Troop Camping | Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan

Spend an exciting weekend at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH) or Camp Playfair (CPF) with your troop!

Your troop can choose from a staff-led activity itinerary or plan your own activities.

Troops are responsible for providing their own food and ensuring the correct girl-to-adult ratios are met. A copy of the volunteer's certification is due at check-in, and all troop leaders are required to take the Outdoor Skills 1 & 2 training courses on gsLearn before attending camp.

Troop Camping at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH)

About CHH

Add-On & Backpack Request

Gear Loan Library

Event Listings

CHH Overview toggle arrow

About Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH)

For details, like lodging options, about CHH, please visit www.gssem.org/chh. For a list of upcoming troop camping dates, please visit www.gssem.org/troopchh.

Program Areas

CHH offers free program areas that are open throughout the weekend.

Add-Ons

Troops can also request additional staff-led activities called 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.

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Add-On Request Form | Add-On Flyer PDF

Regular Camp Programs - $5/person

Programming is dependent on staffing, supplies, and space availability.

Includes one of each:

Guided hike
Group bonfire
Craft Tie-dye, SWAPS, etc.
Target sport* Slingshots, archery, axe throwing
Team-building session Low ropes course, weather permitting

Leaders cannot choose their craft or target sport unless camp staff reach out before the troop camping weekend.

The target sport depends on camper grade levels.

High-Adventure Programs - $15/person, per activity

Activity options:

BB Guns
- Learn the anatomy of a BB gun and how to fire one safely. Then, test your new skills on our range.
  Brownies–Ambassadors // Open year-round
Rock Wall
- Challenge yourself to new heights with the three different sides of our rock wall.
  Juniors–Ambassadors // Open weather permitting // Closed-toe shoes required (no crocs)
High Ropes Course
- Learn confidence while scaling our course 35 feet in the air. The high ropes course is closed in the winter.
  Cadettes–Ambassadors // Open weather permitting // Closed-toe shoes required (no crocs)
Pool
- Swim tests are required, and buddy checks must occur every 10 minutes.
  Daisies–Ambassadors // Open Memorial Day to Labor Day

Leaders must request add-on activities at least two weeks before their troop camping weekend. Please note that requested activities are not guaranteed.

Seasonal Programs - $5/person

Activity options:

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
Nature Scavenger Hunt
- This scavenger hunt is designed especially for winter! Hike around Camp Hawthorn Hollow and see what winter plants, animals, and tracks you can find.
  Daisies–Ambassadors // Available during the winter
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 or Ice 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. If there's no snow, you'll do the ice tie-dye technique instead! Please dress for the weather. Enjoy a new way to tie dye by using the snow or ice 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

CHH Self-Led Backpack Activities toggle arrow

Backpacks are $10.00 each and contain supplies and directions for leaders to run specific camp activities. They must be reserved at least two weeks before the troop camping weekend and will be ready for troops at check-in.

Backpack details »

Backpacks

Knot Tying
Animal Tracking
Fire Building
Plant Identification
Letterboxing

Only one backpack is needed for everyone to participate in an activity!

Please email camp@gssem.org with any questions.

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Documents

Troop Camping at Camp Playfair (CPF)

About CPF

Backpack Request

Gear Loan Library

Event Listings

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About Camp Playfair (CPF)

Enjoy a rustic camping weekend at Camp Playfair (CPF)! For details, like lodging options, about CPF, please visit www.gssem.org/cpf. For a list of upcoming troop camping dates, please visit www.gssem.org/troopcpf.