Exception Form and hand it to the Bus Lead in the morning.

If you do not know this in advance, please contact your camper’s unit leaders to let them know.

HEALTH & SAFETY

Your child’s health and safety are of utmost importance to us! Before camp begins you will be given the opportunity to supply us with your camper’s health information. Please be thorough and send an update if necessary – we read through all health information and will contact you before camp begins if we have any questions. During Day Camp, your camper will participate in various activities supervised by our trained volunteers; and you can be assured that we operate according to the Girl Scouts of Northern California’s strict standards for health and safety. Qualified health personnel are present at all times at camp and a trained first aider will accompany the campers to off-site activities. We ask that campers remain at home for a minimum of 24 hours following a sickness involving fever, vomiting, and/or loose bowel movements.

COVID-19 Safety and Precautions

We continue to assess COVID-19 Guidelines and how they will affect our 2023 GS Day Camp offering. Parts of day camp may look different as we continue to move ahead using best practices recommended by CDC and GSNorCal.

Please see the Girl Scouts of Northern CA COVID-19 Guidelines for the most up to date information.

A camper should not come to camp if they have Covid symptoms, test positive for Covid, or if a member of their household has Covid.
See the GSNorCal Covid Policy for isolation guidelines if your camper is exposed to Covid, experiencing symptoms, or tests positive for Covid.
All participants should wash their hands frequently, especially after using the restroom and before eating.

All participants are required to sign the following waivers as part of the registration process:

"By allowing your child to participate in Girl Scout activities and events: a) you acknowledge that an inherent risk of exposure to COVID-19 exists for any in-person activity, including meetings, activities, events, and trips, and b) you are voluntarily assuming all risks related to exposure to COVID-19 and agree not to hold Girl Scouts of Northern California or any of its directors, employees, agents or volunteers, liable for any illness or injury."
"I hereby give consent for the participant to be tested for the COVID-19 virus while participating at camp by a Camp First Aider, using an over the counter test, should the participant become ill or exhibit COVID-19 symptoms. If permission is not given for COVID-19 testing, I agree to pick up the participant as soon as possible after the First Aider has contacted me."

Vaccination Requirements

Please note that Girl Scouts of Northern CA requires that all Day Camp participants (campers and staff) are fully vaccinated according to the State of CA vaccination requirements to enter public school. For more information and answers to frequently asked questions, please see the GSNorCal Immunization FAQ. Please note that the Covid vaccine is not on this list at this time.

All participants are required to upload their immunization history before camp each year. The Diamond Crest Day Camp Health and Safety Manager must review all immunization forms before camp. Campers and staff who have not uploaded their immunization history before camp will not be allowed to attend camp. For more information, please see the GSNorCal Policy on Communicable Diseases at Summer Camps. If the participant has a medical issue that prevents them from being vaccinated, please complete and submit the Medical Exemption Form to GSNorCal and upload the completed form in place of the Immunization History on your Active account after registering.

What is the procedure for sending my camper with medications?

For "Emergency" type medications such as Epi-pens, Inhalers, and other emergency devices:

Campers entering up to 3rd grade: Epi-pens, Inhalers and other devices should be placed in a ziplock bag with camper’s name, phone number, and unit number written on it. A copy of the allergy action plan (or directions from camper’s doctor) should also be placed in the bag. Campers should bring the bag to camp each day in their backpack and provide it to their unit leader during camp. At the end of the day, the unit leader should return it to them for the ride home. When you receive your camper's unit assignment, reach out to their specific unit leader to make sure they are aware your camper is bringing medication to camp, so you can review specific instructions with the leader.
Campers entering 4th grade and higher will keep their own epi-pen, inhaler, or other emergency device during the day, but will need to be reminded to keep it with them if the unit leaves the area they are normally assigned.

Other "non-emergency" medications with doses that should be taken during camp should be turned into the nurse each day with instructions as to how the medication should be used. This includes medications such as cough syrup, antibiotics, pain relievers, etc. The medication should be placed in a bag with the camper's name, phone number, and unit number.

What is Girl Scouts' position on serving transgender youth?

“Girl Scouts is proud to be the premiere leadership organization for girls in the country. Placement of transgender youth is handled on a case-by-case basis, with the welfare and best interests of the child and the members of the troop/group in question a top priority. That said, if the child is recognized by the family and school/community as a girl and lives culturally as a girl, then Girl Scouts is an organization that can serve them in a setting that is both emotionally and physically safe.”

How does Girl Scouts' position on serving transgender youth apply to situations involving camping?

“These situations are rare and are considered individually with the best interests of all families in mind. Should any girl requiring special accommodations wish to camp, GSUSA recommends that the local council makes similar accommodation that schools across the country follow in regard to changing, sleeping arrangements, and other travel-related activities. With respect to volunteers, Girl Scouts welcomes both male and female adult volunteers and has developed appropriate safeguards regarding roles and responsibilities to ensure that girls receive the proper supervision and support.”

finance

Tax Information

Please save your original payment receipt, emailed by Active, for tax deduction information. Our Tax ID is on the receipt emailed to you by Active when you registered.

How much does camp cost?

How much does camp cost?
- 2023 Pricing -
  - Campers entering grades 1-6 and AIT's - $626
  - AIDES - $380
  - Boys/Pixies (children of staff only) - $124
  - Adult and Junior Staff - no cost
- Cost of camp includes bus transportation to and from camp, location fees, activity and craft supplies, archery for 5th grade units, horseback riding for 6th grade units, lunch on cookout days, and food for overnights Tue 8/2 and Wed 8/3.
- Due to inflation over the last several years, the price of the Camp sessions has been increased this year. We understand this may be a burden to some families, and strongly encourage those who are interested to apply for financial aid. Click “yes” to the financial aid question, and we will contact you about the application process.
- Campers of full-time and part-time volunteers pay a discounted fee (see above under Volunteering).
- Please note, there will be an additional $45 fee for any camper, AIT, Aide, or Junior Staff who is NOT currently a registered Girl Scout. The fee is required by Girl Scouts of Northern California and covers Girl Scout membership and insurance.

Is financial aid available?

Yes! Financial assistance is available through Girl Scouts of Northern California and the application is due by May 1 of the camp year. Please indicate your interest in receiving information about financial aid by checking the box on your registration form.

Can I apply Fall Sale/Cookie Rewards to pay for camp?

Yes! Girl Scouts of Northern California “Fall Sale/Cookie Rewards” may be used to pay camp fees. Please send an email with the following information: parent's name and phone number, camper’s first and last name, all the numbers on the card (front and back) and the dollar amount of the credit. Send this information to campfinance@diamondcrest.org.

Can I pay by check?

Yes! Deposit is required electronically as part of the registration system. If you would like to pay the remainder of your balance by check, please email campfinance@diamondcrest.org for instructions.

What if I need to cancel my child’s registration?

Cancellations must be submitted to diamondcrestgsdaycamp@gmail.com and should include the following information:

parent/guardian name
camper name and grade level
email address
phone number

Refunds will be processed within 7 business days of the receipt of a cancellation email. Fees below are per participant.

Prior to June 30: Full refund, less the non-refundable $18 registration fee.
- After June 30: No refund.

Why is the $18 registration fee non-refundable?

Diamond Crest Day Camp is an entirely volunteer-run organization - not a single person gets paid to run this camp. As soon as we close registration, we start making plans and purchasing supplies for camp, and some of those plans include non-refundable expenditures.

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