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Burke Lake Adventures adheres to and respects GSCNC's Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (DEIA) Commitment
Girl Scouts Nation's Capital is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive community that respects and supports all our members. We value the diverse backgrounds and qualities of each youth and adult member-including race; ethnicity; national origin; culture; gender identity and expression; sexual orientation; socio-economic status; age; physical, intellectual and emotional abilities; and religious and political beliefs-so that all members feel they belong. We strive to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate fully in the Girl Scout program and contribute to the Girl Scout community.
We do not have all the answers but pledge to work toward these goals as advocates and allies. We seek to address barriers that impede our members from reaching their highest potential.
Our mission is to help Girl Scouts become leaders with the courage, compassion, and confidence needed to build a more just community. We continue to commit ourselves to the values put forth in the Girl Scout Promise and Law.
This is who we are, and this is our promise to you.
Unanimously approved by the Board of Directors on June 17th 2022
How do parents receive information from camp?
All information from Burke Lake Adventures will be communicated via email. Any questions about camp as a whole can be found in the Parent manual.
If I have a hard time paying for my camper(s), is there help for me?
GSCNC offers grants for campers that cannot afford the fee and you will not need to provide proof of income. Please reach out to burkelakecamp@gmail.com with any inquiries regarding financial need. If your camper(s) receive grants, the information will be kept private and only directors will know.
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 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.
More information about traffic circle can be found in the Parent Manual and sent via email closer to camp starting.
What if my child needs medications while at camp?
Per GSUSA policies, we cannot provide OTC or prescribed medications for your child. If your child will need any medication 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.
If your camper needs to carry an inhaler or epi-pen at camp, please reach out to burkelakecamp@gmail.com for a specific form.
Will my camper(s) be provided a camp shirt?
Your camper(s) will be provided a BLA t-shirt on Monday morning that they should wear to camp everyday. Your camper should be aware they will need to change into the camp shirt upon arrival.
What should my camper(s) wear to camp?
Due to the presence of insects, poison ivy, and summer weather, appropriate camp attire is:
hat, bandanna or other head covering
ankles and shins covered (knee socks or pants preferred for tick coverage)
bandana for hand drying
tie-on or Velcro shoes
close-toed shoes
What else should my camper bring?
Everyday, your camper should bring:
a water bottle
light/small backpack
sit-upon
poncho
a nut-free lunch
Please write your child's name or initials on all items brought to camp.
Due to GSUSA health regulations, all bug spray and sunscreen must be applied at home and not at camp or in the parking lot.
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. 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 result in camp dismissing early and you will be notified.
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 friend (buddy)?
BLA is a “No buddy option” camp. We do not allow 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 placed with buddies?
We do not allow buddies for multiple reasons
A goal of GSCNC day camps is for campers to “meet other friends from throughout the Council”
When groups of campers are put together in one unit they quickly form a clique which can have a bad impact on the entire unit
An important readiness indicator for attending 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 BLA 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 earlier than general camp to ensure your child gets a spot.
What if I can’t volunteer because I have a younger child/young school aged boy?
BLA has a Pixie unit for all potty trained genders aged 3-5. For young school aged boys, they will be placed in the Ranger Unit.
What are your cancellation and refund policies?
Refund Policy:
Full refund available prior to May 29, 2026 (5pm).
Fifty percent refund available until June 19, 2026 (5pm). Due to the need to plan for the successful implementation of camp, no refunds after June 19, 2026 (5pm).
In the event of a camp cancellation by Girl Scouts Nation’s Capital, you will receive a full refund.
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