Girl Scout Camp Woodhaven

For families and youth organizations in the Capital Region and beyond, Girl Scout Camp Woodhaven stands as a cornerstone of outdoor education and seasonal recreation. Nestled in the scenic town of Galway, New York, this expansive 250-acre property is managed by the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York (GSNENY). While it primarily serves as a hub for Girl Scout troop camping and summer day programs, its presence in the local community offers a vital sanctuary for youth to develop leadership skills, independence, and a deep appreciation for the natural world. The camp is characterized by its diverse terrain, ranging from dense hardwood forests and winding creeks to open playing fields and a tranquil pond, providing a versatile backdrop for a wide array of outdoor pursuits.

The mission of Camp Woodhaven is rooted in the long-standing traditions of Girl Scouting, emphasizing "courage, confidence, and character." For local New Yorkers, the camp represents a safe and structured environment where young people can step outside their comfort zones. Whether it is a child's first night away from home in a platform tent or an experienced troop embarking on a weekend-long environmental study, the facility is designed to scale with the needs of its visitors. The serene and clean environment frequently earns praise from local users, who value the camp's ability to feel completely removed from the bustle of city life despite being conveniently located within Saratoga County.

Location and accessibility are key components of the Camp Woodhaven experience. Situated at 2015 Alexander Road, the camp is easily accessible for residents of Schenectady, Ballston Spa, and Saratoga Springs. The approach to the camp takes visitors through the charming rural landscape of Galway, setting the tone for a peaceful retreat. Upon arrival, the property features a well-organized layout with designated on-site parking in a main lot near the entrance. To preserve the safety and quiet of the camp environment, vehicle traffic is strictly limited within the interior roads, which are designed as one-way lanes to ensure emergency vehicle access remains unobstructed at all times.

The camp is a seasonal facility, typically welcoming visitors from late May through mid-October. This schedule aligns perfectly with the peak New York outdoor season, allowing guests to enjoy the lush greenery of spring, the warmth of summer lakeside activities, and the vibrant foliage of early autumn. The infrastructure of the camp is tailored to accommodate different comfort levels, offering everything from winterized lodges with central heating to primitive tenting areas that provide a true "back-to-nature" experience.

Services offered at Girl Scout Camp Woodhaven are structured to support both day-use activities and overnight stays. The management provides the essential logistical framework required for safe youth camping, including professional site orientation and maintenance support. By offering a variety of specialized "units," the camp can host multiple groups simultaneously while ensuring each has its own dedicated space for cooking and gathering.

• Seasonal overnight camping accommodations including cabins, platform tents, and lean-tos.
• Year-round lodge rentals, such as the Troop Houses, which feature central heating and full kitchen facilities.
• Supervised summer day camp programs focusing on aquatic ecology, arts and crafts, and outdoor skills.
• Property rental opportunities for member and non-member groups looking to host retreats or workshops.
• Maintenance of professional safety standards, including a dedicated first-aider requirement for all camping groups.
• Sanitation and waste management services, including on-site restrooms and latrine facilities for outdoor units.
• Equipment provision for outdoor cooking, including fire circles and covered kitchen shelters.

Features and highlights of the property are designed to engage the curiosity of young explorers. One of the most significant highlights is the camp's waterfront area, which includes a beach and a pond fully equipped for boating and paddleboarding. These aquatic features serve as the heart of the camp during the summer months, offering a cool respite and a place for aquatic study. Additionally, the network of hiking trails is a major draw, featuring kid-friendly routes that allow even the youngest campers to experience the thrill of discovery without overwhelming difficulty.

• A 250-acre wooded site featuring diverse ecosystems, including a creek and a nature center.
• Lakefront access with facilities for swimming, rowing, and stand-up paddleboarding.
• An expansive playing field suitable for large-group games, sports, and community ceremonies.
• The "Lumber Jill" and "Pioneer" units, offering unique platform tent experiences overlooking the water.
• Modernized lodges (Troop House I and II) equipped with electricity, fireplaces, and flush toilets for a comfortable stay.
• A dedicated nature cabin and observation deck for birdwatching and environmental education.
• Multiple fire circles throughout the property, ideal for traditional campfire songs and s'mores.
• Kid-friendly hikes that wind through the forest, perfect for teaching "Leave No Trace" principles.

For those interested in booking a stay or learning more about the upcoming summer camp schedule, the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York council office handles all administrative inquiries. It is recommended to contact the council well in advance for weekend rentals, as the site is a popular destination for regional troops.

Address: 2015 Alexander Rd, Galway, NY 12074, USA

Phone: (518) 489-8110

What is worth choosing about Camp Woodhaven is the intentionality behind its design. This is not just a place to stay; it is a place to grow. Choosing this camp means choosing a facility that has been carefully curated over decades to serve the specific needs of youth development. The combination of its vast acreage and its variety of lodging options—from the rustic "Gypsy" cabins to the modern Troop Houses—allows for a customized experience that can transition from high-adventure to focused education. The "beautiful grounds" noted by local users are a testament to the stewardship of the GSNENY council, ensuring that the land remains a pristine resource for generations to come.

Furthermore, the camp’s commitment to safety and accessibility makes it a reliable choice for parents and troop leaders. The clear policies regarding health forms, adult-to-child ratios, and emergency procedures provide a level of security that is paramount in youth programming. Whether you are a local Galway resident enjoying the scenery or a troop leader planning an annual encampment, Camp Woodhaven delivers an authentic Upstate New York experience that balances the wildness of the forest with the comfort of a well-managed facility. It remains a cherished destination where the simple joys of hiking, creek stomping, and sleeping under the stars are transformed into life-long lessons in leadership and environmental responsibility.

Would you like me to help you look into the specific badge-earning opportunities available at Camp Woodhaven for this season, or perhaps find the current rental rates for the winterized Troop Houses?