Camp Robinwood’s Story Becomes Part of Texas History With New State Historical Marker in Willis
Hidden among the pine trees north of Houston, Camp Robinwood has long been more than just a summer camp. For generations of Girl Scouts and families across Southeast Texas, the Willis property has been a place where girls learned independence, discovered confidence, built lifelong friendships, and found opportunities that once were not equally available to everyone.
Now, that legacy has officially become part of Texas history.
On May 13, the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) gathered at Camp Robinwood in Willis to dedicate a Texas State Historical Marker recognizing the camp’s historic role in expanding outdoor opportunities for Black girls during segregation and the community leaders who helped make that vision possible.
For many in attendance, the ceremony represented more than the unveiling of a marker. It was a public acknowledgment of a story rooted in resilience, inclusion, and the belief that every girl deserves the chance to lead, grow, and explore the outdoors.
A Historic Camp Born During Segregation
When Camp Robinwood opened in 1949, segregation still shaped daily life across Texas, including access to camps and recreational programs. At the time, Black Girl Scouts in Houston had limited options for outdoor camping experiences, with the closest available camp located in Arkansas.
Recognizing the inequity, four influential Black community leaders — Clarence Dupree, Hobart Taylor Sr., Carter Wesley, and civil rights leader James H. Jemison — helped secure land and raise funds to establish Camp Robinwood in Montgomery County.
Their efforts created one of the first Girl Scout camps in Texas intentionally designed to welcome Black Girl Scouts and provide opportunities that many girls had previously been denied.
Importantly, the camp’s original deed included language declaring that no Girl Scout would ever be denied use of the property because of “race, color, or creed,” years before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision reshaped public education in America.
That vision remains central to Camp Robinwood’s identity today.
“Camp Robinwood is historically significant as a site founded during segregation to ensure Girl Scouts had access to outdoor learning and leadership experiences when many were excluded,” organizers shared during the dedication ceremony.
Honoring the Leaders Behind Camp Robinwood
The Texas historical marker dedication brought together Girl Scout leaders, historians, elected officials, descendants of the camp’s founders, and community members connected to Robinwood’s story.
Among those participating were Mary Vitek, CEO of Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council; Betsy Kamin, president of the council and chair of the board; Annette Kerr of the Montgomery County Historical Commission; Montgomery County Clerk Brandon Kiser; and Gayle Sheffield, granddaughter of James H. Jemison.
The ceremony also included remarks, a tour of the camp, and a reception for guests.
Camp Robinwood Continues Serving Girls Across Southeast Texas
While the new historical marker honors Robinwood’s past, the camp remains an active and evolving part of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council today.
Located at 9877 Calvary Road in Willis, Camp Robinwood serves Girl Scouts and families across the council’s 26-county Southeast Texas region. The property offers traditional overnight camping experiences alongside outdoor leadership and recreation programs that continue introducing girls to new skills and experiences.
Campers can participate in activities including archery, riflery, canoeing, swimming, hiking, fishing, nature study, wildlife observation, and campfire programs. The camp also features Lake Ann, hiking trails, an amphitheater, playgrounds, a softball field, paddleboats, overnight units, cabins, dorms, platform tents, and a nature center.
Robinwood is also home to the council’s Archers In Motion (AIM) programs and Carousel weekend programs, while its location near Camps Agnes Arnold and Misty Meadows allows scouts to participate in additional outdoor adventures like horseback riding and extended hiking experiences.
For many families, these camps provide something increasingly valuable in today’s digital world: time outdoors, leadership development, teamwork, independence, and connection.
The newly installed Texas State Historical Marker now proudly honors Camp Robinwood's legacy at the property. Renovations Aim to Preserve Robinwood’s Future
The historical marker arrives during a major new chapter for the camp.
Through the Girl Scouts’ CampHER Capital Campaign, Camp Robinwood is currently undergoing significant renovations designed to modernize facilities while preserving the spirit and history of the property.
Current projects include upgrades to the Lakeview Dorm, Troop Cabin, Lodge, Staff House, and camp pier, along with improvements throughout the grounds.
Planned lodge renovations include upgraded gathering spaces, energy-efficient windows, remodeled exterior improvements, new heating and air systems, restroom upgrades, expanded kitchen functionality for larger events, and updated sleeping quarters.
The improvements reflect a broader investment in ensuring Camp Robinwood remains a welcoming and functional space for future generations of Girl Scouts across Texas.
“Camp Robinwood has long been a place where girls discover courage, confidence, and friendship,” GSSJC shared. “Now, we’re investing in Robinwood’s future — ensuring it remains a vibrant, welcoming space for every camper who comes next.”
The Continuing Impact of Girl Scouts
Founded more than a century ago, Girl Scouts continues to serve girls through programs focused on leadership, outdoor adventure, entrepreneurship, STEM education, life skills, and community service.
Across the country, Girl Scouts participate in everything from environmental advocacy and robotics to hiking, camping, civic engagement, and volunteerism. The organization emphasizes helping girls build confidence while encouraging them to discover their strengths and use their voices within their communities.
In Southeast Texas, the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council serves girls from diverse backgrounds across urban, suburban, and rural communities — a mission deeply connected to Camp Robinwood’s founding principles.
For many former campers, Robinwood remains a place filled with memories of first experiences: first campfires, first canoe rides, first nights away from home, and first moments of realizing they were capable of more than they imagined.
The new Texas State Historical Marker ensures those stories — and the leaders who made them possible — will not be forgotten.
As Willis and Montgomery County continue growing, Camp Robinwood stands as both a living outdoor space and a reminder of how community advocacy and inclusion helped shape opportunities for generations of girls across Texas.
Residents can learn more about Camp Robinwood, Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council programs, volunteering opportunities, and camp experiences by visiting gssjc.org.
Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for more community stories, local history, and updates across Montgomery County and Southeast Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.