Camp Birch Trails is our beautiful 240-acre resident camp in Northern Wisconsin. Birch Trails surrounds private Lake Olivotti with a sandy beach, a swim and boating dock, and a Mermaid bridge connecting the main camp area to our low ropes course. We have a floating bog and island for primitive camping, too!
At Camp Birch Trails:
The large dining hall serves up to 140 campers at a time, with a large deck for games and activities. Other activities in camp include the low ropes teambuilding course, an archery range, Gaga Ball pit, 9 square, an enormous playfield for various games, a hammocking area, canoes, kayaks, paddle boards, and corcls for the lake. Maple Lodge provides space for our arts and crafts activities like tie-dye, candle-making, wood-burning, and more! Oak Observatory is our newest building at camp for all of our nature and science activities.
Camp Director - Lisa Freeman "Puck"
"Hi everybody! I’m Puck, and I can’t wait for summer to begin. My job is to make sure camp is welcoming, fun, and safe for every camper who goes on an adventure with us! I get to work with our fantastic staff from right here in our area and around the world to plan amazing activities perfect for campers of all ages. I live onsite at Camp Birch Trails during the summer, and I can’t wait to meet you in person at camp."
Assistant Camp Director - Niamh Hourigan "Parker"
“Hey there! I’m Parker, and Summer is my favorite season because it means it’s time for camp! I’m from Ireland but have worked at Birch Trails for several summers. The best part of my job is getting to see all our kiddos have the greatest time at camp because of our amazing staff and all the activities we do. Can’t wait to see you all soon at Camp Birch Trails!”
For an overnight camp experience at CBT, campers head to camp on their own (or with a buddy) and spend the week discovering all camp offers. Campers sign up for a specific program for the week.
Overnight camps also include wilderness trip programs, most of which are two-week programs. Camp counselors work with groups of up to 8 campers for the week. Parents cannot attend overnight camp with their camper.
Each of our camp tracks focuses your time on the things you love, and no matter what, campers will have a magical time growing in nature with new friends.
Camp Birch Trails Camp Tracks Include:
During Troop Weekends, troops/groups head to camp and are on their own for meals and activities. Groups can add Facilitated Outdoor Experiences at a per-person cost, and a camp staff member will lead those activities. Experiences include archery (J/C/S/A), axe throwing (C/S/A), and slingshots (orientation, outdoor cooking, swimming, and boating). Choose between staying in Graebel Lodge or the Yurt Village. Groups staying in the lodge will have access to the kitchen and outdoor campfire cooking. Groups staying in the yurts will do all outdoor cooking over the campfire.
*All adults must be registered and pass a background check to participate.
During Troop Days at CBT, summer camp staff lead all the activities for adults/caregivers/troop leaders and their camper(s) for the day of your event. Troops can choose between a few options:
*All adults must be registered and pass a background check to participate.
For Outdoor Extravaganza, summer camp staff lead all the activities for adults/caregivers/troop leaders and their camper(s) for the weekend and provide all the meals at camp. Campers are placed into groups/troops to head to their scheduled activities - boating, arts and crafts, nature, archery or slingshots, team building, and more!
*All adults must be registered and pass a background check to participate.
Camp Birch Trails is accredited by the American Camp Association
(ACA) and meets safety standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA and
county and state regulations. ACA Accreditation means that we care
enough to undergo a thorough peer review of our operations—from staff
qualifications and training to emergency management. We partner with
ACA to promote growth and fun in an environment committed to
safety.
Don’t delay—register right away!
Whether using a camp certificate, financial assistance, Cookie Dough, or paying in full, you need to make the initial camp deposit immediately to reserve your spot. Sessions fill quickly, and campers rarely get moved from the waitlist into a spot at camp.
Registration is open for all camp programs!
Registration is on gsEvents. Contact Customer Care for any assistance at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org.
How to Register for Camp Sessions
Camp Birch Trails | ZIP 54442 |
Camp Nesbit | ZIP 49970 |
Camp Sacajawea | ZIP 54494 |
Programs that are $120 or less require payment in full at registration. For programs over $120, a $100 deposit must be paid at registration. For wilderness trips, a $200 deposit must be paid at registration. Deposits can transfer up to 6 weeks before the camp session begins if a child transfers to another week of camp or session due to a conflict.
Camp registrations received after June 1 will require full payment at the time of registration. Camp fees must be paid in full three weeks before your camp session.
Financial assistance is available so that Girl Scout camp is a reality for every camper. The minimum deposit is required to secure your spot for each session. If you cannot afford the deposit, call us. No camper will be turned away.
If your camper earned 2023 Fall Bucks, 2024 Cookie Dough, or a Camp Certificate during the Girl Scout Cookie Program, sign up for camp when registration opens. Camp fills quickly—you’ll need to secure your camper’s spot by registering and putting down your deposit BEFORE Cookie Dough and Camp Certificates arrive.
Once your camper receives their Cookie Dough or Camp Certificates, they can email info@gsnwgl.org to apply them to their camp fees. If the amount of Cookie Dough used, plus the amount of the deposit, exceeds the total cost of your camp fees, you will receive a refund for the overage. Due to the volume of these requests, it may take up to four weeks to receive your refund.
All payments and financial assistance must be applied three weeks before arrival at camp. Otherwise, your camper’s session will be canceled. Invoice reminders are sent via email prior to camp.
Camperships
Every Girl Scout deserves to experience camp, but many families struggle to pay for camp. That’s where you come in! Give the gift of camp. Whether $10 or $1,000, your campership investment makes camp dreams a reality. Caregivers can donate in gsEvents when registering their camper or donate anytime by visiting gsnwgl.org/give.
Thank you for making Girl Scout summer adventures happen!
Refunds are not issued for cancellations within three weeks of your camp session. Exceptions for extenuating circumstances, providing documentation of a family emergency or health condition, may be considered.
Don’t delay—register right away!
CampDocs
CampDoc will send you an invitation via email in April 2024. |
You must accept the invitation to complete your camper’s health profile. |
CampDoc profiles must be 100% complete three weeks prior to your camper’s session. |
Paying for Camp
Invoice reminders are sent via email prior to camp. |
All payments and financial assistance must be applied three weeks before arrival at camp. Otherwise, your camper’s session will be canceled. |
Camp registrations received after June 1 will require full payment at the time of registration. |
Camper Information Packets
Click below for the Camper Information Packet for your time at Camp Birch Trails. Please double-check you are viewing the packet for your session. |
Camp Birch Trails - General Packing List
Camp Birch Trails Wilderness Trips - Backpacking Trip Packing List
Camp Birch Trails Wilderness Trips - Canoe and Kayak Trip Packing List
Camp is a world away (from technology, that is).
Camp is intentionally technology-free to create an environment where campers can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and build lasting connections with their fellow campers. This break from screens fosters social interaction, encourages physical activity, and allows campers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the simplicity and richness of the great outdoors. Campers are not allowed to bring phones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, or similar devices. We know it’s tough. Releasing your camper into the wild (and our expert care) is new for some folks, but know your camper is safe and having a great time.
Trading Posts, Camper Ktis & Camp Swag
Our Trading Posts are filled with camp apparel, cuddly plush, jewelry, toys, snacks, journals, pens, keychains, mugs, water bottles, flashlights, lanterns, patches, decals, items for tie-dye, and all the latest in summer fun!
Prep Your Camper
Most resident campers spend $25–$75 at camp. This allows for snacks
throughout the week and a couple of fun camp souvenirs to remember
their camp adventures. Don’t forget Fall Bucks* and Cookie Dough* can
also be used at the Trading Post. Just bring your certificates with
you! You can add trading post funds to your camper’s account in MyGS.
Camp apparel must be preordered by May 1 to confirm size availability
and will be available at the Trading Post while supplies last.
*Online Cookie Dough and Fall Bucks
CAN NOT be used in the Trading Post
Surprise your camper with a camper care kit!
Camper Care Kits are camp-friendly care packages delivered to your campers while at summer camp. Each kit will include premium plush and camp-friendly trinkets and surprises. It’s a great way to remind your camper you’re thinking of them when they are away on camp adventures! Camper kits can be ordered through MyGS and must be ordered by May 1. Camper Care Kits are not available for purchase in the Camp Trading Post.
Please be sure to order early, as quantities are limited.
Campers love getting letters while at camp! More info is coming soon!
To ensure that every camper feels a sense of camaraderie and equal participation, we kindly ask that you refrain from sending or bringing packages for your campers to receive during the week. Please consider a Camper Care Kit instead.
While we understand the joy and thoughtfulness behind sending care packages, we believe limiting the receipt of physical items during the camp week will contribute to a more unified and shared experience for all campers. Instead, we encourage you to express your love and support through traditional mail and letters or by sending your camper a Bunk Note. These heartfelt messages create a personal connection and help our campers feel connected to their families without the distraction of individualized packages.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
With Bunk1.com, parents have an easy and secure one-way email service to keep in touch with campers. If you created an account in the past, use the same login. There is a small fee for the Bunk Notes service. Please note: We may not be able to print bunk notes daily, but we will try to send camper letters as soon as possible. For campers to receive an email on Friday, submit it by Thursday. To set up your account, please see the information in your Parent Information Packet.
Yurts | 2:00 PM | S'more CBT, Northwoods Adventure, Urban Adventure, Abracadoodle, You Can’t Do That at Camp, Apprentice Counselor in Training I, What-Chu-Wanna-Du |
Lodge | 2:30 PM | Art-o-Rama, Slime Balls, Summer Explorers, Sneak a Peek |
Leafy Tents | 3:00 PM | North Country Trail Backpack, Manitowish Waters Canoe, Chippewa Flowage Kayak, and Trip Leader in Training |
Maple Cabins | 3:00 PM | Wanderers, Willow Flowage Kayak, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Backpack, Brush & Balance, Mischief Ninjas, Ice Age Trail Backpack, Big City Adventure, S’more CBT, PA Training, Apprentice Counselor in Training, Upper WI Canoe, Counselor in Training 1, Counselor in Training 2 |
Outlook Cabins | 3:30 PM | Cool Creations, Fantastic Fantasy, Horsin’ Around, Stable Stompers, Cowgirl Round Up, Get Wild |
1:30 PM | Lodge, Outlook Cabins, Leafy Tents |
2:00 PM | Yurts, Maple Cabins |
Check-in | Saturday, 6:00 PM |
Check-out | Friday, 1:30 PM |
Check-in | 10:00 AM |
Check-out | 4:00 PM |
Check-in | Friday, 6:00 PM |
Check-out | Sunday, 9:00 AM |
Check-in | Friday, 6:00 PM |
Check-out | Sunday, 9:00 AM |
Check-in | Friday, 6:00 PM |
Check-out | Sunday, 9:00 PM |
Check-out (extended session) | Sunday, 12:00 PM |
GSNWGL requires the recommended childhood immunization schedule to participate in summer camp.
The health and safety of all our campers is a priority at summer camp. To best work with your camper, complete their health profile in our CampDoc system. CampDoc is a secure, easy-to-use online system to manage health forms, immunization information, allergies, medications, and illness/injury tracking for your camper before and throughout camp.
CampDoc will send you an invitation via email in April 2024. You must accept the invitation to complete your camper’s health profile. Failure to do so means you will not get important information from camp. CampDoc profiles must be 100% complete three weeks prior to your camper’s session.
*Camp Nesbit does NOT use CampDocs. Please complete the health forms in the Camp Nesbit Camper Information Packet (available online by May 1).
— — — —
We continue to follow the guidance of the CDC, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Camp Association, and local health experts in managing Girl Scout Camp most safely. Please help us provide a safe and healthy experience for campers, staff, and families by mitigating risk before arriving at camp, limiting the chance of exposure to communicable diseases whenever possible.
Pre-Screening
With your strong partnership, we can keep campers, staff, and families safe and healthy this summer. Girl Scout Camp is an inclusive space open to youth from all backgrounds and abilities. To ensure camp remains a healthy space for all, caregivers must thoroughly screen campers for symptoms or signs of illness before arriving at camp. Any camper experiencing symptoms or illness that could potentially be contagious must stay home. GSNWGL will work with families to find another camp session or offer a refund. Any camper who begins presenting symptoms of an illness at camp must go home. It is the caregiver’s responsibility to ensure campers are healthy before drop-off. Failure to do so will result in staff sending campers home and losing camp fees.
All campers must be up to date on current vaccinations. These vaccination requirements align with the Wisconsin Department of Health Services Student Immunization Law.
I can't go to camp if...
I am ready for camp when:
Screening at Camp
We will continue to screen all campers and staff members for communicable diseases upon arrival to camp and at various times throughout their stay. A parent or caregiver must pick up participants with any signs or symptoms.
After Camp
Campers should be monitored for any signs or symptoms of communicable disease after they return home from camp.
Immunization Policy-Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes requires campers to comply with the recommended childhood immunization schedule published annually by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the American Academy of Family Physicians before attending their camp session.
Information about Vaccinations Schedule
GSNWGL supports medical exemptions to specific immunizations as determined for each camper (e.g., congenital conditions, compromised immune systems, or taking specific medications) when accompanied by a physician’s note. Nonmedical exemptions to required immunizations will not be accepted.
The health and safety of our Girl Scouts is always first and foremost. Immunization requirements for participation at camp provide a safe environment for all those participating.
I didn’t know this policy was changed when I registered. Can I get a refund for our camp?
Yes, please submit an email to info@gsnwgl.org explaining the need for a refund.
My camper is partially immunized. Is there an exception for this?
This is on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us at 888.747.6945 or info@gsnwgl.org
There is nothing like overnight sleepaway camp—friendships are forged around a roaring campfire after a day of new experiences and incredible adventures. Each of our camp tracks focuses your time at camp on the things you love: arts & crafts, horseback riding, adventure, leadership, and more. Being away from home can be a bit intimidating. But having time to explore and try activities independently will make you more self-reliant, confident, and independent. So many amazing things happen each day at camp. Although minor setbacks may happen, campers are building resilience and learning how strong they are. Each of our camp tracks focuses your time on the things you love, and no matter what, campers will have a magical time at camp, growing in nature with new friends.
A favorite stuffed animal or blanket can help a camper feel at home and help them have a good night's sleep (in addition to bringing their own sheets and sleeping bag). Campers can bring a picture of their family or pets for their bunk and a rug for the floor to make their space feel cozy. Campers can bring a flashlight or a small camping light as well. Counselors will contact caregivers a week before camp. During this call, they will ask if your camper would like a top or bottom bunk, and caregivers can share any concerns or fears that counselors should be aware of. We want to ensure all campers are comfortable when sleeping.
Counselors have training to work with your camper and work hard to ensure campers are comfortable talking with them and sharing any concerns or fears. Many of our camp staff are training to become teachers and work with children. The safety and wellbeing of campers is our top priority. We have a behavior director on-site at camp, and all camp staff undergo mental health first aid certification.
We don't share any pictures during the camper's time at camp, but counselors take pictures of the group during their activities, and we will share photos once the summer camp season is over. Campers can bring a digital or film camera for the time at camp. We encourage this so they have those memories to look back on. They cannot bring smartphones or similar devices to use as a camera.
Camp is intentionally technology-free to create an environment where campers can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and build lasting connections with their fellow campers. We have minimal landline phones at camp, and they are not near where our campers stay. This break from screens and devices fosters social interaction, encourages physical activity, and allows campers to disconnect from the digital world and connect with the simplicity and richness of the great outdoors. Campers cannot bring phones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, or similar devices. We know it's tough. Releasing your camper into the wild (and our expert care) is new for some folks, but know your camper is safe and having a great time. We want to immerse your camper in their experience at camp. They'll have plenty of stories to tell you on the way home.
If there is a family emergency and the camper needs to go home early, we will ensure they are packed and ready to go. We let the family share the news of what is happening and why you are picking them up early.
We don't share the exact schedule of what campers do every day. When picking up your camper, you will receive a caregiver letter detailing everything they did at camp. Once campers arrive, they will work with their group and counselor to schedule their week with all the activities the group would like to do. Much of camp is camper-planned, an essential part of our programming.
A general daily schedule looks like this:
We do not have a laundry facility for campers to use. Campers should pack enough clothes for their stay. If an accident should occur, we can launder small amounts of clothing and bedding for campers.
Camp staff receive training on how to work with all campers and ensure no one feels left out of groups. Upon arriving at camp, groups play get-to-know-you games and make sure everyone feels comfortable with everyone in the group. Campers often meet new friends at camp and immediately feel a part of their camper group.
We have a health & safety director and health and safety specialist at camp trained to administer medications. These trained camp staff receive CPR/First Aid/AED certifications from the American Red Cross and at least one or more higher-level training (for example: Wilderness First Aid, Wilderness First Responder, EMT, Paramedic). All are required to take the Wisconsin Medication Distribution course. By completing your camper's CampDocs profile in its entirety, you help our staff work best with your camper. CampDocs allows us to document when we disburse a medication or when your camper visits the health center. It also notifies us if a camper has missed a medication, and we are able to find that camper to administer it.
Food allergies are taken care of by our head cook and kitchen staff. They will alter food based on the allergy. We also provide an allergen refrigerator so dairy-free campers have access to foods they can eat. Other allergies are taken care of on an as-directed basis. Daily allergy medications are disbursed during breakfast, lunch, dinner, and bedtime as directed in your camper's CampDocs profile. Emergency inhalers and epi-pens are carried in a bright red bum bag by the camper so that everyone in camp knows where these lifesaving medications are in an emergency.
Counselors bring campers to brush their teeth every morning and night. We have a toothbrushing song that our staff sings to ensure campers are brushing for two minutes. Thanks to Delta Dental, we provide each camper with a toothbrush and tube of toothpaste on the day of check-in. While back in their cabins, after breakfast and before bedtime, counselors will ensure that campers are brushing their teeth, brushing their hair, putting on deodorant, and scheduling at least two showers per week. Remember, campers swim in the lake most days and can request more showers if they would like.
Camp staff receive training on how to work with people of all ages and abilities while at camp. Many campers need to be reminded of all sorts of things during the week, especially since many things they are doing are brand new to them. With that in mind, staff work with campers to be sure they are following directions as needed and reminded of those directions if needed. Campers should never feel judged or have a counselor upset with them for not following directions completely. It happens, and we remind them and move on to have fun.
In your camper's CampDocs profile, you can note any tactics that help your camper follow multiple directions. You can discuss this with their counselor when they make their caregiver check-in phone calls the week before your camper arrives at camp.
We eat family style in our dining hall for three meals of the day—breakfast (8 am), lunch (12:30 pm), and dinner (6 pm). Upon check-in, our head cook will introduce themselves, explain the menu for the week, and discuss any food allergies or needs. We have a cereal bar for breakfast and a salad bar for lunch and dinner—snacks available at the dining hall throughout the day. Every day, our head cook will go around camp at 2:45 pm and hand out a snack to every camper. These are usually ice pops, granola bars, or fruit snacks. Meals include macaroni and cheese, chicken alfredo, baked potato bar, tater tot casserole, etc. Each group cooks at least two meals over a campfire throughout the week.
Campers love to get mail at camp. You can pre-write letters and bring them with you to drop off. Just note the day you would like them delivered to your camper, and we'll be sure they receive them. We are no longer allowing packages at camp. To ensure that every camper feels a sense of camaraderie and equal participation, we kindly ask that you refrain from sending or bringing packages for your camper to receive during the week. Please consider a camper care kit instead.
While we understand the joy and thoughtfulness behind sending care packages, we believe limiting the receipt of physical items during the camp week will contribute to a more unified and shared experience for all campers. Instead, we encourage you to express your love and support through traditional mail and letters or by sending your camper a Bunk Note. These heartfelt messages create a personal connection and help our campers feel connected to their families without the distraction of individualized packages. We encourage you to send your camper with stamped addressed envelopes, paper, and a pen so they can send mail home. We offer the Bunk Notes service, a one-way communication system like a printed email. Mail is given to your camper daily during their lunch hour.
All camp staff receive training on what to do during severe weather conditions. We use the basement of our lodge building for shelter during a tornado warning. We prepare the lodge with supplies and an emergency generator. We practice drills throughout the week so everyone is well-prepared for emergencies. We have drills for missing campers, waterfront emergencies, intruders with intent to harm, wildfires, and weather emergencies. All staff are equipped with a walkie-talkie and are in regular communication, so they know what is happening. During emergencies, we ask that caregivers do not call camp. We need to keep the phone lines open for emergency communication. We contact caregivers once we are sure everyone is safe and accounted for after an emergency.
Camp Birch Trails is committed to upholding the state standards outlined in the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection (DATCP). Our camp undergoes a thorough inspection every year to meet all required guidelines and regulations. Upon successfully passing inspection, we receive a license to operate as a summer camp in Wisconsin. Camp Birch Trails receives accreditation from the American Camp Association (ACA) and meets safety standards set by Girl Scouts of the USA and county and state regulations. ACA accreditation means we care enough to undergo a thorough peer review of our operations—from staff qualifications and training to emergency management. We partner with ACA to promote growth and fun in an environment committed to safety.
Before campers arrive, we spend two weeks training camp staff and three weeks training our wilderness trip staff. All staff are trained in conflict management, facilitating activities, and dealing with homesickness and behavior issues. All staff are certified in Red Cross CPR and First Aid, and many are Red Cross Lifeguard certified. Trip leaders and lifeguards must be Wilderness First Aid certified and participate in specific trip-focused training to help prepare them for all summer trips and safety needs. Tripping groups are sent with an InReach device (similar to a satellite phone) or a cell phone to contact the camp in an emergency.
Each group's schedule will look slightly different depending on the level of the wilderness trip and whether they are backpacking, canoeing, or kayaking. The week usually starts with planning and preparing for their trip. Trippers will review the route, equipment, and gear. They will meal-plan and pack their food, gear, and personal belongings. They will practice the skills needed to backpack, canoe, or kayak. Camp staff will drop them off, and they will begin their adventure in the wilderness anywhere from 2-18 nights, depending on the trip level. On their trip, they travel from campsite to campsite. They set up camp every evening and cook breakfast over the stove. The following day, they take down camp and cook breakfast. They have a daily trail lunch consisting of granola, summer sausage, peanut butter, and raisins. Camp staff will pick up the group at the end of their trip, and other campers and staff will welcome them back to camp.
Camp staff receive training on how to deal with all types of situations. We will call you as necessary to report any critical or urgent updates.
Reasons we might call you:
Our main shower house is open 24 hours a day, with eight showers and bathrooms with sinks. Pit toilets and sinks are available for the Yurts, Maple, and Leafy living units. Around other parts of camp, there are pit toilets. The shower house and lodge building are our only flushable toilets and shower facilities.
No. Your camper should not bring electronic devices, including but not exclusive to smartwatches, phones, video game devices, etc. Camp is intentionally technology-free to create an environment where campers can fully immerse themselves in the wonders of nature and build lasting connections with their fellow campers. This break from screens fosters social interaction, encourages physical activity, and allows campers to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with the simplicity and richness of the great outdoors. Campers cannot bring phones, tablets, smartwatches, headphones, or similar devices. We know it's tough. Releasing your camper into the wild (and our expert care) is new for some folks, but know your camper is safe and having a great time.