Troop Camping

Outdoor camping is an excellent way to help girls develop independence and practice good decision making skills. Whether your troop camps at beautiful Camp Tanasi on the shores of Norris Lake or takes advantage of sites throughout scenic East Tennessee, Girl Scouts will build outdoor skills and develop an appreciation for the world around them. 

Camping at Camp Tanasi

Girl Scouts of Tanasi owns and operates Camp Tanasi located near Andersonville on Norris Lake. Camp Tanasi is 461 acres of beautiful wooded property with cabins and tents, a waterfront program area, pool, an active horseback program, climbing tower and a challenge course.  Troops may use the camp in several ways:

Day Visits and Events

Troops are welcome to make reservations to visit Camp Tanasi for the day – a perfect introduction to outdoor program for younger girls to hike, cook out, do badge work and experience the natural world.  There is no charge for day use at Camp Tanasi, but leaders need to make reservations at least two weeks in advance.  Day campers are assigned to the main camp area and may use the picnic tables and bath house near Lighton Loge and the fire ring in the ampitheater.  Day Campers who wish to reserve a unit need to pay the overnight reservation fee.

Overnight Troop Camping

Troop camping is a favorite activity for Girl Scouts from Brownies to older girls.  One adult from the troop needs appropriate training – see the previous section on Adult Training Opportunities for more information on scheduling outdoor training for adults. 

Service Unit Camps

Each year, Camp Tanasi hosts several large service unit encampments; troops work together to plan programs and dining. Encampments may be scheduled one year in advance with a minimum deposit of $100. Ask at the council office about food service, lifeguards and program ideas to make your event a success. Contact the program department with questions.

Explore East Tennessee

Our council is rich in outdoor resources, including state and national parks and recreation areas.  Take advantage of the scenic beauty of the Appalachian mountains -- girls enjoy trails, campsites and cook-out areas or discover valuable service project opportunities. Camping at other locations is always encouraged as long as the site you choose meets Safety-Wise standards and you, as a troop leader, have current and proper training for overnight camping.

Outdoor Training Helps Leaders Plan

Leaders and registered adults do not need special training to take Girl Scout troops on day trips that do not involve outdoor cooking, although at least one adult must have First Aid and CPR training for all outings beyond the usual meeting location.  Once troops are ready to begin cooking outdoors, special training from the Girl Scout council office is necessary. 

Current First Aid/CPR Certification

One adult with the troop must have current certification before any camping trip or before any outing beyond the meeting.

Troop Camping I
One adult with the troop must take this course before any camping trip.  This allows troops to camp in cabins and platform tents like those at Camp Tanasi. All other sites must meet Safety-Wise standards.

One adult with the troop must take this course before pitching tents on camping trips. Adults with extensive experience or outdoor training from other organizations may not need to take the Girl Scout outdoor training. Call the program registrar to check certification requirements or for information about current special certification courses.