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.
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.
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.
Cancellation Process
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.
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 | 20 | $80 | $120 | $180 |
Leadership Lodge | 20 | $160 | $240 | $350 |
Non-Winterized Bldgs | Camp. | Fee | Fee | Fee |
Big House | 30 | $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) | 40 | $50 | $75 | $110 |
Tanglewood (Treehouses) | 32 | $55 | $80 | $115 |
Dingle | 4 | $25 | $45 | $55 |
Will Scarlette | 8 | $30 | $50 | $80 |
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 | |
Snow shoes & Cross Country Skis | $3 pp per day | $6 pp per day | $12 pp per day | |
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. | * Weddings (last 2 wks of Aug & 1st 2 wks of Sept): Exclusive Use - $1,500/nite + any Speciality Areas |
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
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.
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 |
Gypsy 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 |
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
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.
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. |
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.
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. |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please empty all trash cans and put all trash in the camp dumpster. Unless otherwise directed by site supervisor or camp booklet.
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.
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.
The Commercial kitchen should be requested specifically. Not all are usable year round. Serve Safe training is required to use the commercial kitchen.
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.
We provide (toilet paper, trash bags, paper towels, soap and cleaning spray).
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.
Some units have cots, bunk beds, or mattresses on the floor. Please check the GSCWM Amenities for camp specific information about sleeping provisions
Please check the Camp Amenities in the camp description for sleep capacities per unit.
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.
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.
Please check the Camp Amenities for camp specific information about fireplaces. Most outdoor units have an outside fire pit at the site.
Yes. Lifeguards are required anytime you are in the lake or pool.
Please call our Leadership Center or email info@gscwm.org to confirm how many canoes or kayaks there are at a specific camp.
There are enough life jackets/PDFs for the capacity required for the use of our water crafts.
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.
Please check the Camp Amenities for camp specific information.
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.
Yes. Trails are marked on the camp maps and at each camp.
There is no Geocaching at any of the camps. Letterboxing: for more information please contact the site supervisor for your specific camp
Service projects are listed on our camping website. For more specific project information, contact the camp Site Supervisor or our Council, info@gscwm.org.
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!
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Design and build benches for around camp.
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.
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.
Help beautify the camp by cleaning an assigned buildings or unit, washing windows, sweeping shelters and removing dust bunnies.
Help check out sleeping shelters by making sure all beds are neatly set up, wash and disinfect mattress.
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.
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.
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.
Help spread wood chips, sawdust, gravel on trails to help eliminated mud puddles and soggy areas.
Study the effects of soil erosion at camp. Plant ground cover and make water bars across trails to keep our soil in place.
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.
All group leaders should be following positive reinforcement behaviors with youth at GSCWM Camp Properties.
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.
When making the reservation for archery please provide the following information.
Please note that every camp has a set level of inventory:
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.
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.
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:
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!
Take part in this annual celebration where Girl Scouts come together to explore their local state parks.
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