FAQ
Parents, please bookmark this page so you have easy access to this information!
You WILL NOT receive a packet in the mail; all info about camp will be digital! ALL the information you usually receive in your welcome packet will be below. There is a link to the updated Parent/Camper Handbook at the bottom of this page. As the camp is under new leadership, this page will be updated periodically. If your question is not answered here, please reach out using burkelakecamp@gmail.com.
How will my child get to camp?
The only way to camp is by personal transportation. We are accessible by a back entrance to the campground as well as by the front entrance to Burke Lake Park. The back entrance may not be open, but there will be signs guiding you to the Camp from both entrances. Your child’s pick up person will need to have the permission printout! For safety reasons, you may NOT pick up your camper directly from the unit leaders and you may NOT wander around camp. There is also a 5 MPH speed limit on all camp roads – please respect this speed limit as there may be both children and wildlife sharing the road with you. During afternoon pick-up, carpoolers should line up on the right side of the road, leaving room for others to exit.
What if my child needs medications while at camp?
Following GSUSA policies, we cannot provide any medications for your child. If your child will need any medication – prescription or over-the-counter – it must be sent in to the camp nurse in its original container. Over-the-counter medication must be accompanied by a doctor’s note. This includes Tylenol, Advil, etc. There is a special form to fill out if your camper needs to carry an inhaler or epi-pen.
What should my child wear to camp?
Burke Lake Adventures takes place in an outdoor, summer setting. Every day, campers should bring a water bottle, sit-upon, poncho and a lunch that does not require refrigeration. Please write your child’s name or initials on all items brought to camp. Due to the presence of hiking trails, ticks and poison ivy, as well as the potential for sunburns, appropriate camp attire is as follows:
hat, bandanna or other head covering
Camp provided t-shirt (Should my daughter wear her camp shirt every day?)
Yes, all campers must wear their camp shirt to camp every day. Camp shirts will be distributed at the camp on Monday morning. Your camper should be aware they will need to change into the camp shirt upon arrival.
ankles and shins covered (knee socks or pants preferred for tick coverage)
bandanna for hand drying
tie-on or Velcro shoes
Light/small backpack for water bottle, sit upon, poncho and lunch
Due to Girl Scout health regulations, all bug spray and sunscreen must be applied at home and not at camp or in the parking lot. We are very lucky that our camp is mostly under full tree cover, but it is still good practice to wear sunscreen!
We reserve the right to confiscate any inappropriate items and hold them for parental pick-up. Please make sure anything that comes to camp is Girl Scout and camp appropriate. Campers may bring phones, but will not be allowed to use them unless it’s a true emergency. We will confiscate if it becomes an issue.
How can I contact staff or my child during camp?
To contact members of staff (e.g. the camp nurse, registrar, or directors) during camp please call or text 571-354-7848 or email burkelakecamp@gmail.com. These both come directly to the director’s phone, and will be checked regularly. Should you need to contact your child during camp, please follow the same procedure. Keep in mind the phone number is a Google number, so you will have to put your name in and wait a moment for connection.
What if there’s inclement weather?
Camp is held rain or shine. On the first day of camp, every unit will practice the emergency procedures for thunder and lightning storms, tornadoes, fire and flood. Due to safety concerns, storms and tornado watches/warnings may not result in camp dismissing early, if it does, you will be notified by phone. In the unlikely event that extreme weather conditions or other dangerous circumstances cause camp to be canceled for the following day, we will update via email.
Can my camper be placed with a buddy?
BLA is a “No buddy option” camp. We do not encourage buddy requests and do not provide an option for a buddy request with the application. Any requests for a buddy included with registration will not be considered during unit placement.
Why can’t campers be buddies?
First, one of the goals of GSCNC day camps is for campers to “meet other friends from throughout the Council”. Second, when groups of campers are put together in one unit they quickly form a clique which can have a detrimental impact on the entire unit. Third, an important readiness indicator for camp is that your camper is mature enough to “play and work with all campers, not just their best friend”. We like to tell campers that their unit is filled with new “best friends” they haven’t met yet! Girl Scouts offers your camper an excellent opportunity to “make new friends” and become part of the wider Girl Scout Family.
How can I improve my camper’s chances of attendance?
The best way to ensure your camper gets into camp is to volunteer. Yes, we realize it’s difficult to volunteer because many parents work – several of our core staff are amazing enough to use their vacation time each summer to volunteer at camp. Adult volunteers receive guaranteed placement of their camper, AIT and Aide children (and at a 40% discounted rate!). Volunteers also register early, to make sure your child gets a slot! Volunteers can register as early as December 18th!
I can’t volunteer because I have a younger child/young school aged boy!
You are in luck as BLA will have a Pixie unit. All potty trained genders aged 3-5 are in the Pixie unit. This year (2025) we are bringing back the Ranger Unit! We are in need of a Ranger (boy) Unit leader, so if you are interested, or know someone who might be, please reach out at burkelakecamp@gmail.com We are always in need of Unit Leaders! Unit leaders are the backbone of our camp! To be a Unit Leader you'll need a great attitude, patience, and a strong Girl Scout attitude! Unit leaders generally spend the day with a unit of campers, usually 12-16 kids. Our goal is to have 2 adults plus 2 Aides and 2 AITs with a unit of campers so you are never alone; and we will always try to pair new leaders with more experienced leaders to make things easier for everyone! Our plan is always to empower Aides by having them lead the unit badge work as well as other age appropriate jobs; you are there in a support role with them, as we are focused on teaching them strong leadership skills. You will be spending your days with your unit of campers, leading them through all their activities throughout the day. BLA leadership is here to support you fully, to answer any questions you may have, to be helpful at camp and throughout the entire process pre camp as well.
More unit leaders means we can accept more campers!
Cancellation and Refunds:
Full refund available prior to May 30, 2025 at 5pm. Fifty percent refund available until June 20th, 2025 at 5pm. No refunds after June 20th, 2025, as we depend on these fees to allow our camp to run smoothly.
In the event of a camp cancellation by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, you will receive a full refund.