What Is Rochester Day Camp?

At day camp girls going into grades 1 through 6 in the Fall of 2025, learn outdoor skills, try new activities, work in groups, and make new friends. Girls are placed in units with 10-15 other girls their age and one to two adult leaders, and two or more older girl Program Aides. Activities at day camp include outdoor cooking, arts and crafts, exploring nature, playing games, and earning Girl Scout recognitions.

Where is it held?

Day Camp is held at Camp Edith Mayo, located in Rochester MN, is the perfect place to experience “camp in the city.” This 40-acre Girl Scout property allows girls to connect to nature and friends while having engaging, dynamic, and magical outdoor experiences. Checkout the "Camp Edith Mayo" page on the River Valleys website for location information.

What is a typical day at Day Camp like?

Day Camp runs Monday through Friday. Each day, camp starts at 9:00 a.m., and girls will spend the day doing activities in units based on age. Day Camp will provide one snack daily. Each day ends at 4:30 p.m. when campers go home for the evening.

Girls bring a lunch from home on Monday and Friday. Girls will cook yummy lunches on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday in their units over a campfire.

Weather permitting, we also have one water fun day where we have lots of water games to keep our campers (and volunteers) cool! Water day is a tradition at camp and is always a favorite for campers!

What activities will campers do?

Activities are designed to allow campers a chance to explore Camp Edith Mayo and Girl Scouting traditions. Campers will enjoy activities associated with Girl Scout badges, work as a team to cook their lunch over a campfire in their unit and do assigned camp chores, participate in the daily flag ceremony, try the traversing wall, play outdoor games, learn girl scout songs and much more!

Will my camper be safe?

Safety is important at day camp. Safety is a part of volunteer training and camper orientation. We will follow Safety-Wise guidelines provided by the Girl Scouts of the USA and all Policies and procedures of Girl Scouts of River Valleys, as well as state and local health codes. A trained First Aider is on site at all times.

When is drop off and pick up?

Camp drop off will be between 8:45 am and 9:00 am each day. An adult will need to sign in their camper each morning. Campers who have an older sibling or parent/guardian who is volunteering are welcome to join us at the volunteer start time.

Camp pick up will be at 4:30 pm each day. An adult will need to sign out your camper each day.

What will my camper eat at camp?

Campers are asked to bring a packed lunch on Monday and Friday. Please note that we are a nut free camp, and campers will not have access to a refrigerator or microwave.

On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday we will provide lunch. Campers will be cooking over the fire and are asked to bring a mess kit.

A snack is provided once each day.

What should my camper wear?

Please have your campers dress for the weather. We are outside all day, rain or shine. In the event of severe heat or severe storms we will move campers indoors. Campers should have closed toed shoes (no sandals or flip flops) that are appropriate for walking/running. Each camper should come with sunscreen and bug spray applied. Please leave vests and sashes at home.

What should my camper bring to camp each day?

Rain Gear (no umbrellas please!)
Reusable water bottle filled with ice or a frozen disposable water bottle
Monday and Friday: Lunch in a container that will protect it from the outdoors. We are a nut free camp. Please protect our campers and leave all nut products at home
Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday - a mess kit and a dunk bag (A homemade version would be a hard plastic plate, bowl and cup, knife, fork and spoon and a mesh laundry bag - all labeled with girl's name)
Hair ties for people with long hair (fire and archery safety)
Situpon - a small, weather resistant cushion or fabric square to put down on wet surfaces and "sit upon"
Sunscreen and insect repellent. Arrive with it applied and bring more to reapply

What is needed for water day?

Back by popular demand, we will hold our water day on Friday during camp week. Water day is only held in the afternoon so please send your camper in "regular" clothing in the morning.

A swimsuit or clothing that can get wet
Closed toed shoes are required for all of water day so please send crocs, water shoes or sneakers that can get wet for your camper's safety. No flip flops please.
Towel
Bag for wet clothing

How will you communicate with me?

During the week we will share pictures and important reminders via GroupMe. No app is required to view the messages, but there is a free app available if you choose to use it.

You can join our 2024 group chat here: https://groupme.com/join_group/101741107/ELcyooGh

More info will be available at the check in table if you have questions.

Will my child's photo be taken?

We love to share photos of our campers having a great time. We will sometimes post it to our Service Unit Facebook page (a private group you can join here: https://www.facebook.com/share/PaRoAwr3LiZwxsDs/) or add photos to our camp website (Home | Rochester Day Camp (rochesterdaycamppl.wixsite.com). This year, KTTC may stop by to do a news story on our camp. Please fill out a media release form to let us know if you are comfortable with us sharing photos of your camper.

What are the behavior expectations?

Girl Scout campers are all required to sign the Girl Scout Code of Conduct. It is important to us that camp is a safe and inviting place for all who attend. While we have many adults in attendance to ensure safety, please keep in mind that our teenage Program Aids are responsible for running our camp each day. For that reason, we reserve the right to ask any camper not following the code of conduct to attend further camp days with an adult chaperone or to not return to camp. We thank you for your understanding on this issue.

What if my camper has allergies or needs to take medication while at camp?

If your camper has any allergies or will need to take any medications while at camp, please fill out a medication and/or allergy forms. All medications must be in their original containers and must be given according to the instructions on the label.

General Information