Camp Hawthorn Hollow
Find your fun at Girl Scout camp this summer!
Your adventure at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH) is waiting.
If relaxing around the campfire, making s'mores, taking a hike, or sharpening your archery skills sounds like a lot of fun, join us at Camp Hawthorn Hollow. If you have any questions about staying at CHH, please email camp@gssem.org.
It only takes a $50 deposit to save your spot at overnight summer camp! Then, you can pay as you go.
The deposit is non-refundable, and fees must be paid in full two weeks before the session begins.
Overnight Summer Camp
Register by February 29 for exclusive early-bird pricing.
Summer Camp Sessions & Details 
General Information
About Camp
Girl Scout overnight summer camp is a long-cherished tradition at Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan. Our campers, families, volunteers, and staff look forward to singing songs, trying new activities, and gathering around the campfire.
This summer, campers will go on adventures, try various traditional camp activities, and embark on badge-earning opportunities. All Girl Scouts will earn at least one badge at camp.
Summer Camps
Each overnight summer camp runs for five days, Sunday–Friday. Girls will receive their earned badge or Journey award at camp.
Mini Weeks
Campers entering grades 2–5 can experience independence and enjoy the benefits of overnight camp without staying for a whole week. Every overnight miniweek runs for four days, Sunday–Wednesday. Girls will receive their earned badge at camp.
Note: Each mini-week theme is separate from the coinciding, full-week session.
Not a Girl Scout yet? No problem!
Now is the perfect time to join and get set for an epic summer at camp.
June & July - Mini Weeks
Mini Weeks // Summer 2024
Brownie Bites $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Get a taste of everything camp has to offer! You'll be able to enjoy activities like pool swimming, hiking our trails, developing archery skills, and much more. You'll earn your Cabin Camper badge.
Slice of Camp $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Experience the wonders of camp by creating works of art, developing archery skills, and much more! You may even want to give our challenge course a try. You'll earn your Camper badge.
Mini Week Sessions
- June 23–26, 2024
- July 7–10, 2024
- July 14–17, 2024
- July 21–24, 2024
About Mini Weeks
Campers entering grades 2–5 can experience independence and enjoy the benefits of overnight camp without staying for a whole week. Every overnight mini-week runs for four days, Sunday–Wednesday. Girls will receive their earned badge at camp.
Note: Each mini-week's theme is independent of the full-week session.
Note: Each mini-week theme is separate from the coinciding, full-week session.
Mini Camp Sessions
- June 23–26, 2024
- July 7–10, 2024
- July 14–17, 2024
- July 21–24, 2024
Note: Each mini camp's theme is independent of the full-week session.
About Mini Camp
Campers entering grades 2–5 can experience independence and enjoy the benefits of overnight camp without staying for a whole week. Every overnight mini camp runs for four days, Sunday–Wednesday. Girls will receive their earned badge at camp.
Mini Camp Sessions
- June 23–26, 2024
- July 7–10, 2024
- July 14–17, 2024
- July 21–24, 2024
Note: Each mini camp's theme is independent of the corresponding full-week session.
Brownie Bites $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Get a taste of everything camp has to offer! Girls will be able to enjoy activities like pool swimming, hiking our trails, developing archery skills, and much more. Campers will earn their Cabin Camper badge.
Slice of Camp $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Experience the wonders of camp by creating works of art, developing archery skills, and much more! Girls may even want to give our Challenge Course a try. Campers will earn their Camper badge.
Mini Camp Sessions
- June 23–26, 2024
- July 7–10, 2024
- July 14–17, 2024
- July 21–24, 2024
Mini Camps // Summer 2024
Brownie Bites $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Get a taste of everything camp has to offer! Girls will be able to enjoy activities like pool swimming, hiking our trails, developing archery skills, and much more. Campers will earn their Cabin Camper badge.
Slice of Camp $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Experience the wonders of camp by creating works of art, developing archery skills, and much more! Girls may even want to give our Challenge Course a try. Campers will earn their Camper badge.
Mini Camps: June 23–26
Brownie Bites $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Get a taste of everything camp has to offer! Girls will be able to enjoy activities like pool swimming, hiking our trails, developing archery skills, and much more. Campers will earn their Cabin Camper badge.
Slice of Camp $250 $200 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Experience the wonders of camp by creating works of art, developing archery skills, and much more! Girls may even want to give our Challenge Course a try. Campers will earn their Camper badge.
June 23–28 - SuperSheros
SuperSheros // June 23–28, 2024
Bionic Brownies $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Discover what it takes to be a fierce super-shero while earning your It's Your World—Change It Journey award. You'll learn how to take care of yourself and others by problem-solving with other campers. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Junior Legends $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Explore the power of a community at camp! You'll earn your Agent of Change Journey award by discovering how to change the world for the better. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Wonder Cadettes $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 6–8
Campers, assemble! You'll earn your aMAZE! Journey award as you discover what it takes to develop true friendships, navigate cliques, and find peace within interpersonal relationships. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
July 7–12 - Master Chef
Master Chef // July 7–12, 2024
Brownie Bakers $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Spend time learning about different types of snacks to earn your Snacks badge—while still enjoying the usual camp activities. At the end of the week, you'll participate in a camp-wide bake-off.
Pastry Chefs $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Learn how to prep/make a delicious meal and earn your Simple Meals badge. At the end of the week, you'll participate in a camp-wide bake-off. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Culinary Cadettes $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 6–8
Bake and try new foods from all over the world to earn your New Cuisines badge. At the end of the week, you'll participate in a camp-wide bake-off. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Sous-Chefs $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 9–12
Practice your outdoor cooking skills as you create a Dutch oven dessert. At the end of the week, you'll participate in a camp-wide bake-off. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
July 14–19 - Enchanted Forests
Enchanted Forests // July 14–19, 2024
Mystical Mermaids $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Use your imagination to create something that helps others or the planet while earning your Create and Innovate badge. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Fantastical Fairies $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Explore the magic of camp and create fairy gardens to take home while earning your Playing the Past badge. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
Daring Dragons $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 6–8
Prepare for battle! Put your engineering skills to the test by constructing a catapult to fight the dragon while earning your Field Day badge. You'll also enjoy traditional camp activities.
July 21–26 - Lights, Camera Action!
Lights, Camera, Action! // July 21–26, 2024
Led by professional teaching artists, this performing arts session helps girls develop new skills and learn different types of artistic expression.
Move to the Music $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 2–3
Turn up the music and get moving. You'll learn about different dance genres and choreograph a dance to present at an end-of-camp performance in front of the entire camp and attending families. During this session, you'll earn the Dancer badge and enjoy traditional camp activities.
Center Stage $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 4–5
Take center stage and explore different theatrical roles through acting and dancing. You'll collaborate with other girls on a Take Action project in the form of a skit, which you'll present at an end-of-camp performance in front of the entire camp and attending families. During this session, you'll earn the aMUSE Journey award and enjoy traditional camp activities.
Storytellers $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 6–8
Get ready to act, sing, move, design, and dance as professional teaching artists instruct and lead you through different types of performance art. You'll utilize your theater skills by putting on a show at an end-of-camp performance in front of the entire camp and attending families. During this session, you'll earn the Screenwriter badge and enjoy traditional camp activities.
Superstar $495 $425 Early Bird
Entering Grades 9–12
Get ready to act, sing, move, design, and dance as professional teaching artists instruct and lead you through different types of performance art. You'll utilize your theater skills by putting on a show at an end-of-camp performance in front of the entire camp and attending families. During this session, you'll earn the Troupe Performer badge and enjoy traditional camp activities.
Summer Camp FAQ
Q: Who may attend Girl Scout camp?
A: Camp is open to campers entering grades 2–12 in the fall. The grade level requirements or prerequisites for some of the programs must be met to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of all campers.
Q: My camper isn't a member of GSSEM but would like to attend camp. May they attend? Are there additional fees?
A: Out-of-council Girl Scouts will pay an additional $25.00 on their total camp bill per summer camp session. Additional fees vary for other summer options.
Q: Where do campers sleep?
A: Campers are grouped in units. Depending on their camp and program choice, campers may sleep in cabins or villages. Each unit has trained counselors housed in separate quarters within the living unit but close enough to supervise campers. Lodging assignments won't be given prior to check-in at camp.
Q: May my camper attend camp with a buddy/friend?
A: When you receive your camper paperwork, there will be a spot on the form to request placement with a buddy. Buddies must be in the same age group and registered for the same session. We aren't able to honor requests for more than one buddy.
Q: Who are the camp staff members?
A: Each member of the camp staff is enthusiastic, talented, and caring. They're selected based on program experience and a genuine desire to work with girls. All summer camp counselors are 18+ years old. Leadership staff members oversee program areas. In addition, we have rangers and a camp management team who handle operations year-round.
Q: What type of training do camp staff receive?
A: Before camp begins, staff attend intensive onsite training for activity programming, outdoor skills, songs, games, first aid and safety, emergency procedures, team building, program age level characteristics, homesickness, bullying, conflict resolution, and more. Staff may also receive program area certifications including American Red Cross Lifeguarding, Archery Instructor I, Belay Training, and ACCT Practitioner Certification.
Q: My child has specific needs. May they attend camp?
A: Each year, many campers with specific needs participate in our camp program. Campers must be able to function in an age-based, camper-to-adult ratio. Specific needs may include a range of physical, medical, developmental, dietary, behavioral, or communicative abilities. We aim to serve all Girl Scouts wishing to attend camp, and providing a safe and positive experience to all campers is of utmost importance to us. We reserve the right to make decisions of participation based on the extent of the camper's needs and our ability to meet those needs in the camp setting—as well as other factors that have been deemed appropriate. We're concerned about the health and safety of all campers, and we want to ensure we have appropriate professional and medical services to meet our needs. Please reach out to the camp director at 810-720-9020 to discuss the camp program and the nature of your camper's needs.
Q: My camper has specific dietary needs or restrictions. How are menus managed at camp?
A: Menus are planned with the general camp population and economy of associated costs in mind. Dietary restrictions and allergies must be described in detail in your summer camp registration paperwork to give the kitchen staff ample time to plan. Please reach out to the camp director at 810-720-9020 for more information. Our commercial kitchen is managed by a ServSafe® Certified Manager and run by ServSafe® Certified staff.
Q: Does GSSEM allow gender-expansive and transgender youth at camp?
A: All registered Girl Scouts are welcome at camp. Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan recognizes and acknowledges that sex and gender identity exist across a spectrum and that existing and aspiring members may identify outside of the male/female binary. Cabin assignments for gender-expansive and transgender youth are treated on a case-by-case basis.
GSSEM welcomes:
- Cisgender girls (gender identity and sex assigned at birth is female)
- Gender non-conforming/non-binary/gender-neutral
- Transgender
- Gender identity is girl and sex assigned at birth is male.
- Gender identity is male and sex assigned at birth is female.
Q: May my camper bring their cell phone to camp?
A: The Camp team has made the tough choice to no longer allow Cadettes, Juniors, and Brownies to bring cell phones to camp. Seniors and Ambassadors may bring cell phones; however, there are restrictions for cell phone usage while at camp. All cell phones must be turned in on check-in, where they will be stored in a locked box while at camp. During a rest period (after lunchtime), campers who bring their cell phones have the choice to use them for that hour. All campers who bring cell phones must sign our Internet Safety Pledge and return the phones after the hour-long rest period is over. Campers who don't bring a cell phone—or choose not to use it—will be able to partake in the Unplugged Challenge. All other tablets, electronics, etc aren't permitted at camp unless they're used for medical purposes. Campers are encouraged to send physical letters to family/friends in the mail; parents/caregivers may send letters/packages to their camper during the session. We also encourage parents to send emails to campers, which are printed out and given to campers daily.
Q: May my camper call home during the week?
A: Campers aren't permitted to make or receive phone calls during the session. We encourage independence and self-reliance during camp. The camp director will contact parents/caregivers if a camper has a medical problem, is excessively homesick, or has an emergency. Prior to camp, please let your child know she won't be able to call home and that you're comfortable with this. We've partnered with you to give your child a great summer camp experience, so we hope you'll support this camp policy.
Q: May I visit my camper during a camp session?
A: To help maintain program continuity and ensure the safety of campers, visitors are only allowed at camp during the open house and arrival/departure hours.
Q: What happens if my camper has a difficult time adjusting to camp?
A: Camp staff will do everything possible to help girls adjust to camp life. However, summer camp staff reserve the right to send home any camper who consistently exhibits inappropriate behavior, endangers themselves or others, or negatively affects the experience for other campers. A camper's parent/guardian is responsible for picking her up and fees will not be refunded.
Q: What measures are taken to ensure my child's safety at camp?
A: We're dedicated to providing safe and secure camps. Each camp follows the guidelines set by the American Camp Association as well as those set by Girl Scouts of the USA through Safety Activity Checkpoints. Staff members are housed within close proximity, and the grounds are checked nightly. All camp staff members have successfully completed a criminal background check.
Q: If our plans change, how do I cancel my child's session? May I get a refund?
A: If plans change and your camper can no longer attend camp, please notify our Customer Care team at helpdesk@gssem.org as soon as possible. Once you register for a session, you've made a commitment to that session and are responsible for payment in full. Refunds, minus the non-refundable deposit, are available under special circumstances.
Q: When's the last day to register for camp?
A: Camp registrations will close two weeks prior to your camper's session. Exceptions may be made if space is available. Please contact Customer Care at helpdesk@gssem.org or 800-482-6734 for assistance if registration has closed.
Q: When will I receive confirmation information about overnight summer camp?
A: Once you've completed registration, you'll find the 2024 Summer Camp confirmation in MyGS. Simply log back into MyGS, go to your My Events page, and select the camp name. Confirmation packets will also be emailed to all registered campers on May 1, 2024, and parents/guardians may attend our Prepare Your Camper for Overnight Summer Camp webinar.
Counselor-in-Training I: Optional Week $200
Entering Grades 9–12
Apply what you learned during CIT I and gain more leadership skills while planning activities for younger girls and shadowing program areas. You must complete CIT I before attending optional weeks.
Troop Camping
Description & Documents
Troop Camping at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH)
Girl Scouts are invited to spend an exciting weekend at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH). Troops plan their entire weekend, including activities, meals, and any other camp-related programming. Camp Hawthorn Hollow offers free program areas open throughout the weekend.
Camp Hawthorn Hollow offers add-ons, which include high adventure, s’mores, night hikes, team building, and so much more! Be sure to check the Add-On Activities dropdown, request form, or flyer for additional information.
Girl Scout troops are responsible for providing their own food and meeting the correct girl-to-adult ratios. As stated in the Safety Activity Checkpoints, each Girl Scout troop is required to have one person certified in CPR & First Aid.
A copy of the volunteer's certification is due at check-in. All Girl Scout troop leaders are required to take the Outdoor Skills training on gsLearn before attending camp. A printed copy of the completed page is due at the time of check-in.
Camp Like a Troop
Troops plan an entire weekend at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH), including activities and meals. Troops must provide their own food, meet the correct girl-to-adult ratios, and have a troop first aider. They may also use the free program areas at CHH.
Cost
- Single Adult (18+ years old) - $10.00 per weekend
- Single Girl Scout (5–17 years old) - $20.00 per weekend
Troop Camping Plus
Troops spend the weekend at Camp Hawthorn Hollow and enjoy staff-led activities, s'mores and songs, night hikes, and so much more. They may also use the free program areas at CHH. Troops must provide their own food
Cost
- Single Adult (18+ years old) - $20.00 per weekend
- Single Girl Scout (5–17 years old) - $45.00 per weekend
Documents
- Overnight Summer Camp Packet
- Troop Camping Handbook
- Troop Camping Rental Agreement
- Troop Roster
- Camp Songbook
- Camp Pricing Sheet Coming Soon
Add-On Activities
High-Adventure Activities - $15/person
BB Guns
- Learn the anatomy of a BB gun and how to safely fire one. Then, test your new skills on our BB gun range, which is open year-round.
Brownies–Ambassadors
High Ropes Course
- Learn confidence while scaling our course 35 feet in the air. The high ropes course is closed in the winter.
Juniors–Ambassadors // Open spring to November
Pool
- Swim tests are required for ALL Girl Scouts to determine what areas of the pool they can be in. The pool is closed in the winter.
Daisies–Ambassadors // Open Memorial Day to Labor Day
Rock Wall
- Challenge yourself to new heights with the three different sides of our rock wall. Get to the top so we can sing for you! The rock wall is closed in the winter.
Brownies–Ambassadors // Open spring to November
Seasonal Activities - $5/person
Maple Syruping
- Discover the process of maple syruping! You'll learn how to identify and tap a maple tree, how the syrup moves within the tree, and the difference between natural and store-bought maple syrup. Please dress for the weather.
Daisies–Ambassadors // Available February to March
Snow Candle Making
- Try out a chilly twist on traditional candle making. The deeper the snow, the bigger the candle! This activity will take place if there are at least two inches of snow. Please dress for the weather.
Daisies–Ambassadors // Available during the winter
Snow Tie-Dye
- Enjoy a new way to tie dye by using the snow to create a custom design. This activity will take place if there are at least two inches of snow. Please dress for the weather.
Daisies–Ambassadors // Available during the winter
Snowshoeing
- Learn about the mechanics of snowshoes before strapping them on and trekking around camp. This activity will take place if there are at least two inches of snow. Please dress for the weather.
Daisies–Ambassadors // Available during winter
Traditional Camp Programs - $5/person
For all Girl Scout levels.
SWAPS
- Partake in a timeless Girl Scout tradition by making SWAPS, which stands for "Special Whatchamacallits Affectionately Pinned Somewhere." You can take your SWAPS home, to meetups, or even exchange them at camp.
Tie-Dye
- Learn how to tie-dye, make fun patterns, and express your creativity. All materials are provided.
Outdoor Skills
- Knife Safety
- Fire Building
- Leave No Trace
- Knot Tying
- Animal Tracking
- Birding
Guided Hikes
- Learn about nature while hiking, singing, and exploring the trails during the day.
Night Hike
- This nighttime excursion allows you to heighten the sensory awareness that comes from being outdoors at night, including sight, sound, taste, smell, and intuition (i.e. the sixth sense).
Rainbow Hike
- During this day hike, you'll explore the ins and outs of different plants to match every color of the rainbow.
Sunrise Hike
- The early bird gets the worm! Wake up with the sun and get moving to explore nature in a different light.
Self-Led Backpack Activities
Backpacks
- Knot Tying
- Animal Tracking
- Fire Building
- Plant Identification
- Letterboxing
Cost
- Single Backpack - $10.00 each
Details are coming soon! Please email camp@gssem.org with any questions.
Backpacks
- Knot Tying
- Animal Tracking
- Fire Building
- Plant Identification
- Letterboxing
Cost
- Single Backpack - $10.00 per troop
Camp pricing sheet » Coming Soon
About CHH
Camp Accommodations
All CHH lodging options have fire rings and dry firewood.
Villages: Fairwinds and Waterways
Both villages sleep 20 people and are comprised of five rustic cabins—each of which sleeps four people on cots and has a multipurpose space and refrigerator. Bathrooms are located at Old Faithful, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Lodge: Maple View
Maple View sleeps 25 people and has an updated kitchen and common room separate from the sleeping areas. The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, and dishware—however, we still encourage every camper to bring a mess kit. The lodge also has bathrooms with flush toilets, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Cabins: Ash Grove, Witch Hazel, and White Pine
Each cabin sleeps 32 people and has a kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and dishware—however, we still encourage every camper to bring a mess kit. The cabins also have bathrooms with flush toilets, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Costs:
- Village - $200 per weekend
- Maple View Lodge - $385 per weekend
- Cabin - $375 per weekend
Note: These prices are for GSSEM members. For out-of-council or group pricing, please email camp@gssem.org.
Tent Sites
If you're interested in renting a tent site, please email camp@gssem.org for more information.
Villages: Fairwinds and Waterways
Both villages sleep 20 people and are comprised of five rustic cabins—each of which sleeps four people on cots and has a multipurpose space and refrigerator. Bathrooms are located at Old Faithful, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Lodge: Maple View
Maple View sleeps 25 people and has an updated kitchen and common room separate from the sleeping areas. The kitchen is stocked with pots, pans, and dishware—however, we still encourage every camper to bring a mess kit. The lodge also has bathrooms with flush toilets, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Cabins: Ash Grove, Witch Hazel, and White Pine
Each cabin sleeps 32 people and has a kitchen stocked with pots, pans, and dishware—however, we still encourage every camper to bring a mess kit. The cabins also have bathrooms with flush toilets, and showers are located at the Shower House.
Lodging Costs:
- Village - $200 per weekend
- Maple View Lodge - $385 per weekend
- Cabin - $375 per weekend
Note: These prices are for GSSEM members. For out-of-council or group pricing, please email camp@gssem.org.
All lodging options have fire rings and dry firewood.
Tent Sites
If you're interested in renting a tent site, please email camp@gssem.org.
Lodges
CHH has eight lodges—each with a full kitchen, comfortable lounge area, tables and chairs, bathrooms with flush toilets, a shower house within walking distance, outdoor fire pits, and picnic tables.
Lodge Capacity
- 32 Campers
Villages
CHH has four villages: Fair Winds, Metro, Otsikita, and Waterways. Two villages share a screened-in, multipurpose building, which can be curtained off to create two rooms.
Every village is comprised of five rustic cabins—each of which sleeps four people on cots and has a refrigerator, charcoal grill, sink, flush toilets, and electrical outlets.
Village Capacity
- 20 Campers Total // 4 per Cabin
Maps & Program Areas
Maps & Photos
Free Program Areas
These are included in the rental/camp fees.
- Hiking trails
- Baseball and soccer fields
- Gaga ball pit and tetherball
- Four square courts
- Sports shed full of sports equipment
- Two hammock villages
- Two amphitheaters
- Picnic pavilion
- Streams for nature study
