Girl Scout Leaders

Hidden Valley Patch

There are 2 activities you must complete for the Hidden Valley Ar-ca-loo-ka Patch.

  1. A Fun Day (minimum 8 hours in one or more sessions)
    OR An Overnight (in a tent or cabin).
  2. An Outdoor Service Project.
    (Service projects already completed, Day Camp or Spring Fling activities do not apply.)

If you already have a Hidden Valley Patch, you can earn a puff of smoke patch to add each time you meet the 2 requirements. There is no limit to the number of puffs you can earn. For information on service projects contact the camp manager. To order your patches contact the Reservations Coordinator.

Upcoming Trainings

Call the Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri for the latest training opportunities provided by the council, 1-800-728-8750. Register through the council for all trainings.

Girl Scout Links & Resources

Douglas County Service Unit Team

Hidden Valley Information

Natural Resources

Trees, shrubs, animals, rocks, etc. are to be left in their natural state and undisturbed. Osage Orange (hedge) and Buck brush (Coral Berry) and honeysuckle shrubs are expendable. Feel free to clear branches overhanging trails and campsites. Lashing may be done, but must be taken apart and returned to the woods.

Parking

Cars of parents attending single troop events may park on either side of the gravel strip north of the equipment building on flagpole hill (capacity 14-16 cars if parked closely).

Cars of troop leaders and the first aider (not exceeding 2 cars) may be parked in the small gravel parking lot next the cabin. Cars carrying heavy equipment may park here on a very temporary basis. This area must be kept clear for emergency vehicles. There is also a small parking area below the cabin in Mary’s Meadow. Please do not drive on the grass.

Proceed cautiously on the single lane road to the cabin. Be prepared to back up if you meet an approaching vehicle.

Safety

Use common sense safety procedures. Keep the gate locked, especially at night, to discourage unauthorized cars from entering camp. Local police will patrol the area at night if you notify them of your schedule by calling the dispatcher at 832-7509. We recommend that you bring a cell phone.

There is a copy of GSUSA’s Safety Wise in the cabin. Also available is a first aid cot and stretcher. Please bring your own first aid kit. There is a smoke detector above each door of the cabin.

Trash & Garbage

There is no routine trash collection at Hidden Valley. Carry all trash out with you. Waste water is to be strained to remove food particles which are then added to your trash.

Ar-ca-loo-ka Cabin

The cabin is built of concrete block with brick facing. It has a concrete floor, shuttered windows, sky lights and a fireplace. Cabin furnishings include two picnic tables with benches, shelving, kitchen cabinets, an LP gas oven & range and a sink with cold water.

Solar lighting and fluorescent lights powered by solar panels are available in the cabin. DO NOT use kerosene or other flammable lanterns in the cabin. There are two propane heaters in the cabin. Lighting instructions are in the site manual.

The Site Manual contains important cabin and site use information and policy. It is located on a shelf in the cabin.

Keep the cabin fireplace hearth clear of tools, boxes, woodpiles and other supplies. Ashes are to be removed when cold to the touch and placed in the metal can marked “ashes.” Fire wood is kept near the south door of the cabin. Heavy, long burning fuel is available in the rack east of the cabin and can be covered with tarps during rainy periods. DO NOT stack wood on the brick porches.

Pour hot water down the sink after each dish washing.
DO NOT put grease or food scraps down the sink. DO NOT use abrasive powders or scouring pads on the sinks. Water to the cabin is turned off during the winter months to avoid freezing pipes. The outdoor hydrants are available year-round. Each troop is responsible for thoroughly cleaning the cabin before they leave.

Trails & Unit Sites

Trails are kept clear of brush for single file hiking. DO NOT BLAZE NEW TRAILS. The trails on the eastern third of the camp are wood-chipped. Western trails are more primitive. There are 14 separate and distinctly different unit sites. Unit sites are mowed seasonally as weather and usage determines. Blue ribbons identify recent plantings which need to be protected. Poison Ivy is kept under control on trails and in unit sites. Yellow plastic ribbons indicate poison ivy is under treatment.

Outdoor Fires

There are 16 established fire rings, DO NOT ESTABLISH NEW FIRE RINGS. Build a fire to suit the kind of cooking you plan to do, using downed wood which is abundant. When you put out the fire, sprinkle it with water and rake the ashes. It is safe to leave only when you can touch all areas of the coals with the palm of your hand. Cold ashes can be scattered in the woods. DO NOT dig holes or trenches within the fire rings.

Latrines

The latrine near the cabin is unlocked. Be sure seat lids are down and doors closed after each use. Bring and remove your own toilet paper. Latrines are biologically treated—no lime, Clorox, Lysol or other disinfectants are to be put into the latrine below the seats. Clorox may be used to wash toilet seats but must be discarded outdoors (in the parking lot). Complete cleaning instructions and supplies are in the cabin.