The tent units of Crowell Hilaka
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The first platform tent sites at Camp Julia Crowell were: Innisfree, Glencairn, Fernwood, Beechcliff, Hickory Hill, Orchard Way and Windy Hill. All were rapidly constructed in 1937. The date of Waterfront is unknown. Seely Cabin was constructed at the waterfront site in1940, but it is believed that the tents were added later. Camp Hilaka was acquired in 1957, but Far Away Pines and Last Chance were added later (their original names were "Gypsy Ridge" and "Vagabond") . Whispering Winds and Green Trees were right across from Gund Hall. Waken Tanka was built in 1967 at the north edge of the gas cut. The site turned out to be too small, so it was moved across to the south side, where its name was corrupted into "Wonken Tonken". The old shelter, now without tents, remained as "Wayside".
The site diagrams below were drawn as they existed in 1982, by landscape architects Knight & Stolar. Two of the tent sites, Windy Hill and Wonken Tonken, were moved; probably as a result of this study and the accompanying capital campaign.
The site diagrams below were drawn as they existed in 1982, by landscape architects Knight & Stolar. Two of the tent sites, Windy Hill and Wonken Tonken, were moved; probably as a result of this study and the accompanying capital campaign.
Beechcliff
Beechcliff is located on the corner of two ridge lines. On the west is the hill dropping down into the Wild Ravine. Southward, the valley opens up onto Lake Jinelle. The unit overlooks Garfield Hall and Cook's Cabin.
Far Away Pines
Fernwood
Fernwood as seen from the closest trail. The fire ring is to the right, very close to the trail. There isn't much level ground for tents, but the location is one of the loveliest in camp. To the left, the ground slopes down to Garfield Hall. To the right, there is an even steeper slope down to the creek below the secret waterfall. Just across the trail from the unit, a cliff overlooks the Lower Lake (aka Lake Jinelle). Behind the unit, the ground rises slowly in a series of rolling hills.
Glencairn
Green Trees
HIckory Hill
"Hick Hill" is directly across from the large meadow now Known as Mable Smith Meadow, but at one time simply called "Hick Hill Meadow" . To the west is a steep hill leading down into the Wild Ravine. Directly north is a smaller, but dramatically picturesque ravine.
Innisfree
Last Chance
Last Chance Meadow marks the northernmost end of the main road, just beyond the Sentinel Spruce.
Camp Days It was one of the original campsites on the "Hilaka" side of Crowell Hilaka. Originally called "Vagabond Ridge" because it was the site farthest away from the quasi-"civilization" of the new dining hall and boathouse; it suggested a romantic view of wanderers such as gypsies, tramps, hobos, and vagabonds. The name was changed to the the more respectable, but still intriguing, "Last Chance" after only a year or two.
Park Days Since Last Chance was at the turn-around of the bridle trail, the shelter was a good stopping place for horseback riders. It may be the riders who most appreciated that elves would decorate Last Chance shelter every Christmas. The shelter was once of the first to be demolished/
Last Chance Meadow marks the northernmost end of the main road, just beyond the Sentinel Spruce.
Camp Days It was one of the original campsites on the "Hilaka" side of Crowell Hilaka. Originally called "Vagabond Ridge" because it was the site farthest away from the quasi-"civilization" of the new dining hall and boathouse; it suggested a romantic view of wanderers such as gypsies, tramps, hobos, and vagabonds. The name was changed to the the more respectable, but still intriguing, "Last Chance" after only a year or two.
Park Days Since Last Chance was at the turn-around of the bridle trail, the shelter was a good stopping place for horseback riders. It may be the riders who most appreciated that elves would decorate Last Chance shelter every Christmas. The shelter was once of the first to be demolished/
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Orchard Way
Scanawunda / "Skanny"
Whispering Winds
Windy Hill
Windy Hill campsite is located on the upland plateau between the Summer Barn and Hilltop House. It was one of the eight original campsites when Camp Julia Crowell opened in 1937. At that time, the land was still relatively clear. Although Jim Kirby had planted a small apple orchard on the slope to the east, the tall forest that shades the site now did not exist then. It's name was apt, as high winds frequently shook the roofs and walls of the heavy canvas tents.
This was the the last site to be re-built (1993). Consequently, it was still in relatively good shape by the time the property transferred to Richfield in 2015. At the time of this writing (2023), Windy Hill is the only former campsite that has retained tent platforms.
Windy Hill campsite is located on the upland plateau between the Summer Barn and Hilltop House. It was one of the eight original campsites when Camp Julia Crowell opened in 1937. At that time, the land was still relatively clear. Although Jim Kirby had planted a small apple orchard on the slope to the east, the tall forest that shades the site now did not exist then. It's name was apt, as high winds frequently shook the roofs and walls of the heavy canvas tents.
This was the the last site to be re-built (1993). Consequently, it was still in relatively good shape by the time the property transferred to Richfield in 2015. At the time of this writing (2023), Windy Hill is the only former campsite that has retained tent platforms.
According to the camp history by Renee Lisa Antoine, the original site of Windy Hill unit was near where the Summer Barn is now. It "fell into disrepair and with help from the Capitol Fund Campaign, it was reconstructed on its present site." The Summer Barn was built from funds raised in the 1984 campaign, so that's likely the time the unit was moved. This diagram shows the old site.
Wonken Tonken, Waken Tanka, and Wayside Shelter
A favorite platform tent unit just South of the gas cut. The name is said to mean "Light at the Top of the Hill" in a native tribal language. Some say that in Lakota, the words "Waken Tanka" is the name of the Great Spirit. It's impossible to know the "right spelling" because native languages weren't written down. But certainly the spirit of the name evokes a Sacred Power breaking through common reality at this place.
The September, 1984 edition of The Millwheel mentions: ....the trees cut down to clear the area for the new Waken Tonka [sp] Tent Unit were also cut into lumber and used to build the shelter. It's good planning and sentimental too! I found that in talking to Peg [the camp manager] that careful planning and use of everything is studied and practiced in our camps. Well, that should be no surprise, typical Girl Scouts always!"
Wayside Shelter was most likely the old Wanken Tanka, according to a map showing it to be on the north side of the gas cut. It was built in 1967; part of the major upgrade & expansion of the camp. It replaced the old Innisfree unit. ( source: 1967 Hilaka camp director report, page 1, paragraph 2 and page 2, paragraph 2)
Dawn Thomson's memories of Wonken Tonken
The September, 1984 edition of The Millwheel mentions: ....the trees cut down to clear the area for the new Waken Tonka [sp] Tent Unit were also cut into lumber and used to build the shelter. It's good planning and sentimental too! I found that in talking to Peg [the camp manager] that careful planning and use of everything is studied and practiced in our camps. Well, that should be no surprise, typical Girl Scouts always!"
Wayside Shelter was most likely the old Wanken Tanka, according to a map showing it to be on the north side of the gas cut. It was built in 1967; part of the major upgrade & expansion of the camp. It replaced the old Innisfree unit. ( source: 1967 Hilaka camp director report, page 1, paragraph 2 and page 2, paragraph 2)
Dawn Thomson's memories of Wonken Tonken
his is the layout of the site north of the gas cut. The unit was moved to a larger site just south of the gas cut, but much deeper into the woods. The old shelter stayed where it was and re-named "Wayside"
