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why-camp

Get Outdoors with GSNI

Camping is a great way for girls to explore leadership, build skills, and develop a deep appreciation for nature. Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois has a variety of facilities-from tents and cabins to year-round lodges- that are available for troops and groups to use to create their own unique camping experience or join us for council-sponsored camping events where we provide the activities and supplies. With the new activities and amenities at all of our camps, there is something for every girl!

Check out the Girl Scout Research Institutes publication "Girl Scouts Soar in the Outdoors" for an extensive list of benefits when experiencing the outdoors. 

GSNI Troop Camp Guide

Click one of the buttons below to learn more about our camp opportunities! 

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GSNI Outdoor Challenge Patch

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The Outdoor Challenge Patch program is an exciting way Girl Scouts of all ages can have fun while learning more about the outdoors. The program runs throughout the year and has activities based on grade level and seasons.

Girls can participate individually, by troop or with her family to complete as many activities as possible from any one of our seasonal lists. Once your Girl Scout has finished the required amount of activities for their grade level, return the list to her troop leader or visit any Resource Center to purchase your patches!

Center patch cost is $2.00 Seasonal rocker patches cost $1.00.

Spring 2023 Outdoor Challenge

Summer 2023 Outdoor Challenge

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Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms

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Our Outdoor Skills Patch Program is designed for troop leaders to teach Girl Scouts the 8 Basic Outdoor Skills!

In order to earn the Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms girls must complete the "basic 8" camp skills. 

Charms and patches can be purchased at any resource center.

Patches are $2.00 each Charms are $1.25 each.

Cick here to download the Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms requirements

Camp Challenge Patch

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Any GSNI family and Troop can participate in the  Camp Challenge Patch Program. Girls can earn this unique fun patch and flames for spending at least one night camping at any of our four camps with her family or Troop that is not a council-sponsored event or summer camp! Get started with the campfire base patch available at any of our GSNI resource centers.

During camp check-out, the Ranger or Program Staff will help any family purchase flame patches ($1.00 pay by check only). Patch fees can be paid directly to the Ranger or Program Staff at the time of check-out.

The troop camping flame patch is earned when girls camp outdoors at a non-GSNI property (such as a county campground, state park, etc.) with their troop. This patch can be earned in the same experience as earning a new Troop Camping badge. Troops can also qualify for the Lodge, Cabin, Tent, and Adventure flames. Troop camping, Lodge, Cabin, Tent and Adventure flames can be purchased at any local resource center. 

The Service Rocker Patch is earned when girls complete a 12 hour service project at a GSNI property with the preapproval of a Ranger. Service rocker patches will be given free of charge once a girl completes all the hours of her property service project. 

Find a Gnome at Camp McCormick!

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Can you find all the gnomes at Camp McCormick? Go on a Gnome Hunt throughout the camp, and see if you can find all the colorful gnomes! There is even a special golden gnome to find! 

Thanks to the help of Troops 1243, 190, and 1398, you can use the Gnome Hunt map to see if you can find all the gnomes hidden throughout Camp McCormick. And remember, the special golden gnome roams - that gnome just cannot stay in the same place! 

Once you have completed the Gnome Hunt, you can purchase the patch at any Resource Center. 

Troops must have a day use or overnight reservation in order to do the Gnome Hunt. 

Gnome Information Packet

Find the Goat's at Camp Dean!

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All of our goats have escaped the pen! We need your help to round them up!

Thanks to the help of Troop 2053, you can use the Goat Hunt clues, and map to help us find all of the goats. 

Troop 2053 has 100 patches to give out if you complete all the clues, and find the goats. You can request your patches filling out the Camp Dean Goat Hunt Patch Request Form. 

Troops must have a day use or overnight reservation in order to do the Goat Hunt. 

Goat Hunt Information Packet

Girl Scouts Love State Parks

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Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. On September 10 and 11, Girl Scouts nationwide, along with their troops, friends, and family, will celebrate our shared love of the outdoors.

Grab your backpack and head out to your local state parks for self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, special events, and more!

Get your Girl Scouts Love State Parks passport for to guide your adventures throughout the weekend.