GIRL SCOUT CAMP Elk River

For families across Minnesota seeking enriching and engaging outdoor experiences for their youth, Girl Scout Camp Elk River stands out as a premier destination. This expansive camp, located in Elk River, is much more than just a place to sleep under the stars; it's a dynamic environment where young people can explore, learn, and grow through a wide array of activities designed to foster confidence, teamwork, and a love for the outdoors.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive, and stimulating setting for youth to thrive. From thrilling adventures like horse riding and archery to classic camp traditions like campfire snacks and skits, the camp offers a diverse program that caters to various interests. It's a place where friendships are forged, new skills are acquired, and unforgettable memories are made, all within the beautiful natural landscape of Minnesota. While primarily serving Girl Scout programs, the depth of its offerings makes it a noteworthy facility for anyone interested in youth outdoor education.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River is conveniently located at 10775 237th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA. This address places it in the city of Elk River, which is part of the northwestern Twin Cities metropolitan area. This prime location makes the camp highly accessible for families residing in Minneapolis, St. Paul, and the surrounding suburbs, ensuring a relatively short and easy drive for drop-offs and pick-ups.

Despite its proximity to urban centers, the camp boasts a sprawling campus that offers a genuine outdoor feel. While one reviewer mentioned getting "lost sometimes" initially, they also noted that "once you get to know the campus it's pretty easy to get around." The roads leading to the camp are well-maintained, ensuring smooth travel. Its location combines the convenience of being near a major metropolitan area with the immersive natural environment necessary for a rich camp experience, providing access to Lake Barbara for water activities and ample space for land-based adventures.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River offers a robust array of programs and services designed to provide a comprehensive outdoor and educational experience for youth. While specific program offerings may vary by season and camp session, public information and reviews highlight the following:

• Horse Camp: A prominent offering, allowing campers to engage in horse riding activities. As one review noted, "My granddaughter went to horse camp and was very happy she went."
• Archery: Opportunities for campers to try out archery, developing new skills in a supervised environment.
• Low Ropes Course: Campers can participate in low ropes activities, fostering teamwork, problem-solving, and personal confidence.
• Swimming at Lake Barbara: Access to Lake Barbara provides opportunities for swimming, a classic and refreshing camp activity.
• Hiking Trails: The camp's extensive campus includes "plenty of hiking" trails, allowing campers to explore the natural surroundings.
• Outdoor Cooking: Hands-on experience with "cooking over the fire," teaching practical outdoor living skills.
• Campfire Snacks and Skits: Traditional campfire activities, including snacks and caddie skits, promoting camaraderie and entertainment.
• Day Camp Programs: The camp offers day camp options, providing structured activities for youth during the day.
• Overnight Camp Programs: While details weren't explicitly provided, it's typical for Girl Scout camps of this size to offer overnight or residential camp experiences.
• Facilities for Education and Recreation: The "camp set up" suggests a well-organized campus with various areas dedicated to different activities.
• Trained Staff (Caddies): The mention of "caddie skits" implies the presence of trained camp staff (caddies) who lead activities and ensure a safe and engaging environment.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River stands out with several key features that make it a compelling choice for youth outdoor programming:

• Diverse Activity Offerings: The wide range of activities, from "horse camp" and "archery" to "low ropes" and "swimming at Lake Barbara," ensures that campers have varied and engaging experiences. This variety caters to different interests and helps campers discover new passions.
• Focus on Skill Building: Activities like archery and cooking over the fire are not just fun but also contribute to the development of practical outdoor skills and self-reliance.
• Emphasis on Teamwork and Confidence: Participation in activities like low ropes courses and caddie skits helps build confidence, foster teamwork, and encourage personal growth.
• Access to Lake Barbara: The presence of a lake provides a natural setting for swimming and other water-based recreation, enhancing the overall camp experience.
• Expansive and Well-Maintained Campus: Despite its size, the camp's setup is appreciated, offering ample space for various activities while maintaining a sense of order.
• Experienced Staff (Caddies): The mention of caddies implies a structured program led by dedicated and often experienced staff, crucial for safe and enriching youth programs.
• Positive Camper Feedback: Reviews indicate high satisfaction from campers, with one granddaughter being "very happy she went" to horse camp. This positive feedback from participants is a strong endorsement.
• Girl Scout Values Integration: While not explicitly detailed in the provided reviews, the camp's affiliation with the Girl Scouts suggests an underlying emphasis on leadership, courage, character, and community service, which are integral to the Girl Scout mission.
• Outdoor Immersion: The camp successfully provides a true outdoor experience with plenty of hiking and opportunities to engage with nature.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River, as a program-focused facility run by the Girl Scouts organization, typically structures its "offers" through its annual camp session fees, scholarships, and specific program registrations rather than traditional commercial promotions.

Key aspects related to "promotions" or "special offers" often include:

• Tiered Pricing/Financial Aid: Girl Scout Councils often offer tiered pricing systems or financial assistance (camperships) to ensure that camping experiences are accessible to all girls, regardless of their family's income.
• Early Bird Registration: While not confirmed, many camps offer discounts for early registration, encouraging families to sign up well in advance of the camp season.
• Membership Benefits: Being a Girl Scout member often provides priority registration and potentially different pricing tiers compared to non-members (if non-members are even allowed to attend certain programs).
• Specific Program Fees: Each camp program (e.g., horse camp, archery, day camp) will have its own specific fee, which covers activities, instruction, and sometimes meals or snacks.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information on program offerings, registration deadlines, specific fees for day camp or overnight sessions, and any available financial aid or scholarships, families should visit the official website for the Girl Scouts River Valleys Council (which serves Minnesota) or contact their registration office directly.

For inquiries about programs, registration, or to learn more about Girl Scout Camp Elk River, please use the following contact details:

• Address: 10775 237th Ave NW, Elk River, MN 55330, USA
• Phone: While a direct phone number for the camp wasn't provided, Girl Scout camps are typically managed by their regional councils. For Girl Scouts in Minnesota, the relevant council is Girl Scouts River Valleys. Their general contact number, which would likely be able to direct specific camp inquiries, is (612) 238-2017.
• Mobile Phone: +1 612-238-2017 (This number is typically for the Girl Scouts River Valleys Council, not the specific camp.)

It is highly recommended to visit the official Girl Scouts River Valleys website for the most detailed information on camp sessions, dates, fees, and the registration process. This is the primary channel for all camp-related information and bookings.

Girl Scout Camp Elk River is an outstanding resource for Minnesota families, particularly those in the Twin Cities metro area and surrounding communities. Its convenient location in Elk River makes it highly accessible for quick commutes, allowing parents to easily drop off and pick up their children for various camp sessions, from day camps to specialized programs. This regional accessibility is a significant benefit for busy local households.

What truly makes this camp suitable for Minnesotans is its comprehensive and enriching approach to outdoor education and youth development. The glowing reviews highlight a diverse range of activities—from "horse camp" and "archery" to "low ropes" and "swimming at Lake Barbara"—ensuring that every camper finds something to spark their interest and build new skills. This varied programming fosters physical activity, mental challenge, and social growth, all within a structured and supportive environment. The positive feedback from a camper who was "very happy she went" underscores the camp's ability to deliver a genuinely enjoyable and impactful experience for youth.

While one minor complaint about food quantity (from a child's perspective!) was noted, it pales in comparison to the overall positive sentiment about the camp's setup and activity offerings. The emphasis on traditional camp experiences like "cooking over the fire," "campfire snack," and "caddie skits" instills a love for the outdoors and creates lasting childhood memories, resonating with Minnesota's strong appreciation for its natural heritage. The camp serves as a vital local institution for empowering young people and nurturing their connection to the environment.

In essence, Girl Scout Camp Elk River provides Minnesotans with a trusted, well-organized, and activity-rich outdoor learning environment. It’s a place where children and young adults can safely explore, learn new skills, build confidence, and forge friendships, all within the beautiful and accessible landscapes of their home state.