Announcing Locations Reimagined | October 4, 2022
October 04, 2022
Here at Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL), we are preparing to reimagine our future as we begin phase two of our long-range property plan.
Property studies began with surveys of Girl Scout families and volunteers in the spring of 2020. Our council later partnered with an Ad Hoc Property Task Group in the summer of 2021. They conducted a second survey for families, volunteers, and staff in November-December 2021. The Property Task Group reviewed and analyzed survey data, membership data, demographic trends, access to partners, property usage, and other mission-critical criteria. The Property Task Group presented its findings and recommendations in a final report to the GSNWGL Board of Directors in the Spring of 2022. The GSNWGL Board of Directors continued the work of the property committee, and a final strategy was discussed and approved in August of 2022.
The results of the surveys and research were cause for both celebration and reflection. We learned that outdoor experiences have positively impacted so many lives. We also learned that many of our Girl Scouts and volunteers could not access our properties in ways that could lead to these positive outcomes. According to a report from the Girl Scout Research Institute (GSRI),
Despite having less opportunity to experience the outdoors through Girl Scouts, girls of lower SES [socioeconomic status] reported significantly higher benefits from Girl Scouts related to regular exercise, academics, and support for recognizing their strengths. Furthermore, girls of lower SES who get regular outdoor exposure report the most significant impact of Girl Scouts on their lives.
The survey responses, and the report from the GSRI, challenged us to find ways to increase access and participation for girls of lower socioeconomic status and marginalized communities. It became clear that the future solution is not about the number of Girl Scout-owned camps and properties; it’s about how the council can best bring the Girl Scout experience to girls and their community. We are committed to providing a safe and secure environment where girls can get the best outdoor experience.
We are ready to move into phase two of the long-range property plan and begin reimagining how the properties of the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes will best serve local Girl Scouts. We’ll work to ensure every Girl Scout has access to the full Girl Scout experience. The next step will be implementing the approved recommendations from phase one of the long-range property plan. This phase includes the adoption of property standards and guidelines as well as the divestment of some properties. Concurrently, work will begin on development plans for the remaining properties to take care of deferred maintenance and new development that will turn them into outstanding properties.
GSNWGL has a track record of investing back into our properties and being good stewards of our finances. The approved property strategy will focus on helping GSNWGL build in a way that continues our legacy of stewardship for properties to better support and deliver the Girl Scout experience. Proceeds from any property divestments will be directed toward developing remaining council camps and properties and serve as a foundation for the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes to build and grow in new areas and reach more communities.
We must focus on the Girl Scout experience over emotional ties to our properties. As always, we are prioritizing the delivery of the Girl Scout experience and putting the needs of our current and future Girl Scouts first. The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is not tied to properties. It can happen anywhere and everywhere with the right combination of programming, support, and inspiration. As we look to revise our property holdings, our goal is not about reducing opportunities for girls but reimagining how we can augment what is offered and how. We want to ensure that every Girl Scout interested in exploring and embarking on an outdoor adventure can do so with Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes.
Girls are growing and changing; their needs and interests are growing and changing; we are committed to growing and changing alongside them. We will remain flexible and evolve to meet girls where they’re at.
The GSNWGL Board of Directors will present the approved property plan to council delegates on Monday, October 17, followed by an email to all members on October 18. Please watch for an update in your inbox on Tuesday, October 18, for the next steps on the property plan. We look forward to your support and appreciate your trust in GSNWGL to make decisions that will continue to keep the Girl Scout experience thriving in our communities.
