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Camp Dean

Camp Dean Sign 2

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!

If your troop is ready to go camping, or you need more information about all of our camp properties then check out our  GSNI Troop Camp Guide!

 

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Camp Amenities

Ready to visit Camp Dean? You will need to have an Active Net Account in order to make a reservation. We suggest reading the following guides to assist you:

When you are ready to make your reservation click on reserve today below. 

Reserve Today!

A few reminders before you head out on your adeventure:

  • 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!

Dean Lodge
  • Located in the center of camp
  • Lodge is one-room log cabin
  • Sleeps 32 year round
  • Great room with mattresses on the floor
  • Two single bathrooms
  • No showers
  • Large fireplace
  • Table and benches available for activities
  • Kitchen with oven/range, refrigerator, microwave, and a small selection of plates, pots, pans, and utensils.
  • Air conditioning
  • Fire scar located behind building
Whispering Oaks
  • Located on the edge of a wooded area and near the lake
  • One room building
  • Sleeps 32 year round
  • Great room for activities and sleeping with mattresses on the floor
  • Bathroom with one handicap accessible shower
  • Large fireplace
  • Kitchen with oven/range, refrigerator, microwave, and a small selection of plates, pots, pans, and utensils
  • Air conditioning
  • Fire scar located nearby
White Tail Lodge
  • This unit is closed until further notice.
Cherry Hollow
  • Cabin unit sleeps 40
  • Two cabins sleep four in wooden bunk beds with sleeping mattresses
  • Four cabins sleep eight in wooden bunk beds with sleeping mattresses
  • Summer kitchen with electricity, tables, benches, refrigerator, and stainless steel counter
  • Small collection of kitchen items, along with eight pie irons, eight toasting forks, charcoal chimney, and a Dutch oven
  • Fire scar and latrine in unit
Oak Grove
  • Cabin unit sleeps 40
  • Two cabins sleep four in wooden bunk beds with sleeping mattresses
  • Four cabins sleep eight in wooden bunk beds with sleeping mattresses
  • Summer kitchen with electricity, tables, benches, refrigerator, and stainless steel counter
  • Small collection of kitchen items along with eight pie irons, eight toasting forks, charcoal chimney, and a Dutch oven
  • Fire scar and latrine in unit
Hickory Glen
  • Three cabins sleep four people each in wooden bunk beds with mattresses
  • No summer kitchen
  • Fire scar and latrines nearby
McCleary-Shaff Lodge

Cabin that sleeps 16 people total in bunk beds. Kitchenette with full size refrigerator, microwave, and cooktop. Two bathrooms with flushing toilets. Front porch view of the pond. Parking is near current Whispering Oaks Lodge.

Charlie's Lodge

Cabin that sleeps 16 people total in bunk beds. Kitchenette with full size refrigerator, microwave, and cooktop. Two bathrooms with flushing toilets. Front porch view of the pond. Parking is near current Whispering Oaks Lodge.

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Recreation

All recreation activities must be booked no later than three weeks from desired date. Please review Safety Activity Checkpoints.

Click on each activity below, for more information.

Archery Range

Can you hit the bullseye? Troops can provide their own certified archery instructor or hire a trained facilitator. Seasonally from late-April through mid-October.

Canoeing and Kayaking

Paddle your way around Camp Dean Lake! Troops/Groups can provide their own facilitator with a Small Watercraft License or hire one of our trained facilitators. Seasonal from early May to mid-October.

Crate Stacking

How difficult can climbing milk crates really be? Find out when we challenge you to climb 17 crates high! Troops must hire a certified crate stacking facilitator. Seasonally and weather permitting.

Fishing

One fish, two fish, lots of fish! Try your hand at fishing in the lake. Catch and release only; bring your own equipment.

Gaga Pit

Jump into our sand arena and play Gaga! Free; seasonally and weather permitting. Please keep your shoes on during play.

Geocaching

Can you find all of our hidden geocaches at Camp Dean? There are five geocaches just waiting for you to find and take a S.W.A.P.! Groups are encouraged to leave a S.W.A.P. if they take one! Don’t forget to make a variety of S.W.A.P.s for other groups to find. GPS units provided by camp; $10 per group.

Hammock Village

After a long day at camp, relax in our new Hammock Village! Take in the sounds of camp as you unwind from all the fun!

Sledding

Bring your favorite sled, and take on the sledding hill at camp! Free; weather permitting.

Swimming Pool

Groups can provide their own certified lifeguard or hire a certified lifeguard through GSNI. A shower house and handicap chair lift are available.  Call for availability and more information.

Trail Hiking

Camp Dean offers great hiking trails all around camp. Camp Dean has dense forest, open prairie, a creek, and a lake! Visit all these great spots for a unique experience of nature.

Tomahawk Throwing

A tomahawk is a type of single-handed axe from North America, traditionally resembling a hatchet with a straight handle. Some of the oldest weapons, tools, and hunting methods include axes, tomahawks, knives, and hatchets. Many are still used for traditional purposes in some areas today. *Girls must be 12 years or older to participate.

Air Rifles

Check out the latest offering in target sports from GSNI! Excellence in this activity requires learning positive traits such as patience, determination, focus, attention to detail, and persistence! *Girls must be 10 years or older to participate.

Sling Shots

Slingshots serve as a progression step for target range activities (like archery!) by teaching girls about range rules and commands, as well as helping them to build aim, target skills, and hand-eye coordination! Safety will be emphasized, and bullseyes are encouraged!

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Question? Contact us or call 1-844-GSNI-4-ME (1-844-476-4463).

 

Due to popular demand by GSNI troops and groups, and upcoming work towards our Long Range Property Plan, GSNI will no longer be accepting 3rd party reservations at our sites. Find out all the details here.

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!
Keep her engaged and inspired in challenging times. Renew Now.
Keep her engaged and inspired in challenging times. Renew Now.
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