Celebrating the Ecosystem of Girl Scout Camps
Nestled in the heart of nature, our Girl Scout camps—Juniper Knoll, Butternut Springs, Greenwood, and Palos—form a vibrant ecosystem where girls flourish. These camps are sanctuaries of growth, wellness, and adventure, where each girl becomes an integral part of the natural world around her.
Our camps are living ecosystems where campers, Counselors in Training (CITs), staff, plants, and animals coexist. Each summer, the ecosystem comes alive with the laughter and excitement of girls exploring the outdoors, learning new skills, and forging lifelong friendships. The forests, lakes, and meadows are not just backdrops but active participants in their journey. The towering trees provide shade and shelter, while the clear waters invite moments of reflection and fun. This immersion in nature fosters physical health, mental wellness, and a deep appreciation for the environment.
The research underscores these benefits. The American Psychological Association notes, “Exposure to nature has been linked to a host of benefits, including improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders, and even upticks in empathy and cooperation.” Our camps embody these benefits, evident in the joyful spirits of our campers.
At the heart of our camps is each girl’s transformative experience. Campers build essential life skills and resilience beyond the hikes and nature activities. They learn to navigate challenges, work collaboratively with peers, and develop leadership abilities. The camp environment encourages girls to step out of their comfort zones, through mastering new outdoor skills, participating in team-building activities, or leading group projects. These experiences help girls build confidence, independence, and a sense of accomplishment that extends far beyond their time at camp.
As we celebrate the rich history of our camps, we honor the countless girls, CITs, staff, and donors who contribute to this vibrant ecosystem. The stories of adventure, growth, and camaraderie are the lifeblood of our camps, nurturing every camper.
Thank you for being part of this incredible journey. Together, we look forward to many more years of fostering wellness, leadership, and a profound connection to nature at our Girl Scout camps.
A Message from Camp
Dear Friends of Girl Scouts,
As we celebrate 100 years of Camp Juniper Knoll, we reflect on the incredible impact outdoor experiences have on our girls. The great outdoors offers invaluable benefits, from fostering mental wellness to promoting physical health and simply having fun. Your support helps us continue this legacy, ensuring future generations can thrive in nature’s embrace. Thank you for being part of our journey and empowering girls to explore, grow, and lead confidently.
With gratitude,
Margaret “Strike” Gawlik Sr. Outdoor Program Manager & Camp Juniper Knoll Director
Join the Celebration!
Here are a few ways to join in the celebration of Camp Juniper Knoll and support the next generation of Girl Scout experiences.
Join Us
o Attend the Juniper Knoll 100th Birthday Party on September 7. There will be CAKE!!
o Pre-Order your limited edition Camp Juniper Knoll Birthday Celebration merchandise.
o Share your GS story
o Donate to support the next generation of Girl Scout experiences. Gifts of $50 or more will receive a commemorative patch and your name displayed on the JK 100th Celebration donor wall.
Celebrating the Past, Present, and Future of Camp Juniper Knoll.
As the country’s second oldest Girl Scout camp, Camp Juniper Knoll’s 100th anniversary is a momentous occasion for our council!
On June 19, 1924, Six hundred and twenty Girl Scouts kicked off the first season at Camp Juniper Knoll, sleeping in tents, swimming, and boating on the pristine Pleasant Lake waterfront in East Troy, Wisconsin. That summer was filled with unique opportunities —like archery and spending time away from home—which were uncommon for girls at the time.
Camp Juniper Knoll continues to provide unique opportunities for girls to grow and have new experiences.
Girls get to escape from daily stressors and engage in fun activities and skill-building opportunities that are part of the rich traditions of Girl Scout camps. From conquering water activities in Pleasant Lake to strapping on a backpack to conquer the backcountry of Wisconsin, there are so many camp adventures that awaits every girl!!
Camp Juniper Knoll’s legacy is a cause for celebration, and we are thrilled about its future in empowering girls. Every generation of girls makes the camp their own. From the first girls who stepped onto the grounds of Juniper Knoll, not knowing what camp would offer but determined to have extraordinary experiences for the time, to the current girls conquering stand-up paddle boating for the first time, to the next generation who will boldly lead the way to new camping experiences.
Girl Scouts provides a space for girls to come together and take the lead in shaping their experiences. These leadership experiences foster problem-solving, trust-building, appreciation of diverse interests, and environmental care—all preparing them to be future women leaders who can make a positive impact wherever they go.
Point your camera here to join the celebration
