Junior Encampment - What You Need to Know
Junior Encampment – Frequently Asked Questions
What is Junior Encampment? Junior Encampment is a long-standing (more than 15 years) Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon Service Unit (SU) yearly event that originally started as a way for Juniors to work with older girls as part of earning their bridging requirements. This has evolved into a SU tradition and is now a much anticipated week-end (Friday after school through Sunday after breakfast) outdoor event in which 6th grade Cadettes (Camper Council) provide an opportunity for 3rd grade Brownies and 4th/5th grade Juniors to work with the older girls by rotating through different fun learning activities (i.e. crafts, hikes, sports, signing songs), learning GS traditions, earning Junior badges and experiencing a “girl-led” GS camping adventure. These activities are coordinated and led by the Cadettes. Of course, 6th grade leaders and other registered GS adults are part of the planning and week-end activities as well. JE is an outdoor event with the appropriate troop ratio of girls to leaders.
Who attends JE?
Typically, registered 3rd grade Brownies or Junior Troops (girls and leaders). However, we are happy to include friends of a Girl Scout so they can see what it’s like to be a girl scout in Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon. All girls, registered or not, should have progressed to the point of sleeping away from home in a tent. i.e,. been on an overnight at someone’s house, attended prior camping events with the troop, or been on an overnight away from home in a tent. Leaders may include men, but per GS regulations, they may not share a cabin/tent with any females.
Who hosts JE?
Registered 6th grade Cadette troops (girls, leaders and registered GS adults) within the Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon Service Unit.
When is JE?
Usually in the spring after Mommy & Me. Check our Calendar to see when this year's JE will be held.
Where is JE held?
Each year, JE is held at a different location. Usually within 90 minutes of San Diego.
What is the cost to attend JE? The fees vary depending on the cost of the venue. Troops are encouraged to use their cookie money to pay for their troop attending Junior Encampment.
Will there be time to exchange SWAPS?
Of course!!! Girls usually bring between 25-50 swaps for this event, which will be held on Saturday afternoon. SWAPS stand for Special Watchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal. There are traded with each other to promote friendship. When girls swap their pins, they make new friends and that is what girl scouting is all about. To learn more about swaps, click here.
What training is required for 3rd - 5th grade leaders? (applies only to tent camping, not cabins)*
* Camping in cabins (Winacka/Whispering Oaks) where food is provided does not require the training listed above.
What if our Troop would like to host the following year's Junior Encampment?
What is Junior Encampment? Junior Encampment is a long-standing (more than 15 years) Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon Service Unit (SU) yearly event that originally started as a way for Juniors to work with older girls as part of earning their bridging requirements. This has evolved into a SU tradition and is now a much anticipated week-end (Friday after school through Sunday after breakfast) outdoor event in which 6th grade Cadettes (Camper Council) provide an opportunity for 3rd grade Brownies and 4th/5th grade Juniors to work with the older girls by rotating through different fun learning activities (i.e. crafts, hikes, sports, signing songs), learning GS traditions, earning Junior badges and experiencing a “girl-led” GS camping adventure. These activities are coordinated and led by the Cadettes. Of course, 6th grade leaders and other registered GS adults are part of the planning and week-end activities as well. JE is an outdoor event with the appropriate troop ratio of girls to leaders.
Who attends JE?
Typically, registered 3rd grade Brownies or Junior Troops (girls and leaders). However, we are happy to include friends of a Girl Scout so they can see what it’s like to be a girl scout in Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon. All girls, registered or not, should have progressed to the point of sleeping away from home in a tent. i.e,. been on an overnight at someone’s house, attended prior camping events with the troop, or been on an overnight away from home in a tent. Leaders may include men, but per GS regulations, they may not share a cabin/tent with any females.
Who hosts JE?
Registered 6th grade Cadette troops (girls, leaders and registered GS adults) within the Tierrasanta/Murphy Canyon Service Unit.
When is JE?
Usually in the spring after Mommy & Me. Check our Calendar to see when this year's JE will be held.
Where is JE held?
Each year, JE is held at a different location. Usually within 90 minutes of San Diego.
What is the cost to attend JE? The fees vary depending on the cost of the venue. Troops are encouraged to use their cookie money to pay for their troop attending Junior Encampment.
Will there be time to exchange SWAPS?
Of course!!! Girls usually bring between 25-50 swaps for this event, which will be held on Saturday afternoon. SWAPS stand for Special Watchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere or Share With A Pal. There are traded with each other to promote friendship. When girls swap their pins, they make new friends and that is what girl scouting is all about. To learn more about swaps, click here.
What training is required for 3rd - 5th grade leaders? (applies only to tent camping, not cabins)*
- The leader (or another registered GS adult) in your troop camping that weekend must have First Aid/CPR training. We will have a First Aid person at the event; however, each troop must have a First Aider in the troop for immediate first aid needs to act as the first point of contact for the troop. Check Council’s training schedule for upcoming training events.
- The leader (or another registered GS adult) in your troop camping that weekend must have completed all levels of Troop Camp Certification (Let’s Cook, Let’s Tent, Let’s Camp). If you do not have a camp qualified adult, you should complete the training before Junior Encampment. Check Council’s training schedule for upcoming training events. Get this completed ASAP as these classes fill-up quickly and at least one of them involves overnight camping. If you do not have this completed, please let us know and we will find you a buddy troop so that you can still attend the encampment.
* Camping in cabins (Winacka/Whispering Oaks) where food is provided does not require the training listed above.
What if our Troop would like to host the following year's Junior Encampment?
- Contact our Service Unit manager or let the Camper Council adults know at your weekend encampment.
- Take the Encampment Director training offered by our San Diego Girl Scout Council.
- Be prepared to start planning by December of the year prior to the encampment.