Realignment took the number of Girl Scout councils from over 300 to a bit over 100. The idea was to provide better programming for the girls and consolidate the resources / volunteers. We understood we’d be in for longer drive times and larger events. What we were unprepared for was the loss of many things we held dear. One of these is the loss of our camps.
Councils ended up with many camps after realignment. The cost of maintaining multiple camps is high, or so we’ve been told.
Some camps are within a short distance of one another. In my current council, two were within a few miles of each other. So, one was sold.
Some camps are too far from the main council office and they don’t want to deal with them. This camp was shut down with no one allowed on the property. Tents didn’t come down in the winter. Hot water heaters froze. It was left to be destroyed by the weather.
Camping is one of the things Girl Scouts are known for and our camps are vanishing.
The hardest part is the emotional attachment. Camp feels like home after you’ve been at day camp every summer. Your feet know all the paths. You recognize the buildings, trees and waterways. You are part your camp. And it’s a part of you.
While we can’t seem to stop the trend of camps being sold, we can celebrate our camps. We can enjoy and share them.
So, for this week, our badge programs focus on one of our most treasured possession — our camps.
Explore My Camp goes beyond visiting. Learn the stories and history as well.
Share My Camp helps you discover ways to share your information and stories with others.
Even if your camp is gone, you can keep it alive in the your heart and the hearts of others.
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