Overnight Camp | Berkshires, East Otis, Massachusetts
Camp Bonnie Brae offers overnight camp programs for campers entering grades 2 through 12.
Nature lover? Passion for science? Enthusiastic about art? Girl Scout camp has it all and is open to all girls–no prior Girl Scout experience needed to attend! Stay a few days, a week, or longer at this overnight camp. Girl Scouts’ dedication to progression in outdoor programming means campers practice age-appropriate skills and gain experience they need to feel confident taking the next step in their outdoor journey. Unique “Camper Choice” activities could include spending the entire afternoon at the waterfront, exploring their creative side in arts & crafts, taking a trip to the archery range, or mixing it up with a dance session. Explore the traditions of campfires, floating lunch, wish boats, girl-led programming, island swims and more.
Program Details By Grade Level
Brownies (Gr 2-3) 
Brownies are campers who will be entering 2nd-3rd grade in the fall of 2024.
DELIGHTFUL DESSERTS
6/30/24-7/2/24 | Session 1A | $350
Do you love dessert more than anything? Join us for three days and two nights jam-packed with delicious desserts. Bake cookies, design cupcake wonders, and explore ice cream creations. Your creative snacks will give you lots of energy to do arts & crafts, swimming and boating, and other classic camp activities!
S’MORE FUN
7/3/24-7/5/24 | Session 1B | $350
There’s extra sweetness added to this shorter two-night stay at CBB. Try out multiple variations of s’mores, bake a batch of cookies, and enjoy all of your favorite camp activities!
SLIMY SENSATIONS
7/7/24-7/12/24 | Session 2 | $675
This is for the camper who loves to get a little (and sometimes a lot) messy! Make slime, take a mud hike, and have your own shaving cream party. Make edible dirt and hike to the wetlands. Who’s ready for a lot of messy fun?
ARTSY
7/14/24-7/19/24 | Session 3 | $675
Crafts, crafts, crafts galore! Make beaded animal buddies, create friendship bracelets to trade, learn about wood burning in the art loft, and try new painting styles! Get creative on land, on the water, and in the forest during this artsy week.
ANIMAL ADVENTURES
7/21/24-7/26/24 | Session 4 | $675
Experience the animals of Camp Bonnie Brae. Explore underwater life in Big Pond, hike out to meet the animals of the forest, and spend extra time with the camp pup. This week is for the true animal lover!
MERMAIDS
8/4/24-8/9/24 | Session 6 | $675
Do you like life under the sea? Come spend time at camp to explore the best of our water activities. Campers will spend extra time each day exploring swimming, boating, sand castle contests, and more! End the week with an under the sea-themed party
Juniors (Gr 4-5)
Juniors are campers who will be entering 4th-5th grade in the fall of 2024.
OUTDOORS ‘N S’MORES
6/30/24-7/2/24 | Session 1A | $350
Explore all camp has to offer in this two night, three-day camp session for first time campers. Try out the Corcl boats and go swimming in Big Pond. Play gaga ball and try the challenge course. Even make multiple kinds of s’mores while enjoying evening campfires!
SNOW QUEENS
7/3/24-7/5/24 | Session 1B | $350
Learn how to stay extra cool in the hot summer heat as a Snow Queen in this two night, three-day camp session. You’ll try your hand at making snow, learn how to do ice painting, and sing along to some of our favorite snow queen songs. Find all the fun ways to be the queen of cool at Camp Bonnie Brae.
MUD STOMPERS
7/7/24-7/12/24 | Session 2 | $675
Ready to get messy and muddy? Mud stompers will have you creating messy crafts, creek stompin’, and enjoying slimy activities! Go on a mud hike, make slime, and have shaving cream competition with your friends. You’ll have a messy good time!
SNACK ATTACK
7/14/24-7/19/24 | Session 3 | $675
Learn how to make new creations in the camp kitchen and create tasty treats! Test your skills over the fire and learn how to cook with the power of the sun. This will be your yummiest week of camp yet!
SURVIVOR
7/21/24-7/26/24 | Session 4 | $675
Learn how to survive in the wild as you spend the week taking on challenges to win prizes and work towards becoming the ultimate survivor. Use your teamwork skills and take on the challenge course, archery range, slingshots, and more outdoor challenges. Put your skills to the test as you spend an overnight trying out primitive camping in the Enchanted Forest.
ULTIMATE SLUMBER PARTY
7/28/24-8/2/24 | Session 5 | $675
Grab your friends and pack your favorite PJs because we’re having a slumber party at Camp Bonnie Brae! Stay up past midnight and enjoy movies in Leadership Lodge. Try facials, night time snacks, and even glow in the dark dance fun. Camp is even more fun at night! You’ll still have daytime fun doing all of your favorite camp activities.
BIKE MANIA
8/4/24-8/9/24 | Session 6 | $750*
Bring your bike to camp and have a blast! Take bicycle trips out of camp to get ice cream, visit a state park, and learn bicycle repair skills. You’ll have plenty of time for swimming, boating, and arts & crafts between your awesome bike trips. Please note: all campers are required to bring a bicycle helmet and their personal bicycle to camp for this program. Campers will be required to wear a helmet while participating in all biking activities.
*The pricing for this program has been adjusted to take into consideration the increased cost of coordinating out-of-camp trip programming.
CAMP WIZARDS
8/11/24-8/16/24 | Session 7 | $675
Make your own camp magic! Create a magic wand and other mystical items in arts & crafts. Enjoy concocting magic-themed treats, playing wizard games, and creating your own enchanted activities to enjoy with friends.
Cadettes (Gr 6-8)
Cadettes are campers who will be entering 6th-8th grade in the fall of 2024.
CAMP GETAWAY
6/30/24-7/2/24 | Session 1A | $350
Get away and relax during this 3 day, 2 night stay at camp. Kick back and enjoy visits to the observation tower, hike out to the enchanted forest, and go boating on Big Pond.
BOOK LOVERS CLUB
6/30/24-7/2/24 | Session 1A | $350
Calling all bookworms! Spend 2 nights at camp with fellow readers. You’ll have time to read from new heights at the observation tower and lounge around eating snacks while talking about your favorite stories. This relaxing time at camp is perfect for being with friends and talking books.
AXES & ARROWS
7/3/24-7/5/24 | Session 1B | $350
Experience the thrill of hitting the target at the archery and hatchet ranges. Practice your archery, hatchet throwing, and slingshot skills. Chop it up in the axe yard and then enjoy all of the rest of your favorite camp activities.
SPA MINI
7/3/24-7/5/24 | Session 1B | $350
Take some time to pamper yourself in this 3 day, 2 night camp session. Practice facials, mini-makeovers, and relaxation techniques while surrounded by nature. Try new hairstyles and enjoy yoga on a paddle board. You’ll feel like a new you!
ROLLER COASTER RIDERS
7/7/24-7/12/24 | Session 2 | $750*
Calling all roller coaster enthusiasts! Learn all about roller coasters and design your own miniature version, then take on a new adventure and spend a day at an amusement park riding as many as you can find. You’ll be madly in love with roller coasters by the end of the week! There will be plenty of time for a dip in the lake and other classic camp fun.
*The pricing for this program has been adjusted to take into consideration the increased cost of coordinating out-of-camp trip programming.
HEROES & VILLAINS
7/7/24-7/12/24 | Session 2 | $675
Do you have an alter ego or secret identity? Come create one! Make your own costume and comics. Explore hero skills like climbing on the challenge course or develop your villain persona as you plan a kitchen raid. Will you save the day or cause some chaos? It’s all up to you!
TOTALLY TUBULAR
7/14/24-7/26/24 | Session 3A | $1350*
This two-week program is all about discovering happiness in nature! Relax at camp and take part in some low-key activities. Make friendship bracelets, unwind at the pond, and try yoga and meditation. Then, take a trip off camp to relax and float down a river in a tube. Campers who participate in this program must be comfortable in and around water.
*The pricing for this program has been adjusted to take into consideration the increased cost of coordinating out-of-camp trip programming.
JUNIOR LIFEGUARDS
7/14/24-7/26/24 | Session 3A | $1200
Learn how to keep yourself and others safe in an open body of water by learning water rescue skills during this two-week program. Take your first steps towards becoming a lifeguard! Don’t worry, there will be plenty of time to enjoy your favorite camp activities, too. Campers who participate in this program must be comfortable in and around the water and experienced swimmers.
ZOMBIE CAMP
7/28/24-8/2/24 | Session 5 | $675
Do you have what it takes to survive a zombie apocalypse? Zombies have taken over camp and we need a team to find the cure! Learn nighttime survival skills as you compete in competitions late into the evening. Things may go a little upside down in this week at camp as you stay up late and sleep in, but that’s the life of a zombie tracker.
NIGHTTIME NINJAS
7/28/24-8/2/24 | Session 5 | $675
Master the art of stealth in this late night week at camp. Plan a nighttime kitchen raid, compete in an after dark obstacle course, and stay up late into early morning hours. During the day, hone your skills in the hatchet range, challenge course, and more!
DESIGN STUDIO
8/4/24-8/9/24 | Session 6 | $675
Design and sew your own creations as you learn to work a sewing machine. You’ll get a chance to make your own stuffy friend, design your own outfit, and learn how to crochet your own scarf for cozy nights. Let your artistic side shine!
CAMP OF MAGIC
8/4/24-8/9/24 | Session 6 | $675
Spend a week immersed in camp magic! Make your own magic wand, concoct potions using natural ingredients, and compete in magically inspired games and challenges. We’ll have an enchanting week at Camp Bonnie Brae!
ADVENTURE BOUND
8/11/24-8/16/24 | Session 7 | $750*
Get ready for adventure! Challenge yourself as you explore the adventurous side of camp. Take aim in the archery and hatchet throwing ranges. Test your ability to work as a team on our challenge course. End your week with a trip to a local high ropes course.
*The pricing for this program has been adjusted to take into consideration the increased cost of coordinating out-of-camp trip programming.
FORESTERS
8/11/24-8/16/24 | Session 7 | $675
Learn to survive in the woods as you make your home at camp’s primitive unit, the Enchanted Forest. Cook meals over the fire and learn how to make a shelter out of only supplies found in nature. You’ll spend Monday through Wednesday in the Enchanted Forest and return to main camp for activities each day.
Seniors & Ambassadors (Gr 9-12)
Seniors & Ambassadors are campers who will be entering 9th-12th grade in the fall of 2024.
AHA! (ARROWS, HATCHETS & AXES)
7/7/24-7/12/24 | Session 2 | $675
How’s your aim? Enter the world of target sports! Work towards the Golden Arrow award as you improve your aiming skills. Hit the ax yard and learn how to safely chop wood. At the end of the week, put your skills to the ultimate test by taking part in a target sport competition!
TRAIL TREKKERS
7/14/24-7/26/24 | Session 3A | $1350*
Take your first step towards tackling a wilderness adventure during this two week session. You’ll learn how to read trail maps, pitch tents, and plan meals before heading out on multiple hikes around camp and beyond. Learn how to purify water, cook over a burner, then hit the famous Appalachian Trail for an all-day hike on your biggest adventure yet!
*The pricing for this program has been adjusted to take into consideration the increased cost of coordinating out-of-camp trip programming.
MIDNIGHT MADNESS
7/28/24-8/2/24 | Session 5 | $675
If you love the night life, this is for you! Stay up late to enjoy midnight snacks, explore the wild side of camp through late night hikes, and even spend a night sleeping under the stars at the observation tower. Design and sew your own nocturnal creatures. Stay up late and sleep in every day.
CLUB CBB
8/4/24-8/9/24 | Session 6 | $675
Relaxation is the theme of the week. Get ready for down time, hanging with friends, and having fun. Try new journaling and reading locations, learn how to make creative snacks, and unwind by trying yoga on paddle boards. Club CBB is the place to be this summer!
WINDJAMMERS
8/11/24-8/16/24 | Session 7 | $675
Spend your week feeling the wind on your back and in your sails as you explore sailing and paddle boarding on Big Pond. Learn and improve your sailing and paddle boarding skills with plenty of time at the waterfront each day. End the week with a trip across the lake to get ice cream!
Leadership Programs (Gr 11-12)
Overnight camp leadership programs are available for campers who will be entering 11th12th grade in the fall of 2024.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) 1
7/28-8/9/2024 | Sessions 5-6 | $450
For campers entering 11th grade, this 2 week program will focus on developing the skills you’ll use as a counselor at camp. Build your teamwork muscles, shadow camp staff, and work directly with groups of younger campers. CITs have the opportunity to plan and run an all-camp activity. Campers participating in CIT I at Camp Bonnie Brae will go home during the weekend between sessions 5 and 6.
COUNSELOR IN TRAINING (CIT) 2
7/7-7/26/2024 | Sessions 2-4 | $675
Complete your CIT journey as you spend 3 weeks building on the skills you developed during your weeks as a CIT 1. Dig deeper into what it’s like to be a member of the camp staff team by learning about leading specialty camp programs in addition to building your counselor skills. The CIT 2 program is open to campers who are entering 11th or 12th grade and have completed a CIT 1 program. An application and interview are required. Campers participating in CIT 2 at Camp Bonnie Brae will go home during the weekend between sessions 2 and 3, then stay on camp for the weekend between sessions 3 and 4.
Camp Information
TYPICAL DAY AT CAMP
Campers’ days are filled with activities centered on the specific program she selected. Activities vary but may include hiking, outdoor cooking, challenge course activities, crafts, songs, outdoor skills, archery, canoeing, and games. Showers are scheduled throughout the day and not always in the morning or right before bed. We try our best to ensure that all campers have an opportunity to experience as many activities as possible. The daily schedule at camp may change week to week depending on program needs.
7:00am Wake Up/ Optional Polar Bears or Turtle Activities
8:00am All Camp Flag and Morning Songs
8:15am Breakfast
9:00am All Camp Kapers
9:15am Camp activities with unit
12:15pm Lunch
1:00pm Me Time
2:15pm Camp activities with unit
6:00pm Dinner
7:00pm Evening activities
9:00pm Reflections/ Camp Embers/ Bedtime depending on age level
Regardless of which program a girl attends, all campers will –
- Learn outdoor skills such as: knots, fire building, navigation, trail etiquette, and outdoor cooking.
- Work toward earning Girl Scout badges and patches related to outdoor living and their program content (please note that campers may or may not complete an entire badge) Please note that campers may or may not complete an entire badge.
- Help take care of camp by doing “kapers”.
- Have the opportunity to make independent choices about what they would like to do, in addition to activities specifically mentioned in the program description.
FINANCIAL AID
ACA ACCREDITATION AND SAFETY/ HEALTH REGULATIONS
The American Camp Association, or ACA, is the only accrediting body for recreational camps in the United States. ACA’s accreditation standards focus on health, safety, and risk management, and are used as benchmarks by government entities. ACA accreditation provides public evidence of a camp’s commitment to the well-being of campers and staff.
Camp Bonnie Brae, Camp Green Eyrie, and Camp Lewis Perkins are fully accredited ACA Camps. GSCWM submits annual reports to ACA for review and each camp receives an on-site evaluation from ACA representatives every three years, with our most recent visits happening during the summer of 2023. In addition to maintaining accreditation status, GSCWM staff utilize ACA trainings and research to develop exciting camp programs, maintain up-to-date staffing policies, and uphold industry best practices for participant health & safety. Although Camp Laurel Wood has not gone through the ACA accreditation process, our camp staff maintain the same ACA standards.
In addition to the safety guidelines outlined by ACA and GSUSA, all GSCWM camps comply with Massachusetts Department of Public Health regulations and are licensed by the local board of health.
CAMPERS WITH INDIVIDUAL ACCOMMODATIONS
GSCWM wants all girls to have the opportunity for a great camp experience. Campers who need individual accommodations can have a positive camp experience when these needs are disclosed to GSCWM camp staff prior to camp. If your camper requires accommodations for medical, physical, emotional, developmental, or social needs, please contact the GSCWM Program Manager, Jessica Gonzalez, at jgonzalez@gscwm.org or by phone at 413-584-2602 to discuss whether or not GSCWM camps can support your camper’s specific needs before registering for camp.
CAMP STAFF
GSCWM recruits camp staff both regionally and through an international J-1 visa agency. Staff are selected based on maturity, program skills, experience, and ability to serve as role models. Day camp staff members are at least 16 years old, with leadership staff who are at least 21. Overnight camp staff are at least 18 or graduated from high school with some select positions filled by staff who are at least 16, leadership staff who are at least 21, and director teams that are at least 25 per ACA and Massachusetts state standards. Camp staff attend intensive pre-camp training before the summer camp season to fully immerse themselves in their roles and prepare for campers. Staff members who supervise activities at the waterfront, challenge course, archery, and other specific program areas receive additional training and certifications. GSCWM conducts thorough staff criminal background (CORI) and sexual offender (SORI) checks. In accordance with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and licensing by the local board of health, you have the right to request proof of background checks, camp healthcare policies, discipline policies as well as policies for filing grievances.
Have more questions about GSCWM summer camps? Contact info@gscwm.org and the right person will get in touch
REGISTRATION & MEMBERSHIP
Registration for summer 2024 opens on January 17, 2024. GSCWM uses an online platform called CampDoc to process camp registrations and camper health information. Once camp registration is open, click the registration link to get started.
Girl Scout camp is open to all girls - no prior Girl Scout experience needed to attend! Non-members have an additional $35 fee for camp which also includes all membership benefits through September 2024.
Full payment of the camp registration fee is due by June 12th, 2024. After that date, full payment is due at the time of registration. If you are registering and applying for financial aid funds after June 12th, the $75 deposit is due at the time of registration and someone from GSCWM will contact you to complete the payment process.
All campers will receive a GSCWM Summer Camp t-shirt with camp registration. Sizes can be requested at registration; however, please be aware that we are unable to guarantee the availability of all sizes.
If you have questions about registering or processing payments, please email info@gscwm.org or call GSCWM’s Information & Referral team at 413-584-2602.
REFUNDS AND TRANSFERS
To reschedule or cancel your summer camp registration, please contact the Information & Referral department by emailing info@gscwm.org, or submit a request inside your Camp Doc account. Please be sure to include your Girl Scout’s name and program and we will do our best to help you reschedule.
If you would like to transfer your camper’s existing registration to a different week or program, please note that we may not be able to accommodate changes that occur within two weeks before your camp session, or if the program you would like to transfer to is full. To request a transfer, please contact the Information & Referral department by emailing info@gscwm.org.
If you would like to cancel your camper’s registration, please submit a cancellation and refund request in writing through your CampDoc account or by emailing info@gscwm.org four weeks or more before the start of your camp session. You will receive a refund minus the initial $75 deposit. Deposits made on overnight camp or day camp sessions are non-refundable. Refunds will not be given for registrations that are canceled within four weeks of a program, or if a member doesn’t attend the camp session. Pro-rated refunds are not given if a member doesn’t attend the full program.
In some cases, a partial or full refund may be granted for medical emergencies. In this case, notification of absence must be given before the event and accompanied by a written request for a refund within two weeks of the program. A physician’s note is also required.
Occasionally, GSCWM must change or cancel a program. If this happens, we will notify you as soon as possible and provide either a full refund of the camp reservation fee or placement into an alternate session.
WAITLISTS
Many of our camp programs fill up fast and we recommend you register as early as possible after registration opens on January 17, 2024. If the program your camper is interested in attending is full, you have the option to join the waitlist for that program.
We are unable to tell you ahead of time when/if your camper will be moved off the waitlist. While some campers may be registered in one program and waitlisted in another, girls who do not have other registrations are encouraged to register for an open program to guarantee that they will be able to attend camp.
If you would like to register for a program with a waitlist, select it in your CampDoc profile. A deposit or program fee is not required until your camper is removed from the waitlist. You will receive an email from CampDoc informing you if you have been removed from the waitlist. The cost of the camp program will be added to your account and be due at that time.
