The Growth of Girl Scouting in Southeastern Wisconsin
We’re wishing a happy 100th birthday to Camp Alice Chester with a celebration of all things camp! As we look forward to 100 more years of Girl Scout camping in southeastern Wisconsin, we’re looking back at Girl Scout camp history and the Girl Scouts who established a living legacy.
Girl Scout camping was quickly becoming a favorite activity beyond Camp Alice Chester in the 1950s.
In 1955, Girl Scouts purchased Camp Northern Hills near Eagle River. The 540-acre property included two lakes for water activities. Later in the decade, Girl Scouts also opened Camp Chinook in Waukesha. The property – formerly Rogers Farm – hosted its first day camp in 1959. Shortly after its opening, all day camps in the area consolidated to Camp Chinook. Some traditions from its opening remain the same as campers’ favorites today – the opening flag ceremony, crafts, and parachute games.
During the same year, the Milwaukee County Girl Scouts also purchased Camp Silver Brook (formerly Silver Brook Resort). The nearly 300-acre property featured a spring-fed lake and rolling hills, perfect for camp activities. During its first year, Camp Silver Brook operated two sessions of day camp.
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.
P.S.: 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.
