Camp Foxtail makes summer meaningful for Girl Scouts
Tucked inside the Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest and surrounded by ponderosa pines, cool mountain air and wild horses sits Camp Foxtail. The camp at 5871 Lee Canyon Road provides Girl Scouts ages 8 to 17 with a traditional overnight camp experience filled with hiking, crafts and games.
Scouts are able to escape the triple-digit weather of the city and explore in groups with the goal of gaining independence through hands-on activities.
"Coming here means unplugging," said camp director Victoria Long-Leather. "There's no social media involved, and our girls are encouraged to embrace their differences. When they first get here, these girls are really shy because they don't know anyone, but they leave as independent young women."
The program encourages leadership through activities such as hiking, cycling, rock climbing, high and low adventure courses, singing, arts and crafts, and campfires, according to its website, girlscoutsnv.org.
Those who are wary to try the overnight camp can sign up for a mother-daughter weekend experience to see if they enjoy it.
Parents can keep continual contact with their daughters through letter correspondence and can keep up to date with them through the camp's Facebook page.
They can also send money to the camp for the girls to buy items from its store.
Despite the carefully planned activities, sometimes a "roasted marshmallow," or homesick Scout, is called in.
"Typically, homesickness spreads super fast among the other campers, so we have to act quick," Long-Leather said. "Staff members are trained to talk to the girls, and if it comes down to it, we’ll call the parents and ask them for tips."
One of the incentives of joining the camp is receiving exclusive badges that deal with courage, confidence and leadership.
Counselors at the camp have nicknames such as Dash, Meatball and Applesauce to keep the youths guessing their name, which is revealed on the last day. Counselors are expected be fun and become positive role models for the girls.
"With kids, it's monkey see, monkey do," Long-Leather said. "That's why it's important for staff members to be positive role models. This camp is really all about choice and trying new things to step out of your comfort zone."
Each week, the camp hosts different themes, including Frozen Week, also known as "Let it Go" week.
During Creative Week, campers have the opportunity to receive their drawing, painting and comic artist badges.
Cabins and platform tents are used for housing.
Inside the camp, a number of facilities help keep the experience fun, including a picnicking area, outside cooking area, wood cabin with electric heat and lighting.
Camp Foxtail was established in 1949 and is a year-round Girl Scout camping facility operated under a special use permit with the U.S. Forest Service, according to the website.
The temperature at camp is cool at night and early morning but can reach 85 degrees during the day in the summer.
"I think the camp is cool," said London Roxy Hammer, 9. "I like that the counselors solve your problems and help you work things out, like if someone is rude to you."
Shayna Davis has been a Girl Scout for 13 years and received the Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. She recently received the Girl Scout lifetime membership.
"Girl Scouts means the absolute world to me," Davis said. "It teaches girls how to do things for themselves. When they first come to camp, some of them are holding on to Mom and Dad, and on the last day, you see those same girls holding on to their counselors. They don't want to leave."
Next year, families can register for the camp in February. Families that need financial help can apply for financial aid.
"The counselors really make us feel like we can change the world," said Miranda Lastra, 9. "They inspire me, and they've made me feel confident."
Visit girlscoutsnv.org.
To reach North View reporter Sandy Lopez, email slopez@viewnews.com or call 702-383-4686. Find her on Twitter: @JournalismSandy.
