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A Look Back – Camping in the 1920s
January 18, 2024
We’re wishing a happy 100th birthday to Camp Alice Chester with a celebration of all things camp! Whether you’re discovering wildlife on a hike, swimming in a lake for the first time, or taking aim during target sports, you’re taking part in one of our favorite traditions and in the celebration of a lifetime.
As we look forward to 100 more years of Girl Scout camping in southeastern Wisconsin, we’re looking back at the Girl Scouts who made history and established a living legacy in our region – including you!
Camp Alice Chester opened its doors in 1924 after a generous fundraising campaign and donation from its namesake Alice Chester, the first president of the Milwaukee Girl Scout Council. Situated on the stunning Booth Lake, the 100-acre property brought a taste of nature to local Girl Scouts.
Led by Adelaide Werner, Camp Alice Chester’s first director, the camp hosted 60 Girl Scout campers during its first summer in operation. The campers in the first year – and the remainder of the decade – enjoyed classic camping activities like campfire cooking, crafting, dancing, making leaf stencils with ink, dramatics, and swimming. These traditions are still being passed down today!
While some camp activities may look similar to today’s summer camp agenda, the packing list certainly looked different! Campers wore knickers, knee socks, blouses, vests, and headbands.
In 1925, Camp Alice Chester was certified and expanded to have room for 92 girls. During the same year, Day Camp started too. Girl Scouts began to offer one day of camp a week at Lake Park in Milwaukee, led by Adelaide Werner.
These humble beginnings paved the path for what camp is today – a cherished spot in nature for thousands of campers who have built skills like independence, resilience, courage, and grit.
Did Girl Scout camp impact your life – at Camp Alice Chester or another property? Do you have a favorite camp memory? Did you meet forever friends at camp? We want to hear from you! We’re sharing our members, alumni, staff, and supporters’ favorite camp memories all year to celebrate the legacy of Girl Scout camping – and how it is paving the path forward for a future of nature exploration, independence, resilience, and friendship.
Fill out this form to share your story with GSWISE today.
Last but not least, save the date for October 5, 2024. We’re hosting a can’t-miss Camporee at Camp Alice Chester so you can enjoy your favorite camp activities with the whole family! More details coming soon.
