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Camp Candlewood is an 87-acre resident and day camp located in New Fairfield. Nestled on the shores of Lake Candlewood, the camp runs a program which emphasizes water — with all levels of sailing, canoeing, sail-boarding, kayaking, and swim lessons available. It also offers a progressive campcraft program for all girls and extended backpacking and canoe trips for older girls. Camp Candlewood has two swimming beaches, a canoe area, a boathouse, and sailing docks. Topside there are nature trails, a health center (Sick Bay), a year-round dining hall (Galley), the offices (The Bridge), playing fields, an archery range, and a low-ropes challenge course.  Girls stay in small A-frame cabins (or bunkhouses) found in clusters called "groups" or "units" based upon the girls' program and age. Counselors live in their own A-frame within the cluster. Healthy meals are served to both day and resident campers in a modern dining hall overlooking the lake and valley. Hot water is available for the outdoor showers. The remainder of camp is semi-primitive. Candlewood's property includes a mix of latrines ("port-o-lets") and a few flush toilets.  Many of Camp Candlewood's programs are unique in our Council. Candlewood's day camp program is intertwined with the resident camp program.

Leadership Opportunities for Older Girls 

Our day camp leadership program is a three-week program known as LEAD, and is offered on three levels for girls who are going into 9th grade. It includes leadership training as well as skill enhancement in several camp areas. 

At resident camp we also offer leadership programs. Leader in Training is a two-week program intended to give the older camper an introduction to camp leadership skills. Girls must be at least 12 years of age for this program. Counselor in Training (CIT) is a two-year, four-six week leadership program which offers girls the opportunity to master their own camp and water skills and to learn how to teach those skills to other campers. First Aid, child development, and advanced camp craft skills complement a program including an overnight trip, service project, challenge course, and their own group team development. First-year CIT's must be at least 15 years of age.

To find out more about Leadership Programs!

Financial Assistance - Camperships are normally available on a limited basis. However, Girl Scouts of Connecticut has depleted the 2013 general campership fund and is no longer accepting applications for general camperships. As additional campership funds are secured they will go to girls on the campership waiting list. Click here to donate to the campership fund.

Volunteer and Employment Opportunities - We are looking for your special skills, spirit, and appreciation of children. Camp programs include swimming, hiking, campers, nature, sports, games, horseback riding, dramatics, singing, boating, cookouts, canoeing, and living in the outdoors. Enjoy the fun and rewards of meeting and working with other adults and children in the outdoors. Adults will receive training in outdoor skills, teamwork, health, and safety standards. To find out more and to download an application, visit the summer camp employment page. For information on volunteering and an application, click here.