Outdoor

There is one slingshot range at Camp Bothin, near the archery range. All ages may participate in Slingshots, and it is a great age-appropriate alternative to archery for Daisies.   The usability of the range depends on the season and site conditions. Reach out to the property manager to confirm the status of the range. Groups that have a […]

I spent four days and three nights on a camping trip with six teenagers in the summer of 2018. Yes, I survived. Cell phone batteries died, there was no Wi-Fi, and there was a daily request from the girls to take a shower (which I politely denied). Were there ups and downs? Definitely. Did we […]

What is a Camp Aide? I have been a Camp Aide at Oakland Girl Scouts Great Escape Day Camp for four years. Each unit has a leader and a few camp aides. The unit leader focuses on keeping activities on schedule and safety, while the Camp Aides take on the rest of the responsibility for […]

For some, winter camping may mean watching frost form on the window from the inside of a cozy, heated hotel room. For others, it may mean packing-in supplies to camp in the snow. Despite how you and your troop plan to get outside this winter, there are some things you should know and plan for […]

John Muir once said, “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Becoming nature deficient is easy in a world increasingly dependent on technology and convenience. However, taking time to bask in nature by hiking is an important and fun way we can get outdoors, with or without our troops. Aside from just being a […]

Top outdoor experiences await Girl Scouts in our national parks. Because Northern California has so many national parks, the variety of experiences is expansive. Girl Scouts can explore ancient trees towering over trails, a volcanic mountain venting steam, and waterfalls spraying thick mist. And that’s only the start! Check out these 8 national park adventures, from snowy trails to high adventure hikes.  Walk Beneath Giant Trees  Northern California is home to some of […]

Request an Adventure Program! Planning a visit to our sites? Add extra fun with High Ropes, Archery or Hatchet Throwing. Whether you’re a troop, school, nonprofit serving youth, GSNorCal properties and facilitators are a great choice for your next trip, outing, event, program, training, or outdoor retreat! Visit our Adventure Program Website to learn more about our […]

Our Properties Girl Scouts of Northern California is home to eleven properties located throughout Northern California. Experience the adventure of cooking out, sleeping in a cabin or tent, gazing at the stars, or learning about nature. Each council site offers something unique, from old growth redwoods and the Pacific coast to trails that have sweeping […]

This article gives information about the registration process of our three council-run camps: Camp Sugar Pine, Camp Hidden Falls, and Camp Bothin. For information about the registration process of our volunteer-run camps, please refer to that camp’s specific website. All required forms for camp can be found in the Forms & Documents section of your […]

This article gives information about the registration process of our three council-run camps: Camp Sugar Pine, Skylark Ranch, and Camp Bothin. For information about the registration process of our volunteer-run camps, please refer to that camp’s specific website. Click the FAQ topic area you’re insterested in to quickly jump to that section: REGISTRATION FAQS WAITLIST […]

Girl Scouts of Northern California runs three council-run camps and over a dozen volunteer-run camps every summer for our scouts. This article gives information mainly regarding our three council-run camps: Camp Sugar Pine, Camp Hidden Falls, and Camp Bothin. For more information regarding the specific registration process for our volunteer-run camps, please refer to that […]

Girl Scouts of Northern California is proud of our 4 Volunteer-run Sleep Away camps and 18 Volunteer-run Day Camps each year.   The Volunteer-run camps are all overseen and approved by Council.  We have wonderful volunteers that spend all year planning a robust camping experience so that we are able to offer more outdoor experiences throughout […]