Camp and Facilities

Camp Sakakawea

History

Located on the shores of Bass Lake in Traverse City is the home of Girl Scout Camp Sakakawea, fondly called Camp Saki by the thousands of children and adults who use it yearly. It is also the home of wildlife, virgin forest, marshland, and a pristine waterfront.

For years, Girl Scouts in the Traverse City area shared Camp Greilick with Boy Scouts and other organizations. All that changed in the mid-50’s when Rotarians Dr. John Hayes and Dr. Frank Power, along with his wife Margot who was a long time leader, drew the assignment of finding a new home for Girl Scouts.

Dr. Power would conduct camp property searches by air over Grand Traverse County until ultimately the site southwest of Traverse City on Bass Lake was found. In the summer of 1955, Girl Scouts (then Aspen Trails Council) held their first pioneer camp at what was to become known as Camp Sakakawea.

A trust partnership and 99-year lease between Rotary and Girl Scouts has been in effect since that time with Rotary as the financial partner.

The first major construction on the property was the Oleson Lodge completed in 1960. It was built in memory of the late Frances E. Oleson. Over the past 50 years, Camp Sakakawea has undergone major construction and renovation projects turning it into a year-round facility but to protect the property in its natural state, Camp Sakakwea entered into the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy in 2004.

This 565 acre camp hosts summer resident camp and is also available for year-round use by registered Girl Scouts and groups when resident camp is not in session.

Facilities Include:

Large dining hall
Three pavilions
Two log cabins
Medical center
Craft house
Troop house
Hard courts
Shower house
Primitive campsites
Platform tents (seasonal)
Waterfront for swimming and canoeing (seasonal)

Summer Fun Guide »
Reservation Form (Writable)
Directions »
Rental Units and Costs

Camp and Facilities