Camp Molly Lauman

Hello, Ohio families! Are you looking for a transformative summer experience where girls can build confidence, forge lasting friendships, and truly thrive in the great outdoors? If the answer is a resounding "yes," then it's time to explore Camp Molly Lauman. Tucked away in the beautiful landscapes of Lucasville, OH, this camp offers far more than just a place to stay; it provides a rich, immersive environment designed to empower girls through adventure and education.

Ohio’s natural beauty offers countless opportunities for outdoor exploration, and Camp Molly Lauman, with its deep roots as a Girl Scout resident camp, has been a cornerstone of these experiences for decades. For us locals, having access to such a well-established and positively impactful institution in our own backyard is a tremendous asset. It's a place where girls, regardless of their prior Girl Scout affiliation, can step outside their comfort zones, learn new skills, and connect with nature in a supportive, all-girls setting.

While a brief review highlights the personal impact ("This place has helped me so much and both my siblings work here at camp and I made so many new friends in my group 💗 and so I LOVE IT SO MUCH"), the true depth of Camp Molly Lauman lies in its comprehensive programming and nurturing environment. In this article, we'll delve into the unique aspects of this camp, from its scenic location and diverse array of activities to its commitment to fostering independence and character. Get ready to discover why Camp Molly Lauman is not just a camp, but a vibrant community where girls truly shine.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Molly Lauman is located at 9130 Big Bear Creek Rd, Lucasville, OH 45648, USA. This address places the camp in Scioto County, in the southern part of Ohio. Lucasville is a small community, contributing to the camp's ability to offer a serene and immersive outdoor experience away from the distractions of urban life.

For Ohio residents, the camp's accessibility is generally good, especially for those in the southern and central regions of the state. Lucasville is situated within reach of major routes, connecting it to larger cities like Columbus and Cincinnati. While the camp itself is designed for an "unplugged" experience, its location still allows for relatively straightforward travel for families from across the state.

The camp's setting on "Big Bear Creek Rd" suggests a natural, wooded environment, typical of outdoor camps in this region. This provides ample space for the wide array of outdoor activities offered. Its historical establishment in 1929 further underscores its deep roots within the Ohio landscape, making it a familiar and trusted institution for generations of families seeking summer camp experiences for their girls. The camp aims to provide a space where girls can "disconnect, unwind, and focus on building a stronger sense of self, without the distractions of the outside world."

Services Offered

Camp Molly Lauman, primarily operating as an overnight resident camp by the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, offers a structured yet engaging program with a range of services designed for girls in grades 1-12.

• Overnight Resident Camp: The core service is multi-day, sleep-away summer camp sessions. These can range from 2.5 to 13 days, depending on the program theme and age level. Girls sign up individually or with a friend.
• Diverse Program Themes: Campers choose programs based on their interests, with themes that include everything from traditional outdoor skills to STEM, arts, cultural appreciation, and wilderness survival.
• Accommodation: Girls typically share living units consisting of platform tents or cabins. These sleep 4 girls each on cots and mattresses. Each unit usually accommodates 10-24 girls with 2-4 counselors.
• Meals: Kid-friendly and healthy meals are provided, primarily served family-style in the camp dining hall. The camp also accommodates most common allergies and dietary restrictions. Campers also enjoy campfire cookouts, often helping with meal preparation.
• Supervision and Staffing: The camp maintains a supportive environment with counselors and staff who are trained to facilitate activities, ensure safety, and foster independence. Counselor-to-camper ratios are designed for attentive supervision.
• Health and Safety: As an American Camp Association (ACA) accredited camp, Camp Molly Lauman adheres to high standards of safety and programming. They emphasize hydration, the buddy system, and have indoor lodges available for severe weather.
• Basic Facilities: Each living unit includes a shelter, latrine, and hand washing station. Two central shower houses are available for all campers to use daily.
• Inclusivity: The camp is open to all girls, regardless of whether they are registered Girl Scouts (non-Girl Scouts pay a small membership fee).
• Transportation: Campers can often travel by school bus or 12-passenger van to and from camp, supervised by staff members.
• Financial Assistance: Financial assistance is available to help make camp accessible to more families.

Features / Highlights

Camp Molly Lauman's primary highlights stem from its focus on holistic development, diverse activities, and its supportive, all-girls environment.

• Empowering All-Girls Environment: This is a foundational highlight. The camp provides a safe, supportive, all-girls setting where girls can "build confidence, make lifelong friends, and try new adventures." This environment fosters leadership and independence, allowing girls to explore without external pressures.
• Diverse Activity Programming: Campers can engage in a vast array of activities, including traditional camp favorites and more specialized programs. Highlights include:
  • Outdoor Skills: Archery, slingshots, hatchet throwing, outdoor cooking, campfire building, wilderness survival, orienteering, creeking, hiking.
  • Water Activities: Swimming, canoeing, aquatic ecology/study.
  • STEM Activities: Science experiments, nature exploration (biology, entomology, herpetology, ornithology, wildlife ecology), astronomy, STEM-themed programs.
  • Arts & Crafts: Painting, sculpture, embroidery, collage, drama, music, dance, jewelry making, woodcarving, spin art painting.
  • Leadership & Team Building: Challenge courses, team-building games, leadership training.
  • Unique Experiences: Horseback riding (often an additional fee), geocaching, letterboxing, stargazing, themed programs (e.g., fairy houses, hero's quests).
• Focus on Personal Growth: The camp emphasizes helping girls "learn more about herself and become comfortable in the outdoors," fostering independence, social character, and appreciation for nature.
• Rustic Living Units: Most campers sleep in platform tents with wooden floors and cots, providing a classic camping feel. Cabins and yurts are also available in some units, offering varied levels of comfort while still promoting an outdoor connection.
• Unplugged Experience: The camp encourages campers to "unplug from technology" to fully engage with their surroundings, fostering social interaction and a deeper appreciation for nature.
• Historic and Established Camp: Founded in 1929, Camp Molly Lauman has a rich heritage, providing a proven and trusted environment for generations of campers.
• Beautiful Natural Surroundings: Located in Scioto County, the camp boasts a natural setting with wooded areas, a creek, and opportunities for wildlife observation.

Promotions or Special Offers

Camp Molly Lauman, as part of the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, provides structured pricing and financial assistance options rather than typical "promotions" in the commercial sense. Their approach is designed to make camp accessible and encourage participation.

• Tiered Pricing System: The camp often utilizes a tiered pricing system (e.g., Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3) for its sessions.
  • Tier 1: Reflects the full cost of camp, including all operational expenses.
  • Tier 2: A partially subsidized cost for families who can pay a bit more but not the full amount.
  • Tier 3: Heavily subsidized through grants, donations, and product program participation, making camp more affordable for families with greater financial need.
  All campers receive the same experience regardless of the tier chosen.
• Financial Assistance/Camperships: Families can apply for financial assistance (often called "camperships") to help cover the cost of attendance, ensuring that financial barriers do not prevent girls from experiencing camp.
• Non-Girl Scout Inclusion: The camp is open to non-Girl Scouts, who pay a small additional membership fee (e.g., $12) to participate, making it accessible to a broader audience of girls.
• Variable Session Lengths: Session fees depend on the length and theme of the program, offering options that can fit different budgets and schedules.
• Volunteer Opportunities: While not a direct promotion for campers, volunteering with Girl Scouts can sometimes lead to benefits or a deeper connection to the organization, which may indirectly support camp attendance.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on session fees, financial assistance applications, and specific program costs (e.g., for horseback riding, which may be an additional fee), it is essential to consult the official Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland website or contact Camp Molly Lauman directly.

Contact Information

• Address: 9130 Big Bear Creek Rd, Lucasville, OH 45648, USA
• Phone: (614) 487-8101 (This is the primary contact for Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland, which operates the camp. Specific camp staff can be reached via this central line.)

Conclusion: Why This Place Is Suitable for Locals

For Ohio families seeking a nurturing and enriching summer experience for their girls, Camp Molly Lauman in Lucasville stands as an exceptional and highly suitable choice. As a long-standing institution operated by the Girl Scouts of Ohio's Heartland Council, it offers a proven track record of providing a safe, supportive, and empowering environment right here in our state. This means parents can feel confident sending their daughters to a camp with a strong history and a clear mission to foster courage, confidence, and character.

The camp's dedication to an all-girls setting is a significant draw, as it allows girls to explore new interests, take risks, and develop leadership skills without the social pressures often found in co-ed environments. The vast array of activities, from traditional outdoor skills like archery and campfire cooking to modern interests like STEM and creative arts, ensures that every camper finds something to spark her passion and help her grow. This diversity means girls can return year after year, experiencing new adventures and building a wider range of skills.

Furthermore, the emphasis on an "unplugged" experience is increasingly valuable in today's digital age. Camp Molly Lauman provides a crucial opportunity for girls to disconnect from screens and truly immerse themselves in nature, fostering deeper connections with peers and a stronger appreciation for the outdoors. The tiered pricing system and available financial assistance demonstrate a commitment to making this enriching experience accessible to a broad range of Ohio families, embodying the inclusive spirit of the Girl Scout movement. For local parents looking to provide their daughters with lifelong memories, new friendships, and invaluable personal growth in a beautiful Ohio setting, Camp Molly Lauman is truly an ideal summer home away from home.

Camp Molly Lauman

9130 Big Bear Creek Rd, Lucasville, OH 45648, USA