GIRLFest
Mark your calendars and join Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council for an epic adventure – GIRLFest 2027. Join us June 20 – 25 as Girl Scouts from across the nation take over ACE Adventure Resort in Oak Hill, WV.
Girl Scouts will raft, climb, kayak, zip line, complete mud runs and much more! There will also be traditional Girl Scout activities, as well as evening functions.
This is an outdoor experience you do not want to miss! Feel free to look at the following tabs to learn more. We look forward to adventuring with you!
GIRLFest 2027 is open to Girl Scouts acoss the USA!
GIRLFest has been listed as a "Getaway" travel opportunity by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council on the Girl Scouts of the USA’s website. This designation means that the hosting council has invited other troops or groups from other councils in the nation to attend the encampment. Adequate number of adult chaperones are required for each troop or group in attendance.
Black Diamond Council has partnered with ACE Adventure Resort, located in Oak Hill, WV, to offer this experience. It is scheduled for June 20-25, 2027. GIRLFest 2027 is open to Girl Scout members in 4th-12th grade (Juniors – Ambassadors) for the current Girl Scout 2026-2027 membership or school year, along with their adult chaperones. Please note, this event does not take girls that are bridging as 3rd grade Brownies into 4th grade Girl Scout Juniors at the end of the school year.
For additional information about our 2027 GIRLFest, please contact Girl Scouts of Black Diamond's Customer Care team at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.
Join us in empowering the next generation of female leaders at GIRLFest 2027! This extraordinary outdoor adventure, hosted by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council in partnership with ACE Adventure Resort, brings Girl Scout members from 4th to 12th grade across the nation to the scenic Oak Hill, WV. Scheduled for June 20-25, 2027, GIRLFest is a premier "Getaway" travel opportunity recognized by Girl Scouts of the USA, fostering leadership, resilience, and environmental stewardship.
Research from the Girl Scout Research Institute highlights the profound impact of outdoor experiences on girls’ leadership development and confidence. By participating in activities like camping, adventure sports, and environmental service, girls develop vital skills, overcome challenges, and create lifelong memories.
Why Sponsor GIRLFest?
Sponsorship options include event naming rights, scholarships for participants, and branded opportunities during camp activities. Join us in shaping a brighter future for girls across the nation. For more information, contact us today!
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Note: As specified in the Safety Activity Checkpoints, proper adult-to-girl ratio is required for girls to attend and participate in GIRLFest 2027.
In order for an adult to attend GIRLFest 2027, they will need the following:
*Signifies requirements that must be completed by May 31, 2027. Relevant forms and documents for adults can be found in the designated accordion below. GIRLFest Co-Chair will provide instructions on how to submit these forms.
Note: As specified in the Safety Activity Checkpoints, girls must have adequate adult chaperones to attend GIRLFest 2027.
In order to attend GIRLFest 2027, girls will need the following:
*Signifies requirements that must be completed by May 31, 2027. Relevant forms and documents can be found in the designated accordion below. GIRLFest Co-Chair will provide instructions on how to submit these forms.
ACE Adventure Resort is a vendor partner with Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council for GIRLFest 2027.
ACE Adventure Resort Group Sales staff members will work with troop/group leaders to book specific adventures and lodging requests in Part 2 of the registration process. Be aware that adults are expected to go on the high-adventure activities along with the girls. Troops/groups can sub-divide to meet the needs and interests of its members. Remember to provide the resort with your council’s sales exemption form when registering.
ACE Adventure Resort will be offering the following Guided Trips and Activities:
Activity | Description |
Heritage Hike | Our Heritage Hike offers a wide range of experiences for guests. Hikers will enjoy unparalleled views of the New River Gorge, remains of an early 20th century coal mining operation, glimpses of waterfalls, local flora, and fauna, and even some history and local knowledge along the way. With ACE’s Heritage Hike you’ll experience a bit of what it’s like to live in Appalachia |
Zip Lining | ACE’s zip lining course is 1.5 miles long and includes: 9 zips, 2 short hikes, and 2 sky bridges. You will be able to view the New River Gorge for over half the trip. The system used is hands free so you can sit back and enjoy the ride. |
Stand Up Paddle Boarding | We have the newest stand up paddle boards to get you to nearby Pirate’s Cove and beyond. Cliffs and rock climbing walls surround you above the crystal clear WARM mountain water, so swimming is a must on your trip. |
Lake Kayaking | ACE touring kayaks provide a great way to tandem or single paddle your way around the lake. Cliffs and rock climbing walls surround you above the crystal clear WARM mountain water, so swimming is a must on your trip. |
Mountain Biking | Mountain biking has become a staple adventure activity in West Virginia and there's no place better to take to the trails than the New River Gorge. With miles of mountain biking trails, you can explore without leaving ACE's property. Guided trips are 2-3 hours; trails used on the trip are based on the group's skills. |
Waterpark STEM | Students will spend 2-3 hours exploring the principles of mathematics and physics. As part of the program, students will explore Newton’s Laws of Physics, study buoyancy, investigate the properties necessary for creating a reliable personal flotation device, and much more! |
Rock Climbing | Whether you are brand new to climbing, or you’re an experienced gym climber looking to take your skill set to the next level This trip is perfect for beginners who have climbed indoors or a bit outside. Our Upper New River Gorge rock climbing trip will expand your climbing knowledge and provide a chance to learn more about climbing technique, rope work, and the climbing styles of the New River Gorge area. |
Rappelling | Taste the thrill of rappelling. A rappelling trip is the best introduction to the experience of stepping backward off a 50–70 foot cliff and gracefully sliding down a rope to the base of a cliff line. |
Team Building Challenge | ACE’s new experiential team building program, L.E.A.D.E.R.S (learn, empower, adventure, develop, explore, reflect, strengthen), offers fun, challenging, cooperative games for your troop to discover who are your leaders, encouragers and resource people. Through our specifically tailored activities your group or team will practice:
|
Mud Obstacle | It’s time to cut loose, get muddy and challenge yourself. Whether you walk, sprint, skip, jog, crawl, or dance through trails, over walls, through tubes, and mud pits, you are guaranteed to smile through it all. |
Aerial Park | On ACE’s newest attraction, the Aerial Adventure Park, guests will enjoy four different challenge options ranging from our beginner friendly “Green” level to the infamous “Red” level. Climb our 25 foot tall spiral staircase up to start your adventure and boldly step out onto our 35 foot vista level. With dozens of elements, two “quick-flight” auto-belay systems, and countless combinations on this choose-your-own-adventure course, guests will enjoy hours of fun while also overcoming their fears. |
½ Day Upper New Rafting | This river trip takes place on a calm stretch of river, where fun and splashy rapids abound. When it’s time for that first river trip, or when you’re just looking for a mellow day on the river, our Upper New River rafting excursion is a perfect fit. It’s got a little bit of whitewater, some classic experiences like Jump Rock, and a whole lot of fun on the water. |
½ Day Lower New Rafting | Our Most Popular Rafting Trip! In its Lower section, the New River begins to narrow and simultaneously drop in elevation where the big water rapids form. This section known as “The Gorge” winds its way through a deep and spectacular sandstone canyon ending under the awe-inspiring New River Gorge Bridge. |
Over half of participants choose to tent camp in the designated Girl Scout camp area at Mountain Top West at ACE. Participants are invited to bring their own tent camping gear, rent tents from ACE or upgrade their accommodations.
Visit ACE's website for more specific information about the resort, guided trip/activity options and other lodging options. A map of the resort should be downloaded to the event.
GIRLFest 2027 will be operating under the following age requirements:
½ Day Activity Options: | Min. Age |
| ½ Day Activity Options: | Min. Age |
Heritage Hike |
|
| Rock Climb | 8 |
Zip Lining | 8 |
| Rappel | 8 |
Stand Up Paddle Board |
10 |
| ½ Day Team Challenge | 8 |
Lake Kayaking | 10 |
| Mud Obstacle Course | 8 |
Mountain Biking | 8 |
| Aerial Park | 10 |
Water Park STEM | 8 |
| ½ Day Upper New River Rafting | 6 |
|
|
| ½ Day Lower New River Rafting | 12 |
Maximum weight for the aerial park is 250 lbs; no minimum weight requirement will be applied, but there are minimum size requirements for harnesses. Minimum weight for zip line is 70 lbs, maximum weight is 250 lbs. Minimum weight for rock climb and rappel is 70lbs. Per GSUSA Safety Guidelines, participants must be able to swim and be comfortable in the water in order to participate in Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Lake Kayaking and New River Rafting opportunities.
Complimentary Activities on Property
ACE Adventure Resort will be offering the following complimentary activities to participants during GIRLFest 2027.
Troops must maintain the proper adult-to-girl safety ratio when accessing the complimentary activities. Adults and girls are required to bring their own gear when participating in a complimentary activity.
Note: Troop/Group members must follow Safety Activity Checkpoints guidelines when
engaging in all GIRLFest 2027 activities.
Single girls and troop/groups attending GIRLFest 2027 will have the opportunity to enjoy the following Girl Scout program activities and support.
Girl Scout Program Opportunities:
Girl Scout Special Evening Functions:
Girl Scout Merchandise:
Supporting Activities:
Continue to watch this webpage, as well as our GIRLFest Facebook Group, for more programming updates.
The following forms are required by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond prior to GIRLFest 2027. Please download, complete and submit the forms to the GIRLFest Co-Chairperson by May 31, 2027. GIRLFest Co-Chair will provide instructions on how to submit these forms.
Adult Photo Release
Girl Photo Release
Health and Medical Form
Packing List
Roster
Swim Test Form
If you have any questions, please contact Customer Care at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.
GIRLFest 2027 FAQs (PDF)
Have questions about GIRLFest 2027? Review these FAQs to find an answer!
1. What are the check-in and check-out times for GIRLFest?
The 2027 GIRLFest is to occur 6/20/27 – 6/25/27. Check-in will be staggered from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sunday and check-out will occur from 6 to 10 a.m. on Friday.
2. Where will GIRLFest take place?
GIRLFest 2027 will take place at ACE Adventure Resort, located in the heart of the New River Gorge in Southern WV (about 19 miles north of Beckley, WV off U.S. Route 19.) The address for the resort is 1 Concho Road, Oak Hill, WV 25901.
Find more information about ACE Adventure Resort here.
3. What is the process for receiving the tax exemption status for this event?
To remove the WV Sales Tax from your reservation with ACE Adventure Resort, you will need to submit a “Streamlined Sales Tax Agreement, Certificate of Exemption”. You will receive that form from ACE as part of the reservation process.
4. What are the Package options available for the event?
There are 3 proposed registration options:
· Troop/Group Registration: Girls attend with their adult chaperones in proper girl-to-adult safety ratio. Minimum age is rising fifth grade Juniors through twelfth grade Ambassadors. This option includes: five nights of camping and meals with three high adventure activities, plus four days waterpark access and Girl Scout program activities.
· Partial Week Registration will be available for rising third grade Brownies and older! Check-in is Sunday, June 20, 2027 and check-out is Tuesday, June 22, 2027. All registration and fees for this event will be through the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond registration portal.
· *New for 2027* GIRLFest 2.0- Choose Junior River Guide or Junior Firefighter and take a full day raft trip, experience career readiness either in the woods or in the river, and take a course on Forestry Forensics. There is one registration link process for this camp option for Seniors and Ambassadors, ages 14 years old and up. Wilderness First Aid is a pre-requisite.
5. What do you mean when you talk about being in proper Adult-to-Girl ratio?
The following listing is the recommended minimum number of adults needed to chaperone during GIRLFest per number of girls attending. If you have a multi-grade level group attending, then default to the youngest grade level ratios in attendance.
Adult Supervision.
The adult-to-girl ratio is two non-related adults, including one female, for every:
· 12 Girl Scout Brownies (partial week camp option only)
· 16 Girl Scout Juniors
· 20 Girl Scout Cadettes
· 24 Girl Scout Seniors
· 24 Girl Scout Ambassadors
There should be one extra adult for every additional:
· 1-6 Girl Scout Brownies (partial week camp option only)
· 1–8 Girl Scout Juniors
· 1–10 Girl Scout Cadettes
· 1–12 Girl Scout Seniors
· 1–12 Girl Scout Ambassadors
Note: Remember, you might want extra adults to be able to chaperone the girls on the adventure trips that they choose to sign up for (ACE Adventure Resort will not let the girls on a trip without adequate chaperones) and extras to provide chaperone breaks over this multi-day experience.
6. What does the Girl Scout Program fee cover that is included in the packages?
· Shuttle bus transportation for the event.
· Girl Scout opportunities:
o Girl Scout badge workstation activities
o Special program vendor opportunities
o Special Girl Scout social functions scheduled in the evenings
· A small snack is provided midafternoon.
· GIRL Fest commemorative event patch
· Girl Scout Badge(s) (if they earn the requirements at the station) and/or special participant patches.
7. What is the non-refundable deposit and Payment Policy for the Multi-Day Event?
All deposits for Girl Scouts of Black Diamond programming fees are non-refundable.
Registration and deposits for the Black Diamond Council are due March 1, 2027.
After March 1, 2027, up-to 50% of event fee is available for refund if cancelled. After April 30, 2027, no payments made toward the final balance will be refunded.
Per ACE Adventure Resort policy, ACE will not refund any activity or lodging upgrade deposits, and will not refund any payments made after April 30, 2027. However, depending on the situation, ACE will consider issuing a "raincheck" that your troop or single girl can use at a later date.
Final balances for the reservation through Ace Adventure are due April 30, 2027.
Participants may make payments toward their final bill as often as they would like to ACE Adventure Resort up until the final deadline of April 30, 2027.
8. What other costs and fees are added to the reservation package?
The New River Gorge National River and Gauley River Recreational Area are permitted recreation areas by the National Park Service and regulated by the Department of Natural Resources. A $5/person, per activity Resource Use Fee is applied to each reservation.
Guide gratuities are not included in the reservation pricing. They are not required, but always appreciated.
Note: Food staff gratuities for the meals offered at the Girl Scout Mountain Top West tent area are included in the fees.
9. My independent Girl Scout/Juliette would like to plan to attend. I do not see an “I-Girl” option this year.
Girl Scouts who are not registered as part of a troop have several options for participating in GIRLFest 2027.
These Girl Scouts can
- Find a troop near them that is attending and ask to tag-a-long! This is a great way to make new friends and possibly find a new troop to join.
- I-Girls can camp with their special adult. If the special adult would like to register as a camper, they can be considered the chaperone for this event, and participate in all the activities alongside our friends. All adults attending must be a current registered Girl Scout adult member with a successful criminal background check at the time of their event registration, and also at the time of the event.
10. Only my daughter and one other girl from the troop are interested in attending. Would we be allowed to register for GIRL Fest, since we are not in the proper minimum recommended girl/adult safety ratios?
Participants are strongly encouraged to attend as part of a larger troop or group with at least the minimum number of adults to girl ratio as specified in the Safety Activity Checkpoints. That way, you all can best determine which adults will be attending certain trips that girls have signed up for. In addition, the adults can be able to take turns being on chaperone duty during GIRLFest.
10. When is the final payment due?
Once you have made your required deposit, final payments are due in full to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council by March 1, 2027. Any reservations made on or around March 1, 2027 will need to be paid in full with Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.
11. What if I am not able to attend the event, but I have made a reservation?
ALL DEPOSITS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE. This applies to any deposits that were paid to either Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council or ACE Adventure Resort.
Cancellations made prior to March 1, 2027 will receive a full refund minus the non-refundable deposits and 10% administrative fee on payments made to Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.
Cancellations made after April 30, 2027 will not receive a refund of any fees paid to ACE Adventure Resort. Rather, ACE Adventure Resort may provide a "raincheck" for the reserved activities not including the deposit. This is up to the discretion of the agents with ACE Adventure Resort.
No transfers, trades or swaps for registration will be permitted.
11. Is ACE open to the public during GIRLFest 2027?
ACE will remain open to the public during the event for their general activities. However, Girl Scout camping and event spaces are separate from the general public.
Generally, the public will not be allowed to attend half-day and rafting activities that contain Girl Scout members.
ACE has security personnel at the waterpark from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and 24/7 throughout the resort. There are a limited number of cameras monitoring the main parking lot at the resort.
All activities will have a certified guide who have received criminal background checks.
The waterpark will remain open to the public during the event. However, the waterpark is gated, and no one can enter without a wristband and signing a waiver/liability form with ACE.
Prior to entering the lake, each person receives a personal flotation device (PFD). No one can enter the lake without going through the PFD station. No one can exit the gate without turning in their PFD.
Troops/groups must remain in proper adult-to-girl ratio when they are not at their scheduled activities.
Anyone under the age of 18, and Girl Scout members who are 18 but still in their final Girl Scout membership year, must have an adult with them during ACE guided trip/activities.
12. What grade-level/grade does my Girl Scout have to be to participate?
Current Girl Scouts who are Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors (Girl Scouts in 4-12 grades) from any council in the USA for the 2026-2027 Girl Scout membership year or school year may attend. However, girls should also have the maturity to handle being away from home and being in an outdoor environment.
Note: Third grade Brownies “flying up” to Junior Girl Scouts are not permitted to attend the full week camp option but may participate in the partial week camp.
13. Our Troop has a male leader/assistant leader. Can they attend?
We value and appreciate our male volunteers. However, according to Girl Scout policies, male volunteers will have a separate camping area outside of the Girl Scout camping area.
Troops traveling with a registered male adult member will still need to maintain proper chaperone ratio in the camping areas.
14. What about a participant’s physical ability?
There is a lot of physical activity required at the GIRL Fest due to the nature of the high adventure offered.
All participants, both individually registered girls and those attending as a troop/group, should be made aware of this aspect of the event.
Please select registered volunteers that can participate alongside their Girl Scouts in the fun-filled world of high adventure. This also helps to shape shared memories for you and your troop.
Discuss all half-day activities with your troop to determine what are the best opportunities and the best adult member chaperone to attend those opportunities.
You can find videos of ACE’s activities by searching for those created by ACE Adventure Resort.
15. Will we be served meals at GIRLFest 2027?
ACE will be providing breakfast and dinner for the event. Beginning in 2027, we will be removing lunch from the meal plan so that troops can choose lunch options that are most convenient for them in terms of budget and time.
ACE has additional food for purchase in the waterpark area and Outfitter’s Store. They will plan to offer a convenient lunch time “meal deal” for GIRLFest participants in the Lost Paddle, their on-site restaurant. Local area businesses will be prepared to offer lunch options for our Girl Scouts, as well. Please reach out to our Program Manager with questions about what options are available for your troop/group’s lunch needs.
Your first meal will be dinner in the evening on Sunday. A final continental breakfast will be served on Friday morning.
A meal menu will be provided closer to the event on this website.
NUTS AND PEANUT BUTTER ARE PROHIBITED DUE TO ALLERGIES.
16. I and/or my Girl Scout have special dietary needs. How can this be accommodated?
Please let Black Diamond Council program staff know in advance if you or your Girl Scout have special dietary needs. We will do our best to accommodate you for the snacks that are provided by Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. If you forgot to include these needs in your original registration, please email customercare@bdgsc.org.
ACE will also take this information during the reservation process for the meals that they are providing. However, with a highly specialized diet, such as gluten-free, keto, diabetic, vegan, or a picky-eater, we recommend bringing shelf-staple foods. We will do our best to provide adequate storage for those needing specialized diets.
17. How will GIRL Fest programming be organized?
The Girl Scout specific programming is generally free-flowing. Participants come and go as they wish, enjoying activities around the designated event space on the ACE property each day. However, there will be certain activities/opportunities that will appear on each day’s schedule that only occur at a certain time. Some things are optional; some things are not (ie, meal times- we cannot accommodate those who choose to schedule programming during meal times).
ACE will provide you with an itinerary with your guided activities. Each troop will be scheduled for a specific time to participate in the activity they choose during the reservation process. The public will not be allowed on Girl Scout trips. Your troop must show up at the scheduled time to participate in the activity on your specific itinerary.
Those registering early will have preference over the trip time slots activity availability.
The GIRLFest committee will be aware of when the block of ACE trips/activities will occur each day for participants. A general event schedule will be created that includes the Girl Scout and ACE opportunities. That should be available in late May.
18. What sleeping arrangements are available?
Tent site rental is included in the base package price, but lodging upgrades are available at various costs. GIRLFest attendees can contact ACE to determine the specific costs of the upgrades. Upgrades include cabins, platform tents and bunkhouses.
If tent camping, girl and adult members will need to bring tents, sleeping pads and sleeping bags. An additional fee can be added if troops need to rent tents and sleeping pads.
The event space and camping areas will be closed to the public during the event.
A suggested pack list has been provided with the GIRL Fest forms information on this website.
19. Can I park near the campground?
There will be designated parking for those attending the event. Limited spots will be available in the tent site area. Shuttle services will be available to take Girl Scouts to and from the main event and camping space. This shuttle service will only be open to girl and adult members.
20. What about bathroom/showers?
There will be limited number of showers and flush toilets available to Girl Scout members throughout the event.
21. What about internet service and cell service?
There is limited cell phone service at ACE (AT&T Cell Service works the best at ACE); however, there are Wi-Fi services located at the main buildings.)
22. What if I get injured during the event?
Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council will have a First Aid Station set up at the event to help with minor injuries, such as bug bites, sunburn or minor scraps.
In case of an emergency, local Emergency Services will be used to transport and treat Girl Scouts members attending the event.
Please remember to complete and submit all required medical and health forms (health exams must have been done within a year of the event), including the consent to treat.
Please bring any necessary medical equipment and medications. All medications must be in the original prescription bottles with the dosage amounts listed on it. Please have all the necessary paperwork completed concerning medications and medical devices prior to the event, so we can better serve you. Please remember Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council staff are not trained medical professionals, and we will have the required First Aiders as outlined in the Girl Scout Safety Activity Checkpoints.
23. What should I bring to go rafting and participate in ACE's guided activities?
You should check out the “What to Bring” page on ACE’s website for the most detailed resource. You can also view the GIRL Fest 2025 Forms to download a checklist of items to bring.
24. How do I get to ACE Adventure Resort?
You will find directions to ACE here. You may lose cellphone service while traveling, so make sure you have backup directions to the resort.
If you have any additional questions, please contact Customer Care at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.
25. What if I have additional questions?
If additional questions arise, please contact Customer Care at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.
Please monitor this website for additional GIRLFest 2027 updates.
For additional information regarding our 2027 GIRLFest, please contact our Customer Care team at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.
Please monitor this website for additional GIRLFest updates. You can also stay connected with us by joining our GIRLFest Facebook Group.
For additional information regarding our GIRLFest, please contact our Customer Care team at 304-345-7722 or customercare@bdgsc.org.