2026 Summer Camp has concluded.

What an unforgettable summer! From campfires and canoeing to new friendships and unforgettable adventures, thank you to every camper, volunteer, and staff member who made Summer Camp 2026 so special.

We already can't wait to welcome everyone back for Summer Camp 2027. Until then, the adventure doesn't have to end. Join us for one of our upcoming outdoor programs and keep exploring all year long.

Stay tuned for more information about Summer Camp 2027. We can't wait to see you around the campfire again!

Camper Testimonials

“Archery was really cool, I enjoyed it a lot. I would love to come back to camp next summer.”

-Girl Scout Junior

“I met a lot of cool and funny people that taught me things I did not know before.”

-Girl Scout Junior

“I had a very fun experience learning how to build a fire for our cookout.”

-Girl Scout Cadette

Day Camp

What is Day Camp? toggle arrow

Join us for an amazing summer at day camp! Enjoy spending time outdoors, building friendships, and learning new skills, while continuing to develop your courage, confidence, and character. Every program will include traditional camp activities including, but not limited to, exploring nature, making crafts, learning outdoor skills, playing games, and cooking over a fire.

Day Camp Location:

Camp Greene Wood in Woodridge, IL

All day camp programs run 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, with an optional extended day on Thursday for campers in grades 4+.

Transportation toggle arrow

Parents/guardians can choose to either pick up and drop off their camper at camp or register their camper to ride a school bus. Bus transportation is an additional $100 per camper, per week. Bus transportation for the half-week is $60 per camper per week. Bus transportation for the overnight experience is $20 per camper per week. Transportation must be determined and selected during registration.

Before-Camp and After-Camp Program toggle arrow

Day camp families who need an earlier camp drop-off or later pick-up can choose to register for the Before-Camp and After-Camp Program.

Campers can be dropped off between 7:30 – 8:30 a.m. and picked up between 4:00 - 6:00 p.m. A light breakfast and an afternoon snack are included.

This is an add-on program. If you are interested in this program, please select this option when filling out the registration.

Volunteer-Led Day Camps toggle arrow

We have many hard working, enthusiastic, and dedicated volunteers who work together to plan, prepare, and run week-long day camp programs for individuals in their service units. We encourage you to reach out to your service unit manager to see if there are any volunteer-led day camp opportunities available near you.

Overnight Camp

What is Overnight Camp? toggle arrow

Overnight camp programs provide you with the opportunity to expand your comfort zone and achieve more than you thought you could! Overnight camp offers a variety of overnight programs. Every program will include traditional camp activities like swimming, hiking, making crafts, playing games, cooking over a fire, and making new friends! Campers can choose to stay for a three-day sampler, a week, or longer. Weeklong programs begin Sunday afternoon and run through Friday evening.

Our overnight camp locations run backcountry programs level 1-4; programs at each level may not be offered every summer. Look for backcountry levels listed in overnight camp program descriptions.

Overnight Camp Locations:

Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso, IN
Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, WI

Overnight Camp Backcountry Trips toggle arrow

Backcountry trips involve intensive, next-level primitive camping. It’s a great opportunity to take a trip “off the grid” and learn how to work with a group in the wilderness. Campers will take an active role in organizing trip details, carrying or paddling all gear, cooking meals over a fire, purifying water, navigation, and following the Leave No Trace principles as they explore the great outdoors. Backcountry trips provide a great opportunity to practice skills and leadership at every level!

Campers can sign up for a program lasting three days, a week, or longer! Three-day programs begin Sunday afternoon and run through Tuesday evening. One-week and Two-week programs begin Sunday afternoon and run through Friday evening; campers in two-week programs stay on-site over the weekend.

Backcountry Level

	1	2	3	4*
Prerequisite	No experience necessary	Level 1 program or camping experience recommended	Level 1 or 2 trip or camping experience required	Level 3 trip or Camp Director approval
Trip Length	Primitive campout on-site at camp	1-2 nights on trai	2-3 nights on trail	3-5 nights on trai
Pack Weight	N/A	20-30 pounds of gear	25-40 pounds of gear	30-45 pounds of gear
Daily Travel	N/A	4-6 miles on foot or 8-10 miles by water	6 miles per day on foot or 8-12 miles by water	4-8 miles per day on foot or 10-14 miles by water

Essential tips for registration toggle arrow

If you have not registered for a program with GCNWI before, you will need to create an account to complete registration.
If you are locked out of your account or need help resetting a password, you will need to contact Active Support at support@active.com.
Camp programs are listed in order of dates they occur. So, if a camp program has a second session that is on a later date, it will be listed on the date it occurs, not in numerical order.
Use the filters that are on the left column on the registration site. You can filter by Day or Overnight camp, camp location, dates, age, and grade level.
Be sure ALL your programs are in your cart, and quantities updated, before you click the orange “Continue” button.
Save your credit card. Opt to keep your credit card on file so we can easily assist you in any program changes.
NEW! You can now pay by electronic check!

Paying for Camp toggle arrow

Payment Options

You can pay in full at the time of registration or hold a spot with a non-refundable deposit. Deposit prices vary depending on the length of the program.
Full payment for summer camp is due by June 1, 2026.
Camper families who are on payment plans can login and pay on their account at any time. All outstanding balances will be automatically collected on June 1 from the credit card linked to the payment plan.
A camper is not fully registered until their fees are paid in full. Camper registration may be cancelled if full payment is not received by June 1, 2026. For registrations made after June 1, 2026, all fees must be paid in full at the time of registration.

Financial Assistance

Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana makes funds available to campers whose parent/caregiver could otherwise not afford the cost of camp. All families who apply will receive financial aid, although amounts may differ as assistance is awarded based on available funds and income information provided by the family.
Any camper who is a registered Girl Scout is eligible to receive confidential financial assistance for one session of any day or resident camp program. Assistance is awarded based on available funds.
Steps to receive financial aid:
- Register for camp and make the initial payment. A deposit or full program fee must be paid at time of registration. Camp registration must be paid at time of registration. Camp registration must be made prior to applying for financial aid.
- Complete the financial assistance application. (available through June 1)
- Approved financial assistance will be deducted from the total owed for the session. If you registered and paid for a program in full, the approved financial assistance amount will be refunded to you.

Learn about financial assistance (current for summer 2026) toggle arrow

Any Girl Scout who is a registered member of GSGCNWI is eligible to receive financial assistance for one day or overnight camp program per year. GSGCNWI makes funds available for participants whose caregivers could otherwise not afford the cost of camp. Assistance is distributed based on available funds. Questions about financial assistance can be sent to customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org

How to receive financial aid:

Register for summer camp and only pay the deposit. Camp registration must be completed prior to applying for financial aid.
Complete the Girl Scout Financial Assistance Application here. (available through June 1)
Approved financial assistance will be deducted from the total owed for the summer camp program.

If payment of deposit or other factors pose a barrier, please contact customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org as soon as possible.

Bunk1

Stay Connected with Your Camper This Summer!

We’re excited to let you know that we’re using Bunk1 to help families stay connected with their campers this summer. With Bunk1, you can:

View photos of your camper enjoying all the fun and adventure at camp.
Send Bunk Notes that are printed and delivered right to your camper during their stay. Must purchase credits. Available for Camp Butternut Springs and Camp Juniper Knoll only.

Camp Butternut Springs toggle arrow

Upcoming Experiences at Camp Butternut Springs

Her Space Summer Camp

July 27–30, 2026

8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. daily

At Her Space Summer Camp, campers will build confidence, make new friends, and discover new passions through hands on experiences like cooking, hair braiding, henna art, wellness activities, creative projects, and more in a fun, supportive environment. It is likely that campers will have designated swim time and high adventure activities, but we have many campers who choose to sit on the lounge chairs or picnic tables to read, make friendship bracelets, play games, or just hangout.

Round-trip transportation from Gary YWCA to Camp Butternut Springs included.

Thanks to Girl Co. of Indiana, you can use promo code HERSPACEINDY at checkout to reduce the cost of camp from $340 to just $90.

Swim & Stay

August Weekends are Still Available!

Make the most of summer with an overnight adventure at Camp Butternut Springs! Swim, explore, and enjoy a relaxing getaway with your troop or family.

Your Swim & Stay reservation includes:

24-hour unit rental
Scheduled swimming in the camp pool
Complimentary s'mores ingredients
One staff-facilitated activity of your choice:
- Archery
- Canoeing
- Letterboxing
- Outdoor Cooking Snack

Groups are welcome to bring their own food to prepare in their lodging unit, or make mealtime easy by dining in the camp Dining Hall for $10 per person, per meal.

Reservations begin at 9:00 a.m. on your arrival day and conclude at 9:00 a.m. the following morning.

Volunteer Training Requirement: At least one registered Girl Scout adult volunteer participating in the overnight is required to complete the council's required outdoor training before your Swim & Stay reservation.

Not a current Girl Scout member? We'd still love to welcome your group to Camp Butternut Springs! To inquire about scheduling a Swim & Stay experience, please email customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org. Our team will help you explore available dates, lodging options, and next steps.

About Camp Butternut Springs

Camp Butternut Springs is an ACA-accredited Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago & Northwest Indiana (GCNWI) camp property located in Valparaiso, Indiana.

It is located at 650 N 175 W, Valparaiso, IN 46385

Camp Butternut Springs is an easy drive from the Chicago area. From Chicago and surrounding suburbs, take I-90 (Indiana Toll Road) or I-80/94 east toward Northwest Indiana. Exit near Valparaiso and follow local roads to the camp.

Camp Fit

What camp experience is right for my camper?

Camp looks different for every camper. Answer a few quick questions and we will help you find the best fit based on age, comfort level, and interests.

1️⃣ Has your camper attended a day camp before?

NO → 👉 Day Camp at Camp Greene Wood
A great first step with fun activities and the comfort of heading home each day.
YES → Go to Question 2

2️⃣ Is your camper comfortable being away from home for a full day?

NO → 👉 Day Camp or Year-Round Outdoor Programs
Build confidence, friendships, and camp skills close to home, or get a feel for camp by attending a year-round outdoor program.
YES → Go to Question 3

3️⃣ Has your camper ever stayed overnight away from home?

NO → 👉 Sampler or Trailblazer - Try It Overnight Camp Programs
A supportive first overnight experience with caring staff and cozy cabins.
YES → Go to Question 4

4️⃣ Does your camper want more independence and challenge?

NO → 👉 Sampler or Trailblazer - Try It Overnight Programs
A balanced mix of activities, friendships, and classic camp fun.
YES → Go to Question 5

5️⃣ Is your camper interested in leadership or helping younger campers?

NO → 👉 Love It Overnight Camp Programs
Deeper skill building, adventure, and choice-based activities.
YES → 👉 Lead It Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and Leadership Programs
Lead activities, build real-world skills, and grow as a role model.

Summer Camp Frequently Asked Questions

What do my program fees cover? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts GCNWI council-led summer camps set camp fees based on the true cost of running the camp program. This includes staff salaries, food service, program and operational supplies, lodging, off-site trips (program-specific), a camp t-shirt, a summer camp 2025 fun patch, supplemental insurance, and other overhead costs.

Who supervises/takes care of my child at camp? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts GCNWI camp staff are responsible, enthusiastic people who are hired based on their interest and experience in working with youth in an outdoor setting. All staff complete an interview process, pass a background check, and attend 6-14 days of on-site camp training prior to camper arrival on-site. They are certified in CPR & First Aid and trained in outdoor skills, camp programming, child development, and how to facilitate an exceptional camper experience.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and embraces the unique perspectives employees have in terms of education, opinions, culture, ethnicity, race, sex, gender identity and expression, nation of origin, age, languages spoken, veteran’s status, color, religion, disability, sexual orientation, and beliefs.

Are special dietary needs and allergies accommodated? toggle arrow

We do our best to accommodate all special dietary needs and allergies. Make sure to fill out your CampDoc paperwork completely so we can best prepare for your camper.

What happens if my camper gets sick or injured while at camp? toggle arrow

Each camp has a health supervisor who will contact caregivers as needed, in addition to monitoring and administering first aid and routine health care.

Campers may not remain at camp with a fever, signs of a contagious condition, or signs of head lice. If a camper is sent home at check-in, they may return no sooner than 24 hours later with a signed letter from a physician stating they are in good health. Arrangements to attend a later session may also be made with the camp director if space is available.

What happend if there is bad weather at camp? toggle arrow

Programs are held rain or shine! If the weather is unusually hot or cold, activities are changed to keep campers safe. Weather alert radios are constantly monitored and there are designated storm shelters for each camp in cases of severe weather. Help your camper have a successful time at camp by checking and preparing for the weather prior to arrival.

How do I know which program is best for my child? toggle arrow

As a first step, we encourage you and your child to take our Camp Readiness Quiz in the camp guide to help determine if a day or overnight camp program is the best fit for your child. Then check out our camp schedules and program offerings to decide what dates and program theme works best for you!

What new skills will my camper learn? toggle arrow

Camp activities are age-based and progressive. This means that younger campers start off with easier and more manageable versions of certain camp activities like outdoor skills and boating. Progressive activities give campers an opportunity to build up their skills and confidence before aging into more challenging activities.

An example of our skills progression: To teach targeting skills, Daisies or Brownies may learn how to use sling shots or try out rock throwing, Juniors learn how to target the bullseye with bows and arrows, while Cadettes and older Girl Scouts perfect their skills through a series of archery challenges.

Can I bring our family pet to camp? toggle arrow

For safety and liability, please leave your family pets at home for drop off and closing ceremonies. Certified working service animals are permitted.

My child has never been to camp and doesn’t know anyone. Is this typical? toggle arrow

Yes! We see a mix of new and returning campers every week. Summer camp is a place to make new friends! Open to Girl Scouts from all over our council, summer camp programs are designed to facilitate individual campers connecting with each other. Camp brings kids of diverse experiences and backgrounds together and facilitates deep and lasting friendships.

Can I bring a friend to camp? toggle arrow

Yes! Individual campers may attend summer camp with a buddy.

· Campers may request one buddy when registering for camp.

· Both campers must request each other.

· Campers who have requested each other as buddies must be registered for the same program, during the same week/session of camp.

· Groups, troops, and multiple buddy requests are not guaranteed for summer camp programs.

I recruited a new camper! Do I get a patch for that? toggle arrow

Yes! If you recruit a new camper for a summer camp program at Camp Greene Wood, Camp Butternut Springs, or Camp Juniper Knoll, we have a patch for you! Please fill out this form and tell us who you recruited.

What do you do if my camper is homesick? toggle arrow

Coming to camp may bring up feelings of “homesickness.” We consider this a normal, healthy occurrence, and refer to this as “missing home” to disassociate it from an illness. Learning to cope with missing home is a great life skill to learn, and we are well-equipped to help campers through this! If a camper is missing home, our counselors will listen empathetically, try to help them understand these feelings are natural, and then encourage them to get involved in camp activities because having fun and making friends are some of the best remedies for missing home.

You can help contribute to the success of your child at camp by encouraging them to have a great time. Experience tells us that within two or three days of arriving at camp, the camper will be busy having fun with new-found friends and their counselors. If your camper is missing home intensely, we will reach out to you to brainstorm together the best ways to support them.

Will my camper earn any Girl Scout badges at camp? toggle arrow

All Daisies will earn the Buddy Camper badge, Brownies will earn the Outdoor Adventurer badge, Juniors will earn the Camper badge, and Cadettes will earn the Archery badge. Depending on the theme of their program, campers may earn additional badges or complete partial steps toward earning a badge. All campers will go home at the end of the week with a badge card that lists what badges they have earned or badge steps they have completed. These badges are not provided by camp and must be purchased separately from the Girl Scout Shop.

All campers, regardless of grade level, will get a 2025 summer camp fun patch and a rocker with the camp's name on it at the end of their session. All campers who complete Program Aide training will get their PA pin and all campers who complete Counselor-in-Training will get their CIT pin at the end of their session. These are provided by camp.

I changed my mind! Can I transfer to a different program? toggle arrow

Transfers may be made at no charge for a similar program and are based on availability. You are responsible for paying the difference in fees if the new program is more expensive; a refund will be issued if the new program fee is lower than the original program. Please contact customercare@girlscoutsgcnwi.org if you would like to request a transfer.

The program I want is full. Can I join a waitlist? toggle arrow

If a program is full, join the waitlist by selecting the program in the registration system and clicking the “Join Waitlist” button. You will be contacted if a space becomes available, but joining a waitlist is not a guarantee of entry. We recommend registering for a different program in the meantime to ensure that you don’t miss out on the camp fun. We can transfer your camper if a spot opens in the waitlisted program.

What happens if not enough campers register for a program? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts GCNWI strives to be responsible with how we staff programs within our staffing budget and our ultimate goal is for every camper to have an amazing camp experience. If a program does not meet the minimum number of campers required to successfully and responsibly run the program, it will either be cancelled or combined with another program of a similar age level. In the event a program is cancelled due to low enrollment and no alternatives can be found, Girl Scouts GCNWI will provide a full refund of registration fees.

Can my camper bring vehicles to camp? toggle arrow

For safety and liability, please leave ebikes, escooters and hover boards at home.

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