GSSEM Announces Revised Summer Camp Schedule & More Troop Camping Options
March 24, 2023
Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM) is committed to offering exciting, engaging, and memorable outdoor education and camp adventures for girls, troops, and families.
Despite our best efforts, it's evident that camp usage won't meet the levels required to run a full summer camp season. As a result, we've reduced the number of overnight summer camp weeks from eight to four, and we're extending more opportunities for Troop Camping throughout the summer.
The costs to run both Camp Hawthorn Hollow and Camp Playfair are extensive. Staffing, facilities and operations, building, equipment and grounds maintenance, insurance, and much more all factor into the experiences GSSEM is able to offer our campers. Reducing the number of weeklong summer camp sessions—and offering more variety in troop and family camp and outdoor offerings at more affordable costs—will allow GSSEM to keep costs in line with camp attendance and usage. We're better able to maintain appropriate staffing levels, provide more camp activities, and offer improved amenities.
What about my current camp registration?
GSSEM's Camp team has directly contacted all currently registered campers to inform them of these changes and present alternative summer camp offerings. Registrants who don't want to choose an alternative summer camp will receive a full refund of deposits and/or payments.
Revised Summer Camp Sessions
At this time, summer camp registration is paused while we update the summer camp section of our website with full details of the available sessions.
Remaining Summer Camp Sessions
June 2023
- Camp Fury - Seniors, Ambassadors Sponsored by Verizon and presented in partnership with Camp Fury Michigan
July & August 2023
- Mini-Camp: Brownie Bites - Brownies
- Mini-Camp: Slice of Camp - Juniors
- Counselor-in-Training - Seniors, Ambassadors
- Beyond the Stars - Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes
- Curious Case on Camp - Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes
- Lights, Camera, Action - Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes
New Activities at Camp Hawthorn Hollow
We're excited to announce new activities at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH). In addition to our new hatchet-throwing range, we now have a slingshot range, BB gun range, and the Winterberry Art Studio.
These activities join a long list of exciting experiences available at CHH, including the high and low ropes courses, pool, climbing tower, zip lines, hiking trails, and much, much more.
Camping for Troops
We have exciting options for troops to camp with us this summer at Camp Hawthorn Hollow (CHH) & Camp Playfair (CPF).
Troop Camping Options
- Troop Camping Plus: Summer Edition - CHH only
- Camp Like a Troop - CHH & CPF
Troop Camping Plus
Troops get a one-stop shop for fun and adventure, and all of the weekend activities are led by camp staff. Troops are responsible for food, programming, and a troop first aider. They must also maintain the required adult/girl ratios.
Costs are $75.00 per girl and $30.00 per adult for the weekend.
Camp Like a Troop
Troops plan and run their own camping weekend at Camp Playfair or Camp Hawthorn Hollow. Troops can access all camp amenities during their stay, including the Nature Center inside the Whispering Woods Discovery Center. Troops are responsible for food, programming, and a troop first aider. They must also maintain the required adult/girl ratios.
Costs are $20.00 per girl and $10.00 per adult for the weekend.
One-Day Camp Summer Event
Michigan summers move fast, and it may not be easy to commit your girl to a week or weekend of camp. With that in mind, you're invited to a day of poolside fun at Camp Hawthorn Hollow.
Our Summer Sizzle Pool Party is on Saturday, August 26, 2023, where we'll provide water games, summer refreshments, and morning/afternoon swim sessions for all Girl Scouts.
Costs are $25.00 per girl and $10 per adult.
Registration will be available soon, so please check www.gssem.org/events or www.gssem.org/calendar for updates.
We understand these changes may be disappointing for our girls and families. We hope you find that the revised schedule and alternative offerings provide ample varieties that meet campers’ interests, calendars, and cost needs.
We appreciate your patience while we update the summer camp information on our website. Starting April 3, 2023, please visit www.gssem.org/summercamp to view and register for the revised summer camp sessions.
