Drug Bust Uncovered at Girl Scout Camp in Washington County

Marijuana, mushrooms and illegal guns found in a house on the campgrounds

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:19am

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Washington County deputies discovered a drug operation involving marijuana, mushrooms, and illegal guns in a house located on the grounds of Camp Silver Brook, a Girl Scouts camp near West Bend. A 48-year-old man named Paul David, who lived in the house with his wife (a Girl Scouts employee) and their two children, was arrested and charged after authorities found processed marijuana, a marijuana growing operation, psychoactive mushrooms, and 13 firearms, some of which were loaded, throughout the residence.

Why it matters

The discovery of an alleged drug operation and illegal firearms on the grounds of a Girl Scout camp raises serious concerns about the safety and security of the campgrounds, as well as the vetting process for individuals allowed to live on the property. It also highlights the challenges faced by youth organizations in ensuring the wellbeing of minors in their care, especially when criminal activity may be occurring undetected on the premises.

The details

On March 15, deputies responded to a domestic violence call at the house on the Camp Silver Brook property. During a search of the residence, they found processed marijuana in a closet near the children's bedrooms and under a bed, as well as nine marijuana plants as part of a growing operation. Investigators also discovered psychoactive mushrooms in quantities "substantially more than for personal use." In addition, the deputies located 13 firearms, some of them loaded, in various locations throughout the home, including near the bed, on a nightstand, and even hanging in a shoulder bag in the hallway. Paul David, a convicted felon who is prohibited from owning guns, was arrested and charged.

  • On March 15, deputies responded to a domestic violence call at the house on the Camp Silver Brook property.
  • In December, the Girl Scouts organization conducted a routine inspection of the property and did not find anything illegal.

The players

Paul David

A 48-year-old man who lived in the house on the Camp Silver Brook property with his wife (a Girl Scouts employee) and their two children, aged 8 and 16. David is a convicted felon with prior OWI and DUI convictions, and is prohibited from owning firearms.

Girl Scouts of Wisconsin Southeast

The organization that operates Camp Silver Brook, a Girl Scout campground in West Bend, Wisconsin. A spokesperson for the organization stated that no scouts have been endangered or harmed, and that the employee involved (David's wife) has been placed on leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

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What’s next

David's next court appearance is scheduled for May, and the Girl Scouts organization says it is conducting an investigation to determine the next steps regarding the employee (David's wife) involved in this incident.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the importance of thorough background checks and ongoing monitoring of individuals with access to youth-serving organizations, as well as the need for robust security measures to prevent criminal activity from occurring on campgrounds and other facilities where minors are present.