In 1963 the Council purchased 157 acres of beautiful rolling hills on the east bank of the Elkhorn River near Nickerson, Nebraska. A contest was held to name the camp. Jane Owens, a Senior Girl Scout of Wayne, NE chose the name Camp Crossed Arrows because the name symbolizes peace and friendship in the Native American culture.
Camp Crossed Arrows is a camping facility serving Girl Scout and non-Girl Scout campers. The general camp area serves as an outdoor education center, a game and wildlife preserve, an outdoor training center for adults and girls in Girl Scouts, resident camping in the summer & troop camping year round.
Camp Crossed Arrows is used year-round by the Council members and a few outside groups. The Florence Schlesinger Troop House which is winterized, was built in 1972 and today is used for troop camping and other Council-sponsored outdoor events. The camp also offers cabins and covered wagons for camping when weather permits.
In 1974 a residence was constructed on-site which is home to the Outdoor Program Director.
In 2000, a Ropes and Challenge Course which offers low and high elements was added to the property. In 2004, two storm shelters were built on the property. One smaller shelter by the Ropes Course and the large shelter is located near the covered wagons.
Other points of interest include an outdoor bathroom/storm shelter, a 5-stall shower house, a horse corral, and several storage buildings.
For more information upon leasing the facility, please contact the Outdoor Program Director at 402-478-4825 or email her at outdoorprogram@gsprairiehills.com.
