Camp Butterworth, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

camp butterworth

For parents and troop leaders across Ohio looking for enriching outdoor experiences, Camp Butterworth, part of the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, stands out as a prime destination. Nestled in Maineville, Ohio, this expansive campground offers a dedicated space for girls to explore nature, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships. As a professional content writer specializing in local business SEO, I'm here to provide an insightful, factual, and engaging look into what makes Camp Butterworth a valuable resource for our local communities.

Camp Butterworth spans an impressive 152 acres, featuring a diverse landscape of wide-open meadows, forested hillsides, and winding trails that overlook the picturesque Little Miami River. It is designed primarily to serve the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, offering a variety of camping experiences from rustic tent sites to comfortable lodges, making it adaptable to different comfort levels and program needs. This versatility allows troops and groups to choose the setting that best suits their outdoor adventure, whether it's a day camp experience or an overnight stay.

The camp is steeped in the tradition of outdoor education and leadership development, which are core tenets of the Girl Scout program. While it is a private facility primarily for Girl Scout members and their registered groups, its extensive amenities and beautiful natural setting provide a valuable backdrop for learning and growth. Reviews highlight the immersive natural environment, noting that "you're in the woods, so it happens" in reference to wildlife, reminding visitors that it's a true outdoor experience. While some facilities may show signs of age, the overall consensus points to a place where girls can have "a great time," focusing on the enriching activities and sense of adventure the camp provides.

Camp Butterworth is strategically located at 8551 Butterworth Rd, Maineville, OH 45039, USA. This address places it in Warren County, Ohio, a region known for its natural beauty and proximity to both Cincinnati and Dayton. Its position high on a ridge overlooking the Little Miami River is a significant natural asset, offering scenic views and access to a diverse ecosystem for nature studies and exploration.

The camp’s accessibility is a key advantage for local Ohio residents. Maineville is easily reachable via major state routes, making it convenient for Girl Scout troops and families traveling from various parts of Western Ohio, including the greater Cincinnati metropolitan area. For example, it's approximately 26 miles northeast of downtown Cincinnati, ensuring a manageable drive for day visits or weekend camps. The location also offers proximity to other regional attractions, such as Kings Island amusement park (about 5 miles away) and access to the Little Miami Scenic Bike Trail (around 0.5 miles from the camp), providing additional opportunities for recreation and exploration in the surrounding area. The blend of secluded natural environment with reasonable access to urban centers makes Camp Butterworth a convenient and attractive option for outdoor programming.

Camp Butterworth offers a comprehensive suite of services and facilities tailored to group camping and outdoor education, ensuring a well-rounded experience for Girl Scouts and their leaders:

• Diverse Lodging Options: The camp provides a variety of lodging, including multiple lodges (e.g., Beehive, Freedom, Friendship, Groesbeck, Squirrel Hollow, Seasons) with varying capacities, amenities like electricity, heat/AC, stoves/fridges, and flush toilets. Some even feature fireplaces and showers.
• Primitive Campsites & Shelters: For a more rustic experience, there are screened-in kitchen shelters, cots with mattresses, and basic shelters (like Turtle Ridge, Maple Hill, Sassafras, Quaker Ridge, Brownie Shelter) often with nearby shower houses and latrines.
• Dining Hall: A large dining hall with a capacity of 148 is available, equipped with a fireplace, walk-in fridge/freezer, oven/fridge, and dishwasher, suitable for large group meals and events.
• Program Facilities: Dedicated areas for activities such as an Archery Range (with equipment provided, but requiring your own instructor), a Climbing Wall (indoor, heated, with equipment), a Sling Shot Range, and a Tomahawk Range.
• Swimming Pool: A pool area complete with a shower house, falling water features, and a water slide, available for group use with a booking fee.
• Accessibility: Several lodges (Friendship, Beehive, Seasons, Groesbeck, Squirrel Hollow) are noted as being wheelchair accessible, ensuring inclusivity for all participants.
• Outdoor Recreation Spaces: Numerous fire circles, picnic tables, and open fields are available across the property for group gatherings, outdoor cooking, and traditional camp activities.

Camp Butterworth boasts several unique features and highlights that enhance the outdoor learning and adventure experience for Girl Scouts:

• Extensive Natural Environment: With 152 acres of varied terrain, including meadows, wooded hillsides, and river overlooks, the camp provides an ideal setting for immersive nature studies and exploration.
• Variety of Educational Stations: The camp is equipped with specific learning stations such as a Beehive Education Station, Pollinator Station and Flower Field, Underground Railroad Education Station, and a Weather Station, offering hands-on learning opportunities.
• Adventure Activities: Beyond traditional camping, the camp offers activities like a climbing/bouldering wall and ranges for archery, sling shots, and tomahawk throwing, promoting skill development and adventurous spirit.
• Dedicated Girl Scout Programming: The camp offers structured day and overnight camp sessions with themes like "Critter Crew," "Summer of Swift," and "Frilled Sharks," focusing on badge work, crafts, nature hikes, and water activities.
• Leadership Development Programs: Opportunities like Counselor-in-Training (CIT) and Program Assistant roles are available for older Girl Scouts, fostering leadership skills and mentorship.
• Hiking Trails: While some trails can be challenging, the camp provides numerous hiking opportunities, allowing girls to explore the natural landscape and build resilience.
• Community Engagement: The camp regularly hosts events and programs designed to bring Girl Scout troops and service units together, fostering a strong sense of community and shared experience.
• Year-Round Availability: Many lodges are year-round facilities with heating, allowing for camping and programs even during colder months, extending the outdoor season.

For inquiries, reservations, or more information about Camp Butterworth, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, please use the following contact details. Keep in mind that reservations for Girl Scout properties are typically handled through the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio Customer Care Team:

Address: 8551 Butterworth Rd, Maineville, OH 45039, USA

Phone: (888) 350-5090

You can also typically find more information and make reservations by visiting the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio official website and navigating to their "Properties" or "Outdoor Program" sections. It's advisable to call their Customer Care Team with your preferred camp and dates ready for the most efficient booking process.

Camp Butterworth is exceptionally well-suited for locals across Ohio, particularly for families with girls involved in the Girl Scout program. Its prime location in Maineville makes it easily accessible for day trips or weekend retreats from major metropolitan areas like Cincinnati and Dayton, reducing travel time and maximizing the camping experience. For parents seeking to provide their daughters with robust outdoor education and character-building opportunities, the camp's diverse programming, from nature studies and STEM activities to adventure challenges like archery and climbing, offers invaluable experiences.

The variety of lodging options, from rustic shelters to comfortable lodges with modern amenities, ensures that different comfort levels and troop needs can be accommodated, making outdoor experiences accessible to all. While some older facilities might have minor issues, the overall positive sentiment emphasizes that the core experience of engaging with nature and participating in enriching activities remains strong. Camp Butterworth provides a vital space for Ohio's youth to develop leadership, teamwork, and resilience in a supportive and natural environment, making it a cherished asset for our state's communities.

Camp Butterworth, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

8551 Butterworth Rd, Maineville, OH 45039, USA