Whirlwind Camp

Get ready to smash, splash, and create at Whirlwind Camp. This overnight adventure is packed with messy, high-energy fun. Girls will play Twisted Twister, dive into colorful tie-dye, and paint to the beat as music and creativity collide. Test teamwork during wild Water Olympics and see what your group can invent during Mystery Builds using random materials and big ideas. Big laughs, big messes, and unforgettable summer memories await. Are you ready to jump into the whirlwind?

What to Bring

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Health & Permission Form (ONLINE)
- Due 3 weeks prior to event.
Medical Form (PDF)
Complete this form if your Girl Scout requires any medication that was not submitted on the Heath & Permission Form.
Review the Girl Camp Contract and bring a signed copy to check-in.

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Printable PDF

Note: Girls should not bring a tent to camp. Adults attending camp will need their own tent.

Backpack/bag for carrying items throughout the day
Sunscreen AND Bug Spray
Hat/Bandana to help with heat/bug protection
Hair ties or clips to pull hair back (for campfire safety)
Reusable water bottle (not a disposable bottle)
Camp chair (not a sit-upon)
Medications – In original bottle/package and in a plastic bag labeled with first and last name. Both girls and adults must turn in all medications to the camp healthcare coordinator.
Swaps to trade with other campers
Rain poncho or jacket that provides rain protection
Plastic bag/garbage sack for wet/dirty clothing
Dunk kits that include bowl and utensils – this is a must!
Girls are allowed to bring a camera (not a phone) – but GSDH cannot be held responsible for any damage/loss
Sleeping Bag, pillow, blankets
Toiletries in a bag– toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, etc.
Sanitary supplies
Deodorant
Girls may bring a cot or mat for sleeping in the tents

Clothing

NOTE: It can get chilly at night, and girls will be sleeping in tents at this camp. Make sure you pack warm pajamas and bedding.

Comfortable walking, athletic style shoes (closed-toed, closed-top, closed-heeled)
Pajamas
Sets of clothes for each day – it is always good to pack a few extra items
Long pants and tall socks
Sweatshirt/jacket
Light weight long-sleeve shirt and long pants (cool evenings/mornings, bugs, hiking activities)
Flashlight (not required)
Washcloths/Bath towel
Girls are encouraged to bring a comfort item from home for bedtime/quiet time – stuffed animal, favorite book, etc. (nothing that makes noise)

Important Notes

Wear/pack clothes that can get dirty
Sandals/Flip-Flops/ Sleeveless Shirts/Tank Tops
Because the girls are out in the elements during camp, we want to prevent them from getting injured. Sandals/flip-flops aren’t allowed because the ground at camp is uneven. Sleeveless shirts and tank tops aren’t allowed because we don’t want girls getting unnecessary sunburns or bug bites.
No short shirts (tummies need to be covered) or shorty-shorts
Socks are required with shoes
Girls are encouraged to wear a standard watch; but it is not required

Remember to mark your name on ALL items brought to camp! Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons is not responsible for lost or damaged items that are brought to camp.

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NOTE: If any of these items are brought to camp, they will be collected and held by the Camp Director until checkout on the final camp day.

Personal electronics, electronic games, etc. (this includes Kindles)
Hair dryers, curling irons or other electric grooming equipment.
Food, drinks or snacks of any kind
Skirts and dresses for everyday wear
Cell Phones
Girls may NOT bring cell phones or smart watches to this camp. This camp is about disconnecting, making new friends, enjoying activities and exploring the outdoors.

Camp Location Details

Huron, SD - July 10-11, 2026 toggle arrow

Drop off Information

Date: Friday, July 10

Check-in Time: 9:00 - 9:30 AM

Address: Camp Woodlands
40104 216th St Huron, SD 57350 (Map)

At drop-off we:

Collect required paperwork—Health and Permission form should be submitted electronically 3 weeks prior to camp.
Collect ALL medications.
Collect cell phones or other elctronics, these are not allowed to be used during camp.

Pickup Information

Pick-up is Saturday, July 11 at 5:00 - 5:15 PM

Mandan, ND - July 31 - August 1, 2026 toggle arrow

Drop off Information

Date: Friday, July 31

Check-in Time: 9:00 - 9:30 AM

Address: Camp Okankusa
3770 State Hwy 1806, Mandan, ND 58554 (Map)

At drop-off we:

Collect required paperwork—Health and Permission form should be submitted electronically 3 weeks prior to camp.
Collect ALL medications.
Collect cell phones or other elctronics, these are not allowed to be used during camp.

Pickup Information

Pick-up is Saturday, August 1 at 5:00 - 5:15 PM

General Camp FAQ

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To ensure the camp operates smoothly, we depend on volunteers to enhance campers' experiences. Volunteers support camp staff by offering assistance wherever necessary. Each camp offers various roles based on activities, such as cooks, camp nurses, patrol leaders, and more. If interested in volunteering at a camp, email ge@gsdakotahorizons.org.

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Should a camper become ill or injured at camp, the camp first-aider will administer first aid. If it is deemed necessary, this may include a visit to a local doctor’s office or emergency room after hours.
If a camper requires a long rest period for recovery or she cannot remain at camp, she will be sent home. Parents/guardians are responsible for arranging pickup in a timely manner.
If a camper’s illness or injury is severe, she will be given emergency care at the scene and be transported to the hospital emergency room.
When a camper becomes ill or injured, parents/guardians will be notified of the camper’s condition. In life-threatening situations, treatment will begin before notification.
If your camper is exhibiting symptoms of a contagious illness such as influenza you will be asked to come get your camper immediately.

Homesickness

Being homesick is a completely natural experience and is experienced by all campers on some level. Learning to cope with homesickness is a great life skill to learn, and we are well-equipped to help them through this at camp! Camp volunteers receive guidance on how to help campers cope with homesickness.

You can help your camper cope with homesickness by:

Discussing it with her prior to camp. Encourage her to talk to camp staff about how she is feeling and what she is thinking about camp—both the good and the bad. Role-play at home so she will find it easier to talk about her feelings.
Making her aware of what camp life is like: deep woods, sounds of nature, bugs, platform tents, latrines, outdoor cooking, making new friends, learning new skills, rainy days, sunny days, hot days, bugs and, most of all, fun times.
Encouraging her to bring something familiar from home, such as a favorite stuffed animal, a favorite book or new paperback she has wanted to read, a photo album, or stationery to write letters.
Please do not tell your camper that she can call you or you will pick her up if she becomes homesick. Calling home is often contraindicative and makes the situation worse. Handling homesickness is vital to her development and to learning coping skills. Tell her that you believe in her and know she can do it!

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Refunds
View the cancellation policy.

Pick-Up
If there is a change in who is picking up your camper, notify the camp director or service center.

Late Arrival/Early Release
If for any reason your camper is going to be arriving late or leaving camp early, notify the camp director or service center.

Check-In
Instructions for check-in vary depending on your specific session. You will receive details about check-in from the camp director approximately two weeks prior to your camp session start date.

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If you need to get ahold of your camper, contact the camp director. Contact information will be provided in the camp confirmation email.

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All camps are equipped with a weather radio to monitor any changing weather conditions. In the event of a weather, medical or emergency situation, you will be notified by email and/or phone depending on the severity of the situation.
For weather cancellations, we will post on the Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons Members Connect Facebook group also.
Camp activities may change due to weather. If the weather is inclement, girls may not be able to participate in activities that are affected by rain, storms and extreme heat.
Activities and schedules will be modified as necessary. When severe weather occurs, all girls are safely moved to a designated building for shelter and activities take place to occupy them, such as singing, dancing or glow party. This helps to ease the girls concerns about the weather and keeps the focus on the fun!