About the Friends of Camp El-O-Win

The Friends of Camp El-O-Win was incorporated as a 501(c)3 organization in 2004 to raise funds to keep Camp El-O-Win operating.  In 2007, we purchased the camp from the local Girl Scout council so the girls of Fresno, Madera, Kings, Tulare and Kern counties could continue to have a fun quality camp experience.

Mission Statement

The mission of the Friends of Camp El-O-Win is to preserve, enhance and promote El-O-Win and its traditions as a safe place where campers discover their abilities, values and talents in a beautiful mountain setting.

Our Goals

Our goal is to offer weekend programs until the bridge is built and then resume operating resident camp programs.  Exceptional outdoor programs on an extraordinary site will be offered to girls from the Central Valley, community groups and families.  The philosophy on which the program is designed reflects our unwavering commitment to safety, fun and providing girls with a unique adventure.

The Present

Phase II: Continue with $500,000 fundraising campaign to build the new footbridge.

Phase III: Replace, repair and rebuild areas.

Board Meeting Recaps

Press here for a recap of our board meetings.

 

About Camp El-O-Win

Camp El-O-Win is located in the majestic Sierra Nevadas at an elevation of 5,500 feet alongside beautiful Dinkey Creek.  We offer outdoor programs designed for girls ages 6 to 18.

In 1958, 58 acres were given to the Golden Valley Girl Scout Council to build a summer camp for girls.  Since 1959, thousand of girls have been part of Camp El-O-Win.  In this beautiful mountain setting, girls have the time of their lives:  hiking through the pines; rock hopping and studying some of nature's smallest wildlife along the creek; watching meteor showers and living under the canopy of stars which were identified with skill and pride; creating mouth watering s'mores and chicken under a bucket for a delicious campfire dinner; and reliving the facinating lore and legacy of the Indians who summer camped on this property hundreds of years ago.  It can be a lively place with girls, giggles and gallant tries at catching a fish in our Dinkey Creek.

Dinkey Creek runs through the camp and a wooden footbridge connected the two sides.  The major buildings are on the south side of the creek while the majority of the cabins are on the north side.  During the winter of 2003, the wooden footbridge was damaged and for two years the camp was closed.  The footbridge was eventually removed.  In 2005 the camp was re-opened by the Friends of Camp El-O-Win for weekend camping on the south side of Dinkey Creek.