Session details and member/non-member registration links are available in the dropdowns below.
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.
Did you know it only takes a $50 deposit* to save your spot at camp? Then, you can pay as you go!
* The deposit is non-refundable, and fees must be paid in full two weeks before the camp start date.
Summer Camp Sessions & Details 
General Information
Summer Camps
Each overnight summer camp runs for five days, Sunday–Friday. Girls will receive their earned badge or Journey award at camp.
Mini Camps
Campers entering grades 2–5 are able to experience independence and enjoy the benefits of overnight camp without staying the entire length of a six-day, five-night summer camp.
Each overnight mini camp runs for three days, Sunday–Tuesday. Girls will receive their earned badge at camp.
Not a Girl Scout yet? No problem!
Now is the perfect time to join and get set for an epic summer at camp.
June 18–23
Camp Fury // June 18–23, 2023
Camp Fury $475
Entering Grades 9–12
Join the ranks of those who ensure public safety for our communities. During this six-day, five-night experience, you'll train alongside firefighters and law enforcement personnel to learn first aid and CPR, defense tactics and techniques, do physical fitness drills, and participate in felony traffic stop drills.
You'll meet women who are breaking down barriers and stereotypes in these male-dominated career fields. The hands-on activities promote the development of leadership skills, teamwork, respect, and self-confidence. You'll also have time to partake in traditional camp activities.
Danielle Galloway, Michigan Response Manager for the Verizon Crisis Response Team (VCRT), will be involved in this program as a guest presenter and mentor.
Sponsored by
In partnership with
July 9–14 - Counselor-in-Training
Counselor-in-Training // July 9–14, 2023
Counselor-in-Training I $475
Entering Grades 9–12
As a Counselor-in-Training (CIT), you'll develop skills to become a wonderful future camp counselor while having fun at camp. After completing this week, you may attend an optional CIT session to enhance your leadership skills in a camp setting.
July 16–21 - Beyond the Stars
Beyond the Stars // July 16–21, 2023
Space Jam $475
Entering Grades 2–3
Welcome to Space Jam! You'll learn about the moon, use a telescope for stargazing, and play alien basketball while earning your Space Science Adventurer badge.
Star Travelers $475
Entering Grades 4–5
Travel to the stars while earning your Space Science Investigator badge. You'll stargaze with a telescope, model the solar system, and sleep under the stars for a night in a hammock.
Moonlight Madness $475
Entering Grades 6–8
Bask in the moonlight while earning your Space Science Researcher badge. You'll identify constellations, learn about light and color, and sleep under the stars for a night in a hammock.
Mini Camps: July 16–18 & July 19–21, 2023
Brownie Bites $240
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 $240
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.
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.
July 23–28 - Curious Case on Camp
Curious Case on Camp // July 23–28, 2023
Mission Possible $475
Entering Grades 2–3
Use a map and search for clues around camp to complete your letterboxing badge.
Junior Detectives $475
Entering Grades 4–5
Follow clues like real Detectives to solve a mystery during this whodunit-themed week.
CSI: Camp Scene Investigation $475
Entering Grades 6–8
Can you figure out the culprit in this whodunit-themed mystery camp? If you crack the case in time, you'll receive their Special Agent badge.
Mini Camps: July 23–25 & July 26–28, 2023
Brownie Bites $240
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 $240
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.
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.
July 30–August 4 - Lights, Camera Action!
Lights, Camera, Action! // July 30–August 4, 2023
Move to the Music $475
Entering Grades 2–3
Pump up the music and get moving. During this week of camp, you'll learn about different dance genres and even choreograph your own dance with other girls. At the end of the week, you'll present your dance during a performance in front of your family and other campers. Campers will earn the Dancer badge.
Center Stage $475
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 performance, which you'll showcase for your family and other campers at the end of the week. Campers will complete the aMUSE Journey.
Storytellers $475
Entering Grades 6–8
Dive into the performance arts as you act, sing, move, design, and dance—as well as partake in traditional camp activities. At the end of the week, you'll utilize your theater skills during a performance in front of your family and other campers.
Mini Camps: July 30–August 1 & August 2–4, 2023
Brownie Bites $240
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 $240
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.
August 6–11 - In the Arts
In the Arts // August 6–11, 2023
All That Glitters $475
Entering Grades 2–3
Design with nature in mind and display your work for an all-camp art show.
Outdoor Art Explorer $475
Entering Grades 4–5
Earn your Outdoor Art Explorer badge and display your work for an all-camp art show.
ART-chery $475
Entering Grades 6–8
Earn your Outdoor Art Apprentice badge while mixing two of our favorite activities: painting and archery! You'll also display your work for an all-camp art show.
ART-rageous $475
Entering Grades 9–12
Earn your Outdoor Art Master and Expert badges by creating ARTrageous works for younger Girl Scouts to view during an art show hike on the trails.
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.
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 313-402-3673 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 313-402-3673 for more information. Our commercial kitchen is managed by a ServSafe® Certified Manager and run by ServSafe® Certified staff.
Q: May my camper bring their cell phone to camp?
A: Yes! Campers may bring their cell phones to camp. However, there are restrictions on cell phone use 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 brought 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 can I expect to receive confirmation information about Summer Camp?
A: Once you've completed registration, you'll be able to find the 2023 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, 2023, and parents/guardians may attend our virtual webinar on May 22, Prepare Your Camper for Summer Overnight Camp.
2023 Summer Camp
Troop Camping
Troop Camping Options & Documents
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
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
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
Tent Sites
If you're interested in renting a tent site, please email camp@gssem.org.
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
