Whether girls spend one week at camp or return summer after summer, the impact of Girl Scout Camp lasts far beyond the final campfire.

Just ask Kim King and Sarah Palmer, former campers and camp staff members at Camp Small Valley in Halifax, Dauphin County, who say their summers at camp shaped who they are today.

King, who served as camp director from 1997 to 2004, still treasures the experience.

“I tell camp stories all the time,” she said. “It seems like yesterday, and I want all girls to have that outdoor experience.”

Palmer started as a camper at age 7 and continued through her teen years, becoming a junior counselor by 15.

“It was my first job and the first time I was undeniably ‘one of the adults,’” she said. “It allowed me to step into a leadership role that encouraged me to be creative, have fun, and channel my energy into something I truly loved, sharing camp with people.”

Both women say camp teaches lessons that stick long after the tents come down. Camp Small Valley marks its 70th anniversary this year, and as we are soon heading into the season of summer camp for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania, here are Palmer and King’s top 10 takeaways from Girl Scout camp:

1. Let yourself be silly.

Camp is a place where it’s totally OK to be goofy. Both women adopted playful camp names—“Pooh” for King and “Igby” for Palmer—a longtime Girl Scout camp tradition that helps build community and spark joy. It’s a reminder not to take yourself too seriously and that fun is a powerful connector.

2. It’s good to step outside your comfort zone.

Whether it’s staying away from home for the first time or using a latrine as a bathroom, camp teaches girls new things. For Palmer, taking care of the horses at Camp Small Valley and splashing in the creek made lasting memories.

“You owe it to yourself to try something new,” she said.

Camp is a place to challenge yourself to learn a new skill, make a new friend, or explore a new interest, Palmer explained. It can be exciting to go swimming, practice archery or climb the ropes course, or maybe art or science are your passions.

“Maybe you’re just here for the s’mores!” Palmer said.

3. Bonds can form in the unexpected.

Camp brings together girls from different places and backgrounds—and it doesn’t take long to form deep connections.

“There was something special about being a group of young women on our own, many for the first time,” Palmer said, “and getting to be in a world of our own.”

4. Some friendships last forever.

Camp isn’t just about temporary summer bonds. Palmer fondly remembers bonding with a fellow counselor over nail polish and lyrics to the rock band, Queen.

“Then we spent the next three hours in the Mattis kitchen becoming best friends,” she said. “Two decades later and we still are.”

5. Leadership grows from experience.

Camp gives girls the chance to lead, often for the first time.

“I learned I could be responsible not just for getting girls where they needed to be on time, but that I could be trusted to keep them safe during a severe storm or handle an encounter with a rattlesnake,” Palmer said. “Camp was a place that challenged me a lot, from the heat and humidity, to the discomfort of bug bites, to just being away from my other friends, but it was also immensely rewarding. I learned a lot about who I was growing up to be during my time at camp.”

 6. Treasure the little moments.

Some of the most unforgettable memories are made in simple joys, King said. Her favorites include making mountain pies, driving a 15-passenger van around the property, and enjoying time around the campfire.

“The essence of an outdoor campfire can’t be put into words,” she said. “The songs that are sung and the friendships are extra special and are truly something you carry with you forever.”

7. Even ghosts can teach you something.

Camp has its share of legends, too. Palmer remembers the mischievous “Camper Suzy,” a spirit said to haunt the camp.

“Whether she was slamming doors, pulling on blankets, or hiding our stuff, we had a lot of good and creepy times together,” Palmer said. “Plus, as staff know, all she wants is to be acknowledged. Every camp needs a good ghost, and Suzy is one of the best!”

8. Camp changes who you are—for the better.

The skills and confidence built at camp have a lifelong impact.

“Camp Small Valley is a special place hidden in a small valley where girls learn, mature, grow and gain skills they will use forever,” King said. “You will learn more about yourself and grow in your knowledge.”

 9. You can discover your true self.

At camp, girls can explore their identity without pressure or judgment.

“You can try new things and be whoever you want to be when you’re at camp, and that’s a freedom everyone should get to experience,” Palmer said, even if girls discover an activity that’s not for them. “And if you don’t like it? That’s OK too, and you should be proud of yourself for trying something new, even if it wasn’t for you.”

10. You’ll find a home away from home.

For many campers, the experience becomes an indelible part of who they are.

“Camp Small Valley is deep in my bones and it’s always going to be a part of me,” Palmer said. “In my head, I can still hear the banging of the plastic plates and bowls during clean up in the dining hall. … It will always be a place I’m very proud to have called home.”

Girl Scout Summer Camp is more than a week in the woods. It’s a place where girls grow into strong, confident leaders. Ready to learn your own life lessons? Find your camp adventure today.