Camp and Outdoors

You’re a force of nature, Girl Scout

And you are ready for more outdoor adventures.

Whether you’re discovering the wildlife in your own backyard, swimming in a lake for the first time at summer camp or being a citizen scientist and observing bees in your neighborhood park, every outdoor adventure grows your “I’ve got this” attitude. And once you unlock that confidence, you’ll aim as high as the stars you see outside your cabin window.

Ways to get outdoors

Canoeing solo across a lake. Learning to shoot an arrow. Counting stars in the night sky.

These are just a few of the experiences awaiting Girl Scouts who are ready to explore the great outdoors. Camp and outdoor experiences can be enjoyed during summer camp, day camp, or year-round.

Girl Scout summer camps and troop camping are great ways to seek challenges, explore and adventure, learn new skills, make new friends, and develop a deep appreciation for nature.

OUR CAMP PROPERTIES

Outdoor experiences provide the opportunity to unplug, learn new skills, and discover a sense of self. Whether you are planning an outdoor adventure with your troop or Service Unit, looking for a corporate retreat, hosting an offsite staff meeting, spending the day or night away with your family, or getting ready to celebrate your wedding, Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) has beautiful options. GSCWM welcomes troops, groups and families to our Girl Scout camp properties. Explore the outdoors, go for a hike, participate in team-building activities, enjoy the landscape, go for a swim, ski or snowshoe, try your hand at archery and more. Located throughout central and western Massachusetts, our camps are sure to provide the ultimate outdoor experience.

GSCWM is the proud owner of more than 1,000 acres of beautiful outdoor properties. Explore our four camps below.

GSCWM camps are accredited by the American Camp Association (ACA) indicating safe, high-quality programs that meet industry and government standards. If you are looking for our summer camp programs, please click here.

Click Here to Start the Camp Reservation Process

For Girl Scout Groups, Troops, Service Units

For Non-Girl Scout Groups and Private Events

Rentals for Weddings

Camp Availability Calendars toggle arrow

Camp Bonnie Brae toggle arrow

Camp Lewis Perkins toggle arrow

Camp Laurel Wood toggle arrow

Camp Green Eyrie toggle arrow

Camp Reservation/Rental Process toggle arrow

Camp site reservation/rental process:

Refer to camp calendar for availability:
Bonnie Brae
Green Eyrie
Laurel Wood
Lewis Perkins
** If there is a site noted on a date, this signifies a reservation already in place. "EXCLUSIVE" signifies the entire camp has been reserved. Specialty areas are not included in an “Exclusive” reservation. They are an additional fee and all certifications are required 4 weeks prior to the reservation.
Each camp & individual site has capacity limits that need to be adhered to per fire code.
Service Units can reserve a camp 9 months prior to their date. Call us for information on the Camporee Package - available only to Service Units. Troops are able to make reservations 6 months prior to their camping trip. GSCWM offers various specials and opportunities for midweek usage. (Monday-Thursday). This is a wonderful opportunity to gather for campfires and sing-alongs, create a nature craft, bridging or investiture ceremonies or a cook-out! Detailed information avilable here
GSCWM troops will have first priority to rent our camp Facilities. Outside groups may request available space at our camp properties no earlier than four (4) months before the desired usage date. Detailed information avilable here
If you are a Council troop or Service Unit, the fees shown are accurate / if not please refer to those fees that pertain to your group (Other GS Group, Non-profit, Outside Group).
Complete & submit the camp reservation form (either online or on paper)
Once the reservation is confirmed it is marked as “Tentative” until the fee or deposit is received. (fees of $100 and less is due in full at time of reservation / over $100 a deposit of 25% is due) If the fee is not received within 1 week (7 business days) the reservation will be released (forfeited). Reservations will not be processed without payment.
Please send current information regarding applicable certifications (i.e. first aid, lifeguard, archery instructor, etc.) with your rental form. You can attach electronic copies/scans (PDFs, JPGs, etc.) of certifications online when submitting your form or send hard copies. ** This needs to be done for every reservation, we do not keep copies.** Girl Scout groups should refer to Safety Checkpoints: To ensure ratios (adult/girl) are met, certifications are active, volunteers are CORI’d, etc. Camping trained adult, 1 aider, CPR certified, lifeguard, archery cert., challenge course, etc.
Also refer to Volunteer Essentials for required courses for Program Activities.
Out of Council & non GS groups need to supply their 501C (if non-profit) as well as a COI (Certificate of Liability Insurance) for $1mil with GSCWM as the certificate holder for the period of the encampment.
Once the fee(s) are received & receipted the customer receives via email the Camp Reservation Agreement (asking them to acknowledge, sign & return, the camp brochure (specific to each camp, a camp map, the 3 pan dishwashing procedure, the rental group behavior information, the rental group emergency procedure for waterfront. Also, if necessary a loanable form to complete 7 deposit to be submitted (for archery equipment, a facilitator list (for licensed/certified persons).
The camp Site Supervisors will be available during encampments should there be the need.
A Note about Firewood: In order to do our part in helping to control the spread of disease to our trees and the trees in our communities, bringing firewood that is not wrapped, bundled, and labeled “Insect Free” onto our properties is prohibited. We do not supply firewood at our sites. Except, Bonnie Brae where firewood is available for your use. Please be conservative, and keep in mind that our staff has limited time for firewood production.
After the reservation has ended a camp survey is emailed to the contact person to complete & submit. This is to monitor the success of your visit.

Cancellation Process

Cancellation of campsite reservation must be made in writing to the GSCWM Information & Referral Center info@gscwm.org or 301 Kelly Way, Holyoke, MA 01040). If a cancellation is made at least four (4) weeks before a scheduled camping trip, a full refund will be issued.
Refunds will not be made for cancellations made less than four (4) weeks in advance.
If your reservation needs to be cancelled due to weather conditions or other site emergencies beyond our control, you will be notified. A refund will be made if your reservation cannot be rescheduled.

Camp Bonnie Brae toggle arrow

The nation’s longest, continuously operating Girl Scout Camp, at Camp Bonnie Brae you can explore the waterfront, take a trip to the archery range or hatchet throwing lanes, or use the Gaga Pit. Girls have been swimming, boating, roasting marshmallows and making new friends at Camp Bonnie Brae, located in East Otis, since 1919. Launch your kayak, canoe or stand up paddle board on Big Pond, sing traditional camp songs around the fire, voyage into the forests and fields and play new and old games.

Camp Amenities

Map

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Rental Fees toggle arrow

Special weekend packages available to GSCWM service units. Contact us for more information, info@gscwm.org.		Camp Bonnie Brae - GSCWM Groups	Camp Bonnie Brae - Other Council Groups/Non Profit	Camp Bonnie Brae - Outside Groups
Max. Capacity - Day / Night: 160
* Exclusive Use - Minimum Capacity is: 100		*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $ 600 w/out Lodge or $900 with Leadership Lodge	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $ 900 w/out Lodge or $1,200 with Leadership Lodge	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $ 1,320 w/out Lodge or $1,620 with Leadership Lodge

Winterized Bldgs	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Anne's Boathouse	25	$80	$120	$180
Leadership Lodge	20	$160	$240	$350

Non-Winterized Bldgs	Camp.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Big House	26	$95	$145	$200
Jerry's Cabin	4	$25	$45	$55
Sue's House	10	$35	$50	$80
Dining Hall - Day Use	150	$120	$180	$265
w/Institutional Kitchen		$180	$255	$345

Cabin Units	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Anchorage (Yurts)	30	$45	$65	$100
Sherwood (Cabins)	36	$50	$75	$110
Tanglewood (Treehouses)	32	$55	$80	$115

Tent Units	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Birnhamwood	28	$40	$60	$90
Green Horizons	16	$20	$30	$45
Tyro	24	$35	$50	$80
Enchanted Forest	16	$10	$15	$25

Specialty Areas		Fee	Fee	Fee
Certifications Required
Waterfront - Swimming		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Waterfront - Boating **		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Archery Range		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$75 per 2 hour block
Challenge Course - Half Day		$25	$40	$75
Challenge Course - Full Day		$45	$70	$150
Hatchet Throwing Lanes		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$50 per 2 hour block
Camp Skills Area (Axe Yard)		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$50 per 2 hour block
** Canoe Boating - Daisies only allowed with Adult in boat. Kayaking - Daisies NOT allowed.

Calendar

Camp Supervisor toggle arrow

Jeff Hammerle is the Site Supervisor at Camp Bonnie Brae. He joined GSCWM in the fall of 2019.

Jeff has worked in property management and maintenance for 30 years. He grew up in Lee and has lived in Otis for 28 years with his wife and daughter. Jeff is an active member of the Otis Volunteer Fire Department and currently is the rank of Captain. He enjoys the outdoors and is looking forward to working with the Girl Scouts, volunteers and customers at Camp Bonnie Brae.

Jeff Hammerle
Site Supervisor
Camp Bonnie Brae
Cell: 413-475-0875
jhammerle@gscwm.org

Camp Lewis Perkins toggle arrow

Located near downtown South Hadley, yet Camp Lewis Perkins feels like a world away. At camp, troops and groups have the chance to explore all that the fields, woodlands and trails have to offer. Play teambuilding games in the field, create art under the trees, enjoy the Gaga Pit or learn to shoot with a bow and arrow at the archery range. Take a dip in the in-ground pool, build your own campfire and spend an evening under the stars.

Camp Amenities

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Special weekend packages available to GSCWM service units. Contact us for more information, info@gscwm.org.		Camp Lewis Perkins - GSCWM Groups	Camp Lewis Perkins - Other Council Groups/Non Profit	Camp Lewis Perkins - Outside Groups
Max. Capacity - Day: 175 / Night: 62
* Exclusive Use - Minumum Capacity is: 50		*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $155	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $230	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $345

Non-Winterized Bldgs	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Dining Hall - Day Use	75	$50	$75	$110
Troop House	8	$25	$35	$55
Trading Post	4	$15	$20	$35
Discovery Unit	26	$45	$65	$100
Wander Unit	28	$45	$65	$100

Specialty Areas
Certifications Required

Pool - Swimming		$75 for the weekend / $25 per weekday	$110 for the weekend / $40 per weekday	$150 for the weekend / $50 per weekday
Archery Range		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$75 per 2 hour block

Calendar

Camp Supervisor toggle arrow

Carolyn Porter is the Facility Manager for all the properties for GSCWM and directly supervises Camp Lewis Perkins. Carolyn has 12 years of leadership experience in three western Massachusetts municipalities’ Parks & Recreation Departments. She also has decades of experience in direct service leading recreation for children and adults in a wide range of settings. Carolyn enjoyed seven years of Girl Scouting and always felt at home at summer camp. “It is a pleasure to serve girls and volunteers by caring for the properties as a way of passing on my joy of Girl Scouting.”

Carolyn Porter
Facility Manager
Camp Lewis Perkins
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
Cell: 413-552-6294
Office: 413-584-2602
cporter@gscwm.org

Camp Laurel Wood toggle arrow

Located in Spencer, enjoy swimming and boating on Stiles Reservoir, archery and games in the A-Field, and hiking to the Wesley Center. Be sure to check out the Gaga Pit and learn new games. Camp Laurel Wood is the site of the GSCWM History Museum.

Camp Amenities

Map

Reservation toggle arrow

Rental Fees toggle arrow

Special weekend packages available to GSCWM service units. Contact us for more information, info@gscwm.org.		Camp Laurel Wood- GSCWM Groups	Camp Laurel Wood- Other Council Groups/Non Profit	Camp Laurel Wood- Outside Groups
Max. Capacity - Day: 200 / Night: 120
* Exclusive Use - Minumum Capacity is: 100		*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $185	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $345	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $520

Winterized Bldgs	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Greene Lodge	45	$85	$125	$180

Tent Units	Cap.
Shady Grove	30	$40	$60	$90
Teaberry	30	$40	$60	$90
Wildwood	30	$40	$60	$90

Specialty Areas		Fee	Fee	Fee
Certifications Required

Waterfront - Swimming		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Waterfront - Boating **		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Archery Range		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$75 per 2 hour block

** Canoe Boating - Daisies only allowed with Adult in boat. Kayaking - Daisies NOT allowed.

Calendar

Camp Supervisor toggle arrow

Kaine Temple
Camp Laurel Wood Ranger
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
Cell : 413-454-1320
ktemple@gscwm.org

Camp Green Eyrie toggle arrow

Explore everything Green Eyrie has to offer! Girls have been swimming, boating, roasting marshmallows and making new friends at Camp Green Eyrie, located in Harvard, since 1925. Challenge yourself and your team on our ropes course, have fun in the Gaga Pit, take a shot at the archery range or check out the hatchet throwing lanes. Launch your kayak on Bare Hill pond, and then learn about the mysteries of water in the Sarah Hardy Science Center at Chenowith. Sing traditional camp songs around the fire, voyage into the forests and fields and play new and old games.

Camp Amenities

Map

Reservation toggle arrow

Rental Fees toggle arrow

Special weekend packages available to GSCWM service units. Contact us for more information, info@gscwm.org.		Camp Green Eyrie- GSCWM Groups	Camp Green Eyrie- Other Council Groups/Non Profit	Camp Green Eyrie- Outside Groups
Max. Capacity - Day: 200 / Night: 190
* Exclusive Use - Minumum Capacity is: 150		*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $295	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $440	*Exclusive Use of All Facilities: $650

Winterized Bldgs	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Dillon Lodge	25	$70	$105	$155
Dining Hall	30	$75	$110	$165
w/ Institutional Kitchen	128	$125	$185	$275

Non-Winterized Bldgs	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Green	2	$10	$15	$25
Explorer	4	$15	$20	$35
Cove	6	$25	$30	$55
Health Center	3	$15	$20	$35

Tent Units	Cap.	Fee	Fee	Fee
Adventure	35	$40	$60	$90
Cove	35	$40	$60	$90
Frontier	30	$40	$60	$90
Pine Hill	35	$40	$60	$90

Primitive Camping (bring your own tents)		$20

Specialty Areas		Fee	Fee	Fee
Certifications Required
Waterfront - Swimming		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Waterfront - Boating **		$25 per 2 hours	$40 per 2 hours	$50 per 2 hours
Archery Range		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$75 per 2 hour block
Challenge Course - Half Day		$25	$40	$75
Challenge Course - Full Day		$45	$70	$150
Hatchet Throwing Lanes		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$50 per 2 hour block
Camp Skills Area (Axe Yard)		$25 per 2 hour block	$40 per 2 hour block	$50 per 2 hour block

** Canoe Boating - Daisies only allowed with Adult in boat. Kayaking - Daisies NOT allowed.

Calendar

Camp Supervisor toggle arrow

David Cuddington is the site supervisor for Camp Green Eyrie

David Cuddington
Site Supervisor
Camp Green Eyrie
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts
Cell: 413-475-0876
DCuddington@gscwm.org

Additional Information toggle arrow

Camp Frequently Asked Questions toggle arrow

What is the address of the camp? toggle arrow

The address can be found in your original camp confirmation booklet (sent via email). This booklet will contain all necessary information, camp address, Site Supervisor contact information, emergency procedures and more.

Can I park my car in the campsite? toggle arrow

Vehicles can drive up to some units to unload gear but, all vehicles should park in the parking lots once this is complete. Cars must be parked in the main parking lot indicated on your map. Some units are not accessible by vehicle. Handicap parking can be accommodated near some buildings and units.

How many cars can the parking lot hold? toggle arrow

Parking lot capacity varies from camp to camp. Two cars are allowed per unit. Carpooling is strongly encouraged. Please check the GSCWM Amenities for camp specific information. You can also contact the Site Supervisor or visit to the camp beforehand.

Can I get out this winter if it snows? toggle arrow

Site Supervisors will plow access in and out of camp to accommodate rental use of heated buildings in the winter. Our reservation page advises which buildings are winterized. You may contact the Site Supervisor to check on weather conditions.

Can we put up tents? toggle arrow

Most units can accommodate the pitching of one or two tents in open space within a unit. However if more tents are required then a reservation should be made for the Athletic Field or primitive camping area. When pitching tent do not harm any plants, shrubs or trees to accommodate a tent.

Where do we take our trash? How do we handle trash? toggle arrow

Please empty all trash cans and put all trash in the camp dumpster. Unless otherwise directed by site supervisor or camp booklet.

Are there pots and pans in the kitchens? toggle arrow

Our kitchens are adequately stocked with supplies. Please check your confirmation packets for more specific information. Do not remove pots from the indoor kitchens for outdoor cooking use. “Be prepared” is the Girl Scouts motto – please bring all necessary equipment.

Is there a refrigerator located in the unit? toggle arrow

Most of the larger buildings have refrigerators. Some sites have refrigerators in the shelters. Please check the GSCWM Amenities for camp specific information about which units have refrigerators.

Can I use the Commercial kitchen or do I need training? toggle arrow

The Commercial kitchen should be requested specifically. Not all are usable year round. Serve Safe training is required to use the commercial kitchen.

Can a food company deliver food for my big camping event? toggle arrow

Yes. Please inform the Site Supervisor of your plan and which company you will be using. You must arrange for someone to meet the truck and let them in the kitchen; Site Supervisors are not on call at all times so, be sure to make prior delivery arrangements.

Is there toilet paper, trash bags or soap at camp? toggle arrow

We provide (toilet paper, trash bags, paper towels, soap and cleaning spray).

Where can men sleep and use the restroom? toggle arrow

Some of our buildings have a separate sleeping quarters. If a unit has more than one restroom, you can designate one to be “Men Only”. Or, when using a latrine, please designate one stall to be “Men Only”. Men / boys should use the restroom when no women / girls are in the restroom and have specific restroom times that are separate from the girls.

Are there cots in the units? toggle arrow

Some units have cots, bunk beds, or mattresses on the floor. Please check the GSCWM Amenities for camp specific information about sleeping provisions

How many can sleep per unit (buildings, cabins, tents, yurts, tree houses)? toggle arrow

Please check the Camp Amenities in the camp description for sleep capacities per unit.

Is firewood available? toggle arrow

To control the spread of disease to our trees and the trees in our communities, bringing firewood that is not wrapped, bundled, and labeled “Insect Free” onto our properties is prohibited. We do not supply firewood at our sites. With the exception of Bonnie Brae where firewood is available for your use. Please be conservative, and keep in mind that our staff has limited time for firewood production.

How do we dispose of fire pit/fireplace burnt ash? toggle arrow

In the spirit of leaving the site in “ready for use” condition for the next group, here are guidelines for managing the fire pit/fireplace at your site.

Be sure the fire is out cold. It is ok to use water in an outdoor fire pit but not an indoor fireplace.
Remove unburned wood and leave near the fire circle, in the wood pile or place back in the fire circle or fire place after cleaning out excessive ash.
You should find 2 buckets at each fire pit. One for water and one for ash. Use the shovel to remove excess ash but don’t dig a hole. Put ash in the bucket. It is ok to leave this on site as is. However, if you have been on site for several days and have had numerous fires the one bucket may not be enough. Find the place along the perimeter of your unit where ash is collected and dump cold ash from the bucket into the pile and refill.

Is there a fireplace in the shelters/lodges? toggle arrow

Please check the Camp Amenities for camp specific information about fireplaces. Most outdoor units have an outside fire pit at the site.

Do I need a lifeguard? toggle arrow

Yes. Lifeguards are required anytime you are in the lake or pool.

How many canoes or kayaks are available? toggle arrow

Please call our Leadership Center or email info@gscwm.org to confirm how many canoes or kayaks there are at a specific camp.

How many life jackets are available? toggle arrow

There are enough life jackets/PDFs for the capacity required for the use of our water crafts.

Do we need a trained person to use the archery course & equipment? toggle arrow

Yes. A current archery instructor certification is required. If you so not have an instructor, contact the camp site rental department (info@gscwm.org) for more information.

How many bows and arrows are at camp? toggle arrow

Please check the Camp Amenities for camp specific information.

Do we need a trained person to use the challenge course (ropes course)? toggle arrow

Yes. An instructor who is certified to teach the ropes course is required. If you so not have an instructor, contact the camp site rental department (info@gscwm.org) for more information.

Are there any trails? toggle arrow

Yes. Trails are marked on the camp maps and at each camp.

Is there letterboxing/geocaching at camp? toggle arrow

There is no Geocaching at any of the camps. Letterboxing: for more information please contact the site supervisor for your specific camp

What type of projects can my troop do? toggle arrow

Service projects are listed on our camping website. For more specific project information, contact the camp Site Supervisor or our Council, info@gscwm.org.

Do I have to bring rakes, shovels or buckets? toggle arrow

Each fire pit has these tools. Brooms can be found in the unit house. Additional tools can be requested in advance from the site supervisor depending upon the project being undertaken. It is always better to be prepared and bring tools you feel will be needed.

If you have any other questions, do not hesitate to contact the Leadership Center at 413-584-2602 / 508-365-0115 or email us at: info@gscwm.org! We will be happy to help you!

Kaper Lists toggle arrow

Kapers are camp chores and tasks that need to be completed to make sure the camp is ready for the next group and that nothing is left behind.

Here are printable check list for each kind of camp rental.

Kaper List for leaving a facility rental heated building

Kaper List for leaving a facility rental program areas

Kaper List for leaving a facility rental tent or cabin units

Camp Activity Videos Gr K-5 toggle arrow

Certificates & Safety Activity Checkpoints toggle arrow

Volunteer Essentials
Upcoming Cookout & Camp Out Traingings
Safety Activity Checkpoints
Loanables

Program & Service Projects toggle arrow

Blissful Biffys toggle arrow

Clean and paint the stall doors of biffys (Clivis, latrines, or bathrooms) making them lighter, brighter and more fun to use. Use your own artistic designs but it must be approved by Camp Ranger before you begin painting.

Bush Whackers toggle arrow

Clear leaves, logs and debris off of existing trails. Work with the site supervisor to mark trails so others can find their way. If new trails are desired, work with caretaker of where and how to clear new trails.

Bat and Bird Protector toggle arrow

Design and build bat boxes or nest boxes for camp bird and bat friends who help keep our misquote population low. Work with camp site supervisors for best location placement in camp.

Plant and Tree Growers toggle arrow

Work with site supervisor to determine the best native plants or tree for camp, work to develop plan to help our native plants or tree around camp or plant more.

Buddy Benches toggle arrow

Design and build benches for around camp.

Invader Detectives toggle arrow

Identify and find invasive species of plants at camp. Determine best way for them to be removed with the camp site supervisor and work to kick those invaders to the curb.

Brush Brigade toggle arrow

Work with site supervisor as to what needs painting at camp: picnic tables, benches, latrines, porches. Bring your supplies (paint color chosen by GSCWM) and clean up afterwards.

Dirt Busters toggle arrow

Help beautify the camp by cleaning an assigned buildings or unit, washing windows, sweeping shelters and removing dust bunnies.

Unit Set up toggle arrow

Help check out sleeping shelters by making sure all beds are neatly set up, wash and disinfect mattress.

Hazard Hunters toggle arrow

Hike along existing trails and program areas and make note of possible hazards. Find a way to correct or properly warn others of danger. Let the site supervisor know of hazards you find and how you warned others of the danger until a permanent solution is found.

Nature Identifiers toggle arrow

Using nature resources learn to identify nature. For instance, identify trees by their leaves, bark and seeds. Label identified trees in an environmentally safe manner. Try to find trees of distinction at each camp: oldest, biggest and ones with special interest. Develop a program to encourage other troops to come out to camp to find these trees. You must discuss your plan with the site supervisor to determine how the trees will be labeled and maintained after you are done.

Program Patrol toggle arrow

Working with the program department, help secure quality programming at our camps for troops use in the off-season. Ideas include: design hiking game and programs, develop a nature program, develop and maintain letter boxing, geocaching or compass course. You will get to develop pick up and go program kits to be used at camps. Email program@gscwm.org with which camp you would like to create a program resource for and we will connect you with the program specialist to make your idea happen.

Sop Moppers toggle arrow

Help spread wood chips, sawdust, gravel on trails to help eliminated mud puddles and soggy areas.

Water Stoppers toggle arrow

Study the effects of soil erosion at camp. Plant ground cover and make water bars across trails to keep our soil in place.

Wood Warriors toggle arrow

Empty wood piles make terrible camp fires! Re-stock the wood piles at each unit with kindling and wood. For a more extensive service project, build a wood box for a camp unit or build benches and picnic tables for designated spots in camp.

Rental Behavior Guidelines toggle arrow

Printable PDF

All group leaders should be following positive reinforcement behaviors with youth at GSCWM Camp Properties.

The rental group must apply all rules consistently and appropriately to the ages of the children and their developmental level and abilities.
Any discipline used will relate to the youth’s actions and be handled without prolonged delay.
A child may be separated briefly from the group, but, only long enough to gain self-control and must be in view of, supervised and supported by a supervising adult.
Corporal punishment is prohibited. Withholding or using food, rest or sleep as punishment is prohibited.
No child can be isolated in an adjacent room, hallway, closet, darkened area, play area of any other area where a child cannot be seen, or supervised.
Methods of interaction that punish, demean or humiliate a child are prohibited.

Every adult in using GSCWM Properties is responsible for the physical and emotional safety of youth at GSCWM Camp Properties, and we all demonstrate that by agreeing to follow these guidelines at all times.

Follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Instructions for staying safe while participating in activities are detailed in the Safety Activity Checkpoints, available from your council. Read the checkpoints, follow them, and share them with other volunteers, parents, and girls before engaging in activities with girls.
Arrange for proper adult supervision of girls. Your group must have at least two unrelated, adult volunteers present at all times, plus additional adult volunteers as necessary, depending on the size of the group and the ages and abilities of youth.
Adult volunteers must be at least 18 years old (or the age of majority defined by the state, if it is older than 18) and must be screened before volunteering.
Report abuse. Sexual advances, improper touching, and sexual activity of any kind with girl members are forbidden. Physical, verbal, and emotional abuse of girls is also forbidden. Follow your council’s guidelines for reporting concerns about abuse or neglect that may be occurring inside or outside of Girl Scouting.
Be prepared for emergencies. Work with girls and other adults to establish and practice procedures for emergencies related to weather, fire, lost girls/adults, and site security. Always keep handy a well-stocked first-aid kit, girl health histories, and contact information for girls’ families.
Role-model the right behavior. Never use illegal drugs. Don’t consume alcohol, smoke, or use foul language in the presence of youth. Do not carry ammunition or firearms in the presence of youth unless given special permission by your council for group marksmanship activities.
Create an emotionally safe space. Adults are responsible for making Girl Scouting a place where youth are as safe emotionally as they are physically. Protect the emotional safety of youth by creating a team agreement and coaching children to honor it. Agreements typically encourage behaviors like respecting a diversity of feelings and opinions; resolving conflicts constructively; and avoiding physical and verbal bullying, clique behavior, and discrimination.
Ensure that no one is treated differently. Girl Scouts welcomes all members, regardless of race, ethnicity, background, disability, family structure, religious beliefs, and socioeconomic status.
Create a Group Agreement. A group agreement is a list of appropriate individual and group behaviors. (i.e. Only one person speaks at a time.) Group agreements are one of the best tools available to leaders for managing discipline issues and conflicts. Youth should discuss their expectations of the group in terms of behavior, shared responsibilities, etc. This is different from “rules” since the group agreement is created by the entire group, not by the leader.

Reserving Archery Range Information toggle arrow

When making the reservation for archery please provide the following information.

Number of girls
Number of adults
Number of girls broken down by level (to best estimate)
- Daisy Girl Scouts
- Brownie Girl Scouts
- Junior Girl Scouts
- Cadette Girl Scouts
- Senior Girl Scouts
- Ambassador Girl Scouts
Archery instructor name and copy of certification put into calendar invite.

Please note that every camp has a set level of inventory:

3 targets and 3 stands
6 bows for Brownie age girls
6 bows for Junior girl age girls
4 bows for Cadette and up age girls
Arm bands
Stretch bands for shoot cycle practice

Daisy Girl Scouts are not allowed to participate in Archery. Please contact info@gscwm.org if you have any question about Archery before your reservation.

Ash and Log Policy toggle arrow

In the spirit of leaving the site in “ready for use” condition for the next group, here are guidelines for managing the fire pit/fireplace at your site.

Be sure the fire is out cold. It is ok to use water in an outdoor fire pit but not an indoor fireplace.
Remove unburned wood and leave near the fire circle, in the wood pile or place back in the fire circle or fire place after cleaning out excessive ash.
You should find 2 buckets at each fire pit. One for water and one for ash. Use the shovel to remove excess ash but don’t dig a hole. Put ash in the bucket. It is ok to leave this on site as is. However, if you have been on site for several days and have had numerous fires the one bucket may not be enough. Find the place along the perimeter of your unit where ash is collected and dump cold ash from the bucket into the pile and refill.

Gaga Pit Information toggle arrow

You know that everyone's going gaga over gaga. But what is it? Here's the 101 on how to play gaga ball:

Gaga is a fast paced, high energy sport played in an octagonal pit. The more players the better! Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. Fun and easy, everyone gets a serious workout.

Easily addictive, people can't wait to get back in the pit. The games move quickly...after a few short minutes, the action heats up with a second ball, sure to get even the best players out within minutes. Once the game ends, everyone is back in for the next round.

Rules of Gaga Ball

It's super simple. Basically, we throw a bunch of players and a ball in a pit. Turn up the music, everyone for him/herself; if the ball touches you below the knee, you're out. The last one in the pit wins. Then, everyone hops back in for the next round. Games last no more than five minutes. It's fast, it's sweaty and it's really addictive. As soon as you get out, you can't wait to hop back in. That's why they're all talking about it!

The official game rules of The Gaga Center:

All players start with one hand touching a wall of the pit.
The game begins with a referee throwing the ball into the center of the pit.
When the ball enters the pit, the players scream 'GA' for the first two bounces, and 'GO' on the third bounce, after which the ball is in action.
Once the ball is in play, any player can hit the ball with their hands only, and may not carry or throw the ball - it must be punched with open hand or fist.
If a ball touches a player below the knee (even if the player hits himself or herself) he or she is out and leaves the pit. If a player is hit above the knees, the play continues.
Any player who is touched by the ball either directly or by a rebound off the wall is “out”, then must step out of the pit.
If a ball is caught on a fly, the player who hit the ball is out.
If the ball goes out of the Ga-ga court, the last player to touch the ball is eliminated.
If a player catches the ball before it bounces, the player who had the last contact with the ball is eliminated.
Once the player hits the ball, he or she must wait until the ball touches someone else before hitting it again (no double touches).
Using the walls of the octagon to aid in jumping is legal as long as the player does not permanently sit on the ledge of the octagon.
Players cannot hold the ball.
If needed, a second ball can be thrown in the pit to expedite the end of the game. The last player standing is the winner of that round.
If there are only two players remaining, a player may hit the ball up to 3 times in a row. The ball is “rejuvenated” by contact with the wall, and the hit count resets.

Some Ga-Ga games are designed to be team efforts, although the sport is traditionally a oneagainst-all competition. Teaming, or intentional passing of the ball to other players, is allowed only at the discretion of the referee and must be specified in advance of play.

There are plenty of variations of the rules, and like 4-square, you can certainly make your own house rules! Have fun and be creative!

two young girl scouts outside at state park using binoculars - older girl is helping daisy girl scout see nature

Girl Scouts Love State Parks

Take part in this annual celebration where Girl Scouts come together to explore their local state parks.

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