MOM & ME VACATION CAMP

Here is some info on a Mom & Daughter camp I held. You’ll find the actual schedule of events, menu, kit list and duty sign up chart at the bottom of the page. I’ve included it all to make running a similar camp easier for you to plan.

Camp Description

I had booked a residential lodge quite a while before the camp and then later heard some real horror stories about Mom’s at camp, which had me worried. Fortunately it turned out fantastic. I invited Mom’s of Sparks, Brownies and Guides to come to camp with their daughter. In order for a girl to go to this particular camp their Mom had to go too. I knew that not all girls would be able to go but we had two other camps just for girls earlier in the year and had requests for this type of camp from Moms so I thought I’d try it. I rented a lodge (I find it much easier having an indoor facility available, even when tenting), that had 12 private bedrooms, full kitchen facilities, a large living area and an area outside suitable for tenting. I put a limit of 40 people as I didn’t want the camp to be too stressful or noisy. People were accepted on a first come basis. Each Mom and her daughter could sign up for a room at a higher cost or bring their own tent ant set it up themselves for less. I invited some Rangers to help me run the program at camp. My daughters are long grown up so I made it that any Guiders in attendance with their daughters got to be just Moms for a change while the invited Rangers, and a close friend and I ran things. Each Mom and daughter signed up to cook a meal & clean afterwards with some others. We had times when Mom’s & daughters were free to spend time together however they wished. We also had some structured Mom & Daughter activities. As well, Moms were given a break a few times while the Rangers & I ran activities just for the girls. We set up a craft room where girls could only go if a Mom was with them. We had samples on the table of some things they could make and the supplies around the room. Girls picked what they wanted to make and Moms gathered the supplies and helped them make it. So easy for us!! Every girl had help and lots of attention and no one was pulled in a million different directions! On the Saturday night we had a talent show that Moms, daughters or both could sign up for. Some of the entries were really funny. We decided on Saturday night to let the Moms eat separately. We had the girls sit in one area and the Moms served them first. Then while they played the Moms got to eat in peace. It was really funny because one of the Moms said the next day her daughter told her "I liked it better when you served me last night Mom". The Mom said "as if I don’t serve her everyday!" At the end of camp we had the Mom’s present their daughter with a camp award which she picked from a number that I had made up.

The Mom would get up and call her daughter over and tell everyone why she was giving her the award. The girls loved it! Then the Moms presented each other with an award (some of which were pretty funny). After that the girls did the following cheer for their Mom’s

Mommies, Mommies

We want to thank you

For bringing us to camp

Where there was so much to do.

We really liked the campfire

The games & crafts too

But most of all we really liked

Spending time with YOU!!!

After that they gave their Moms a card and a flower pen they had made secretly for them. Then we sang "Say Why" and we had some Mom’s in tears. On the way out almost all of them asked if we could do this again next year and WE RECRUITED 3 NEW GUIDERS. I’m so happy I took the chance and it turned out as it did.

Mom & Me Vacation Camp Schedule

(this was posted at the camp)

FRIDAY

6:30 – 7:30 Arrival, set up rooms or tents.

  • Craft: Decorate name tags & make room door hangers or tent signs.
    •

    • Sign Up for Duties & Activities.

    7:30 Announcements/Camp Rules (everyone must be in attendance)

    8:00-9:00 Get To Know Each Other Games with Lisa

    Snack Patrol gets snack ready (8:45)

  • 9:00 Eat Snack & Listen To Campfire Rules

    9:15 Prepare for Campfire (bug spray/hair tied back etc.)

    9:30 Campfire Note: Mom’s & Daughters must be together at campfire.

    OR

    •

    • Stay indoors and chit chat, play quiet games, read etc. together.

    10:30 Girls get ready for bed (brush teeth etc.)

    10:45 Girls in rooms or tents

    11:00 Lights/flashlights out

    Mom’s that wish gather for chit chat, cards or games etc.

    SATURDAY

    7:15 BREAKFAST PATROL STARTS BREAKFAST

    (early birds feel free to visit the bead table for jewelry making)

    8:00 Everyone gathers for morning opening

    8:15 Announcements/Grace/ & Breakfast

  • 8:45 Mom’s & Daughters Free Time (take a morning walk together, visit the playground or play some board games, or whatever you wish. Enjoy each other.

    9:30 MOMS GET A BREAK (Enjoy some time with the other Moms or yourself!)

    Rangers & Brown Owl work with Girls on Memory Boxes Craft

    •

    • 10:15 SNACK PATROL PREPARES SNACK

    10:30 Wash Up and Snack (for those that wish)

  • 11:00 Mom & Daughter Scavenger Hunt run by Rangers. Can you find all the items?

    11:30 Free Time for all. Relax, visit playground or go to the downstairs Craft Room which opens now.

    Girls going to playground or Craft Room downstairs MUST be with their Mom.

    •

    • 12:15 LUNCH PATROL PREPARES LUNCH

    12:30 Lunch

    1:00 – 2:00 MOM’S FREE TIME

  • GIRLS WITH BROWNOWL & RANGERS– parachute games/action songs
    •

    • (outdoors if nice....indoors if not)

    2:00 MOM & DAUGHTER FREE TIME (together)

  • If you decide to go out to a local attraction please remember to sign release before leaving.

    OR Stay for Mom & Daughter time together either in the craft room, outside walking, or whatever the two of you enjoy doing together. Maybe you’ll even want to nap!

    •

    • 3:30 SNACK PATROL STARTS SNACK

    4:00 Snack: (For those who stayed or have arrived back from outing)

    4:15 If Hot: Mom & Daughter Water Games

  • If Cold/Rain: Mom & Daughter Manicures Inside OR BOTH!!!

    4:45 Free Time to practice skits etc. for talent show/visit playground or craft room or just rest if tired.

    •

    • SUPPER PATROL STARTS SUPPER.

    • 6:00 Grace & Supper

  • 7:00 Craft Parade (Daughters bring your favourite crafts and pick a spot to show them off while Moms parade by to see them all).
    •

    • 7:30 Prepare for Talent Show

    7:45 Talent Show

    8:30 FIRE STARTERS GET FIRE READY (unless rain)

    8:45 CAMPFIRE: Prepare for Campfire (for that wish)

    or quiet indoor games for those that don’t want campfire.

    Note: Mom’s & Daughters must be together at campfire.

    If rain (indoor candle campfire).

    9:30 SNACK PATROL PREPARES SNACK

    9:45 Bedtime Snack & ready for bed..

    10:00 In rooms or tents

    10:30 Lights/Flashlights out for girls

    SUNDAY

    7:45 BREAKFAST PATROL STARTS BREAKFAST

  • (early birds feel free to visit the bead table for jewelry making)

    • 8:30 Good morning dance & Grace

    8:45 Breakfast

    9:30-10:30 MOMS FREE TIME

  • Girls work on Special Craft for Mom (with Brown Owl and Rangers - no moms allowed)
    •

    • 10:30 Prepare for Outdoors (bug spray/sun lotion/hat etc.)

  • 10:45 Mom & Me Hike & Nature Activity guided by Joceylyn’s & Justine’s Mom’s
    •

    • If Rain (indoor nature talk).

    11:15 Wash Up & Drink

    11:30 Awards Presentation & Closing Ceremony

  • Let's present our special awards to each other and celebrate the fun we’ve had together!

    12:00 Pack Up, Clean Rooms, Bathrooms/Take down tents etc.,if you haven’t already. (Remember Girl Guides leave a place cleaner then they find it)

    •

    • 12:30 Camp Officially Closes

  • Leftovers put out. Make your own lunch for those that wish.
  • Feel free to make a sandwich or take some food for the road if leaving

    Feel free to stay longer and spend more time with your daughter doing activities of your choice (except crafts). Must be out by 3:00 p.m.

    •

    • GO WELL & SAFELY

    ACTUAL MENU

    (parents brought junk food.....we brought the rest)

    FRIDAY NIGHT SNACK: Fruit Punches

  • Coffee/Tea

    Muffins

    Junk Food

    • Saturday Breakfast: Orange Juice

  • Apple Juice

    Milk

    Coffee/Tea

    • Fruit Loops, Corn Pops, Raisin Bran or Cheerios

    Scrambled Eggs

    Hash Brown Patties

  • Toast, Butter, Jam, Peanut Butter, Cheez Whiz
    •

    • Saturday Morning Snack

    (for those that wish) Juice

    Coffee/Tea (adults)

    Watermelon

    Saturday Lunch Fruit Punches

  • Milk
    •

    • Coffee/Tea

    Lipton Chicken Noodle Soup

    Crackers

    Subs (make your own with

  • (assorted cold cuts, tuna, cheese, tomatoes & vegetables)

    Alternates: Bread, butter, jam, peanut butter, cheez whiz

    •

    • Saturday Afternoon Snack

    (for those that wish) Fruit Punches

    Coffee/Tea

    Assorted Fruits

    Saturday Supper Fruit Punches

  • Milk
    •

    • Coffee/Tea

    Spaghetti

  • Plain Sauce or Meat Sauce

    Caesar Salad

    Veggies & Dip

    Ice Cream Sundaes

  • Alternates Bread, butter, jam, peanut butter, cheez whiz, Bread
    •

    • Saturday Night Snack Hot Chocolate

  • Fruit Punches
    •

    • Coffee/Tea

    Fruit & leftover veggies & dip

  • Junk Food

    • Sunday Breakfast Orange Juice

  • Apple Juice

    Milk

    •

    • Coffee/Tea

    Pancakes & Syrup

    Sausages

    Remainder of Cold Cereals

  • Alternates: Bread, Butter, Jam, Peanut Butter, Cheez Whiz
    •

    • Sunday Lunch

    (For those that wish

    to stay after camp ALL LEFTOVERS

    officially closes or

    make something to

    take along in the car)

     

     

  • HOPE YOU ENJOYED THE FOOD AND THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR TAKING TURNS PREPARING IT!

    •

    • MOM & ME KIT LIST

    Please remember that while on site Guiding policy is no tank tops, or open sandals. As well, when outdoors a wide brimmed camp hat must be worn.

    EVERYONE

    Baby food, formula or canned good for local food bank

    Sleeping Bag or Two Warm Blankets

    Pillow

    Wide Brimmed Camp Hat (adults too)

    Dish Towel (put in kitchen when arrive)

    Garbage Bag (for Dirty/Wet Clothes)

    Water Bottle (for hike)

    Knapsack (for outings)

    Scissors for crafts (label with your name)

    Flashlight with new batteries

    Sit-upon (some type of plastic cushion to sit on by fire- can be made by placing newspaper in a garbage bag and taping into square shape).

    Bathing Suit (if planning on day trip to local pool)

    Warm Sweater (preferably hooded…keeps bugs off neck)

    Jacket

    Rain Coat or Poncho (Dollar stores carry)

    2 Long sleeved shirts

    2 T-shirts

    2 pairs of shorts

    2 pairs of long pants (jeans or track pants ok)

    4 pairs of underwear

    4 pairs of socks

    Pajamas (if tenting bring warm ones too…just in case)

    Slippers or indoor shoes

    Running Shoes & Extra pair or rubber soled shoes

    Rain Boots (if you don’t have try and borrow…you can pick up cheap rain boots from second hand stores too)

    Towels & Facecloths

    Brush /Comb / hair accessories if you use

    Soap/Shampoo/Deodorant

    Toothbrush/paste

    Non-spray bug repellent:

    Sunscreen

    Medication and instructions (if taking)

  • Optional:

    Books

    Cards

    Games

    Camera

    Outside Toys

    Notebook/pen or pencil/

    Mending kit

    Lawn Chair (must be left outside)

    Evening Snack to Share

    •

    • For Those Sleeping In Tents

    (you’ll also need)

    Tent (please check your tent prior to coming to make sure you have all poles & pegs)

    Rope (to tie down tent if extremely windy)

    Pail (to put water in for beside tent (a guiding fire regulation)

    2 Ground Sheets

    Extra Blanket

    Air Mattress or Pad

    LABEL EVERYTHING WITH YOUR NAME. It really helps us after camp get it back to you.

     

     

     

    LEND A HAND

    (please sign up for at least one of our kitchen duties)

     

    Prepare & Clean Up Friday Night Snack

    1. _________________________

     

    Cook & Prepare Saturday Morning Breakfast

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________

    Dishes & Clean Up after Saturday Breakfast

    1. _________________________ 2.____________________________

     

     

    Prepare & Clean Up after Saturday Morning Snack

    1.__________________

     

    Prepare & Dishes/Clean Up after Saturday Lunch

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________

    Prepare & Clean Up after Saturday Afternoon Snack

    1. _____________________


    Cook / Prepare Saturday Supper

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________3. _______________

     

    Dishes & Clean Up from Saturday Supper

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________ 3. ________________________

     

     

    Prepare & Clean Up Saturday Night Snack

    1. _________________________

     

    Cook & Prepare Sunday Breakfast

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________3. __________________________

     

    Clean Up from Breakfast

    1. _________________________ 2.________________________