Camp Giscowheco

For West Virginia locals seeking a dynamic and engaging outdoor experience, especially for youth and organized groups, Camp Giscowheco in Triadelphia stands out as a cherished destination. This expansive 111-acre property, nestled in the scenic hills just 10 minutes from Wheeling, has long been a place where memories are made, skills are honed, and connections with nature are forged. Known for its rich history, particularly with Girl Scout camps, Camp Giscowheco offers a unique blend of rustic charm and essential amenities, making it an ideal setting for a variety of outdoor programs.

Camp Giscowheco is more than just a campground; it’s an outdoor education center and a vibrant hub for activity. It provides a secure and inspiring environment where campers can learn, grow, and explore. Whether it’s through traditional campfires, exciting adventure activities, or immersive nature studies, the camp is designed to foster independence, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. For West Virginia families and organizations, understanding the offerings of Camp Giscowheco can open doors to enriching experiences right in their own backyard, providing valuable opportunities for youth development and unforgettable outdoor adventures.

Camp Giscowheco is conveniently located at Timberhaven Rd, Triadelphia, WV 26059, USA. Its prime position in the hills of West Virginia offers a picturesque and secluded setting, yet it remains remarkably accessible. The camp is situated just 10 minutes from Wheeling, a major urban center in the northern panhandle of West Virginia. This proximity means that while campers can enjoy the tranquility of a natural environment, essential services, medical facilities, and transportation hubs are within easy reach.

For West Virginia locals, the short drive from Wheeling makes Camp Giscowheco a practical choice for day trips, weekend programs, or longer summer camps. While the exact directions to Timberhaven Road should be followed carefully, the general accessibility from regional highways ensures a straightforward journey. The balance between natural immersion and convenient access to local infrastructure makes Camp Giscowheco an excellent option for community groups and families across the state looking for an impactful outdoor experience without extensive travel.

Camp Giscowheco is well-equipped to host a variety of outdoor programs and group activities, offering a range of services designed to ensure comfort, safety, and a fulfilling experience. The facilities are tailored to support educational and recreational endeavors, particularly for youth groups and organized camps. Here's a look at the services offered:

• Platform Tent Villages: A hallmark of Camp Giscowheco, these provide a comfortable and traditional camping experience. Reviews highlight that the "Tents are nice and beds are comfortable," offering a step up from traditional ground tents. Each platform tent unit typically has a specific number of tents, with each tent sleeping around four individuals.
• Dining Hall: A central dining hall is available, serving delicious and healthy meals family-style. This facility is crucial for feeding large groups and fostering a communal atmosphere.
• Swimming Pool: The camp features a swimming pool, providing a refreshing and fun activity, especially during warmer months.
• Volleyball Court: An on-site volleyball court offers opportunities for recreational sports and team building.
• Restrooms and Showers: While not explicitly detailed, camp facilities of this nature typically include accessible restrooms and shower amenities to ensure hygiene for campers.
• Program Site Rentals: The facilities, including the dining hall and various units, are available for rent by community groups or businesses. Those wishing to rent must typically supply a certificate of liability insurance.
• Camp Rangers: The presence of a dedicated Camp Ranger (John Nash) ensures the safety, maintenance, and oversight of the facilities, providing a professional and secure environment.

Camp Giscowheco truly shines with its impressive array of features and highlights, making it a beloved destination for outdoor education and group activities in West Virginia. These elements contribute to the camp's ability to create memorable and enriching experiences for its visitors.

• Picturesque Natural Setting: Spread across 111 acres in the hills of West Virginia, the camp offers a beautiful and immersive natural environment. This includes streams, forests, and meadows, which serve as perfect outdoor classrooms.
• Diverse Outdoor Activities: The camp provides a wide range of activities designed to engage campers of all ages and foster outdoor skills:
  • Archery: A popular and classic camp activity for developing focus and precision.
  • Canoeing: Opportunities for water-based fun and learning.
  • Orienteering: Instilling navigation skills and a sense of adventure.
  • Hiking Trails: Two miles of hiking trails allow for exploration of the property, perfect for nature walks and exercise.
  • Nightly Campfires: A traditional and cherished part of the camp experience, complete with storytelling, music, and camp songs (some dating back to the 1940s!).
  • Sports: Large open fields are available for games like kickball, whiffle ball, volleyball, and badminton.
  • Arts & Crafts and Music: Creative outlets that complement the outdoor activities.
  • Environmental Education: The natural setting facilitates lessons in ornithology, botany, herpetology, astronomy, entomology, ecology, and watershed science, often led by regional nature experts.
  • Overnights and Science Centers: Opportunities for older campers to have overnight stays and engage in hands-on STEM activities (e.g., rocket launching, astronaut food).
• Girl Scout Heritage: The camp has a strong history as a Girl Scout camp, creating "best memories" for many attendees. This heritage implies a well-established program focused on leadership, skill-building, and outdoor appreciation for young women.
• Focus on Youth Development: Camp programs (such as Junior Nature Camp by Oglebay Institute) emphasize developing confidence, character, and practical skills through outdoor adventures.
• Exceptional Staff: While not explicitly detailed for Giscowheco directly, related camp programs (like those run by Oglebay Institute) often highlight "Exceptional Staff" who undergo extensive training in youth development, safety, and outdoor leadership.
• Flexible for Various Groups: The facility hosts service unit meetings and activities, troop overnights, and council programs and trainings for organizations like the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council.

As a facility primarily used for organized group programs and educational camps, Camp Giscowheco does not typically advertise promotions or special offers in the same way a public campground might. Instead, its value lies in its structured program offerings and established rental rates for community and non-profit groups. For groups interested in booking the camp, the "promotion" is the access to a well-equipped facility tailored for their specific needs, often at rates designed to be accessible for educational and youth organizations.

• Rental Rates for Community/Outside Groups: Public information indicates that various units and facilities within the camp have daily rental rates. For example, specific units like Cherokee Unit or Mingo Unit (each with 8 platform tents) may be priced at $50 per day, while the Dining Hall or Lodge might be $125 per day. The Pool could be rented for $100 per day.
• Long-Term Value: For organizations planning recurring events or extended summer camps, the cost-effectiveness of utilizing a dedicated camp facility like Giscowheco can be a significant benefit compared to building or renting individual sites.

Prospective groups should directly contact the camp management or the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council for the most current pricing, availability, and information on any requirements for community rentals.

For inquiries, bookings, or to obtain detailed information about Camp Giscowheco and its facilities, please use the following contact information. It's best to reach out to the managing organization, the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council, as they oversee the property's use and rentals.

• Address: Timberhaven Rd, Triadelphia, WV 26059, USA (The property is managed by the Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council).
• Camp Ranger, Giscowheco (Direct Contact for Site-Specific Inquiries): John Nash - 304-547-1232
• Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council (General Inquiries & Program Site Rentals):
  • Senior Office and Facilities Manager: Joe Whittington - 681-427-3357 (email: joe.whittington@bdgsc.org)
  • Council Main Phone: While a general main number for the council isn't explicitly listed for public inquiries on camp rentals, staff directory numbers are available.

When contacting, it is crucial for community groups or businesses to understand that they typically "must supply a certificate of liability insurance showing Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council as an additional named insured and certificate holder. A minimum of one million dollars is required." It is highly recommended to call the Camp Ranger or the Facilities Manager directly to discuss your group's specific needs, check availability, and understand all rental requirements.

For West Virginia locals, Camp Giscowheco represents an invaluable asset for youth development, outdoor education, and group bonding experiences. Its rich history, particularly as a Girl Scout camp, speaks to its proven ability to foster "best memories" and provide a structured yet adventurous environment. The camp's picturesque 111-acre setting, just minutes from Wheeling, offers the perfect balance of serene natural immersion and convenient accessibility to urban amenities. With a diverse array of facilities, including comfortable platform tent villages, a dining hall, swimming pool, and dedicated recreational areas, it is exceptionally well-suited for organized groups such as schools, scout troops, church groups, and other youth organizations. The emphasis on outdoor activities like archery, canoeing, hiking, and environmental studies provides enriching educational opportunities that are often difficult to replicate elsewhere. For any West Virginia organization seeking a well-managed, engaging, and inspiring location for their next outdoor program or retreat, Camp Giscowheco offers a unique and highly beneficial experience that builds character, community, and lifelong connections to the Mountain State's beautiful outdoors.