“Day camp is an adventure in the out-of-doors. Camp by the day – home each night. Brownie, Junior and Cadette units of troop size, plan hikes, cook over an open fire, learn songs, play games, develop skills and relax under trees. A trained staff provided by the council join the girls in creating a program of fun, adventure, and learning.” (Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council 1972 summer camp brochure)
The earliest information we have about day camp in what is now our council goes back to the 1940s. In the early years and into the early 1970s Day Camp was run by volunteers in each district, neighborhood, community, council, or service unit. They were held in forests preserves and parks.
Transportation was by bus or the girls walked to the park in their neighborhood. Girls brought an unbreakable cup, a sit-upon, paper & pencil, pocketknife and the handbook appropriate for the level they would be in next fall. Lunch was normally a sack lunch unless the unit decided to cook their lunch then girls would divide between themselves what ingrediencies they would bring to cook their lunch. When the girls cooked their own meal, they also brought a mess kit, silverware and a dunk bag to hang their cleaned dishes in to dry. Major equipment for cooking, crafts and buckets was brought to and from each day by the volunteers.
Day camp always started every day with a flag ceremony, followed by crafts, singing, hiking, games, cooking, nature study, storytelling and much more.
Each unit had a caper chart so the girls would rotate responsibilities each day. Some of the responsibilities were gathering wood for a fire, cook the meal, wash the cooking utensils (girls washed their own dishes) and getting water to keep by the fire.
Some day camps were one or two weeks long. Also, some camps had a theme like Wagon Ho!, Super Summer Sampler, the Wild West, Kaleida-Scout Summer, Fun in the Sun, Mosaic of Olympics, Let’s Explore Nature, and World of Fun. This led to theme weeks like Fine Arts, Playhouse (drama), Let’s stay (planning a campout and staying overnight the last two nights), Vagabond (biking), Paddlers (canoeing), and Program Aide (now CIT).
In the 1970s some of the councils moved their day camps to their camps and hired a staff member to be day camp director. South Cook Council started hosting day camp at Camp Palos in 1969 and when The Friendship Center was built in 1992 day camp was offered at both sites. Lone Tree Area to The Wild Rose Program Center in 1972. DuPage County Council to Camp Greene Wood and Von Oven. In the 1990s DuPage County Council also offered what was called S.W.A.P.S. (Summer Weather Activity and Program Specials). These programs were designed for Junior Girl Scouts and older. These activities were short-term and badge-related and held throughout the council. Other councils continued to have day camp run by service units with volunteers staffing the camp.
Today, day camp is weeklong and is held at Camp Greene Wood. Also, some service units have their own day camp run by volunteers. They are held in parks, community centers and forest preserves. Hours are 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. with Camp Greene Wood offering before-camp and after-camp programs.
The camp is open to youth entering grades K-12. Adult volunteers are welcome at all camps.
Information about 2026 Summer Camp is out now. Take time to read through all the opportunities available to make new friends, learn in skills, adventure in the out-of-doors and just have fun.
Summer Camp Registration Opens on February 2, 2026, at 6:00 a.m.!
Exciting things are happening at Friendship Lodge! Over the next few months, this beloved camp staple is receiving a major refresh to make troop visits and summer camp stays even more comfortable, accessible, and fun.
We’ll be sharing weekly progress photos and highlights, so check back often as Friendship Lodge transforms into its next great era!
Week 1
The front facade is already looking renewed with its brand-new green siding!
Week 2
The deck railing was sandblasted to remove old layers and prep for a fresh coat of paint.
The crew installed brand-new exterior doors, giving the lodge a cleaner, more modern look.
All outdoor painting was completed, bringing the lodge exterior to life with a polished finish.
Stay tuned! Our next update features some exciting inside surprises.
Camp CEO took place on September 19 – 21, at Camp Butternut Springs.
This transformative weekend brought together Girl Scouts in grades 8–12 with accomplished women leaders from a wide range of industries. Over the course of the program, Girl Scouts took part in classic camp activities like swimming, archery, the climbing wall, night zip lining, and team challenges while also diving deep into workshops, reflection sessions, and one-on-one mentorship.
The result? A weekend filled with growth, confidence, and community.
One of the most impactful parts of Camp CEO is the connection Girl Scouts build with mentors who understand the challenges of life and the importance of support along the way. Many Girl Scouts shared how valuable it was to hear from women with such diverse backgrounds and career paths.
“I learned a lot about resiliency this weekend from my mentor. I learned failures are ok and they teach you lessons.” – Girl Scout, Mariam
“I love how every one of our mentors are different. They all have a different background and stories to share with us.” – Girl Scout, Faith
For some, these connections extend far beyond the weekend. One Girl Scout shared that she is still in touch with her mentor from last year, Chynise, who became instrumental in supporting her Gold Award project supporting access to feminine hygiene in Ghana.
“She was definitely one my biggest cheerleaders and supporters. She shared my link to my Amazon wish list with her friends, and I started receiving so many of the items that I needed for my project. It’s really nice to have someone always thinking of me and supporting me. I love how our relationship has grown since we were first paired up.” – Girl Scout, Leila
The girls also shared gratitude for the incredible troop leaders and volunteers who have supported them throughout their Girl Scouting journeys. Several reflected on how their leaders encouraged them to attend Camp CEO in the first place, opening doors to new experiences and showing them the power of mentorship.
By the end of the weekend, every participant walked away with something lasting, whether it was a new mentor, a renewed sense of confidence, or a circle of friends who now feel like sisters.
“At first I was a little nervous because I came here alone, but I’ve only experienced warm welcomes, open arms, and smiles. This weekend taught me that leadership applies to all aspects of your life.” – Girl Scout, Faith
“Camp CEO takes you as a leader, and says, “You’re already a leader, but let’s look at it from a different angle to help you build for your future.” – Girl Scout, Joy
With every year, the Camp CEO community continues to grow stronger. The girls who leave camp don’t just head home with memories, they leave with tools, connections, and confidence that will carry them forward as leaders in every part of their lives.
Ready to make your mark at Camp CEO 2026? Girl Scouts and mentors can fill out the interest form below to stay in the loop.
A heartfelt thank-you to the Girl Scouts who showed up with courage, the mentors who gave their time and wisdom, and the sponsors who made this empowering weekend possible.
Have you ever noticed that no matter how long you are at camp, there seems to be a craft involved during the time you are there? Well, I did, and it is something that has been going on for as long as I can remember. I decided to put some thought into the reasons for that, and to discuss crafts that were popular fifty years ago when I was a kid at camp.
The first reason crafts are popular at camp is simple: they help pass the time. Crafts are also a great go-to when it is raining, or if the weather gets too hot, or if the campers need some down time.
While I’d love to say that all crafts can be done outdoors, the wind doesn’t always cooperate. Still, many activities can be done outside. Some camps are lucky enough to have a dedicated craft cabin stocked with supplies, which allows for an even wider variety of creative experiences.
So why crafts in the first place? Because we learn so much from them. You might be surprised by how much a simple project can teach you.
Crafts help build:
The ability to follow step-by-step directions
Dexterity and fine motor skills
Patience, especially when you need to redo a step
Empathy and leadership by helping others with their projects
Self-confidence when you complete something challenging
The understanding that you don’t have to be good at everything
The courage to try new things
Responsibility for cleaning up after yourself
A sense of design and color coordination
Practical skills by making something useful
Camaraderie through shared creative time
Crafts can also reinforce lessons being taught in other areas, and sometimes they can even be life changing.
Craft time is also the best time to talk to friends, make new friends, and just really enjoy yourself.
Crafts will always be a part of camp. Some crafts are still being done today that have been done from many years ago, but many have changed. I decided to look up some old-time craft projects from fifty years ago, and to put them out there for the modern generation.
I thought long and hard about what crafts I remember doing as a child at camp, and asked others which ones they remembered too.
The crafts from my youth were usually simple, because there were few craft items available at the time. Most craft items that were available were made of glue, scissors, glitter, colored paper, and such from the local store. So, the crafts I have chosen are very similar to the ones I did fifty years ago. Take take a look below to see examples of the crafts from my past.
Tissue Paper Flowers
Items Needed:
Tissue paper in any color you wish
Green pipe cleaner for the stem
Scissors
Instructions:
Cut at least six pieces of tissue paper into 4×4 sheets. This makes the simplest flowers.
Fold back and forth.
Fold in half.
At the fold, hook pipe cleaner around center.
Carefully open tissue paper one at a time.
For fancier flowers you can cut tissue into a circle, use fancy scissors to cut the outer edges of the circle, or even cut divots out. This project can be done with recycled tissue paper from gift bags. This project is for ages eight and up. I loved to make these flowers. They are a great craft for Mother’s Day, and if you look online, you can see that they can get quite elaborate. You can learn to make very creative wall designs with them.
Weaving Paper
Items Needed:
Paper
Scissors or paper cutter
Glue or tape
Choose paper that is a bit thicker and smoother for this project. Back in the day, we only had thin paper, and it made it more difficult to weave the paper without tearing it. This project is limited by your imagination. I was amazed when I saw just how creative people were getting with their designs. I noticed some type of paper grabber in the center of the third photograph. This is a very complex and beautiful project, and a definite progression from the above two photos.
Toilet Paper Roll Puppets
Items Needed:
Toilet paper rolls
Colored paper
Googly eyes
Feathers
Glue
Anything else you can think of
There used to be a lot of toilet paper rolls at camp until someone invented enormous rolls. but at my house we still seem to go through a lot of the stuff and can accumulate plenty of toilet paper rolls for a group to do a project quickly. This project is limited only by your imagination. I have a few photos to get you started. I remember doing this with my mom to make Christmas ornaments. The ideas online are so varied, in scope and variety. There are even ideas for making home decoration projects. The pink ones are cell phone holder. I love the variety of ideas shown above, and the stamp for the flower. Many more can be found online.
Yarn Art
Items Needed:
Scraps of yarn
Cardboard, could be from cereal boxes or cardboard boxes.
Glue, HIGHLY recommend craft glue. But use what you have.
Also, HIGHLY recommend not gluing on the shiny side of any surface.
Picture shown is a guide. Use your imagination. The shown picture is between 4×4 to 6×6 inches large. You do not want to make the pictures too large when you have a finite time for craft class. Start by drawing your idea on a piece of paper. Have fun!
This project is a great way to use up scraps of yarn. Cut the yarn pieces a little longer than needed, then cut the ends after you have glued them on to get a neat, clean edge. Older kids could use a utility knife.
Popsicle Stick Catapult
Items Needed:
Eight popsicle sticks or the larger tongue depressor type ones.
Three thicker rubber bands.
One sturdy plastic spoon
Cotton balls, aluminum, or pompoms
Instructions:
Stack seven of the popsicle sticks on top of each other and then put a rubber band around one end until it is tight.
Slip the last stick between the first and second stick in the stack and move it to the center of the stack, then wrap the second rubber band around the end of the stack tightly.(Some people will use another popsicle stick instead of a spoon and glue a bottle cap to it as the launch mechanism. Plastic spoons do tend to break. But so do popsicle sticks, which is why some people moved to the larger tongue depressors.)
Secure the plastic spoon to one end of the single popsicle stick with the last rubber band until tight.
Use cotton balls, or other small light balls made of aluminum foil or other items such as pompoms to launch from your catapult.
Set up targets or buckets and make a game of it!
String Art
Items Needed:
A piece of wood, or a piece of cardboard
String in the colors you have chosen
Nails
Hammer
Template
This project can be very easy to very complicated. The first thing you need to do is to figure out which project you want to do, then get the correct supplies for it. The easier projects do not need a hammer and nails, and can be done with just cardboard. I remember enjoying this project as a child. Here are several examples of different types of projects.
Bead Doll
Items Needed:
Pony beads
Any other beads you have
Larger wooden bead for head
Pipe cleaner to hold beads
Yarn
Markers
Assemble beads onto the pipe cleaners, one for each side of the body.Get creative and have fun! Name your creations. Great for using up beads. Use this photo as a starting point.
We have made so many things out of beads, but I thought these dolls were so cute and could be used to play with while at camp. Like a camp buddy. It would be something I could see myself keeping for a long time.
Line Art
Items Needed:
Paper, white or light colored
Crayons, colored pencils, markers, or chalk.
Your imagination
This is a project that starts out slow and grows with you. As a child we only did the easy thing. Just lines around our name, or from corner to corner on a piece of paper. Now, it has grown to be much more creative and beautiful. This project is for all ages. You can see the progression from the first line drawing to the second one. There are many more examples online.
I hope you enjoy them, and I hope you enjoyed this brief history of crafts.
Written by GCNWI Council Historian, Veronica Pradelski
What better way to keep on enjoying your Girl Scout fun this summer, than to spend some time at our council-led camps.
Spending time outdoors with other Girl Scouts your age this summer is a great reason to attend camp. You’ll learn new skills and make new friends, especially during the warm summer season, when troops are usually not meeting.
You will have time for traditional activities, like exploring nature, making crafts, playing games and learning songs. You will also learn outdoor skills, like learning to cook over a fire, meal planning and budgeting for the food you will need for your meal.
All camp programs have different themes, you get to decide which one is right for you! With all the various activities at camp, you can sometimes earn a badge or complete some requirements for a badge that you are interested in earning.
Our council holds summer camps at three different locations. Camp Greene Wood is a day camp, and both Camp Butternut Springs and Camp Juniper Knoll are overnight camps. Some service units may hold a day camp in their area, run by devoted leaders who put together the planned programs for their camp.
As I am writing this article, it brings back memories of my time in the summer at Girl Scout camp, in the 1960s, in Chicago. The day started with an opening ceremony, and then you would go with your unit to work on what activities were planned for the day. We would plan our meals, write out a shopping list, and whoever was on cooking duty that day would go to the grocery store and purchase the items needed for our lunch meal.
We’d hike, make crafts, sing songs, and learn how to budget for our meals. It was a fun time, and I made new friends.
So, it’s not too late to plan your own summer camp adventure. Click here to view all summer camp offerings and find a program that interests you and make it a summer to remember.
Girl Scout camp is more than just campfires and crafts (though we love those too!). It’s a place where a camper who once said “I wasn’t interested in going outside” can suddenly discover “I want to stay here—I want to go camping, I want to stay outside!”
Whether it’s learning to cook over a fire, conquering the climbing wall, or simply feeling the breeze on their face, camp helps young people build confidence, independence, and mental resilience—skills that last far beyond the summer.
This summer, let your camper discover what they’re capable of at Camp Butternut Springs.
✨ Be sure to register your camper for the grade they will be entering in fall 2025. 🏕️ Save 5% on each program when you register for three or more council-led summer camp programs in one purchase. 💜 Need support? Camperships (financial assistance) and a payment plan are available to make camp accessible for all families.
Check out our skill-building programs below and click on each session to learn more and register your camper today. Hurry, spots are filling fast!
In 1929, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Fredrick Loesch purchased a track of land that was originally a land grant signed by President Martin VanBuren. It is in Edgerton, WI, located on Rice Lake. In October of 1931, the land was deeded by the Loesch’s to the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council and the Girl Scouts of America (GSUSA), Region 7, and became Girl Scout Camp Hickory Hill. Mrs. Loesch was the first commissioner of the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council, and Mr. Charles Fredrick Loesch was the maintenance director of Hickory Hill for many years. Miss Marian Hodgins was the first camp director of Hickory Hill. The first building on the property was the dining room/kitchen, named Loesch Lodge. “Grigsby,” a recreation building donated by Mr. and Mrs. B. J. Grigsby, was the second one built; the last two were the staff house and office building. These buildings were built with dollars contributed by former campers. Outpost, the pioneer unit, was formed in 1935. The camp had five units: Merriwood, Hilltop, Outpost, Trails End, and Sea Scouts. All campers lived in platform tents except Outpost.
The camp was transferred to Girl Scouts of Northwest Cook Girl Scout Council when the Des Plaines Girl Scout Council merged with Illinois Prairie to form Northwest Cook Girl Scout Council. Deeds were finally recorded in Dane County, Wisconsin, on January 26, 1956.
Barbara Coyle attended Camp Hickory Hill in the late 1940s. Her favorite memory is the songs the Merriwood Unit sang every day, and she still sings them today.
Wild Rose Program Center, 1952-2012
Camp Lindenwood, located in Thatcher Woods, was returned to the Forest Preserves in 1945. The Forest Preserve tore it down in 1949. The Finance Committee of Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council recommended to the Board of Directors that a savings account be set up to purchase a permanent campsite for day camping, overnight camping, and Brownie camping. In March of 1952, Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council purchased 80 acres of land that was part of the Crane Estate, which was formerly called Wild Rose Farm. The council originally named the property Camp Wild Rose. The first house built on the site was in 1953 and named Ridgetop House, but many referred to it as “the Brownie House.” In 1975, Lone Tree Area sold their camp in Three Lakes, WI, and Wild Rose became their resident camp.
Strawberry Lodge and the caretaker’s residence were built in 1958. Strawberry Lodge was later converted into an administrative building. Also, two platform camp areas named Aspen Grove and Tall Oaks were built, and two advanced campers’ sites were developed, Happy Hollow and Hawthorne Trail. In 1967, a storage house and workshop were built. In 1969, an octagonal lodge was built, and Westchester Troop 493 had the honor of being the first troop to use the lodge.
In 1979, Lone Tree Area Girl Scout Council saw a need for many renovations to Camp Wild Rose and a task force led by Marge Gray converted the camp into Wild Rose Program Center where activities for girls and leader training could be held year-round. Major changes were the building of Blueberry Patch Lodge in the shape of a cross so it could house three troops at a time.
Sandy Cervenka remembers taking her Junior troop to Wild Rose and going to the marsh to do water sampling for their badge work. Among the girls on the steps is Sandy’s sister, Bobbie Krivanek.
Sandy also remembers being one of four counselors in the Tall Oaks unit during a 4-day resident camp experience. “Two of us wore glasses and two hearing aids. We were sleeping soundly with all the tent flaps up when the site manager came up in her car to wake us. There was a storm coming with possible tornadoes. None of us heard the walkie-talkies go off. Being blind or deaf, we had to get the girls from their tents and take them to the unit’s shelter. We had to drag some girls asleep in their sleeping bags through the rain and mud to the shelter,” said Sandy.
Debbie Kidd shares memories of taking her Troop 1750 camping for the first time in 1995, and it was at Wild Rose. “It has become a cherished memory for the girls and me. We hiked, made tie-dyed t-shirts outside, made homemade ice cream in a “coffee can,” played sticks, cooked our meals, made napkin rings from nature, sang gracefully around the campfire, made s’mores, and sang songs. One of the girls on that campout, Jenica Janos, told Debbie that Girl Scouts didn’t just teach me to build a fire; it taught me to untangle challenges, navigate the wilderness of life with confidence, and always leave the campsite better than I found it,” said Debbie.
Camp Norwesco, 1958-1983
In 1955, the Northwest Cook Council saw the need for another established camp since Camp Pine and Camp Hickory Hill always had waiting lists. A committee was formed to investigate properties in Wisconsin. The committee decided on a 700-acre site on Herde Lake adjacent to DuPage County Council’s Camp Chippewa Bay on Long Lake. The Board approved the purchase of the property on October 23, 1957. During July 21 – 31, 1958, 12 girls were chosen to primitive camp on the property. They were accompanied by two leaders and a camp nurse. Road construction began in June of 1959. The remainder of the camp was completed in 1960.
Copied from the log of July 21-31, 1958, primitive camp: Friday, July 25 – Tuft’s (leader) turn to town. Girls dug another latrine – still not satisfied! The third one, finally deep enough, was considered satisfactory, so girls lashed a seat. I took down the damaged tent, replaced it, and decided to add one more tent so that all tents would house just two girls. The girls continued during the day on various chores – peeling bark for the flagpole, splicing the rope, and rigging the pulley. Some of the girls lashed a table near the baker’s tent for use in getting meals and doing dishes—more clearing and shopping. The new beach spot started near Cotton’s (leader) tent, and steps cut down the hill. A better path cleared to the boat – stones removed, bean holes for Sunday dinner were dug. Two girls lashed a table near their tent to hold a washstand and personal gear. At the campfire, the girls sang us their completed camp song:
Michele Herman spent the first of seven summers at Camp Norwesco in 1970. The first year, she went for one session that was two weeks long. After that, Michele insisted she attend two sessions. Her first five years of experience included swimming, boating, hiking, crafts, flag ceremonies, and morning watch. The following year, Michele was in the mounted unit (horseback riding), which is what Michele calls the crème de la crème. “Boundary Waters spending ten days in the Quetico Provincial Park in Ontario, Canada, canoeing for hours, portaging between lakes, carrying packs heavier than she was, digging holes to make a toilet, securing food so bears would not get it, and keeping pie pans handy to scare off bears. We sang quiet songs around the campfire and knew no one was within miles of us. It was filled with majestic views of nature. I often told my daughters I would still go if they let me! Camp Norwesco is my happiest place on Earth,” said Michele.
Elise Gould said, “Camp Norwesco was my happy place for me! For many summers during my childhood and teenage days, I would go up there and find peace, friendship, and fun with other girls my age. It was magical! With the sale of Camp Hickory Hills, units were added, and some unit names changed. The new unit for older girls was called Marion. It is here that I became a Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and then a full-time counselor. Memories are abounding when it comes to Norwesco. The counselors, the girls and future friends, and the fun activities kept me coming back summer after summer. I am still friends with many of the girls and counselors. There were several reunions where we gathered to reminisce and sing songs as if we were kids again.”
This year, we’re celebrating 100 years of Camp Juniper Knoll (JK). In honor of recognizing this legacy camp, former campers, current campers, camp staff, and friends of Camp JK have shared some of their favorite memories. Read on to explore how this camp has impacted Girl Scouts throughout the years.
To register for our Camp JK Birthday Party on September 7, click here.
Debbie M., former camper, current camper, and volunteer, shared:
“My first memory of JK was in 1972 when my troop went there for the first time. We were in Voyager (gone), and it was dark, the leaders couldn’t find all the tents, and it was raining most of the weekend. We learned to cook on an open fire in the rain. We burnt our spaghetti but ate it anyway. Stan made us clean out every pot before we could leave, even if we knew we didn’t use it. And some of us continued going there after that for years. I still do and plan on it for a long time. My family has had four generations attend JK, and three generations will be at the 100th. It’s one of my Happy Places.”
Denise U., former camper, shared:
“In the Summer of 1986, my troop, Troop 433 of Illinois Prairie Council, camped for a weekend at Juniper Knoll. It was memorable for the friendships that were solidified as it was the first camping trip this Girl Scout Senior Troop was taking. It also became memorable as it was during that trip in the late hours when we all squished into one platform tent that we decided we wanted to visit the Juliette Low Birthplace in Savannah. After a year of planning and fundraising, our troop made that dream happen by traveling to Savannah in August 1987. That dream would not have been possible without Juniper Knoll!”
Denise added, “Troop 40172 grew up at Juniper Knoll. I was the leader of this troop, which traveled from Girl Scout Daisy to Girl Scout Ambassador, spending many outings at the Promise Center. After spending time in the spring on weekend outings, sometimes with all the troops from Fairview School in Hoffman Estates, we started spending weekends during winter break cooking, baking, watching movies, and decompressing from high school.”
Natalie S., former camper, shared:
“So many trips to, and great memories from Camp Juniper Knoll. My first camping trip ever was to Camp Juniper Knoll with Brownie Troop 762 led by Peggy and Katie. I was born and raised in Chicago, new to Girl Scouts and camping. That first trip opened up a whole new world and I was hooked for life.
Happy Birthday, Camp Juniper Knoll!”
Katie N., former camper and camp staff, shared:
“My favorite camp memory was meeting my life long best friends there. We met one summer and as campers and have continued to grow into young adults while enjoying many summers together at JK. We always cherish the moments and memories together and look back on all of it fondly.”
Tracy B., volunteer, shared:
“I’ve been a Girl Scout leader since 2012, and was a Girl Scout as a kid who loved to go to Girl Scout camp in the summer. I have a deep understanding and appreciation for what a special place like JK is. I have fond memories of taking my troop to Juniper Knoll over the years, from Spring time “mom and me” trips with our service unit, where one year it got down into the 20s overnight as we slept in Yurts, to winter trips when the troop was older and we stayed in Promise in January.
The winter trips are most memorable, as we cooked and baked to our hearts content in the sun-filled kitchen at Promise. We had an Iron Chef type of competition of sandwich making and shared/baked family cookie recipes. We snowshoed among the barren trees and made snow angels on the icy lake after a snowstorm–simply magical. We earned badges through activities like book making and wood carving, painting winter scenes with watercolors and making friendship bracelets. We made s’mores by a campfire despite the bone-chilling cold. One of my warmest memories is when one of my scouts, who has a medical condition that confined her to a wheelchair and a breathing machine–and who also couldn’t speak, went sledding. A few of the girls (with the help of the other girls’ mom) gingerly placed her in a plastic sled and pulled her around the gently rolling hills in the front of Promise. Even though she couldn’t speak, you could hear her unmistakable squeals of joy as the girls ferried her around the snow. The freedom and friendship of that moment are seared in my mind, and was probably one of the most rewarding things I experienced as a leader. This was a time when cell phones were owned by just a few of the girls — and attention was being challenged. The opportunity to just “be” at camp, have a safe social space to interact with pre-teen/teen peers, and try new things and spread the wings of independence were priceless.
My two daughters also have special memories of JK as campers over many summers the past decade. My oldest, Winnie, went full circle this 100th anniversary year as a first-time counselor–one of the youngest at 18. I’m so proud of her, and thankful to JK and Girl Scouts for providing the opportunity for her to grow as a person and give back to others in her latest role. I appreciate how camp allows her to develop her independence (even now as a young adult) and share her knowledge and love of nature with the next generation of campers. JK has been a big part of her life–a comforting constant as she has grown up and the world changes.
It’s also been a place where my youngest daughter has grown up as a camper. She learned to canoe, kayak, and now sail. She’s gone to camp without knowing anyone and has made new friends. She’s learned so many life skills–socially, emotionally, physically. JK has given both my girls, and also my troop, the space to develop their confidence, character, and courage. It is a special place — and I’m truly grateful for it, and all the people who make it possible for it to continue to thrive for the next generation. We need a place like JK now more than ever. Happy 100th Juniper Knoll!”
Roxanne K., former camper, shared:
“I went to JK many times while I was in Girl Scouts from age 8 to 17. It was my favorite place to go in summer, and I spent many weekends there too. I learned swimming, canoeing, sailing, and so many more skills. JK will always have a special place in my heart.”
Barbara S., former camper, shared:
“Over the many summers I spent at JK in the late sixties and early seventies, I learned many things about friendship, teamwork, diversity, strengthening myself, etc. I loved camp songs, campfires, s’mores, open fire cooking, swimming, boating, sailing, quality time being in and listening to nature. Hearing the gong at 7am. Singing taps at night. Gaining pen-pals from different places in Chicago than from where I lived. One of my biggest camp accomplishments was overcoming my fear of water and eventually becoming a white cap swimmer, earning all my advanced red cross swimming cards. I also treasure my canoeing and sailing skills learned at JK. All the water safety skills developed me to later become a lifeguard at North Avenue Beach for a few summers and a competitive swimmer in high school and college. But to this day I still sing the camp songs we sang around campfires and in the dining hall.
Happy 100, Camp Juniper Knoll!!”
Wendy J., former camper and camp staff, shared:
“My first memory is of boarding the Greyhound buses in downtown Chicago for the ride to camp. After that it was swimming (many years a red cap), yachting (rowing), campfires, cookouts, hiking, games, kapers, trading post, singing on the steps before meals and lifelong friends.
Later there was canoeing and then sailing as my swimming improved. The dreaded tip tests. A canoe trip down the Fox River, camping at Scuppernong and Nataqua, and more friends.
The staff were energetic and fun. Foreign staff added a new perspective. Camp director Ness pulled it all together to deliver a high quality traditional Girl Scout camp program.”
Carol M., former camper and camp staff, volunteer, and council historian, shared:
“As a Senior Girl Scout, I attended Metro Planning Board’s Senior weekends (1962-1965). At one, we were taught a song “The Ink is Black, the Page is White” written by Senior Girl Scout Tracey Polk, who later sold it to Three Dog Night. Our song fests were on the beach are at JK with a floating campfire out in the lake. Friendships made across the city that I still cherish.”
In 1955, Dr. Axel Nogard, a retired dentist, owner of Butternut Springs, and nature-lover, wanted to sell 40 acres of his land near Valparaiso, Indiana, to Girl Scouts. The camping committee of Girl Scouts of Chicago saw this property as a perfect troop camping site with woods, hills, a creek, and several lakes that fed from a number of springs. Ultimately, Dr. Nogard sold his entire 129 acres for $70,000, with negotiations completed in March 1956. An additional 65 and 110 surrounding acres were added in 1963 and 1964.
The house at the camp, built in 1918, became known as Spring House; with renovations inside, one room became the Infirmary. An A-frame building became the Pack Out Kitchen (replaced in 1963), where summer campers came to get food supplies for their units, carrying the provisions in large baskets that fit on their backs.
Unit HousePack Out Kitchen
Another small building became known as Treasure Hut for its nature center (long gone now). By the time of the camp dedication on June 11, 1957, three of the five planned unit houses had been completed. The Wieboldt Foundation’s large donation supplied the name for that cabin unit. A new caretaker’s home was ready in 1959, with a garage workshop in 1966. By this time, more construction had brought sewers, water, and electrical lines into the camp, as well as a pay phone!
During the early years, swimming and boating took place in the largest lake, which had been drained, dredged, and provided with a beach. Eventually, a pool was built and dedicated on July 18, 1978, paid for by the Girl Scouts, selling over 300,000 boxes of cookies! A new pool and pool house now replace it.
Pool built by cookies!
Butternut Springs, with its butternut tree near mineral springs that provided healing powers, is steeped in Native American lore. Trail Tree’s path leads up to the unit house and passes the great deformed oak tree that marks a chief’s grave. Legend has it that ill and injured Native Americans drank the spring water and were able to ride away on their horses; thus, the saddle formation was created by tying down the sapling oak. Additionally, the land was used by Native Americans for burials, with 36 identified mounds, underscoring the camp’s rich cultural heritage.
Trail Tree
Other units had names related to their locations: Hickory Unit was named for the hickory trees; Running Water for the creeks that flow around it; Rock Road for the gravel roads that ran by it; and Primitive on the top of the hill where one might find arrowheads.
In 1965, Mr. Roger Anderson and his wife Sis (a longtime Girl Scout leader, troop consultant, and advisor to Senior Girl Scouts) became the caretakers. The lake near the Ranger/Caretaker’s house was renamed Anderson Lake in 1984 to honor their dedication to Girl Scouts and 15 years overseeing Camp Butternut Springs. This continued the focus on nature and the outdoors that Dr. Nogard nurtured.
Anderson LakeSis Anderson Girl Scouting for 45 Years
Butternut Springs continued to grow. Beckoning Woods (Becky) was named in a contest because the woods are beckoning to campers, and McCormick Lodge (Mac), named for the McCormick family’s donation, was built in 1975. A Gathering Place, program and troop center, and Trading Post now reside in place of Rocky Road. On the hill in the primitive area, Friendship Cabin was built with more units, and the outdoor spaces have also grown. The oval track and fitness field has areas for soccer, softball, volleyball, archery, a sledding hill, and a zip line. A high ropes course and a climbing wall add to the challenges. Four marked trails provide year-round adventures. To end an active day, a site for Girl Scout campfires awaits with the peace and quiet (and s’mores) of the night.
Camp counselor Books went on so many adventures and explored new horizons with her campers this summer. Read on to learn more about her last two weeks at camp.
