Beloved Bryan Girl Scout Day Camp Canceled Amid New State Safety Requirements

December 2, 2025 – BRYAN, Texas — A cherished summer tradition for generations of Girl Scouts in Aggieland is coming to an unexpected standstill. The long-running Howdy Day Camp, a volunteer-led program operating for nearly 70 years, will not open for the 2026 season.

Camp registrar Christine Lawrence says the decision comes from the Girl Scouts of Central Texas, who are pausing all volunteer-run camps as they await clarification on new state safety regulations affecting youth programs.

“Since legislation’s all over the place and we don’t know what it’s going to look like, they’re going to focus on getting the residential camps … up to compliance once they know that information,” Lawrence said. “They don’t want any volunteer-run camps for 2026 so that they can make sure that we are meeting those new safety expectations.”

For many scouts, the announcement was deeply disappointing. Korinne Yarbrough, a longtime camper turned aide, says Howdy Day Camp shaped her childhood.

“Camp Howdy means a lot to me,” she said. “You help the girls with crafts, we go on the trails, and we do songs.”

Parents, volunteers, and scouts expressed surprise at the abrupt cancellation, especially given the camp’s long-standing record of community involvement and safety.

Yarbrough hopes the closure is temporary. “I really hope that soon we can pass the safety guidelines so that we can comply and have it open again.”

Local Girl Scout leaders say they are committed to bringing the camp back in 2027 and are working to ensure full compliance once the state finalizes its new regulations.