Investing in Independence: The Lasting Value of Summer Camp for Girls and the Communities They’ll Lead

Girl Scout Sleep Away Camp

As we inch closer to summer, I find myself reflecting on the profound and lasting impact sleep-away summer camp experiences have on girls—a truth I know as a Girl Scout Camp alumna.

When I was a young Girl Scout, I arrived at camp feeling a mix of excitement and nerves. It was the first time I would be away from home for an extended period. At camp, I quickly discovered that stepping outside my comfort zone was part of the experience. Whether it was leading a team activity, or making new friends around the campfire, each moment taught me something new about resilience, independence, and working with others. These early lessons shaped not only my personal growth but also my approach to leadership and mentorship throughout my life and career.

Today, research confirms what many of us have known from experience: camp is much more than a summer adventure. For girls, especially in an all-girl environment, camp fosters measurable gains in confidence, adaptability, and leadership. Girls who attend outdoor camps report increased belief in their abilities after taking on physical challenges like hiking or climbing, and they are more likely to persist when faced with unfamiliar tasks. Camp becomes a place where girls learn to navigate risks, solve problems, and build relationships—all while unplugged from technology and immersed in nature.

The benefits go beyond personal growth. All-girls camps offer a unique environment free from societal pressures and stereotypes. Girls are encouraged to embrace their individuality and pursue interests they might never have explored elsewhere. In these spaces, girls can naturally take on leadership roles—whether organizing activities, leading team projects, or simply encouraging peers to try something new. This early experience with collaborative leadership can ripple outward, influencing how they engage in school, community service, and eventually, the workplace.

Strong female role models are another key part of the camp experience. As a camper, I benefited from mentors who encouraged me to stretch my limits and take risks. That support left a mark on me—and it's what I see blooming every summer in our campers today. These experiences help girls build emotional intelligence, empathy, and a sense of belonging, laying the groundwork for lifelong resilience and leadership.

The long-term advantages are clear. Girls who participate in outdoor programs are significantly more likely to pursue higher education and careers in fields like sciences, technology and engineering. They also develop stronger stress management skills, with lower rates of anxiety in adolescence. For many, the friendships and mentorships formed at camp become lasting sources of strength and guidance.

I invite every family to consider the gift of sleepaway camp. It's a place where girls become leaders, friends become family, and every girl has the chance to discover her best self.

Ginny Hill, CEO of Girl Scouts of Central and Southern New Jersey