Rentals FAQs | Girl Scouts

Check out the Troop Facility Rental Guidelines or explore the FAQs below.

The Girl Scouts of Manitou Council Rental Guide will help troops and outside groups become more familiar with our rentable spaces, learn about each spaces' features, and more.

We also have a rental resource for troops and leaders available. This resource contains everything to help you plan and prepare for a stay at our camps, including: checklists, maps and directions, important contacts, seasonal activity ideas, available activities at both camps, games and challenges, and campfire songs!

What type of training is required? toggle arrow

Outdoor Adventures Training is required for at least one registered adult volunteer of a troop before bringing girls on an overnight in tents or before cooking over a fire. Troop leaders can also recruit another adult/parent to become the troop's Outdoor Adventures Certified adult. Also, an adult with current first aid and CPR certifications is required to be present during overnight outings at all Girl Scouts of Manitou Council owned sites.

How many people can sleep in each building and what are the sleeping arrangements? toggle arrow

Buildings sleep up to 25 with sleeping mats arranged on the floor. Crystal Lake House and the Cedars have a small room available that sleeps two in twin beds. Gemini I also has a small room available that sleeps two on cots.

What time is check-in and check-out? toggle arrow

The facility you have rented will be available for your group after 4:00 p.m. on the day reserved. Please understand that early arrival may not work as previous guests may not have checked out until 3:00 p.m. and clean up needs to occur. Please depart prior to 3:00 p.m. on your last day. Upon departure, complete the check-out form and leave in the building for the property manager.

Where do I get the keys to unlock the building I have reserved? toggle arrow

If you are staying at Camp Evelyn (besides Crystal Lake House), the buildings will be opened for you prior to your arrival. If you are staying at the Crystal Lake House, you will receive an email with a security code for the front door. If you are staying at Camp Manitou, you will receive an email with a security code for the gate and building lock.

Are the kitchens stocked and with what? toggle arrow

Kitchens include refrigerator, stove, microwave, coffee pot, cooking utensils, pots, pans, plates, cups, and silverware for up to 25 people.

What equipment do you suggest I bring along when renting one of the buildings? toggle arrow

It is recommended you bring your own dish cloths, dish towels, sponges/scrubbers for dishes, food storage containers, storage wraps (i.e. aluminum foil), lighter or matches, and paper or fire starters for starting a campfire. If you are unsure what to bring or would like more information on what is available in the buildings please contact us.

Do the buildings have toilets and showers? toggle arrow

Yes, each building with the exception of tent units and the Lodge have a minimum of two toilets and at least one shower.

Do we need to bring fans with us? toggle arrow

No, we do provide fans in all the buildings and the Crystal Lake House does have air conditioning.

What do you provide for cooking over the fire? toggle arrow

There are no grills available at buildings; however, there are outdoor campfire rings. We do provide a small grate but do not provide tripods for cooking over the fire. If you wish to use a tripod over the fire, you will need to provide your own.

Do you have dutch ovens, roasting forks, or pudgy pie irons for the fire? toggle arrow

Yes, dutch ovens, roasting forks, and pudy pie irons are available. If you choose to use the dutch ovens you will need to supply your own charcoal. There are charcoal chimneys available.

Are there lawn chairs to sit on around the fire pit? toggle arrow

There are benches and/or picnic tables provided around the outdoor fire rings to sit on. You are more than welcome to bring your own chairs to use.

I know there is a fireplace and an outdoor fire ring available. Are we required to bring our own firewood, tinder, and kindling? toggle arrow

Firewood is provided in or near each building; the forest is available for you to collect kindling and tinder if needed.

Are lifeguards required to go swimming and boating when renting a camp facility? toggle arrow

All groups must have a certified lifeguard supervising all waterfront activities. Use of the waterfront must be pre-arranged and have council approval.

If we rent the Crystal Lake House in the summer, can our troop join in on your summer camp activities? toggle arrow

The activities that are happening at Camp Evelyn are for summer campers only. If your troop is interested in these activities, it is suggested the troop register and join us for a summer camp session.

Is there any poison ivy in the area around camp? toggle arrow

Yes, poison ivy has been known to grow in various areas of camp. Please advise everyone to stay on trails and you may want to teach your group how to identify poison ivy.

Are there any hiking trails? toggle arrow

There are many trails at camp to explore. Many lead to the various campsites, others lead to the river, and some are mainly scenic trails in the woods.

How early do I need to make my reservation in order to ensure a good date? toggle arrow

You may make your reservation as early as you would like. Both Camp Evelyn and Camp Manitou are popular troop adventures.

What if there are male chaperones or children who aren't members of the troop/group accompanying the troop? toggle arrow

Troop members' parents should be notified of all those accompanying a Girl Scout troop/group camping, including all chaperones and all children who are not members.

What are the weather guidelines for pool or lake rentals/cookie booth parties? toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Manitou Council reserves the right to cancel a swimming session due to extreme weather conditions for the safety of the swimmers and lifeguards. We will contact you to reschedule or make other arrangements for your troop.

Is there geocaching and a disc golf course available? toggle arrow

Yes, Camp Evelyn and Camp Manitou both have geocaching available. The information is provided in the buildings. Camp Manitou does have a disc golf course. You are encouraged to bring your own discs but some discs are provided.

What is the cancellation policy? toggle arrow

If a cancellation of a reservation is made at least three weeks prior to the date reserved, a full refund will be made. If a cancellation is made less than three weeks prior to the date reserved no refund will be made.

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Rental Frequently Asked Questions

Check out the Troop Facility Rental Guidelines or explore the FAQs below.