Camp Magic: GSGI Mission Outreach Brings 124 Girls Together for a Day of Adventure and Friendship
June 24, 2025
Summer camp season is in full swing, and last Saturday, over 124 girls from GSGI’s Mission Outreach program had the opportunity to attend camp together. GSGI’s Mission Outreach programs are staff-led with a goal to meet girls where they are in an effort to reduce barriers and expand access to Girl Scout programming.
Support from GSGI donors helps fund Mission Outreach programs and ensure Girl Scouting is free or low cost.
“Camp, in a way, is like the culmination of the girls’ Girl Scout experience,” Ngân Hoàng, GSGI’s Vice President of Girl Services, said. “That’s all many of them ask about during the year, is whether they will go camping. It’s that safe haven for Girl Scouts to try new experiences while surrounded by old and new friends who are cheering them on.” For many of the girls in our Outreach program, camp is something that may not naturally be on their family’s summer agenda, which makes it all extra special.”
The day consisted of games and s’mores, archery, camp songs, arts and crafts, low ropes courses, and swimming.
For many girls, it was the opportunity to experience camp for the first time, and for some girls like 12-year-old West Des Moines Girl Scout Yebin, Mission Outreach Day was an opportunity to return to Camp Sacajawea with her Girl Scout friends.
“I’m just excited to be here with everyone and do all the fun activities,” Yebin said.
Throughout the day, Yebin participated in each scheduled activity, excelling in archery, in fact, and introduced herself to many new faces.
“I love camp because it’s a time where you don’t get to use your electronics and you’re just out in nature doing all these activities – it’s super fun,” Yebin said.
Mission Outreach programs and the Girl Scout Leadership Experience help girls develop five outcomes: Stronger Sense of Self, Positive Values, Community Problem Solving Skills, Healthy Relationships, and an Increased Likelihood to Seek a Challenge.
Girl Scouts like Yebin show the importance of accessible Girl Scout programming to all, as it not only provides fun filled days at camp, but lifelong skills, memories, and friendships.
“Being a Girl Scout has taught me how to be respectful and kind to other people, and also just learning how to return the favor,” Yebin said.
