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Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center

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Lodge
Shady Pines
Raccoon Run | Tiny Houses
Skeeter Hollow | Tents and Bunkhouses
Shady Oaks | Yurt Village
Day Site
Eagles Roost

This 250-acre site is located in Chuluota, just east of Orlando in Seminole county. Purchased in 1970, Mah-Kah-Wee, which means “Earth Maiden,” received its name as a result of a troop contest and was dedicated on March 7, 1971.

Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center provides girls and adults outdoor programming 365 days a year. Every summer, Girl Scouts and their friends from across the country celebrate one of the longest Girl Scouting traditions: summer camp.

Both resident and day camps are offered every summer, promising favorites like horseback riding and water adventures. But don't be surprised by emerging camps for modern girls like surfing and dragon boating!

During the year, Girl Scouts of Citrus welcomes community and corporate partners to outdoor leadership experiences through our low and high-ropes training.

Availability

Mah-Kah-Wee is available for troop camping, camporees and various day activities and events by reservation from September through the 2nd week of May. Troops can request troop camping three months out, and camporees may submit requests nine months out. Mah-Kah-Wee Program Center observes the same holiday schedule as the Council Service Center.

Reservations: Reservations will open 9 months to the date to accommodate troop camping, camporees and day activities, this is a rolling calendar. 

The following dates are for camporees only. Please be aware that no activities or facilities will be available for troop use during the camporees.​

  • April 3-5, 2020
  • May 1-3, 2020

Please be aware that we will  only be accepting camporee reservations on the dates listed above.

All other requests will not be accepted and will be cancelled and removed.

Staff

The Outdoor Program and Property Teams are located at Mah-Kah-Wee and observe the same work week and holiday schedule as the Council Service Center, unless specified otherwise during events, summer camps or other activities.

General Unit Information

Each unit has a screened unit house with tables, benches and a refrigerator with ice. The following items are provided within each unit: multiple grills, picnic tables, separate bath house containing toilets and hot showers, metal buckets for washing dishes, toilet paper, hand soap, paper towels, brooms and a water hose.

Guests are responsible for providing all other amenities including, but not limited to: charcoal, matches, firestarters, all food and beverages, cooking supplies and utensils, patrol boxes, cooler chests, drink coolers, all cleaning supplies for unit including: bathroom, unit house, cabins and dishes. Liquid fire starters are not permitted nor Match Lite® type charcoal. Only appropriate Fire Starters are allowed and are NOT provided and must be prepared prior to arrival.

  • Please refer to your Outdoor Skills person for a patrol box supply list. Water coolers will be available at activities. There are also water fountains and spigots throughout the property. 
  • All groups must have the required number of Outdoor Skills people based on a 1 per 30 participant ratio. A copy of the certification(s) must be provided to the Outdoor Program Team 2 weeks prior to your arrival.
  • Sharing Units - In order to serve as many girls as possible, units, activities and program spaces may need to be shared or combined at times to allow for everyone to participate. If this is required by your group, we will contact you ahead of time to make you aware of the details. Please keep in mind there is only one unit house with one refrigerator. If you are not willing to share your unit, you will be responsible for the fee of the entire unit.
  • Events During Campouts: If you have others joining you for a day event, this MUST be noted at the time of your request for property usage. Rangers MUST be kept updated regarding ALL who enter and exit the property. Please remember that there are NO tagalongs allowed at events. TAGALONGS are siblings, infants, friends, family members and other Girl Scouts that are not in the troop or appropriate grade level for the event.       

FACILITIES

Tichochee Lodge

This air conditioned building can be reserved for large group catered meals, activities or for special events. There is an indoor fireplace, sound system and adjacent bathrooms available. Please click here for menu selections. For questions about menus and special needs please contact Theresa Rivera, Senior Director of Outdoor Programs and Property.

Maximum capacity: 200 pp for program, 125 pp per meal.

Infirmary

This air conditioned building is available during large events and camporees. Sleeping capacity is 1 bed for the designated medical staff (this is in a locked room for storing medications) and 4 beds for sick use only. A current certification must be provided and turned into the Outdoor Program Team during the registration process.Prepared First Aid Kits are included for units and must be returned.

Please be mindful that the Infirmary is for medical issues only, it is not to be used as a gathering/meeting place.

Please contact the Outdoor Program Team for specifics regarding the Infirmary and general supplies.

East Side Units

Racoon Run

There are 10 platform tents that sleep 4 people per tent. Each cot has a camping mattress and a mosquito net. The Unit House has an inside grill for charcoal cooking only.

Maximum Capacity: 40 people

Shady Pines

There are 7 cabins with 4 bunk beds that sleep 8 people per cabin. Each cabin has ceiling fans, air conditioning and heat. One cabin is wheelchair accessible. The Unit House has an inside grill for charcoal cooking only.

Maximum Capacity: 56 people.

Skeeter Hollow

There are 10 platform tents that sleep 4 people per tent. Each cot has a camping mattress and a mosquito net. There is also a bunkhouse that sleeps a maximum of 16 people and a common area with air conditioning only (no heat).

The bunkhouse, bath house and 5 of the platform tents are wheelchair accessible. The Unit House only has outside cooking grills.

Maximum Capacity: 56 people

West Side Units

Eagles Roost

There are 5 cabins with 4 bunk beds that sleep 8 people per cabin. Each cabin has ceiling fans, air conditioning and heat. The entire unit is wheelchair accessible including paved walkways. The Unit House has an inside grill for charcoal cooking only.

Maximum Capacity: 40 people

Shady Oaks

There are 8 platform tents that sleep 4 people per tent, each cot has a camping mattress and a mosquito net. The Unit House has an inside grill for charcoal cooking only.

Maximum Capacity: 32 people

Turkey Run

There is space available to pitch your own tent camping. (Tents are not provided.) The Unit House has an inside grill for charcoal cooking only.

Maximum Capacity: 32 people

Staff House

The staff house may be reserved for meetings or troop use. There are 3 bedrooms with beds/cots, 2 ½ bathrooms with hot showers, full kitchen, living room, back porch, air conditioning and heat.

Maximum Capacity Day Use: 24 people; Overnight: 12 people

Day Site Pavilion

This open grassy area has a covered pavilion with electricity and picnic tables. There is a fire ring, multiple grills and a large field that can be used for activities or pitch your own tent camping (tents not included). There are bathrooms located nearby with toilets and hot showers.

Maximum Capacity for Day Use: 200 people; Overnight: 100 people

Nature Center

This air-conditioned building is home to a variety of environmental activities, including Amanda the Armadillo. There are a variety of displays and hands on activities available for troops/groups to learn about and earn badge requirements.

The center is to be used for these activities only.

Maximum Capacity: 24 people

Creative Cottage

This large enclosed air conditioned building has a screened porch. There are picnic tables, a water fountain, bathroom, refrigerator and a microwave. Troops must bring their own craft supplies; however, there is a limited supply of general craft materials that are available in the common area.

Maximum Capacity: 60 people (40 people inside and 20 people in the porch).

 

ACTIVITIES

All activities are available for weekend and day events by reserving them through our online reservation system, Doubleknot. Deposit is required at time of reservation and will not be confirmed without it. Activities will either be Facilitator Led (Requires a GSC Certified Staff Member) or Leader Led (Adults review information and lead activity). Please refer to the fee schedule for more information regarding each activity, fees and ratios. 

Leader-Led Activities

Amanda the Armadillo

This is one of the many Environmental patches that can be earned by visiting GSC properties. Girls will learn about Armadillos and other animals that are native to Mah-Kah-Wee as well as other activities.

A digital copy of the manual will be sent 2 weeks prior to arrival. Instructions and supplies for all the activities are provided on location and will take place at the Nature Center located in the Parking Lot.

Each session runs approximately 3 hours. 

Compass Course

Learn the basics of orienteering when you participate in our compass course. Have fun learning compass games and other skills. Please see Site Ranger for your Program Box.

Each session runs approximately 3 hours. 

Flag For Retirement

Upon request, you may reserve a cut and prepared flag at no cost with instructions for a flag ceremony to use at the fire ring.

Gaga Pit

Gaga is a fast paced, high energy sport played in an octagonal pit. The more players the better! Dubbed a kinder gentler version of dodge ball, the game is played with a soft foam ball, and combines the skills of dodging, striking, running, and jumping, while trying to hit opponents with a ball below the knees. Players need to keep moving to avoid getting hit by the ball. Fun and easy, everyone gets a serious workout. Instructions and balls are located on site. 

Geocaching

Uses orienteering skills and GPS (global positioning system) units. Directions are included with each kit as well as the coordinates at MKW. There are currently 6 GPS units available, no more than 3 girls per GPS unit. Please see Site Ranger for your Program Box.

Each session runs approximately 3 hours. 

Hiking

Troops/Groups may hike on either the Blue Trail on the West Side and/or the Purple Trail on the East Side. Always be sure that girls are properly protected from the elements by using bug spray, sunscreen, closed toe and closed heel shoes, bandana and always have a water bottle and a means of communication.

Never hike alone and always let the Ranger know if you are going on a hike. 

Mailbox Trails

A unique outdoor educational opportunity that consists of two different trails (Purple & Blue) with activities at each mailbox. These trails are a great way to get familiar with the camp grounds and learn about environmental science. Each mailbox includes instruction and materials for self-led activities.

Completion time for each trail varies based on: age of the group, size of the group, weather and location of the trail. Please allow at least 1-2 hours per trail. Usually, girls complete only 1 trail during their visit, giving them the opportunity to come again for either a day outing or another overnight. 

Facilitator-Led Activities

Aquatics

Funoes are available for our Girl Scout Daisies and Brownies. Canoes are available for Girl Scout Brownies and above. Kayaks/Pedal Boats are available for all Girl Scout Juniors and up. Lifeguards and instructors are included for all watercraft activities.

All watercraft sessions will be scheduled for 1 ½ hours. Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) are provided and must be worn by everyone that will be participating, including adults. Bare feet are not permitted. Water shoes/Old Sneakers must be worn. Each group will need to provide the designated watchers for their group. 

Archery

Archery is available for Girl Scout Brownies and above. During their 1 ½ hour session they will learn safety and basic archery skills and commands.

Pool

Our pool is available year round (weather permitting). All (non- adult) participants must take a swim test prior to entering the pool; once they are evaluated they will be assigned a specific swim cap color based on their swimming ability. Swim caps will be provided by the lifeguard, please do not bring outside caps. (If someone has a latex allergy, please make the lifeguard aware so she can provide you with a latex-free cap!)

Adults are not required to wear swim caps; however anyone that has shoulder length or longer hair needs to securely tie it back, while in the pool. PFDs are available for all beginning and/or non-swimmers. Our pool ranges from 3 feet to 5 feet.

All pool sessions will be scheduled for 1 ½ hours. Each group will need to provide the designated watchers for their group and they must watch from outside of the pool. 

Fishing

Fishing is permitted year round. Cane poles are provided if reserved; troops must provide their own fishing tackle and bait. Any fish that may be caught must be released as we are a catch and release location.

Each session is 1 ½ hour long. There is a maximum of 16 people on the dock at any one time for the safety of the participants. 

Challenge Course

The Nanette McLain Challenge Course (GSC Facilitator Led Only) is an adventure recreation program. It consists of team building and problem-solving activities, games, initiatives and a series of ropes, cables and logs used to simulate challenges. Participants are never forced to participate in any part of the Challenge Course. They are, however, encouraged to challenge themselves beyond what they would normally do.

Challenge Course waivers are required to be completed and signed by everyone that comes on the course whether or not you are participating.

A Challenge Course participant will: 

  • Improve group skills in communication and leadership
  • Develop trust, respect and teamwork skills 
  • Develop problem-solving abilities 
  • Create a supportive environment 
  • Build confidence and increase self-esteem and experience personal accomplishment
Available Programs

Tiny Trekkers Challenge - DY/BR: (1 hour session) Designed to give an opportunity to our youngest Girl Scouts and have them participate in ground teambuilding initiatives and games to build selfesteem and trust.

Sampler Challenge BR and Up: (1½ hour session) Designed for Groups that want to participate in a sample session including: ground teambuilding initiatives and at least 1 low element.

½ Day Low Only - Brownies and Up: (3 hour session) Designed for groups to come out and experience team building games and activities: includes 1-2 ground teambuilding initiatives, 1 -2 low elements

½ Day Low/High - Juniors and Up: (3 hour session) Designed for groups to come out and experience team building games and activities: includes 1-2 ground teambuilding initiatives, 1 -2 low

Full Day Teambuilding - Juniors and Up: (6 hour session) Team building games and activities which include 2-3 ground initiatives, 2-3 low elements and at least 1 of the following high elements: Monkey Tails, Swing By Choice or Rock Wall with Zip Line.

Climb and Rappel or Zip Cadettes and Up: (3 hour session) All participants must have GSC Challenge Course experience on the high elements to participate in either of these sessions. Please be sure all participants are physically fit for either of these strenuous and advanced activities.

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