Looking Back – Camping in the 1960s
April 04, 2024
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.
With its doors open just over two decades, Camp Alice Chester continued to expand to welcome more Girl Scout campers for summer camp and fall and winter adventures.
In 1960, a dual-purpose structure was constructed at Camp Alice Chester. The building – now called Sunset Prairie – acted as an infirmary during the summer and offered a space for troop camping in the winter. In 1965, Girl Scouts purchased the 242-acre Swan Lake property across Townline Road. This new addition was brought in for future campers to explore on hikes and on the water.
Outside of Camp Alice Chester, Girl Scout camping grew too. In 1966, Chinook Program Center reported 2,570 Girl Scouts and 626 volunteers registered for nine sessions of day camp. During the 1960s, Day Camp involved a traditional flag ceremony, camp craft skills, hiking, crafts, nature games, and songs. All of the activities were girl-led and selected by each unit. In the afternoon, one Girl Scout was selected by the others in her unit to attend the camp council, which made the final decision on camp activities for the week.
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.
