Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois Summer 2018 Camp Photos

Resident Camp 2018

Girl Scout Resident Camp at Camp Ondessonk
Girl Scout Resident Camp at Touch of Nature: Mini Sessions
Girl Scout Resident Camp at Touch of Nature: Full Week

Day Camp 2018
Belleville/Swansea
Centralia
Clinton County
Collinsville
Columbia Area
East St. Louis
Edwardsville
Effingham
Granite City
GSSI Mini STEM
GSSI STEM
Highland
Jefferson County
O'Fallon/Shiloh
UPAC 

Spots Still Available for Outdoor Volunteer Training at Touch of Nature on Nov. 13

Volunteers can still sign up for training sessions at Touch of Nature in Makanda on November 13. 

Camping IN
Camping In will run from 8-9 a.m. This course is required for camping with girls in a lodge setting with NO fire-building. Verification that at least one volunteer attending the campout is trained is required prior to your camp reservation date. This is a one-time certification and is a pre-requisite for Camping OUT. 

Camping OUT
Camping Out will run 9:30-2:30 p.m. This follow-up course is required for camping with girls in a setting other than a lodge and/or with fire-building. The course focuses on outdoor skills and at least one volunteer attending the campout must complete this course. Verification of completion is necessary prior to your camp date. This is a 3-year certification and can be renewed via test.

Deadline Extended for Resident Camp at Touch of Nature!

Breaking News!   Registrations have exceeded the minimum capacity for Resident Camp at Touch of Nature in Makanda so the deadline to sign up has been extended until June 20!

At Touch of Nature, Girl Scouts can enjoy making new friends, having outdoor adventures and making memories that will last a lifetime.  Girls will stay in cabins with air conditioning and electricity on Little Grassy Lake. 

Touch of Nature Mini Camp
July 26-29, 2016
Cost: $250

Livin’ Like Bigfoot (for girls entering grades 2-3) 
Have you ever gone out into the woods and felt like you were not alone?  Well, maybe that is because Bigfoot has been in the area.  You would never know because he is so good at leaving no trace.  During camp you will learn the ways of Bigfoot and how to be untraceable in the great outdoors.  When you are not swimming, cooking over the fire or discovering the wonders of camp…you will go Bigfoot hunting!

Water World (for girls entering grades 4-5)
Did you know that your body is made of at least 70% water?  So why not beat the summer heat with this water world of fun…at camp!  You will get to swim in the lake, go whale hunting, go for a pontoon boat ride, canoe, go stand-up paddle boarding and so much more.  This could be the big splash to your summer.

Choose Your Own Adventure (for girls entering grades 6-12) 
Looking for a fun filled summer that is designed by you?  Well then, this is your camp.  Girls will get to pick what happens during their time at Touch of Nature – whether it’s swimming every day, paddling out to the jumping rocks, stand-up paddle boarding, rock climbing or even leading a program.  Come teach us what fun looks like.  This will be a story that everyone will want to hear.

Touch of Nature Week Long Camp
July 31-August 6, 2016
Cost: $375

Fairies, Gnomes and Wizards (for girls entering grades 2-3)
The magic of the forest comes alive with Fairies, Gnomes and Wizards.  Come to camp and build fairy houses, make magical potions and learn how to help wounded animals.  We will also get the chance to meet live owls and go on an owl prowl.  This is the chance to leave the Muggle world behind and embark on a magical journey.

Zombie Apocalypse Training 2.0 (for girls entering grades 4-5) 
How much do you love your brains?  Well, zombies do.  So come to camp so you can learn how to protect, build and rest those brains.  During your stay you will learn survival skills (like shelter building and traps), protection (like archery), how to live off the land and still find time to have some good old camp fun.  If you think you have what it takes to be a survivor then show us your gray matter.

F.L.O.W. – Future Leaders of the Outdoor World (for girls entering grades 6-12)
You are our only hope for the future.  So come to camp and show us what you’re working with.  As the leaders of the new world, start by helping guide what happens at camp.  You will design the week of camp and even get the chance to lead a program or two.  If improving your outdoor skills or helping lead others into the outdoor is what you are looking for then don’t let this chance get away.  You can design your own extreme summer getaway – anything from rock climbing, zip lining, pontoon boating, canoeing, stand-up paddle boarding, to archery and so much more.  If you can dream it, we will try to make it happen!

Resident Camp 2016 Breaking News!

Exciting news! GSSI will be collaborating with Touch of Nature in Makanda and Camp Ondessonk in Ozark to offer Girl Scout Resident Camp in Summer 2016! We also are in negotiation with a third potential collaborator. Stay tuned for more information about these resident camp and outdoor experience opportunities to come!

Breaking News! GSSI to Offer Resident Camp at Touch of Nature in Makanda

Have you been looking for a resident camp for 2015? Well, look no farther, it’s here! This year the Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois will be hosting a six-day camp at Touch of Nature, located in Makanda, IL. Girls will be staying in cabins with air conditioning and electricity on Little Grassy Lake.

Camps will be held July 19-25, 2015 (registration deadline 6/1).  Click on the camp name to register online!

Fairies, Gnomes, and Wizards (Brownies) 
The magic of the forest comes alive with Fairies, Gnomes, and Wizards.  Come to camp and build fairy houses, make magical potions, and learn how to help wounded animals.  We will also get the chance to meet live owls and go on an owl prowl.  This is the chance to leave the Muggle world behind and embark on a magical journey! 

Beach Bums (Juniors) 
Come to camp and waste your day away on the beaches of Little Grassy Lake.  Girls will be treated to a nature spa, fruity drinks, and a whale hunt.  We will also go beach         hopping and go out to the “jumping rocks.”  In your down time, you can play beach       volley, have a pirate ship battle, and send smoke signals to the neighboring camps!

You Can Do That at Camp! (Cadettes) 
Come do some of the things you’ve always been told you can’t do at camp! Sleep in until after    breakfast, raid the kitchen, hunt for Bigfoot, have a late night dance party with live music, and     maybe even order a    pizza! When not stretching the rules, try some hiking, swimming, archery, boating, or other camp favorites.

Cost is $350 per girl for each camp.  Financial Assistance is available to those who qualify. If you prefer to print and mail in a registration form, you can download the form here.