The Social-Emotional Benefits of Camp
Humans, like plants, need sunlight and air. Yet, the fastpaced hustle of life often keeps us indoors, rushing from one thing to the next. At Girl Scout camp, the pace slows. Phones are stashed away, freeing hands for paddle strokes, s’mores, friendship bracelets, and high-fives. The smell of pine trees and campfire smoke fills the air. Mornings begin with canoeing on still lakes, afternoons are filled with art projects and knot-tying under the trees, and evenings wrap up with twilight hikes and group reflection. Nature grounds us, engaging our senses and pulling us into the present moment.
I loved camp because I made so many new friends and we all had a great time.
—Junior Girl Scout
Camp has been proven to increase campers’ self-esteem by bolstering their independence and resilience. Camp strengthens communication skills, as youth navigate new
A TIMELESS SISTERHOOD:
Finding Belonging
relationships in real time. Whether they’re debriefing a team challenge on the lowropes course or deciding on a menu for outdoor cooking, Girl Scouts at camp are building confidence, collaboration, and trust. Camp fosters a sense of belonging where youth feel secure and can test the waters of their personality and selfreliance in a new setting, apart from their family.
According to Tom Rosenberg, President and CEO of the American Camp Association, “Camp plays a vital role in the educational development of the whole child, and that includes mental health.”
Anyone who’s attended Girl Scout camp will tell you: it’s a special place, sprinkled with magic and embedded in nature, where Girl Scouts go to recharge and grow. Girl Scouts leave camp ready to take on the world.
at Camp Juniper Knoll
Her face lit up when I introduced myself at the Chicago Women in Philanthropy luncheon and shared that I worked for Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Rena Henderson Mason is a former Girl Scout, and her immediate, joyful reaction was all thanks to memories of Camp Juniper Knoll in East Troy, WI. I had the pleasure of sitting down with her to hear more about her powerful experience, an experience that resonated just as strongly over 50 years later.
LaTanya: When we met at CWIP you told your story of Camp Juniper Knoll with such passion. Just like it was yesterday.
Rena: It was a little over 50 years ago when I attended camp. As I look at the pictures of JK and think about Girl Scouts, so many things haven’t changed, like the Scout’s Honor, and I remember swimming on the lake.
LaTanya: How many years were you in Girl Scouts, and what do you remember most about your Girl Scout troop?
Rena: I was a Girl Scout from 8-13 years old, moving from a Brownie to a Junior and then a Cadette. I remember familiar activities like earning badges (which was “kinda hard”) and selling cookies (which I “didn’t like”). What truly stood out were my troop leaders – African American women who were not only leaders but also professionals in their community. Yet, it was the camping experiences that were the most positive experiences of my entire Girl Scout journey.
LaTanya: So, what made camp so positive?
Rena: There were a variety of activities available. There was something for everyone. I remember choosing my unit, and I always chose the horseback riding unit. We rode horses and cared for horses every single day. Beyond the activities, a profound sense of community flourished. You met girls from all over, from different backgrounds. You were able to make friends from all over.
During the early 70s, the country was in different times, and it could’ve been difficult for a little Black girl from Chatham to attend, but I always felt included and welcomed. I
don’t know what kind of training was provided to the staff, but I never felt the racism that existed at that time. I believe it’s because Girl Scouts has always done a good job of being inclusive. It was always about fun, community, sharing stories, learning, and being safe.
LaTanya: What would you share with others about the power of a Girl Scout camp experience?
Rena: Girl Scout camp is a place where you learn about yourself. You learn how to relate to people who are different from you, but it’s also a place where you learn that you have more in common with people than you think. It is an environment where you feel safe to be who you want to be and try new things. Camp is a place where you have the ability to explore!
Empowering Future Leaders Through the C4 Training Program
This summer, thanks to a generous C4 Training Program Cohort 2 Grant from Girl Scouts of the USA, 17 Girl Scout Interns across our three camp properties are gaining more than just experience as camp counselors—they’re preparing for the workforce and their futures.
The goal of the C4 initiative is to provide workforce development, employment, and educational opportunities for historically underserved young adults, including those who are BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income, rural, diversely abled, and opportunity youth. As one of only six Girl Scout councils selected nationwide, we’re proud to be part of this transformative effort.
In addition to receiving comprehensive camp leadership training, our interns are participating in meaningful professional development experiences with partners like Albanese Confectionery, Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and Indiana Dunes National Park. A recent standout moment came through a collaboration with Dress for Success Chicago, where interns took part in a workforce readiness workshop and each received a professional outfit—perfect for future interviews and career events.
Through C4, we’re not only investing in the next generation of Girl Scout leaders—we’re building confident, career-ready young adults equipped to thrive long after the summer ends.
Girl Scouts Summer Camp Soars in Roseland/Morgan Park
This summer, laughter, creativity, and community are taking flight in Roseland and Morgan Park, thanks to our six-week Girl Scouts summer camp. Now in its third year, this free camp— made possible through the generous support of the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services—welcomes 30 enthusiastic youth in kindergarten through 8th grade for a season of fun, learning, and wellness.
Inspired by the heartwarming Pixar film, the theme of this year’s camp is “Up”—a celebration of rising above challenges, staying curious, and going on new adventures. Each week features a new mini-theme to keep the experience fresh and exciting. In mid-July, campers will take on the “Iron Chef” challenge, preparing their own meals and baking a cake from scratch. But beyond the culinary skills and creative play, the heartbeat of this camp is Healthy Living and Wellness.
Every camper begins each day with gentle stretching and relaxation on yoga mats in the fresh air. They’ve created personal vision boards to reflect their hopes and dreams, proudly sharing what their boards mean to them.
“I can tell you, without a doubt, the participants this summer are having a great time,” says Jessica Hickman, a staff member with Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. “There’s a real connection between the campers and the staff. When parents come to pick them up, it’s so nice to hear the kids telling their parents all about what they did that day. Everyone is engaged.”
With a consistent waiting list and heartfelt community response, this camp is proof that when we invest in our young people—when we give them safe, enriching places to grow—they soar. Plans are already in motion to bring the camp back next summer, and we can’t wait to see where the adventure leads next.
Your Support in Action
Thank you for your support! Your gifts provide exceptional camping experiences for girls and the community. We are continually investing in our camp properties to ensure safe, fun, and engaging spaces for our campers.
2025 Summer Camp Highlights
• 2,635 Campers
• 113 Camp Staff
• 149 CounselorsIn-Training (CITs)
• 173 Camperships (camp scholarships) awarded
Thanks for Supporting Girls’ Adventures at Camp!
In partnership with the Landgraf Family Campership Endowment Fund, we were able to provide more than $40,000 in camp scholarships for 173 Girl Scouts this summer. Half of the campers experienced Girl Scout camp for the first time, and half were returning campers excited about another summer at camp. A big THANK YOU to the Landgraf Family Foundation and everyone who donated to the campership fund this year, making camp more accessible for all girls in our community.
Camp Greene Wood
Jennifer Maresso, Secretary of the Landgraf Family Foundation, and her daughters at Camp Greene Wood
I could cry!!! Thank you so very much for granting my daughter (and me) this financial assistance so that she is able to join her fellow Girl Scouts for camp this summer. Truly appreciated! —from a Girl Scout’s mom
Invest in the next genration of leaders!
“Being in Girl Scouts has allowed me to learn how to be a leader.”
Lia R, Girl Scout
The Heart of Camp: Our Counselors and CITs
Girl Scout camp is synonymous with nature, campfires, and new friends. But it’s our dedicated camp counselors who truly bring the experience to life for every camper. Each year, 100 counselors arrive at Camp Greene Wood, Camp Juniper Knoll, and Camp Butternut Springs. All summer, they introduce girls to new experiences, teach camp songs, foster teamwork and sisterhood, and encourage endless fun!
A very special part of our camp counselor teams are the CITs (Counselors-In-Training). These current or former Girl Scouts, who are high school juniors and seniors, share a deep love for camp and are eager to create lasting memories for younger girls.
We recently caught up with the CIT team at Camp Greene Wood. They shared several reasons for wanting to be CITs: staying connected to Girl Scouts, enjoying working with kids, recalling their own positive experiences with past CITs, and supporting their future careers.
“I still wanted to be involved with camp because I aged out of being a camper,” shared CIT Whiskers. “This was a great way to stay connected to Camp Greene Wood, because I LOVE it!” CIT Sprinkles added, “I want to be an elementary school teacher when I’m older, so this is great experience. I’ve been coming to Camp Greene Wood since I was a Daisy, so it’s cool to be a CIT now, and eventually a counselor, because I had so many great CITs and counselors.”
The CITs described their experience as challenging, exhausting, exciting, and rewarding all at once. It’s challenging due to the responsibility of caring for 15 campers, ensuring their safety in the summer heat while also looking after themselves. As CIT Eggy shared, “It’s exhausting and exciting at the same time, and the exciting part is what keeps you going. You look forward to just making the kids happy and want them to have the best week ever.”
The CIT experience beautifully demonstrates the magic of camp. When girls attend Girl Scout summer camp, they gain so much more than an outdoor adventure. They engage with future leaders like our CITs, who help them envision what’s possible for themselves. Campers witness firsthand the importance of giving back to the next generation and experience genuine care from individuals dedicated to helping them make lasting memories. When you support Girl Scouts, you provide girls with the opportunity to explore their potential and empower girls like our CITs to gain valuable skills that will help them become the next generation of women leaders.
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