This summer, adventure is closer than you think.
Summer in the City brings the fun, friendship, and discovery of Girl Scouts directly into local communities with flexible, high-energy programs designed for busy families and curious kids. Whether it’s trying something brand new, building confidence, making friends, or simply looking for a fun way to spend part of the summer, there’s something for everyone.
Ready for an unforgettable summer?
Browse programs and register today!
What to Expect
Located at 375 McCarter Highway in Newark, the 5,436-square-foot Girl Scout Leadership Center (GSLC) is a dynamic space designed for creativity, connection, and discovery. Summer in the City transforms the GSLC into an exciting urban day program experience where Girl Scouts can learn, explore, create, and have fun in the heart of the city.
Designed specifically for Daisy, Brownie, and Junior Girl Scouts, each session features unique weekly themes that keep every experience fresh, engaging, and full of surprises. Participants will enjoy hands-on activities, crafts, team-building challenges, collaborative games, snacks, and Girl Scout badge-earning opportunities woven throughout the experience.
Every day is designed to help Girl Scouts build confidence, make new friends, try new things, and create lasting summer memories in a welcoming and supportive environment.
Program |
Grade* |
Fee |
Session 1 |
Session 2 |
Session 3 |
Discover and Explore: Finding Your Spark Outdoors ~ D |
K,1 |
$375 |
X |
|
|
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ D |
K,1 |
$375 |
|
X |
|
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ D |
K,1 |
$375 |
|
|
X |
Discover and Explore: Finding Your Spark Outdoors ~ B |
2,3 |
$375 |
X |
|
|
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ B |
2,3 |
$375 |
|
X |
|
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ B |
2,3 |
$375 |
|
|
X |
Discover and Explore: Finding Your Spark Outdoors ~ J |
4,5 |
$375 |
X |
|
|
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ J |
4,5 |
$375 |
|
X |
|
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ J |
4,5 |
$375 |
|
|
X |
Daisy Girl Scouts (Kindergarten & 1st Grade)
Discover and Explore: Finding Your Spark Outdoors ~ D
From Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14, Daisy Girl Scouts will kick off Summer in the City with a week full of outdoor-inspired fun, creativity, and discovery. Through hands-on activities, interactive games, nature exploration, and creative projects, participants will build confidence, make new friends, and spark their curiosity about the world around them.
By the end of the week, Daisies will proudly earn their Outdoor Art Maker and Eco Learner badges while creating memories that will last all summer long.
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ D
From Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, Daisies will unleash their imagination through a week focused on creativity, invention, and hands-on exploration. Participants will experiment with new ideas, design creative projects, and work together through activities that encourage problem-solving, innovation, and self-expression.
Whether building, creating, or collaborating with friends, every day is designed to inspire curiosity and confidence. By the end of the week, Girl Scouts will earn their Inventor Badge while celebrating their creativity and big ideas.
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ D
From Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28, Daisies will wrap up Summer in the City with a week centered around creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Through storytelling, interactive activities, collaborative games, and performance-inspired fun, participants will discover new ways to express themselves and connect with others.
Each day encourages Girl Scouts to build confidence, practice teamwork, and let their personalities shine in a welcoming and supportive environment. By the end of the week, Daisies will proudly earn their Respect Myself and Others Badge while celebrating friendship, empathy, and personal growth.
Brownie Girl Scouts (2nd & 3rd Grade)
Discover and Explore: Finding Your Spark Outdoors ~ B
From Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14, Brownie Girl Scouts will kick off Summer in the City with a week of outdoor-inspired adventures, hands-on discovery, and creative fun. Through interactive activities, team challenges, nature exploration, and engaging projects, participants will build confidence, make new friends, and discover exciting new interests.
Each day is designed to encourage curiosity, teamwork, and exploration while creating memorable summer experiences at the GSLC. By the end of the week, Brownies will proudly earn their Outdoor Adventurer and Bugs badges while celebrating all they’ve discovered along the way.
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ B
From Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, Brownies will jump into a week filled with creativity, innovation, and hands-on exploration. Participants will design, build, experiment, and collaborate through activities that inspire imagination, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Whether testing new ideas, creating unique projects, or working together with friends, each day encourages Girl Scouts to think big and try something new. By the end of the week, Brownies will proudly earn their Think Like An Engineer Badge while celebrating their creativity and ingenuity.
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ B
From Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28, Brownies will close out Summer in the City with a week focused on creativity, confidence, and self-expression. Through storytelling, interactive games, performance-inspired activities, and collaborative projects, participants will explore new ways to express themselves while building friendships and teamwork skills.
Every day encourages Girl Scouts to build confidence, embrace creativity, and let their personalities shine in a supportive and welcoming environment. By the end of the week, Brownies will proudly earn their Senses Badge while celebrating personal growth, confidence, and connection.
Junior Girl Scouts (4th & 5th Grade)
Create & Innovate: Think It, Make It, Share It ~ J
From Monday, August 17 through Friday, August 21, Junior Girl Scouts will dive into a week of creativity, innovation, and hands-on discovery. Participants will explore new ideas, design creative projects, and collaborate through activities that encourage imagination, problem-solving, and critical thinking.
Whether experimenting with materials, creating original designs, or working together on team challenges, each day inspires Girl Scouts to think creatively and bring their ideas to life. By the end of the week, Juniors will proudly earn their Product Designer Badge while celebrating their creativity and innovation.
Express & Perform: Find Your Voice, Share Your Story ~ J
From Monday, August 24 through Friday, August 28, Juniors will wrap up Summer in the City with a week focused on creativity, storytelling, and self-expression. Through interactive activities, collaborative projects, and performance-inspired experiences, participants will build confidence while discovering new ways to share their voices and ideas.
Each day encourages Girl Scouts to express themselves, strengthen teamwork skills, and connect with others in a fun and supportive environment. By the end of the week, Juniors will proudly earn their Playing the Past Badge while celebrating confidence, creativity, and personal growth.
Before and After Care
Make Summer in the City even more convenient with optional Before and After Care at the Girl Scout Leadership Center. Designed to support busy family schedules, this add-on provides Girl Scouts with a safe, welcoming, and supervised environment outside of regular program hours.
Before Care is available daily from 7:30–9:00 AM, and After Care is offered from 4:00–6:00 PM. During these extended hours, Girl Scouts will enjoy a relaxed setting with light breakfast and snacks provided at the GSLC.
Eligibility
Before and After Care is available only to Girl Scouts registered for Summer in the City during the week of Monday, August 10 through Friday, August 14.
Cost
Before and After Care is offered at a flat weekly rate of $65, allowing Girl Scouts to attend as many morning and afternoon extended care sessions as needed throughout the week.
Sample Daily Schedule
Registration FAQs
Girl Scout Membership Info
All participants must be registered Girl Scout members, either with GSHNJ or another Girl Scout council.
Already a 2026 Girl Scout member?
Continue to “Ready to Register for Summer in the City?” below.
Had a GSHNJ Membership in 2025, but haven’t renewed for 2026?
Visit www.gshnj.org and click on myGS.
- Log in using your email as your username.
- Click on the green “Purchase Membership” link.
- Complete your membership purchase.
Registering your participant for a Girl Scout membership for the first time?
Use these details, please DO NOT put in your own zip code. This ensures that your participant is registered as a Girl Scout without joining a traditional troop:
- • Zip code 07114 and use “Summer in the City” as the troop number[RZ1]
Need help? Call Member Support at 908-947-1708.
Important: If participants don’t purchase or renew their membership by July 11, 2026, their Summer in the City registration will be canceled, and the $125 per session, non-refundable, non-transferable, registration fee will be retained.
Ready to Register for Summer in the City?
- Use the link below to access our Summer Camp website.
- If you have attended summer camp at The OVAL or Camp Hoover in the past and created an account last year with our registration system, there is no need to create a new one. Simply log in with your existing account.
- If you are new to the system, an adult must create the account and then add their participant(s). This is a great opportunity to confirm that your contact information is up to date, and that each adult listed on the account has a unique email address and phone number. Please do not make an account in your participant’s name.
- Once logged in, you can register for all GSHNJ programs for one or more participants in your family. Select the Summer in the City and the program(s) your participant(s) is interested in.
- Select any add-on options, like before/after care.
- If you're a GSHNJ Girl Scout you can also apply for financial assistance, if needed. Please note: You must still register your participant and pay the $125 per session Summer in the City registration fee. This fee is refundable if financial assistance is denied.
- Review your cart for accuracy.
- Click “Proceed to Payment.” You can either pay in full or pay the $125 per session, non-refundable, non-transferable deposit to secure your spot(s).
- If paying only the deposit, you’ll have the option to set up a payment plan. Final payments will be automatically collected by UltraCamp on July 15, 2026.
- All registrations made on or after July 15, 2026 must be paid in full at the time of registration.
- GSHNJ may cancel programs if registration does not meet the minimum required. In the event of cancellation, alternate programs will be offered, or a full refund will be provided.
Forms
- During the registration process, you’ll fill out the required Health History and additional program forms. These must be completed before making a payment. Please fill out all forms thoroughly and honestly, as this information helps us provide the best care for your participant.
- We no longer require copies of immunizations or insurance cards. However, please make sure all details are correct in the online health history. A doctor’s signature is no longer required on this form
Can I Change a Program or Session?
- A $50 transfer fee applies to any program or session change.
- To request a change, email: summercamp@gshnj.org and include Summer in the City, program/session, and your participant’s full name in the subject line. Please note that changes will only be made if space is available in the requested session or program, as some may fill up quickly.
Is There a Waiting List?
- Yes—if a program is full, the registration system will allow you to join a waiting list, which is dated and timestamped. However, you will not be able to see your position on the list.
- If a spot becomes available, you’ll receive an automated email from the UltraCamp system with a link to complete registration. You will have two days to register. After that, the spot will be offered to the next person on the wait list.
What if I Want a Refund?
- Refund requests received prior to July 15, 2026, will be processed minus the $125 per session, non-refundable, non-transferable, Summer in the City registration fee. This policy is disclosed prior to payment collection and will be strictly enforced.
Why is my deposit non-refundable, even before the session begins?
- Fees are incurred in advance to prepare for your participant, including site preparations, supply purchases, and staff training. Please send refund requests to summercamp@gshnj.org and include Summer in the City, program/session and participant’s full name in the subject line.
- No refunds will be issued after July 15, 2026, except for circumstances involving a death in the immediate family or medical necessity (a physician’s note must accompany request). These refunds will be processed minus the $125 per session, non-refundable, non-transferable, Summer in the City registration fee. If a refund is requested in these circumstances after a session has begun, it will be pro-rated.
- Weather-related refunds will not be issued unless the Summer in the City is closed. If the Summer in the City closure occurs due to weather pro-rated refunds will be provided to registered participants. Cancellations related to communicable disease exposure will be handled on a case-by-case basis.
Discounts
Sibling Discount: Sending more than one child to Summer in the City? After registering your first participant, each additional sibling from your household receives a $35 discount per session.
Multi-Session Discount: Attending Summer in the City for more than one session? Receive a $35 discount on each additional session after the first. NOTE: the Multisession discount does not apply twice to two-week sessions.
Financial Assistance
Any registered GSHNJ Girl Scout can apply for financial assistance. Participants must be registered members of GSHNJ by July 15, 2026. If your participant is a member of another Girl Scout council, please contact your local council for assistance options. Financial assistance may cover up to one week of the base Summer in the City fee, with the amount determined by family eligibility and available funds. To apply, complete the online Summer in the City registration with a $125 deposit per session before submitting the CFA form. If financial assistance is denied this deposit will be refunded. The deadline for submitting the CFA form is June 29, 2026. Applications received after this date will not be accepted. Final decisions will be made by July 10, 2026; and notifications will be sent via email.
