Program | Outdoor Adventures

We offer a variety of opportunities for Girl Scouts to lead their own adventures, challenge themselves to try something new, and push their boundaries.

Experience exciting outdoor adventures that will challenge you and your group to a new level.

It is important to give our Girl Scouts opportunities to develop or improve their outdoor skills in different areas. Research has shown that integrating environmental education and outdoor activities into children’s daily lives received lower ratings for behavioral conduct disorders, anxiety, depression, and obesity than peers with less access to nature. Only through hands on outdoor activities can we truly advance our efforts to have the nation’s youth develop a lifetime of emotional awareness of the natural environment.

GSCI offers a variety of outdoor adventures including summer camp (day, community & overnight camp), equestrian (horseback riding) 20ft and 40ft high ropes course, low ropes/teams course, ziplining, rock climbing, boating/canoeing, and archery.

To request an outdoor adventure, please complete our Outdoor Adventure Request Form. Outdoor requests should be submitted at least 30 days prior to the requested date. If a request is submitted less 30 days prior, it will highly decrease the chances of having availabilty and finding a facilitator for the activity.

Outdoor Adventure Facilitator

Have you ever thought about becoming an Outdoor Adventure Facilitator for GSCI? We will train you on our outdoor adventure activities such as archery, boating or challenge course activities. Check out our upcoming facilitator trainings in the Adventure Guide.

Click here to for the Outdoor Adventure Facilitator Agreement for archery and boating .

Click here for the Outdoor Adventure Facilitator Agreement for challenge course.

Questions? Contact Sarah Roberts at 217-299-0108 or sroberts@girlscouts-gsci.org.

Archery/Sling Shots toggle arrow

Try your hand at using a bow and arrow. Get tips on shooting styles, form and work to improve your aim. Learn the basic of archery, safety rules and range etiquette, you will have the opportunity to participate in a tournament.

Please note: Participants must be in 2nd grade or older to participate.

Sling Shots
Still want to kae aim but you're not quite old enough for archery? Have a blast while using sling shots instead.

Archery and sling Shot Locations

Camp Kiwanis
Camp Tapawingo
Camp Widjiwagan

Boating/Canoeing toggle arrow

Did you get introduced to boating at camp over the summer, or have you always wanted to learn? Join us at camp for this fun boating workshop where we’ll go from the basics to sending you out on the water by yourself in just a couple of hours. First, we’ll discuss boating safety and how to use paddles to get us where we want to go. After you master your skills on land, jump in a boat and see what you can do on the water.

Please note: K-3rd grade participants must have an adult in the canoe with them.

Dock Locations:

Camp Tapawingo
Camp Widjiwagan

Challenge Course/Ziplining/Climbing Wall toggle arrow

Low Ropes
Develop and refine your group teambuilding, problem solving and communication skills as you work through a series of team elements on our low course.

High Ropes
Looking for a fun challenge? Spend a couple of hours on the challenge course. Learn the basics during grounds scool, then take to the course to explore the 20 ft and/or 40 ft challenge course. Can you make it through the Burma Bridge, Cargo Tube, and the Spaghetti Walk? Come and find out.

Please note: Participants must be 6th grade or older, between 4'10" and 6'2", and at our below the maximum weight of 250 lbs.

Ziplining
Ready for a high-flying adventure? Join us 40 ft in the air to enjoy the tree top view as you zip down the zipline. Don't forget to bring your bavery!

Please note: Participants must be in 4th grade or older, between 4'6" and 6'2", and at or below the maximum weight of 250 lbs.

Rock Climbing
Ready to reach new heights? Go on belay as you scale the 40ft rock climbing wall. Try and reach some of our fun shaped rocks like a butterfly or even a dinosaur. But first you'll learn some important climbing lingo.

Please note: Participants must be in 2nd grade or older, between 3'6" and 6'2", and at or below the maximum weight of 250 lbs.

Course Locations:

Camp Tapawingo - Low Teams Course, High Ropes Course, Outdoor Rock Wall
Camp Widjiwagan - High Ropes Course, Outdoor Rock Wall

For the best group experience a group of 14 is the maximum 6 minimum. Due to group dynamics it isn't possible to determine how much climbing your group will do or how much time the course will take. You may be done earlier or later than estimated.

See the Outdoor Adventure Request Form for additional information and restrictions.

Equestrian Program toggle arrow

Grow in confidence and compassion through the equestrian program at Camp Tapawingo! Whether they are riding for the first time or a seasoned equestrian, they will experience the joys of connecting with a lovable horse.

Riding is available in spring and fall through our council sponsored events, as well as summer camp sessions. Learn more about our Equestrian program.

GSCI is accredited by the Certified Horsemanship Association. Accreditation means that GSCI voluntarily requested CHA to review our equestrian facilities, program and management to deem it as meeting CHA and equine industry safety and operational standards. The purpose of Certified Horsemanship Association is to promote excellence in safety and education for the benefit of the entire horse industry. CHA is also recognized by GSUSA as an accredited horsemanship instructor training organization.

See the Outdoor Adventure Request Form for additional information and restrictions.

Safety Activity Checkpoints toggle arrow

Our facilitators are fully trained in their subject matter. Inspections are done annually. Girl Scouts of Central Illinois camp facilities are accredited by ACA and meet Safety Activity Checkpoints.