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Property Rentals and Troop-Led Camping

When you are ready to meet in-person with your troop, Girl Scout camps will be open! GSGCNWI will open outdoor shelter facilities across key camps and Gathering Places for troops to hold their outdoor meetings. You can reserve these outdoor shelters on our new registration and reservation site.

Locations open for use*:

  • Camp Butternut Springs (Valparaiso, IN)
  • Camp Greene Wood (Woodridge, IL)
  • Camp Palos (Palos Park, IL)
  • Homewood Gathering Place (Homewood, IL)
  • Joliet Gathering Place (Joliet, IL)
  • Merrillville Gathering Place (Merrillville, IN)
  • Vernon Hills Gathering Place (Vernon Hills, IL)

*Some locations may not be available in the winter months.

Not sure where you want to go? Check out an overview of our camps & locations!

Check out an overview of our camps & locations!
  • Facility: As part of a reservation, groups will have access to an outdoor shelter, picnic tables, a portable or pit toilet, and a handwashing station.
  • Cleaning: Groups will be provided a trash can, trash bags, and cleaning supplies. Troops will be required to clean and sanitize their space before check-out.
  • Fires: Fire circles will not be available for use.
  • COVID-19 Guidelines: When on site, groups are required to follow all GSGCNWI COVID-19 guidelines, including but not limited to:
    • Every group member should sign the COVID-19 Agreement. A copy for each participant will need to be turned into the property team at check-in prior to use.
    • Groups are limited to no more than 8 girls and 2 adults.
    • In order to accommodate social distancing, some shelters have a lower max capacity.
    • Group members should wear masks at all times while on site.
    • More details, including check-in and check-out processes, will be shared after reservation.
  • All on site buildings will be locked, and will not be opened for groups under any circumstances. This includes any flush toilet facilities.
  • If a group is not following guidelines, they will first be asked to comply. With continued noncompliance, groups will be asked to leave the property. 
How to Reserve – Quick Guide
  1. Check that your account is ready to go—if you have never used our new council registration & reservation site, please check the guide.
  2. Log in to ourRegistration & Reservations Site and click on “Reservations” at the top of the page.
  3. Recommended: Click on “Explore Property Maps”
  4. Select the property you wish to visit
  5. Enter the date in the “From” and “To” box. For a day visit, use the same date in both boxes.
  6. Enter the time block you wish to reserve:
    • 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. (Available Saturday and Sunday)
    • 3 p.m. – 8 p.m. (Available seven days a week)
    • 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. (Available Saturday and Sunday)
    • Butternut Springs is closed Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday due to staffing logistics.
  7. Enter your total attendees (girls and adults)
  8. Click “Check Availability”
    • Make sure after clicking this to double check the times you entered. If they have changed, enter them again and hit “Check Availability” again before moving forward. We are working with the system to figure out this hiccup.
  9. Available shelters are highlighted in green. Mousing over the icon on the map will show details about the shelter. Select the one you wish to reserve. 
  10. You will see a reservation summary in a pop-up window. In “Description”, please enter your troop number then click “Reserve”.
    •  If you get an error message of “Invalid Reservation”, please try again, making sure to check your times before and after you click the “Check Availability” button.
  11. Read and sign the waivers, and answer the questions to help ensure a safe experience and inform our property staff about your group.
  12. Review your information and click “Submit”.
Reservation Notes
  • All shelters are first come, first serve.
  • This is a reservation request. You should see an email within 2-4 business days either approving your request, or asking for more information needed prior to approving your spot.
  • Requests hold your spot at camp! Once your request is submitted, other users will not be able to book the spot.
Troop & Group Camp Documents:
Questions?

Read through our Camp and Outdoor FAQ, or contact us at CustomerCare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org or 855-ILOVEGS (456-8347).

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