Events

MEDFORD GIRL SCOUT SERVICE UNIT FALL 2026 ENCAMPMENT

We are excited to share that we have confirmed Fall Encampment for September Friday 18 – Sunday 20, 2026 at Camp Runels in Pelham NH.

Now that we have the date confirmed, we need to estimate the number of scouts and adults who will be attending.  Please complete the interest form below to help us plan.Complete Survey by May 30th:   https://forms.gle/RWkfBk8jBYoSZXTy7

Please note the following: 

  • # of attendees: If you are not sure on numbers, please make your best guess.  Better to estimate up so we ensure we have room for everyone.   
  • Interest- not commitment: This is not a formal commitment.  Formal registration and collection fees will take place in July. 
  • Estimated costs: Participation fees vary depending on participation.  For those doing day just one day it could be as little as $5-10 per scout. For those doing overnights and paid activities it could be as high as $30-40 per scout.

What is Encampment:

  • An encampment is a scout-planned and scout-led overnight camping event for troops in our Service Unit held at one of the GSEMA-owned camps.
    • Troops create their own menus and supply their own food. Note: For safety, troops will not have their own campfires, so campfire cooking is not involved.
    • An encampment is sometimes based around a theme, with older scouts (or troops) leading activities done in rotations for the younger kids.  
    • Individual troops will have free time for their own activities and can choose among the organized activities.
    • All levels of troops are welcome, and there will be activities for everyone.
    • Consistent with the Girl Scout Outdoor Progression, Brownies and up can stay overnight, while Daisy troops participate only in daytime events.

Adult requirements for Overnights – 

  1. Chaperone numbers – Each troop must have enough adult attendees to meet the safety ratio. 
  2. Training requirements for adults – At least and 1 other person who is camp certified and 1 person who is first aid certified (must be a different person than Camp Trained).
    1. Required Camp Training – For fall encampment, leaders/adults need to do it THIS SPRING if it is not already completed.  Dates this spring: 5/8, 6/13
      1. Outdoor Basics Online –   Login to gsLearn to take this online learning. Going Places with Girl Scouts is a pre-requisite. 
      2. Outdoor Basics: Camping Registration –  in-person overnight Sat-Sun
      3. Outdoor Basics: Cooking Registration –  in-person from 9-3:30 on a few Saturdays
    2. First Aid certification – Can be done through GSEMA or medical professionals or those certified with other institution can submit their certification details to GSEMA support (customercare@gsema.org) for approval. 

Resources

  • Going Places with Girl Scouts – This two page overview outlines training requirements and approvals needed for field trips and overnights 
  • Troop Adventures – Here is a page to give you ideas on the multiple ways you can take troops on field trips or camping activities (= away from regular troop meetings.)