Program Faq's

Program Frequently Asked Questions

The program and training listings on this web site are taken from the newest Program and Training Guide and are presented in a straightforward and reader-friendly way.

You will find programs in a Calendar of Programs format or by Program Age Level. Adult Training is listed in the calendar and again on the Adult Development page. For your convenience, each program and training is listed in a format that shows the event, date of the event, time, location, registration information, cost, and transportation information if applicable.

A Min/Max number details the minimum number of girls needed to provide the program and the maximum number allowed. Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council reserves the right to cancel, postpone, or reschedule an event if the minimum number of girls is not reached. Participants will be notified immediately and a full refund or credit for future event will be issued.

Adult Safety-Wise

Proper adult supervision and guidance for each activity is essential. Please follow the Standard Guidelines in Safety-Wise for the recommended ratios of adults to girls for all program activities. If registering as a troop, these adult/girl ratios must be followed. The same guidelines will be applied to the activities where the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council will be providing the adult ratio from Safety-Wise.

FOR EVENTS, TRIPS, AND TROOP CAMPING

GIRL SCOUT TO ADULT RATIO	DAISY GIRL SCOUTS	BROWNIE GIRL SCOUTS	JUNIOR GIRL SCOUTS	CADETTE GIRL SCOUTS	SENIOR GIRL SCOUTS
TWO ADULTS TO EVERY	5	12	16	20	24
PLUS ONE ADULT TO EACH ADDITIONAL	3	6	8	10	12

Who Can Participate?

Any girl of the appropriate age for the program.

National Girl Scout membership registration fee required ($10 annually).

Financial assistance is available for national membership and program activity fees based on need.

Who To Call?

For Council activities call: (219) 795-3900.

Council Program Activities

Council Events are for individual Girl Scouts as well as troops. To guarantee attendance, program registration forms and fee must be turned in at the same time. No spaces will be ‘held’.

Ways to Register

Mail in: Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council, 8699 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Walk-in: Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council Service Center, 8699 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410

Fax in (credit card): (219) 795-9644 complete program registration form with credit card information.

Drop Box: Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council, 8699 Broadway, Merrillville, IN 46410 (Back of building south side). Make sure payment is by check or credit card. NO cash should be left in this box!

We will only accept credit card payments for a minimum of $10.00. Payments under the $10.00 minimum will need to be paid by check or cash.

Registration Details

All registrations are processed on a first come, first served basis. Register as early as possible and always prior to the close date.

If the activity is full before your registration is received, your fee will be returned to you. You will also be placed on a waiting list. Should space become available, you will be contacted and payment can be made at that time.

Attendees will be expected to use the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council provided transportation, no exceptions. Unless otherwise specified in the program description, event transportation is through Laidlaw School Bus Company.

Registrations for programs/events are NOT transferable. Under no circumstances will girls be allowed to attend if they have not pre-registered. When a cancellation is received, we will contact the first/next person on the waiting list.

Chaperones are Needed

Adults are needed to be chaperones/helpers at program events. You will be asked to assist with: chaperoning a group of Girl Scouts which will not include your daughter or any girls from your troop (however, you will be available to sleep and eat meals with your daughter/troop), stay at the event the entire time, do your share of necessary kapers (prepare meals, first aid, award requirements, games, songs, etc.) and ride the provided council transportation. Adults must be registered members of Girl Scouts in order to attend programs (exception: family events).

Tagalongs

Tagalongs are non-registered persons, especially children under the age of 5.

Or a registered Girl Scout, who is of a different program age level than the age level of the event.

Tagalongs will NOT be accepted at any Council event except those listed as “Family” events.

Most programs have limited space. If a tagalong is brought to an event not specified as “family”, you will be asked to leave.

Close Date

No registrations will be accepted for a program after the close date. Your registration must be postmarked by the close date in order to be accepted. Payment must accompany registration form. Registrations will not be taken over the phone.

Refunds

All cancellations and refund requests must be made at least two weeks prior to the event or by the close date (which ever is earliest), and must be made in writing. If you are unable to attend due to an emergency, the following will be required to obtain a refund: an obituary for a death in the family; a doctor's statement for severe illness. Once a reservation has been received 20% of the fee is non-refundable. No refunds will be issued for No-Shows or cancellations not meeting the above criteria.

Financial Assistance

Financial Assistance is made possible by the generosity of individuals, organizations and businesses throughout Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council, who understand the importance of making programs available to every Girl Scout. If you need assistance to pay program fees, please complete the financial assistance form. Financial Assistance is limited to one (1) program/event per guide, per Girl Scout.

Insignia

To receive a try-it, badge, interest project, or event patch (if offered) girls must attend the entire program and complete all requirements.

Packing for an Overnight

Luggage space is limited; please pack all gear in one bag. Sleeping bags should be rolled; tied and placed in a waterproof bag. MAKE SURE ALL POSSESSIONS ARE MARKED WITH YOUR DAUGHTER’S NAME.

If your daughter is on medication, it MUST be in its ORIGINAL CONTAINER with correct prescribed dosage for administration on it. A parent/guardian signed letter of permission for administering must accompany medicine. Please put the medication and letter in a Ziploc bag with her name on it and give it to the Bus Chaperone.

Packing List: Complete Change of Clothes, Toothbrush, toothpaste, towel, comb and/or brush, sleepwear, coat, gloves, hat, boots (weather permitting), flashlight (optional), warm sleeping bag and pillow, prescription medication in ORIGINAL PACKAGE WITH ORIGINAL LABEL.

Label all items with your daughter’s first and last name. Please be sure your daughter’s emergency contact person is correct and will be available for the weekend. NO CELL PHONES! Adults have emergency phones!