Camp Scherman Update

Girl Scouts of Orange County will not operate weekend camp or summer resident camp at Camp Scherman’s Mountain Center during MY27. As we look ahead, we’re focusing on developing expanded local and accessible outdoor experiences that can serve more girls across Orange County.

View MY27 Opportunities | Read the FAQ | Share Feedback

A Difficult Decision

Camp Scherman has been the setting for generations of Campers growing courage, friendship, leadership, and belonging. We understand that the camp property in Mountain Center is deeply personal to many campers, families, alum, volunteers, and staff. This decision reflects financial sustainability, participation, and barriers that have prevented many girls from accessing the experience.

Why This Change Is Being Made

Fewer than 4% of GSOC girl members participated in an experience at Camp Scherman during the past year.
Camp Scherman operated at an FY26 deficit of approximately $1 million.
GSOC subsidized those experiences at an average of nearly $980 per participant.
Distance, transportation, cost, scheduling, and the overnight format can create significant barriers.
A more local approach can create additional ways for girls to experience the outdoors.

MY27 Opportunities

Day Camp

Camp CEO

Outdoor Programs

Carrying the Scherman Spirit Forward

Camp Scherman is also a community—people connected by songs, traditions, campfires, friendships, and the confidence built through shared experiences. We will work with that community to identify meaningful ways to carry those traditions into new spaces.

Stay Informed

This page will be updated as MY27 opportunities and policies are confirmed. Questions: email us at customercare@girlscoutsoc.org , subject line “CampFeedback".

Frequently Asked Questions

What is changing during MY27? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Orange County will not operate programs at our Camp Scherman/Mountain Center Property during MY27. This includes Camp Scherman Resident Camps, Camp Scherman Weekend Camps, and any 3rd Party Camps or programs.

Instead, we are exploring how to bring the experiences, traditions, and spirit of Camp Scherman closer to serve more Girl Scouts through outdoor programs offered in Orange County and at other locations.

This is a significant change, and we recognize that it may be deeply personal for many members of our community.

Why is GSOC making this change? toggle arrow

This difficult decision reflects financial sustainability and access. In the past year, fewer than 4% of GSOC girl members participated in an experience at Camp Scherman. During that same period, GSOC subsidized Camp Scherman experiences at an average of nearly $980 per participant—approximately $1 million overall. We also know that distance, transportation, cost, scheduling, and the overnight format create barriers for many families.

We recognize Camp Scherman has provided generations of Girl Scouts with meaningful opportunities to build confidence, practice independence, explore the outdoors, and form lifelong friendships. At the same time, operating programs at our Camp Scherman/Mountain Center Property requires GSOC to subsidize each participant’s experience at a level that is no longer financially sustainable. Even with registration fees, donations and careful expense management, the revenue generated by Camp Scherman programs does not cover their full cost. Continuing to subsidize the experience at the current level would require GSOC to redirect substantial resources from other programs and services that support Girl Scouts across Orange County.

Pausing programs at Camp Scherman at our Mountain Center Property in MY27 gives us the opportunity to examine how we can provide high-quality outdoor experiences that are financially responsible, accessible to more girls, and responsive to the needs of today’s members.

Does GSOC still believe in camp and outdoor experiences? toggle arrow

Absolutely. Outdoor experiences remain a core part of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and of our commitment to girls. This decision reflects a change in how and where those experiences are delivered, not a change in our belief in the value of outdoor programming.

What outdoor opportunities will be available during MY27? toggle arrow

We are developing an expanded range of local camp and outdoor experiences.

GSOC is developing opportunities that bring elements of the Camp Scherman experience closer to members. These may include:

Day and weekend outdoor programs in Orange County
Programs at GSOC program centers
Partnerships with other camps and outdoor facilities
Partnership with neighboring Girl Scout Councils
Volunteer-led camping opportunities
Outdoor skill-building, leadership and environmental programs
Experiences that carry forward Camp Scherman songs, ceremonies and traditions

Specific programs, locations, dates, costs, and registration details will be shared as they are confirmed.

Will troops be able to use Camp Scherman property at Mountain Center on their own? toggle arrow

There are no plans to make the property publicly available at this time. We will share clear information about access and reservations if opportunities become available.

Is Camp Scherman closing permanently? toggle arrow

No permanent decisions about the future of Programs at the Camp Scherman Mountain Center Property have been announced.

GSOC will not operate traditional Camp Scherman programming at Camp Scherman/Mountain Center Property during MY27. We will use this time to assess future possibilities and determine what model best supports girls, members and the long-term sustainability of our council.

We will share updates as additional decisions are made.

Is GSOC selling the Camp Scherman property? toggle arrow

At this time, GSOC has no plans to sell the property. GSOC remains committed to responsible stewardship of Camp Scherman and the land that makes up the full mountain center property, and no decision about the property should be assumed based on the MY27 program change.

How can I share feedback? toggle arrow

We welcome your perspective. Share your questions, ideas, and experiences by emailing us at customercare@girlscoutsoc.org, and include the subject line: “Camp Feedback”

We welcome thoughtful feedback, including what members value most about Camp experiences, barriers that have prevented participation, and the types of outdoor opportunities families would be most likely to use in the future.

How will Camp Scherman traditions continue? toggle arrow

Camp Scherman’s spirit lives in its people, songs, friendships, ceremonies, leadership, and shared memories. We will work with campers, alumnae, volunteers, and staff to identify meaningful ways to carry those traditions into future outdoor experiences.

Council Finder

Camp Scherman & Outdoor Experience Updates for MY27