Camps & Outdoors
Get Outdoors with GSNI
Camping is an incredible way to get outside, connect with nature, and develop valuable leadership skills while having fun! At Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, we offer a variety of camping options – from tents and cozy cabins to year-round lodges – perfect for troops and groups to craft their own unforgettable adventures. Or, join us for council-sponsored camping events where we provide the activities and supplies, so all you have to do is show up and enjoy! With new activities and exciting amenities at every camp, there’s something for everyone to explore and enjoy!
Get Ready for Summer Camp – In My Camping Era!
Girl Scouts and our summer camps are truly one-of-a-kind experiences for families! When you come to Camp Dean, Camp McCormick, or the Mary Ann Beebe Center, you’re not just attending a camp – you’re becoming part of a supportive, encouraging family that’s here to cheer you on every step of the way. From camp counselors to Program Aides, Counselors-in-Training, and friends, everyone is there to celebrate you for exactly who you are. They’ll remind you that you’re brave, strong, and capable of amazing things – whether it’s riding a horse, conquering a climbing wall, or hitting the bullseye. Girl Scout camp is all about exciting adventures, learning new skills, building lasting friendships, and strengthening the bonds you already have. It’s a place where you belong, and Girl Scout camp will always feel like home.
The Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois' Camp Dean and Camp McCormick summer camp programs are proud accredited camps through the American Camp Association.
Benefits of Summer Camp
If you’re one of our former campers, you know all the positive effects Girl Scout camps can offer campers of all ages. Here at Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois, we structure our summer camp programming to provide campers with the opportunity to:
- Make true friends
- Explore nature
- Learn social skills
- Enjoy free time away from social media
- Gain independence
- Develop lifelong skills
- Unplug from technology
- Gain resiliency
- Experience success
- Spend their days being active
General Summer Camp FAQs 
Camp Jargon
Registration and Payment Information
Camperships
Cancellations and Refunds
Active Email Communications
Program Changes
Summer Camp Cell Phone Policy
Accessibility and Accommodations
How do I obtain pictures from camp?
Council Sponsored Day Camp
Sleep Away Camp
Horse and Adventure Camp
Counselor In Training (CIT I and CIT II)
Summer Camp Staff
Volunteer-Led Day Camps
Property Rentals for Troop Camping During Summer Season
GSNI Patch Programs
Camp Challenge Patch
Find a Gnome at Camp McCormick!
Find the Goats at Camp Dean!
Find the Birds at Mary Ann Beebe Center!
Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program (FARE)
Girl Scouts Northern Illinois has partnered with Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) to offer the Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program. FARE is the world’s leading food allergy advocacy organization and the largest private funder of food allergy research. Its mission is to improve the quality of life and health of individuals with food allergies and provide them hope through the promise of new treatments. The Food Allergy Awareness Patch Program requirements give Girl Scouts the opportunity to learn about life with food allergies, with an emphasis on raising awareness of the public health issue, which impacts 32 million children and adults in the United States.
Download the requirements document here.
After you complete the required number of activities please fill out this survey to request your free patches.
FARE Patch Request Survey
Girl Scouts Love State Parks
GSNI Outdoor Challenge Patch
Outdoor Skills Patch and Charms
