Camp Stonybrook, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

camp stonybrook

For generations, the great outdoors has provided a vital space for growth, learning, and unforgettable memories. In the heart of Ohio, Camp Stonybrook, operated by the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio, stands as a testament to this tradition. More than just a campground, Camp Stonybrook is a vibrant hub for outdoor adventure, personal development, and fostering a deep appreciation for nature. Whether you're a Girl Scout looking for an enriching summer experience, a troop leader planning an exciting outing, or simply curious about premier outdoor facilities in the state, Camp Stonybrook offers a welcoming environment where young people can thrive.

Located on sprawling grounds, Camp Stonybrook has been a cornerstone of outdoor education and recreation for over 75 years. It provides a unique setting where participants can engage in a wide array of activities designed to build confidence, teamwork, and critical outdoor skills. The camp emphasizes hands-on learning and experiential education, moving beyond the typical classroom setting to embrace the natural world as a powerful teacher. From the thrill of a high ropes course to the quiet contemplation of a nature walk, Camp Stonybrook is dedicated to creating transformative experiences that resonate long after the campfires fade. It's a place where laughter echoes through the trees, new friendships are forged, and the spirit of adventure is truly alive.

Camp Stonybrook is conveniently situated at 4491 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA. This central Ohio location makes it easily accessible for families and troops across the region, including Cincinnati, Dayton, and surrounding communities. Waynesville itself is a charming village known for its antique shops and the annual Ohio Renaissance Festival, providing a quaint backdrop to the camp's natural setting. The camp’s address places it directly off State Route 73, ensuring straightforward navigation for visitors. While tucked away to offer a true outdoor experience, the proximity to major roads means that emergency services and local amenities in Waynesville are just a short drive away. This ideal balance of natural seclusion and practical accessibility makes Camp Stonybrook a prime destination for outdoor programming in Ohio.

Camp Stonybrook offers a comprehensive range of services and programs, catering primarily to Girl Scout troops and their leaders, but also providing opportunities for individual campers to participate in enriching experiences. These services are meticulously designed to ensure safety, engagement, and skill development for all participants. Key services and facilities include:

• Varied Accommodations: The camp provides diverse lodging options, from rustic platform tents like Cedar Crest, complete with shelter houses and basic amenities, to more developed lodges such as Honor Lodge, Honor Lodge, Ittman East, Ittman West, Pine Tree North, and Pine Tree South, which may offer electricity, heating, air conditioning, bunk beds, craft sinks, and flush toilets. This variety allows for different camping experiences, from more primitive to those with added comforts.
• Dining Facilities: A dedicated dining hall, Barnitz Hall, capable of seating up to 200, provides a central location for meals, often served family-style. This facility includes a full kitchen with walk-in fridges and freezers, ovens, and dishwashers.
• Program Staff Support: Expert camp staff, including naturalists, arts consultants, and activity specialists, are on hand to facilitate a wide range of programs and ensure a high-quality experience.
• Health and Safety Protocols: Emphasis is placed on camper safety, with staff trained in first aid, and specific protocols for hygiene, including access to showers and flush toilets in designated areas or within lodges.
• Accessibility: The camp strives to provide an inclusive environment, with considerations for campers requiring special accommodations.
• Troop Adventure Camp (TAC): A structured program where troops can customize their camp experience, choosing from a variety of activities over multi-day sessions.

Camp Stonybrook is brimming with features and highlights that make it a truly special place for outdoor education and adventure in Ohio. These elements contribute to the rich and memorable experiences had by countless campers:

• Extensive Acreage: Spanning over 300 acres of beautiful natural landscape, the camp offers ample space for exploration, hiking, and various outdoor activities.
• Large Swimming Pool: Home to the largest swimming pool within the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio council, featuring a deep end and a high diving board, providing a refreshing and fun activity for campers.
• Diverse Activity Stations: The camp boasts specialized areas for a multitude of activities, including an archery range, a challenging outdoor climbing wall, a slingshot range, and a tomahawk range (for Cadettes and above).
• Low Challenge Course: A team-building course designed to enhance communication and problem-solving skills through elements that are close to the ground.
• Creeking and Nature Exploration: Opportunities for creek exploration, fossil finding, and general nature observation, allowing campers to connect with the local ecosystem.
• Arts and Crafts Facilities: Dedicated spaces and programs for creative expression, including advanced candle making, balloon art, jewelry making, nature art, pottery, and tie-dye.
• STEM Activities: Engaging science, technology, engineering, and mathematics programs such as bubble science, "Build It Better!" challenges, CSI investigations, egg drop engineering, and marshmallow catapults.
• Swinging Bridge: A prominent feature that adds an element of adventure and is often used in camp activities.
• Self-Guided Activities: Resources like orienteering course maps and resource kits are available for troops to lead their own explorations.
• Historical Significance: Many former campers recall impactful experiences dating back decades, highlighting the camp's long-standing tradition of fostering positive memories and skill development.

To connect with Camp Stonybrook or to learn more about their programs and facilities, please use the following contact information. It's always advisable to reach out directly for the most current information regarding reservations, program details, and specific requirements.

Address: 4491 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA

Phone: (513) 489-1025 (General Inquiries for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio)

Please note that for specific camp ranger contact information or emergency numbers, you may need to consult the Girl Scouts of Western Ohio official website or user guides, as these can vary by property or during specific seasons.

For locals across Ohio, particularly those in the Western Ohio region, Camp Stonybrook offers an exceptional opportunity for youth to engage with the outdoors in a structured, supportive, and fun environment. The glowing testimonials from past campers, highlighting "troop adventure camp," "camp counselors," and "activities," underscore the positive impact the camp has on its participants. The fond memories of making sit-upons, creating "Hobo Stew," and spotting the "Golden Eagle" speak to the unique traditions and engaging experiences that define Camp Stonybrook.

This campground isn't just about providing a place to sleep under the stars; it's about building character, fostering independence, and creating a lifelong appreciation for nature. For parents and troop leaders in Ohio, Camp Stonybrook offers peace of mind, knowing that girls are participating in well-organized programs led by dedicated staff. Whether it's for a multi-day troop adventure camp, a weekend retreat, or a day of specialized activities, the camp's commitment to outdoor living skills, team-building, and personal growth makes it an ideal choice for youth development. By leveraging its vast natural resources and diverse programming, Camp Stonybrook remains a cherished local asset, continuing to shape confident, courageous, and capable young individuals right here in Ohio.

Camp Stonybrook, Girl Scouts of Western Ohio

4491 OH-73, Waynesville, OH 45068, USA