Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Celebrates Camp Robinwood’s 75th Anniversary with Texas Historical Marker
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council (GSSJC) announced that Camp Robinwood, one of its most cherished camp properties, has been approved for the installation of a Texas Historical Commission Historical Marker. The recognition comes just in time for the camp’s 75th anniversary celebration on December 14, 2024, a milestone that highlights the camp’s rich legacy and its significant role in empowering young women in the Houston area.
The Texas Historical Commission Historical Marker program honors locations and events that have made a lasting impact on the state’s history. Camp Robinwood now joins a select group of landmarks that are recognized for their educational and community contributions. The marker will be placed at the front entrance of the camp, preserving the story of its pivotal role in the history of Girl Scouting and civil rights.
“We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone in Camp Robinwood’s history,” said Mary Vitek, CEO of GSSJC. “For 75 years, this camp has been a place where girls have flourished while discovering the great outdoors. Receiving a historical marker is a testament to the camp’s enduring legacy and its role in developing girls’ courage, confidence, and character.”
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A Legacy of Inclusion and Empowerment
The story of Camp Robinwood dates back to the late 1940s, a time when Girl Scouts membership was rapidly growing across the country. However, Black Girl Scouts in Houston faced a challenge: the nearest camp available to them was located in Oklahoma, over 200 miles away. Four prominent Black leaders in the Houston community saw this gap and took action.
Clarence Dupree, Hobart Taylor, Sr., Carter Wesley, and James Jemison—businessmen, philanthropists, activists, and advocates for civil rights—played a key role in the establishment of Camp Robinwood. In 1948, they contributed half of the funds needed to purchase the land for the camp. The remaining $8,240 was raised through a public fundraising campaign they spearheaded. Their efforts ensured that Black Girl Scouts in Houston would have access to a camp where they could grow and thrive.
Camp Robinwood officially opened in 1949, five years before the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling. The deed for the property, signed by H.O. Johnson, the president of the Houston and Harris County Girl Scouts, included a groundbreaking clause: “no Girl Scout shall ever be denied use of said property because of her race, color or creed.” This commitment to inclusion was ahead of its time and helped set the stage for a legacy of equality and empowerment at the camp.
Over the years, Camp Robinwood has become a beloved site for countless outdoor activities, leadership training, and summer camps. The camp has played a vital role in shaping generations of young women into confident leaders, teaching them the values of courage, confidence, and character.
(Source: GSSJC)A Celebration of History and Community
The Texas Historical Marker dedication will take place as part of Camp Robinwood’s 75th anniversary celebration, scheduled for December 14, 2024, from 10 a.m. to noon at Camp Robinwood, located at 9877 Calvary Road, Willis, TX 77318. The ceremony will honor the camp’s historical significance and its continued impact on the community. GSSJC partnered with the Montgomery County Historical Commission to apply for the historical marker, and the Texas Historical Commission approved the application earlier this year.
“This historical marker is not just a recognition of the camp’s past, but also a celebration of its ongoing mission to empower girls and young women,” said Vitek. “It’s a way of ensuring that future generations know the importance of Camp Robinwood and the legacy of those who helped make it possible.”
Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, the largest Girl Scout council in Texas, serves over 40,000 girls and volunteers across 26 counties. Through a variety of programs and outdoor experiences, GSSJC encourages girls to dream big, overcome challenges, and make a difference in their communities. The council's camp properties, including Camp Robinwood, provide opportunities for girls to explore nature, build leadership skills, and create lasting memories.
The event is open to the public, and all are invited to attend the dedication ceremony and celebrate Camp Robinwood’s enduring legacy. For more information on GSSJC’s camp properties and upcoming events, visit www.gssjc.org.
By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News
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.
