Girl Scouts of Central Indiana

Property Information – Camp Sycamore Valley

 

Location

8439 State Road 26 East

Lafayette, IN 47905

 

Contact Information

Site Manger:  Eric Mellinger

765-404-9949

For Reservation Help:  Customer Care

317-924-6800

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Important Information

 

Property Description:

Camp Sycamore Valley consists of 160 acres of large open areas and woods in Tippecanoe County on the Wildcat Creek. The camp is on SR 26, 3.5 miles north of I-65 in Lafayette, IN. The camp is located approximately 58 miles northwest of the Girl Scouts of Central Indiana Founder’s Lodge Event and Conference Center.

 

The Site Manager:

The council employs a site manager that lives onsite at this camp property. The site manager is there to maintain facilities and to aid Girl Scout and outside groups who are using them. If you need assistance during your stay, please contact the site manager listed on the first page. The site manager is on call at camp 24/7 except published holidays.

 

Property Rules:

Smoking and Vaping: Smoking and vaping are PROHIBITED on all Girl Scout properties.

Alcohol and Drugs:  Alcoholic beverages and drugs are strictly prohibited.

Pets: Pets are not allowed in the camp except service dogs. Please notify us if you are planning to bring a service dog to camp, documentation will be required. Comfort animals are not permitted.

Traffic and Parking: Please use extra caution. The speed limit is 10 mph when driving through camp. Park only in designated areas. PLEASE DO NOT DRIVE ON THE GRASS.

 

Housekeeping:

The site manager does not perform cleaning services. It is the responsibility of everyone using the camp property to leave it in better condition than they found it. The facilities belong to each Girl Scout and will reflect the care she gives them. A list of cleaning tasks is located on the Property Usage Report. In addition to that list, here are a few things to remember:

  • Please check on site what to recycle and where to locate the containers.
  • Please condense and place all other trash in lined containers provided at each site. Please make sure each container is secure to discourage wildlife. Site managers will instruct you on where to place your trash.
  • Please replace all trash can liners. These are provided on site.
  • Please do not burn trash.

Housekeeping supplies:

  • Toilet paper is provided in all bathrooms and latrines.
  • Paper Towels are provided in all indoor buildings.
  • Trash can liners are provided in each unit.
  • Brooms, mops, and cleaning supplies are available in each unit.
  • Rakes, shovels, and fire buckets are provided upon request.

 

Rentals:

All Camp: All camp rental from April to October at Camp Sycamore Valley includes the use of: the Lodge, the Troop Cabin, Wing 3, Catherine’s Cabin, Kathy’s Corner, Graham Hall, Eagle’s Nest, A-Frames, Primitive Campsite, all open rentable activities, and all open free activities. All camp rental from November to March at Camp Sycamore Valley includes the use of the Troop Cabin, Wing 3 (November and December only), Catherine’s Cabin, Kathy’s Corner, Graham Hall, Primitive Campsite, all open rentable activities, and all open free activities. Please note some activities are only available during certain times of the year. You must provide your own certified instructor for any activity that requires one. During an all camp reservation, you will be the only group on site. Non-Girl Scout groups who want to make a reservation at one of the camp properties, must rent all camp and must call customer care to make the reservation.

The Climbing Wall and Zip Line are not included in any rental and are not available to reserve. They are only for council led programming.

Day Use – No Site: This option is for Girl Scout groups that would like to visit camp for a few hours to hike or even work on badge work. You do not have any access to buildings when choosing this rental option.

Equipment: Some camping equipment is available to be reserved with your campsite. Equipment varies at each property. Available equipment may include: tents (2-6 person), pie irons, roasting forks, Dutch ovens, frying pans, propane stoves, portable fire bowls, battery powered lanterns, parachutes, and flags.

Each of our camp items are available on a first come first serve basis and are not guaranteed even if included with your reservation. You may request these items when we call you to confirm your reservation the week prior to your arrival at camp. Please remember to be a sister to every Girl Scout and share with others if our camp is hosting other Girl Scout Groups.

Reservation periods: Reservations require at least 2 weeks in advance to book. Reservations will not be accepted after that 2-week window. Reservations are open 12 months in advance.

 

Your time at Camp:

You are responsible for planning all your time while at camp. This is a fantastic opportunity to get the girls involved in planning what activities you will do as a troop at camp. Many troops decide this is a wonderful time to work on badge work, a journey, or a service project. Other troops make the most of the outdoor time to plan hikes and outdoor cooking experiences. How you spend your time at camp is completely up to you.

 

Preparing to Come to Camp:

If you are a Girl Scout Group, at least one adult troop member must have completed the Camp Prep Training before coming to camp. This training may be done in person or through online gsLearn training. This training will give you the basics you need to ensure property safety while at camp.

Each group must have one adult who is First Aid/CPR certified. Each group is responsible for bringing their own First Aid kit to camp with them.

 

Payment and Cancellation Policy:

Full payment is due at the time a reservation is made for all rentals except in the case of an all camp reservation. For all camp reservations, 50% of the reservation fee is due at the time of reservation and the remaining 50% is due 30 days prior to your reservation. If full payment is not received 30 days prior to your reservation date, your reservation will be cancelled, and no refund will be issued.

Funds paid towards a reservation may be refunded if you:  notify council of a cancellation 30 or more days prior to the reservation start date.

Funds paid towards a reservation may be transferred to another reservation if you:  notify council of a cancellation 3 weeks prior to the reservation start date or if weather conditions cause travel to be hazardous or the camp to close.

If you need to cancel a reservation, please call the council as soon as possible. This will allow us to open your reserved spot to another Girl Scout Group. You may call 317-924-6800 during business hours.

If you are cancelling at the last minute and it is after hours, please call the site manager listed on the first page of this packet.

 

In Case of Emergency:

For a major emergency – Please call 911 first!

  • Secure appropriate emergency personnel (police, fire, rescue, other). Contact the site manager.
  • Keep a responsible adult at the scene of the accident. Make no statements to reporters.
  • Notify parent/legal guardian.
  • Fill out an accident report form. The site manager will have one for you.

For other accidents:

  • Take care of injured person
  • Notify parent/legal guardian.
  • Fill out an accident report form. The site manager will have one for you.

For inclement weather:

  • Please proceed to the nearest building and seek shelter.

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Arrival and Departure

 

Check in and Check out times:

For Overnight Reservations:

Check in:  6pm or after (please call customer care if you would like a reservation starting at 4pm on Saturday)

Check out:  2pm or before

If you want to check in before 6pm or out after 2pm – you must reserve and pay for additional time slots.

 

For Day Use Reservations:

Check in:  at your scheduled time

Check out:  at your scheduled time

 

For Rentable Activity Reservations:

Check in:  at your scheduled time

Check out:  at your scheduled time

 

Arrival Procedure:

Upon arrival at the camp, please proceed to the reserved unit. Shortly after your arrival, the site manager will meet you at your unit and go over anything that may need attention. Please complete the check-in portion of the Property Usage Report. The Property Usage Report can be found in your unit or if you have rented all camp, it will be in the Troop Cabin.

 

Departure Procedure:

Please make sure you have performed all the housekeeping tasks and are leaving your unit in better condition than when you arrived. Please complete the check-out portion of the Property Usage Report. Please notify the site manager (call or text) that you are checking out and leaving the property.

 

 

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Rental Pricing

 

Available

Girl Scout Group

 Non-Girl Scout Group

DAY USE

 

 

 

All Camp (April - October)

8 am - 8 pm

$300

$600

All Camp (November - March)

8 am - 8 pm

$200

$400

Lodge

8 am - 8 pm  

April-October

$50

N/A

Troop Cabin

8 am - 8 pm

$90

N/A

Wing 3

8 am - 8 pm

$60

N/A

Catherine's Cabin

8 am - 8 pm

$60

N/A

Wing 3 

Troop Meeting

(3 hours)

8 am - 8 pm

Monday - Thursday

$0

N/A

Catherine's Cabin 

   Troop Meeting

(3 hours)

8 am - 8 pm

Monday - Thursday

$0

N/A

OVERNIGHT USE

 

 

 

All Camp

(April - October)

6 pm - 2 pm

$300

$600

All Camp

(November - March)

6 pm - 2 pm

$200

$400

Troop Cabin

6 pm - 2 pm

$90

N/A

Wing 3

6 pm - 2 pm

$60

N/A

Catherine's Cabin

6 pm - 2 pm

$60

N/A

Graham Hall

6 pm - 2 pm

$30

N/A

A-Frame (cabin)

6 pm - 2 pm 

April-October

$50

N/A

Eagle's Nest (cabin)

6 pm - 2 pm 

April-October

$60

N/A

Primitive Campsite

6 pm - 2 pm

$20

N/A

ACTIVITIES - RENTABLE

 

 

 

No Site

8 am - 8 pm

$10

Included with all camp rental

Bridging Bridge (3 hours)

8 am - 8 pm

$30

Included with all camp rental

Archery

(3 hours) need facilitator

8 am - 8 pm 

April-October

$30

Included with all camp rental

Hatchets

(3 hours) need facilitator

8 am - 8 pm 

April-October

$30

Included with all camp rental

Pool 

(3 hours) need facilitator

8 am - 8pm

Labor Day - Memorial Day

$30

Included with all camp rental

ACTIVITIES - INCLUDED

 

 

 

Hiking Trails

All Year

included

included

Black Hole Slides

All Year

included

included

Putt Putt Course

April 1 - October 31

included

included

Gaga Dodge Ball Pit

All Year

included

included

Challenge Course

All Year

included

included

Woodland Theater

All Year

included

included

Volleyball

April 1 - October 31

included

included

Bocce Ball

All Year

included

included

Ladder Ball

All Year

included

included

Tetherball

All Year

included

included

Observation Deck

All Year

included

included

Mary's Ring

All Year

included

included

Mary Rutter Memorial

All Year

included

included

Fred Smith Memorial Pond

All Year

included

included

STAFF ONLY

 

 

 

Climbing Wall

council use only

council use only

council use only

Zip Line

council use only

council use only

council use only

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Facilities

 

The Lodge:

  • Used for:  daytime activities, large group meetings, meals
  • Capacity:  80-100
  • Available:  April 1 – October 31
  • Heating/Cooling:  no/no
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: large meeting/dinning space with seating for 100 people. Space contains tables and chairs.
  • Sleeping Area:  none
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – 2 indoor bathrooms located downstairs. Shower4e room with 5 shower stalls, one of which is handicap accessible.
  • Kitchen: Yes – industrial kitchen. No dishes or silverware are provided.
  • Fire area:  none

 

Troop Cabin:

  • Used for:  meeting space, overnight camping
  • Capacity:  30
  • Available:  year round
  • Heating/Cooling:  yes/yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: large meeting room downstairs with tables, chairs, and a fireplace.
  • Sleeping Area: Upstairs carpeted loft area with 9 sets bunkbeds with mattresses and 12 mattresses on the floor. Cubby holes are provided for storage.
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – indoors bathrooms located on the first floor, no showers
  • Kitchen: Yes – includes electric oven/stove, microwave, refrigerator with freezer, sink, cabinets, and countertop work area. No cooking equipment, dishes or silverware provided.
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit

 

Wing 3:

  • Used for:  meeting space, troop meetings, overnight camping
  • Capacity:  20 people
  • Available:  Year round (closed during cookie season)
  • Heating/Cooling:  yes/yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: large open room
  • Sleeping Area: main room has 20 mattresses on the floor
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – indoor restrooms with showers
  • Kitchen:  Yes – contains refrigerator, stove/oven, sink, cabinets, microwave, table, and chairs. No cooking equipment, dishes or silverware provided.
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit with benches

 

Catherine’s Cabin:

  • Used for:  meeting space, troop meetings, overnight camping
  • Capacity:  20 people
  • Available:  Year round
  • Heating/Cooling:  yes/yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: kitchen area may be used as an activity area.
  • Sleeping Area: Main sleeping room has 9 sets of bunkbeds with mattresses, small separate room with 2 cots with mattresses.
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – indoor restrooms with showers
  • Kitchen:  Yes – contains refrigerator, stove/oven, sink, cabinets, microwave, table, and chairs. No cooking equipment, dishes or silverware provided.
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit with benches

 

Kathy’s Corner:

  • Used for:  overnight camping – call for availability
  • Capacity:  20 people
  • Available:  Year Round
  • Heating/Cooling:  yes/yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: large meeting room
  • Sleeping Area: main room has 20 mattresses on the floor
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – indoor restrooms with showers
  • Kitchen:  Yes – contains refrigerator, stove/oven, sink, cabinets, microwave, table, and chairs. No cooking equipment, dishes or silverware provided.
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit with benches

 

Graham Hall:

  • Used for:  overnight camping
  • Capacity:  9 people
  • Available:  Year round
  • Heating/Cooling:  yes/yes
  • Electricity: yes
  • Activity space: none
  • Sleeping Area: 4 sets of bunkbeds with mattresses, 1 cot with a mattress.
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – single indoor bathroom with shower
  • Kitchen:  small kitchenette with mini fridge, microwave, mini convection oven, small sink. No cooking equipment, dishes or silverware provided.
  • Fire area:  none

 

Eagle’s Nest:

  • Used for:  overnight camping
  • Capacity:  20 people
  • Available:  April 1 – October 31
  • Heating/Cooling:  no/no
  • Electricity: yes - in shelter house
  • Activity space: open shelter house with fireplace, tables, benches, electricity
  • Sleeping Area: 4 cabins on stilts, 1 on the ground (handicap accessible w/ramp). Each cabin contains 4 cots with mattresses.
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – outdoor latrines, wash station
  • Kitchen:  none
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit with benches

 

A-Frame Cabins:

  • Used for:  overnight camping
  • Capacity:  18 people
  • Available:  April 1 – October 31
  • Heating/Cooling:  no/no
  • Electricity: yes - in shelter house
  • Activity space: open shelter house with fireplace, tables, benches, electricity
  • Sleeping Area: 3 A-Frame cabins. Each cabin contains 6 cots with mattresses.
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – outdoor latrines, wash station
  • Kitchen:  none
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit with benches

 

Primitive Campsite:

  • Used for:  overnight camping
  • Available:  year-round, water only available April-October
  • Heating/Cooling:  no/no
  • Electricity: yes, in shelter house
  • Activity space:  open field, open shelter house with tables
  • Sleeping Area:  bring your own tent
  • Bathroom & Shower Facilities – latrines nearby
  • Kitchen:  none 
  • Fire area:  wood provided, 1 fire pit

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Rentable Activities

Rentable Activities – these must be added to your rental at the time of reservation (at least two weeks prior). No reservations will be made for additional items while at camp.

  • Archery: Archery equipment is available for hourly rentals for visiting groups or it is included in an all camp rental. You must provide your own certified archery instructor to use the equipment. Lists of certified facilitators can be found on the website. Archery will follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints and is not permitted for Daisies. Council approval is required for archery. Please make sure to submit your High-Risk Activity Form to council for approval. Available April 1 to October 31.
  • Hatchet Throwing: Hatchet throwing is available for hourly rentals for visiting groups or it is included in an all camp rental. You must provide your own certified instructor to use the equipment. Lists of certified facilitators can be found on the website. Hatchets will follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints and it is not permitted for Daisies, Brownies, or Juniors. Council approval is required for hatchet throwing. Please make sure to submit your High-Risk Activity Form to council for approval. Available April 1 to October 31.
  • Pool with shower house: The pool and shower house is available for hourly rentals for visiting groups or it is included in an all camp rental. You must provide your own certified lifeguard to use the pool. Lists of certified facilitators can be found on the website. Swimming will follow the Safety Activity Checkpoints. Council approval is required for swimming. Please make sure to submit your High-Risk Activity Form to council for approval. Available weather permitting from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Capacity is 50 people.
  • Bridging Bridge: Our bridge is available for rental for troops to use for bridging ceremonies. The bridge is near the Program Center.

 

 

Camp Sycamore Valley Free Activities

Free Activities – available to all groups while at camp, first come first serve:

  • Hiking Trails:  There are numerous trails throughout camp that vary in degree of difficulty. Trails leads to the observation deck, the Wildcat Creek, the Zipline platform, the Teams Course, and various other locations. 
  • Black Hole Slides: Take a ride down our 80 foot slides located near the Lodge. Adult supervision is required.
  • Putt Putt Course:  9 hole mini gold course located near the pool. Adult supervision is required. Available April 1 to October 31.
  • Gaga Dodge Ball Pit: Located near the pool.  A ball is provided. Adult supervision is required.
  • Challenge Course:  Located south of the pool in the woods. Your troop must work together to accomplish the goal of completing all 8 obstacles. An instruction packet is located near the course.  Adult supervision is required.
  • Woodland Theater:  The theater is located just north of the. It is suitable of programs and has seating for 75-100.
  • Volleyball: Located in the open field near the Troop Cabin.
  • Ladder Ball:  Located near the pool.
  • Bocce Ball:  Located across from the pool.
  • Tetherball:  Located across from the pool.
  • Observation Deck:  Take a hiking trail out into the woods to the observation deck. This is a perfect area to quietly observe nature out in the woods.
  • Mary’s Ring: Mary’s Ring is a special place at Sycamore Valley constructed by friends and co-workers in memory of a special person. Mary Patterson demonstrated her belief in Girl Scouts by leading troops, training adults, serving on the board of directors, and giving generously of herself. Mary’s Ring is suitable for many kinds of activities including: ceremonial campfires, ceremonies, family, and inter-troop programs, and singing.  It is a lovely place for an individual to go to meditate, study, bird watch, star gaze, or just be quiet. In a variety of ways, the Girl Scout Promise and Law may be highlighted and made more real in this place that honors one who made our code part of her life. A fire on the stone fireplace should be only two logs high – be sure to have a bucket of sand close by. On either side of the fireplace are holes in the ground for flag poles and/or torches. Mary’s Ring has many potential uses. A fire in the fire ring may be used for large groups. Please no food or cooking in this area.
  • The Mary Rutter Memorial: The Mary Rutter Memorial stands on the northwest bluff of Sycamore Valley overlooking Wildcat Creek. A path up the hill from the troop cabin leads to the open structure. This peaceful place may be used for quiet time, dedication, singing, and Girl Scout’s Own. Because Mary loved music, we hope many girls and leaders will use the memorial as a place for singing traditional Girl Scout songs. Please show respect at the site. No eating or cooking, please.
  • The Fred Smith Memorial Pond: The Fred Smith Memorial Pond is located at the foot of the hill west of the troop cabin. Fred worked at Sycamore Valley for more than fifteen years. He loved camp and did many extra things to enhance its beauty. He built the pond for girls and leaders to enjoy. This is a quiet place, suitable for reflective programs. Please do not pick wildflowers – leave them for all to enjoy in their native habitat.

 

 

 


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