Master Plan Feedback and Responses
In July and August 2012 we rolled out the Master Plans to our membership. The feedback from the Master Plan roll out has been positive. As of September 13, 2012, 88% of respondents agree the plans support the Long Range Property Planning Committee’s goal (LRRPC). Also, 82% of respondents agree the changes and improvements to the properties will allow us to provide life-changing experiences for girls. Overall, the Master Plans are in line with the LRPPC’s goal and the expectation of our membership.
- Q. How much will all these projects cost?
A. It is too early to tell exactly what the total project cost would be. Once we enter the Phase II design phase we will have a better idea of the cost of each project. - Q. Will the money raised from the sale of properties/acreage be used in the development of that property?
A. All the proceeds from the sale of properties and acreage have been restricted by our Board of Directors for property development. - Q. When will construction begin?
A. We have not determined an exact date to break ground – we still have some work to do. However, we do plan to begin development as the funds become available. - Q. Is this really the direction and the investment we want to make?
A. The council is committed to delivering both staff and volunteer supported day and resident camp program. The market research and subsequent program vision are driving these changes to our properties. - Q. Will this be our last chance to comment on the LRPP and Master Plans?
A. We encourage you to take the paper or online survey to share your perspective. Also, we continue to monitor and respond to emails sent to the meetinggirlsneeds@gsnwgl.org. - Q. Why isn’t Del O’ Claire represented in the Master Plans?
A. When evaluating the resource needs to support the program vision it was determined we would be eliminating DOC based on current usage and location. Instead, we would develop Camps Sacajawea and Birch Trails to support the program vision. Meanwhile, we are researching collaborations with other youth serving agencies to share/program DOC. - Q. Why wasn’t there a bathroom added to the Pow Low troop house.
A. The plans are not complete. Depending on the cost a bathroom coulde be added or the proposed shower house could be attached to the troop house with access from the outside. - Q. How will priority be decided? Were future changes in demand for the council properties taken into consideration with the plans?
A. Improvements and development will be phased to allow for monitoring of memberships response to changes. The membership’s response to the improvements and development will provide further guidance and prioritizing for ongoing Master Plan implementation. - Q. Where will the flag ceremony be held at camp Nawakwa?
A. The plans are still preliminary. While studying how the site is to used it was determined, the parking lot would be best located at the existing flag circle. The deciding factor was not to make the parking lot the focal point but to provide a safe flow to accommodate the arrival of busses and cars to camp. The proposed location of the flag circle is down the hill from Hobbs. Again, the thinking is the flow of the girls Girls arrive and are dropped off at the parking lot, enter Hobbs to check-in, health inspection, trading post and then directed down the hill to the flag circle away from traffic. - Q. Will girls and community groups be able to support the development plans?
A. We plan to involve our membership and community in the development plans. - Q. Will there be platform tents after cabins are added?
A. Platform tents will remain as long as there is a demand. Our market research and our own property reservation both show a majority of our membership prefer a troop house with all the amenities. - Q. Why was Pow Low designated a destination camp?
A. For the purpose of the presentation Pow Low and Cuesta were designated as destination camps. All of our camps our destinations and both Pow Low and Cuesta can certainly support a day camp. - Q. Will primitive camping and/or tent camping be available?
A. Yes primitive camping and/or tent camping will continue to be available on our properties. - Q. Will camp roads be used for logging.
A. If the council is logging one of our properties absolutely. Also, on rare occasion our council is approached by a neighbor looking for permission to use a road or cross our property. Each request is carefully considered. When the neighbor have full-filled our necessary criterion we generally allow access. - Q. What will happen to the buildings in the Valley unit (Nawakwa)?
A. They will need to be removed. If they can be re-purposed at Nawakwa or another property we will move them to the new location. - Q. Why was resident camp offered so far away?
A. The Market research showed 36% of adults were willing to drive up to 60 miles, another 36% were willing to drive up to 120 miles and 19% were willing to drive over 120 miles to drop off a girl at Resident camp. We also offer bussing from several areas to further accommodate transportation to camp. - Q. Does the proposed Program Center at Birch Trails have a basement?
A. The Program Center does have a lower level. However, it is not below grade. A storm shelter exists in Graebel and the two new proposed shower houses. - Q. What are the plans for Maple and Leafy (Birch Trails)?
A. The proposed plans call for the new tripping center to be built in the location of Leafy. Maple Lodge is planned for eventual removal. When removing any existing building we will do everything possible to repurpose the materials for construction of new facilities. - Q. Wouldn’t yurts be more effective than cabins?
A. Yurts and cabins are equally effective as accommodations. Cabins are a better value in the long run. However, yurts have an appeal to users which may be impacted by their uniqueness. The solution is a blend of yurts, cabins (themed) and platform tents. - Q. Will we be upgrading the water at camp Sacajawea?
A. One of the goals is to provide a good source of drinking water for the entire camp. - Q. Will there be a swimming are at Sacajawea?
A. It is our hope to develop the lake at Sacajawea to allow for swimming. In the event this can’t happen, plan B is a water feature like a splash pad.
