Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland recently unveiled its 2018 camp season – featuring double the programming, expanded overnight options and themed day camps.

“Our exciting new summer camps are in response to the valuable feedback we’ve gotten from parents and girls over the last year,” said Marci Henderson, Badgerland Girl Scouts’ CEO. “The 2018 Summer Camp Planning Team was charged with one purpose: Getting more girls to camp, because Girl Scouts benefit immensely from spending time outdoors.”

Findings published by the Girl Scouts Research Institute show that when girls participate in outdoor programs, they experience personal growth and empowerment, try new things, overcome fears and learn teamwork and leadership skills. The study also finds that nearly three-quarters of girls improved a skill while participating in an outdoor Girl Scout program.

“Another significant finding in the research is that girls develop lifelong environmental stewardship by participating in camping outdoor experiences,” Henderson added. “That’s why it’s so important to get more girls outdoors this summer.”

No matter their age, all Badgerland Girl Scouts will try something new at camp this year. But they’ll also participate in the traditions that have kept girls coming back to camp for decades: campfires, swimming, songs, archery, creek hopping, flag ceremonies and more.

“We’re infusing energy and interest among girls and their parents to experience camp, and to want to come back in years to come,” Henderson said.

Any girl in kindergarten through twelfth grade can attend Girl Scout camp. To register for Girl Scouts and sign up for camp, see www.gsbadgerland.org.

For Girls in Grades K-5

For the first time ever, all resident campers in kindergarten through fifth grade will hop on the bus and adventure to Camp Ehawee in La Crosse County for up to five nights. Not only will they get to explore a new place, but each week has a different theme, like “Mess Makers”, “Build It. Break It. Blow It Up!”, and “Hogwarts: An Intro to Magic”. Badgerland is also introducing one-night “My First Sleepaway” camp options at Camp Ehawee and Camp Brandenburg in Dane County to give girls in kindergarten and first grade a taste of camp life. Troops can also attend camp together at Camp Black Hawk in Antigo, Wis.

For Girls in Grades 6-12

Girls in sixth grade and higher can choose from four new adventure camps designed around G.I.R.L. (GoGetter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader) themes and challenges. Resident campers will camp at Camp Evelyn in Sheboygan County and Camp Manitou in Manitowoc County.

About Badgerland Girl Scouts

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin – Badgerland Council serves 23 counties in south-central and southwest Wisconsin, as well as Houston County in Minnesota and Allamakee County in Iowa. Its service centers are in Madison, Janesville, Platteville and La Crosse.

More information about Badgerland Girl Scouts can be found on its website: www.gsbadgerland.org.

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Renowned conservationist and Wisconsin native Aldo Leopold was certain they’d face extinction, just as the Passenger Pigeon, but Sandhill Cranes have made a remarkable recovery!  One of only two cranes native to the U.S.,  Sandhill Crane are making their magnificent migration back to their summer breeding grounds in Wisconsin.  Look for them in and around wetlands, or in agricultural fields.  They’re easy to identify, as they tower at nearly 5 feet!  In the air, their long legs are stretched straight behind them, and their necks are “craned” out.  Have you heard them?  Their call is unmistakable.  Have a listen!

Sadly, Leopold died before he could witness their amazing recovery, but keeping this ancient bird around will take a commitment to conserving their wetland habitat.  To learn more about the Sandhill Crane, you can visit the National Audubon Society or the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.