Longest Running Girl Scout Camp Celebrates 95th Anniversary

EAST OTIS, Mass. — Camp Bonnie Brae in East Otis,  the longest, most continuously-run Girl Scout camp in the United States, will celebrate its 95th anniversary on Saturday, Aug. 2.

Past, present and future campers, staff, and their families are invited to join this lakeside celebration in the Berkshires, hosted by Bonnie Brae alumnae. Guests can reminisce about their camping days by participating in camp activities such as hiking, boating and swimming. A special guest will share a unique perspective of the long-lasting impact of the camp experience as well as camp history. No camp experience would be complete without a campfire, wishboat ceremony, and s'mores.

Guests can register just the day, stay for dinner, or stay overnight. Check in begins at 9 a.m., with a flag ceremony at 10 a.m. For more information and registration visit the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts website at www.gscwm.org.

New Camp Is Safe Place for Children Suffering Loss to Addiction

By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
06:26AM / Saturday, December 27, 2025

Last year's Happy Campers courtesy of Max Tabakin.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. — A new camp is offering a safe place for children who have lost a parent or guardian to addiction. 

 

Director Gayle Saks founded the nonprofit "Camp Happy Place" last year. The first camp was held in June with 14 children.

 

Saks is a licensed drug and alcohol counselor who works at the Brien Center. One of her final projects when studying was how to involve youth, and a camp came to mind. Camp had been her "happy place" growing up, and it became her dream to open her own.

 

"I keep a bucket list in my wallet, and it's right on here on this list, and I cross off things that I've accomplished," she said. "But it is the one thing on here that I knew I had to do."

 

The overnight co-ed camp is held at a summer camp in Winsted, Conn., where Saks spent her summers as a child. It is four nights and five days and completely free. Transportation is included as are many of the items needed for camping. The camp takes up to 30 children.

 

"I really don't think there's any place that exists specifically for this population. I think it's important to know, we've said this, but that it is not a therapeutic camp," Saks said.

 

She said the focus is on fun for the children, though they are able to talk to any of the volunteer and trained staff. The staff all have experience in social work, addiction and counseling, and working with children.