It's Time to THINK SPRING! GSSI Camp Clean Up Days Coming Soon!

Spring is right around the corner!  What better way to celebrate than to plan a trip to Girl Scout camp to help clean up?  There is not cost to come out and enjoy some time outdoors with other troops from around Southern Illinois, but please register by the deadline so we have supplies ready.

April 12 (deadline April 6) - 12-6 p.m.
Camp Cedar Point - Makanda, IL
Camp Chan Ya Ta - Worden, IL
Camp Whispering Oaks - Salem, IL

April 27 (deadline April 20) - 12-6 p.m.
Camp Butterfly - Farmington, MO
Camp Torqua - Edwardsville, IL
Camp Wassatoga - Effingham, IL

For more information about GSSI Camps, please contact Director of Property Jonathan Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext. 1107 or e-mail jstanley@gsofsi.org.

Students Today Leaders Forever Volunteer at Camp Whispering Oaks Girl Scout Camp

A group from Students Today, Leaders Forever volunteered at GSSI's Camp Whispering Oaks in Salem on February 15.  Students cleared out brush and repaired benches and picnic tables as part of their "Pay It Forward Tour" through the Midwest. The mission of STLF is "revealing leadership through service, relationships, and action."  GSSI is grateful to STLF for their time, talents and enthusiasm.

For more information about volunteering with Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois, please contact Volunteer Services Manager Jodi Dormire at 800.345.6858, ext. 1117 or e-mail jdormire@gsofsi.org.

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Has Six Camps to Enjoy!

 

 

Did you know that GSSI has six camp properties for girls and volunteers to use and enjoy. Camp Cedar Point (Makanda, IL), Camp Chan Ya Ta (Worden, IL), Camp Torqua (Edwardsville, IL), Camp Wassatoga (Effingham, IL) & Camp Whispering Oaks (Salem, IL) are open year round. Camp Butterfly (Farmington, MO) is open from April to October. For more information and photos see each camp on our website, www.gsofsi.org.

Did You Know? GSSI Camps Have Canoeing and Archery Available!

Canoes are available at Camp Butterfly, Camp Cedar Point, Camp Chan Ya Ta, Camp Wassatoga and Camp Whispering Oaks with prior approval and proper certification.

Archery is available at every camp with prior approval and proper certification. For more information about GSSI camps, please visit us at www.gsofsi.org or call our Property Department at 618.692.0692.

Winter Camping at GSSI

Winter wonderland at Camp Chan Ya Ta

There's no reason for your camping fun to come to an end during the winter! GSSI Camp Properties offer camping opportunities all year at the following winterized units. Click on the camp name to see more information about that property.

Camp Cedar Point -- Makanda, IL: Sahara Lodge and Bruce Lodge both offer heat, fireplace, bathrooms, mattresses and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave).  Each has a capacity of 20 campers. 

Camp Chan Ya Ta -- Worden, IL: The Lodge offers heat, fireplace, bathroom/shower, fire pit, water, tables and chairs, mattresses and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave).  It is an accessible unit and has a capacity of 30 campers.  The Bunkhouse has two sections that sleep 12 people each.  There is shelter, lights, access to the showerhouse, fire pit, water and refrigerator.  Indoor cooking is not permitted.  This unit is accessible.

Camp Torqua -- Edwardsville, IL: Pumpkin Patch Unit A has a capacity of 36 campers in three heated cabins with bunkbeds and 1/2 the heated program center with heat.  Pumpkin Patch Unit B has a capacity of 24 campers in two heated cabins with bunkbeds and 1/2 the heated program center with heat.  Both Pumpkin Patch units have access to the showerhouse (two toilets and two showers), an accessible Pullman kitchen, microwave, tables and chairs, shelter with lights and fire pit. Both Tuckaway and Lisetta Units have a capacity of 30 campers and has a heated troop house, kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave), fireplace, tables and chairs, mattresses, shelter with lights and fire pit.  Tuckaway also has an indoor accessible bathroom.

Camp Wassatoga -- Effingham, IL: Ridimakahe Lodge has a capacity of 25 campers and offers heat, full kitchen, fireplace and bathroom with showers and mattresses. 

Camp Whispering Oaks -- Salem, IL:  Lazaretti Lodge has upper and lower levels that each have a capacity of 15.  Both have heat, fireplace, accessible bathrooms with showers, mattresses, fire pit, tv/dvd, tables & chairs and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave). 

Camp Butterfly -- Farmington, MO: No winterized units are available at Camp Butterfly.  This camp is open April 1 to Oct. 31.

There open dates available for your group now!  Call Carol Ann Hering at 800.345.6858, ext. 1131.