Welcome to Camp Dean!
Camp Dean is 160 acres of woods and grasslands. Welch Creek runs through the middle of camp and is one of the finest creeks in the state for wildlife. Explore its secrets on a hike, and don’t forget your camera. There is a large hill in the middle of the prairie offering fantastic views of the night sky, as well as some great sledding. Try your hand at fishing or other water activities on our 2.25 acre pond. Camp Dean is located just west of Aurora in the southeast area of our council.
Troop camping is an essential part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. Spending time outdoors at camp lets Girl Scouts try different things, strengthen new skills, build confidence, and ignite their interest in environmental stewardship. Whether earning badges, working on a Journey, or just having fun, Girl Scout troops are in for a fun time when they go to one of our camps!
Ready to visit Camp Dean? You make reservations at any camp property you will need to have an Active Net account. Not sure how to set up your account? We've created some guides to assist you.
- ActiveNet Introduction (Video)
- How to Make an ActiveNet Account (Video)
- How to Make a Reservation or Facilitated Activity Booking (Video)
A few reminders before you head out on your adventure:
- Always confirm your resevation a week before you arrive by calling the ranger.
- Make sure to read the facilities agreement.
- Print your camp confirmation packet and bring the roster located on the back page.
- All facilitated and non-faciliated activities require a site reservation.
Click on an amenity below to learn more!
Camp Amenities
Dean Lodge 
Whispering Oaks
Cherry Hollow
Oak Grove
Hickory Glen
McCleary-Shaff Lodge
Charlie's Lodge
Recreation
All recreation activities must be booked no later than three weeks from desired date. Facilitated activities are open April 15 - October 15 each year. Outdoor pool is available from Memorial Day to Labor Day each year.
When a reservation is made, a GSNI Facilitator will be notified and hired for your group. Note: facilitated activities may be cancelled due to weather or if staffing is not available. Activities may not be available for booking if other events or bookings are already made for that day.
Please review Safety Activity Checkpoints.
Click on each activity below, for more information.
Air Rifles
Archery Range
Canoeing and Kayaking
Crate Stacking
Find a Goat Scavenger Hunt
Fishing
Gaga Pit
Geocaching
Hammock Village
Sledding
Sling Shots
Swimming Pool
Trail Hiking
Tomahawk Throwing
Camp Dean Maker Space
Unleash your imagination at Camp Dean's brand NEW Maker Space! Located in the newly refurbished Whitetail Lodge, this hands-on hub invites campers of all ages to tinker, design, and bring their ideas to life. Whether you’re crafting, building, or experimenting with something brand new, the Maker Space is the perfect place to spark creativity and discover new skills. Come ready to dream big, get inspired, and make something amazing!
The Camp Dean Maker Space can be rented for 2-hour timeblocks. Groups can participate in up to 2 simple activities or 1 complex, 1 simple activity per timeblock. Troops and groups can hire a GSNI Maker Space facilitator or provide their own instructor who can demostrate experience with the equipment.
Fees include:
- $25 Rental of space
- $10/per person supply fee per activity.
- $40 facilitator fee if hiring a GSNI Facilitator.
Note: While groups are welcome to bring project-specific supplies, all groups will be charged the per-person supply fee for use of equipment, reusable supplies, and cleaning supplies.
Lazer Engraving and Cutting
Jewelry Making
Paper Crafts
Sewing and Embroidery
Simple Textiles
Creative Free Play
Camp Dean Goats
Did you know Camp Dean has goats? These furry residents of Camp Dean help control invasive plants during the summer months. The goats are friendly so the girls have the opportunity to interact and pet the goats.
Having animals comes with cost for health care and food during the winter months. To help care for the goats, donate here and be sure to comment on your donation that you'd like to help Camp Dean's goats!
