Girls in grades 7 through 12 are invited to participate in a special “boot camp” designed just for them, sponsored by the Girl Scouts of Western Pennsylvania, Aug. 4 and 5 at Camp Elliott in Volant.

During these two days, more than 40 military volunteers, both active duty and reservists from all five branches of the military (coming from six different cities) will join together to provide 100 Scouts an opportunity of a lifetime.

The camp will give Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn skills from experts as well as meet and learn what it is like to be in the military.

A representative from the National Society for the Congressional Medal of Honor will debut curriculum to explain the history and significance of this highest honor. State Sen. Robert Robbins will attend the second day of camp.

• All branches and representatives from all four military academies will be present in the recruitment hall.

• U.S. Air Force will instruct the Scouts in marching and forming SMART goals. They will perform the opening flag ceremony as well as instructing the younger participants in flag etiquette.

• U.S. Marines will instruct the Scouts in self-defense techniques

• The U.S. Navy will bring a Naval Property, lead the Scouts in team building activities as well as signal flagging and knot tying.

• The U.S. Coast Guard will open the day Wednesday by performing the flag ceremony. They will instruct the Scouts in personal floatation device use and the HELP position in the pool. They will practice making distress calls and discuss the “rules of the road.” They will show the Scouts how to read a nautical chart and members from the Marine safety unit will inform participants about their mission for keeping our rivers and waterways safe.

• The U.S. Army will instruct the Scouts in land navigation using a military compass, expedient direction finding without a compass, components of a survival kit, reading topographical maps, as well as expertly applying camouflage face paint and eating MREs. A medic unit will be on site to demonstrate different field dressings and discuss first aid and of course everyone’s favorite: the Army obstacle course and rock wall. The Army will also be responsible for the closing flag ceremony.

The cost is $40. Deadline for registration is June 30. Visit www.mercergs.org/BootCamp.html, for a music video, a separate slide show and press coverage from last year’s camp.

Scouts and their leaders can register at www.GSWPA.org or at the Boot Camp Web site.

Info: JoAnn Clark at 800-248-3355, ext. 1302.