GSNEO Property News
Camp Properties Update - June 27, 2013
Western Reserve Land Conservancy has terminated the purchase and sale agreement dated June 15, 2012 for Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio for inability to obtain WRLC board approval prior to Board Approval Date, as defined in the Agreement. GSNEO will restart the RFP process to sell this property.
For the most recent GSNEO property announcements visit http://www.gsneo.org/camping/property-updates.aspx
additional property updates:
Properties Update - November 15, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Great Trail Camp. This agreement is expected to be finalized Friday, November 15, 2013. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
The properties director and other staff are in the process of removing the Girl Scout gates, picnic tables, commercial appliances and other valuables from the property in Carroll County. The History and Archive committee members have already removed all of the memorabilia.
Girl Scout troops that wish to plan “sleepovers” in the North Canton training room may do so by contacting the service center. We also encourage troops and service units to register online for campouts at one of the three Girl Scout camps.
Properties Update - October 26, 2013
Council Offices
Camp Master Site Plans
Click on the camp below to see images and information specific to each camp property.
Camp Ledgewood, Peninsula
Camp Sugarbush, Kinsman
Camp Timberlane, Wakeman
Camp Properties Update - September 18, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has completed the sale of Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sale of all camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
Camp Properties Update - CEO message September 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. This agreement is expected to finalize this month. A previous agreement with Western Reserve Land Conservancy terminated after WRLC was unable to obtain their board approval. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
The bricks from the Legacy Plaza memorial at Camp Lejnar will be transferred to Camp Ledgewood, where they will be placed outside the new welcome and program center. Additionally, all of the historical mementos at Camp Lejnar as documented by the archive committee members have been turned over to the Girl Scout museum located in Northfield.
Camp Ledgewood will remain closed weekdays (Monday 7 a.m. through Friday 3 p.m.) during the installation of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Construction that began in April and was put on hold during resident camp and ALE will take place only during the weekdays through October. Weekend troop camping and weekend day hikes will not be affected. This OEPA mandated facility will eliminate existing septic systems and collect all wastewater from troop cabins. The WWTP is designed to accommodate any new facilities and troop housing planned at Camp Ledgewood. The WWTP and collection system will improve local water quality and will meet environmental water quality standards and the camps future growth for many years to come.
At its September 11, 2013 meeting, the GSNEO Board of Directors voted and accepted the highest bid for Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. A formal agreement is in the works. A camp closing ceremony themed, A Walk Down Memory Lane, is being planned for Sunday, October 27 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The committee has expressed an interest in offering tours of the camp, serving light refreshments, sharing photos, and concluding the day with a flag retirement ceremony. We will post information online at gsneo.org, in the e-news, and on Facebook with all of the details in October.
Camp Properties Update - August 16, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. This agreement is expected to be finalized by mid-September. A previous agreement with Western Reserve Land Conservancy terminated after WRLC was unable to obtain their board approval. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
GSNEO staff members are currently in the process of removing the bricks from the Legacy Plaza memorial at Camp Lejnar, which will be transferred to Camp Ledgewood. The bricks will be placed outside the new welcome and program center. Additionally, all of the historical mementos at Camp Lejnar as documented by the archive committee members are in the process of removal and will be turned over to the Girl Scout museum located in Northfield.
Beginning August 19, 2013, Camp Ledgewood will be closed weekdays (Monday 7 a.m. through Friday 3 p.m.) while we resume the installation of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Construction that began in April and was put on hold during resident camp and ALE will take place only during the weekdays through October. Weekend troop camping and weekend day hikes will not be affected. This OEPA mandated facility will eliminate existing septic systems and collect all wastewater from troop cabins. The WWTP is designed to accommodate any new facilities and troop housing planned at Camp Ledgewood. The WWTP and collection system will improve local water quality and will meet environmental water quality standards and the camps future growth for many years to come.
Camp Properties Update - July 11, 2013
The Board passed a motion at its July 10th Board Meeting instructing the staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal process for the sale of Great Trail Camp.
The Board of Directors originally approved the sale of Great Trail Camp on March 2, 2011. The Board of Directors also amended the approval on October 17, 2011 and again on December 7, 2011. Another action, moved and passed in October 2011, ensures that the proceeds from the sale of Great Trail Camp will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Timberlane and Sugarbush.
Camp Properties Update - July 2, 2013
Greetings!
Below you will find a summary of the information the GSNEO Properties Committee gathered to make its recommendation regarding the future of Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This decision was not made lightly; much thoughtful consideration and a thorough discussion of the options took place before it was made.
Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board act upon their motion of March 2, 2011 to sell Great Trail Camp, which was amended on October 17, 2011, and the December 7, 2011 motion to issue a Request for Proposal and accept bids. The full Board will consider the recommendation on July 10, 2013 at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors. Please note that the Board has already voted on a provision that would ensure that all proceeds from any camp sale be restricted to improvements at camp properties.
If you have further questions please feel free to call Jane Christyson at 330-983-0400.
Joan P. Villarreal
Chair, Board of Directors
Properties Committee SummaryGreat Trail Camp Recommendation to GSNEO Board
Additional Costs to Reopen Great Trail CampSecurity at the camp is a concern. Currently, a camp ranger is overnight 1-2 nights during the week. If reopened, staff would have to be hired.
Ohio EPA inspections, County Health Dept. inspections, and EPA water testing is required to re-open the south section of the camp. Although the costs of the tests are not prohibitive, the actions these agencies might require could be costly.
Ongoing CostsAnnual costs to maintain the camp include labor to cut the grass, accomplish minimal repairs and other maintenance. Actual costs from 10/1/2011 – 9/30/12 were $67,350.51.
The Properties Committee explored the possibility of a conservation easement for Great Trail Camp with the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Soil Water Conservation District. The only possibility was a Conservation Reserve Program. However, this would only yield approximately $25,000 per year. This is significantly less than the cost of keeping the property in its current state. Furthermore, this is not a confirmed commitment; GSNEO would have to apply and see if the program accepted the land.
The creation of a Land Bank was also discussed. All buildings would have to be removed. The cost of removing all the buildings may be as much as $200,000 and a Land Bank would not generate any income.
Staff attempted to negotiate an easement for an oil and gas pipeline through the lower 50 acres of the south section to generate revenue, but the neighboring properties were not cooperative. Therefore, the deal could not be culminated.
Staff discussed a waterline easement through the south portion, but the company that was interested did not accept the restrictions GSNEO requested for safety reasons.
A one week volunteer run Resident Camp for the girl membership in the southern part of the GSNEO council will be held at Camp Sugarbush for the 2nd year in a row. This camp was previously held at Great Trail Camp. Camp Sugarbush is an approximately 1.5 hour drive from Great Trail Camp.
This is an exciting time for our Council as we look forward to creating an environment that will take Girl Scouting into the second century and beyond. We thank everyone who joined us for the Master Site Planning session at the Macedonia Service Center on January 12. The meeting was open to all members, girls and adults, interested in taking part in the planning of the “start-up” phase. Approximately 60 members joined us for that session.
The committee was impressed with the details you provided in the small group sessions. Your input reinforced what we learned from past surveys. For those of you who were unable to attend, participants were asked to identify ideas as well as concerns related to future camp development in these five areas:
* Sleeping Units
* Multipurpose Building
* Aquatics Center
* Site Programming
* Green Features
We are pleased to share the survey results and project notes with you, and encourage more of our members to participate in the planning process and future focus groups. At the Master Site Planning session, girls told us they want an indoor rock wall and zip line, an aquatic area with rainbow lights and a heated pool, a low ropes course and sledding hills. Some of the recurring themes include green space, water activities, and amphitheater. As the planning progresses, the committee will continue to be guided by your concerns and creative ideas.
Master Site Planning Session [data by group]
Project Notes Summary
Click on the links below to view the plans and maps.
Master Plan from Annual Meeting October 2012
Camp Ledgewood Start up and Phase I Map
Camp Timberlane Start up and Phase I Map
Camp Sugarbush Start up and Phase I Map
If you have questions or need further information email [email protected].
Camp Properties Update - July 11, 2013
The Board passed a motion at its July 10th Board Meeting instructing the staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal process for the sale of Great Trail Camp. The original motion passed by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2011 allows for the sale of the camp. Another action, moved and passed on October 17, 2011 and amended again on December 7, 2011 ensures that the proceeds from the sale of Great Trail Camp will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Timberlane and Sugarbush.
Camp Properties Update - June 27, 2013
Western Reserve Land Conservancy has terminated the purchase and sale agreement dated June 15, 2012 for Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio for inability to obtain WRLC board approval prior to Board Approval Date, as defined in the Agreement. GSNEO will restart the RFP process to sell this property.
Camp Properties Update - October 22, 2012
GSNEO has successfully finalized a lease with Chesapeake Energy for the Oil & Gas Rights at Great Trail Camp. Net proceeds will be restricted to improve the Camps.
Camp Properties Update - October 15, 2012
GSNEO Judgement Entry 10092012
Excerpts from ruling October 9, 2012
GSNEO successfully responded to litigation seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction to restrain GSNEO from selling camps. Below are the claims made by the Plaintiffs and excerpts from the Judge’s formal ruling. The formal ruling is attached.
Camp Properties Update - July 30, 2012
Property Update 7-30-2012
Property Update FAQ 7-30-2012
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy have reached an agreement on the structure of a transaction that would provide for the acquisition of Camp Lejnar and Camp Crowell/Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy strives to maintain and restore healthy habitats throughout Northeastern Ohio. The Land Conservancy considers these two properties to have significant conservation value and is actively exploring a variety of partnership and funding opportunities designed to conserve as much of the unique natural areas and biologically diverse habitat as is feasible.
GSNEO continues the process of acquiring an oil and gas lease at Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This lease could generate income and camp would be available for Girl Scout use in the future.
As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve GSNEO camps. Plans call for performing deferred maintenance, safety upgrades, and enhancements, including the addition of more specialized programs.
“Our goal always has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that as many girls as possible have access and opportunities to experience camping while developing leadership skills and building friendships in a variety of camp settings,” said Joan Villarreal, Board Chair. “We are committed to providing superior leadership development programs and opportunities for girls now and in the future.”
Camp Properties Update – July 11, 2012
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) has reached an agreement with an individual for the sale of Camp Pleasant Valley. This individual plans to retain the property for his personal and family use. Camp closing ceremonies took place earlier this spring.
Negotiations continue for Camps Crowell/Hilaka and Lejnar with an organization that is dedicated to preserving land and the natural resources in Ohio.
GSNEO continues the process of acquiring an oil and gas lease at Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This lease could generate income and camp would be available for Girl Scout use in the future.
As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve GSNEO camps. Plans call for performing deferred maintenance, safety upgrades, and enhancements, including the addition of more specialized programs.
“Our goal always has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that as many girls as possible have access and opportunities to experience camping while developing leadership skills and building friendships in a variety of camp settings,” said Joan Villarreal, Board Chair. “We are committed to providing superior leadership development programs and opportunities for girls now and in the future.”
April 13, 2012 Property Updates - Click here to download
Friday April 13, 2012
Leading up to our Spring Meeting of the General Assembly, we will be making every effort to
provide up-to-the-minute information regarding the status of the properties, as well as the current
ballot initiatives. You will find the most recent status of the camp properties listed at the end of this
message.
Keeping in mind the tremendous work that has been done at all of our properties, the friendships
built, and the cherished memories that our current and former members have with each camp, we have
worked diligently to assess our present camping situation while looking for ways to enhance the camping
experience now and into the future.
While we maintain the desire to create opportunities to attract new campers, it is no secret,
like other Girl Scout councils across the country, GSNEO is experiencing some financial strain—due to
deferred maintenance on the camps, necessary upgrades and improvements. In light of this, we have
determined that selling and/or repurposing some of the camps is the course of action that will best
meet the needs of current and future Girl Scouts.
We will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis regarding the camp properties and
other GSNEO business. In the meantime, please visit GSNEO.org for the most up-to-date information.
Sincerely,
Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
On behalf of Joan Villarreal
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Camp Sale Status: 4.13.12
Camp Pleasant Valley - Seneca County
Up for sale, however GSNEO has not received
an acceptable offer to date.
Camp Crowell/Hilaka - Summit County
Because the majority of the camp is zoned as
a conservation district, GSNEO is in serious
negotiations with a buyer, whom we believe is
committed to not developing the properties.
Camp Lejner Lake County
GSNEO is in serious negotiations with a buyer,
whom we believe is committed to not developing
the properties.
Camp Great Trail - Carroll County
Negotiating to lease the mineral rights so the
property does not have to be sold and can be used
for Girl Scout purposes to the extent determined
to be advisable by the Board of Directors in the
future.
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio retain additional camp propertyMacedonia, October 20, 2011 – On Monday, the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) voted to retain Camp Sugarbush, in Trumbull County, after several meetings with the master planners, Brandstetter Carroll Inc., during their sites analyses. “The board decided to give the master planners and property management experts the flexibility to consider and incorporate the visions, wishes and recommendations of our membership,” responded Dan A. Bragg, GSNEO chair of the board of directors. GSNEO requires more buildable space than Camps Ledgewood and Timberlane have to accommodate the ideas and visions from the member Town Hall meetings held in August, 2011. While the two properties do have significant total acreage and usable space for programming, GSNEO wants to ensure that their unique features are protected while we expand camping experiences for our girls.
Strategically, GSNEO is aggressively working to increase girl and adult memberships and expand programming opportunities. Girl membership growth continued in the 2011 fiscal year by 3%, adults by 1%. “The size of the sites are important not only for potential programming and housing capabilities, but also to provide appropriate perimeter buffer space to neighboring properties and public ways,” said Richard T. Parker, Brandstetter Carroll architect and project manager for GSNEO’s master plan. He added, “Maintaining the ‘Rustic’ environments was clearly articulated as important to the membership in the Town Hall meetings and by the board at the outset.”
Camp Sugarbush is the recommended camp to retain because: “It is geographically located in an area that has experienced significant growth and also has potential for new members. Based on the assessment information available, it is my recommendation Sugarbush should be part of the GSNEO’s outdoor program properties portfolio,” added Parker. This recommendation is consistent with the recommendation made by Glen Chin, property management consultant for the Girl Scouts of the USA, in 2009. It also aligns with the GSNEO staff recommendation made to the Properties Committee of the board in early 2011.
Parker continued, “Based on collected information this site should not require significant immediate improvement investment.” Camp Sugarbush is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Also on October 17, the board of directors voted to move forward with the sale of the remaining camp properties. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Camps Great Trail, Crowell/Hilaka, Pleasant Valley, and Lejnar will be released by December 1, 2011.
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio retain additional camp property press release
Board of Directors Letter to Delegates
August 11, 2011
Dear GSNEO Delegates,
Thanks to all of you who were able to participate in the delegate conversations held over the past two weeks. We are pleased that many of you were able to join First Vice-Chair, Joan Villarreal, and staff for these discussions. The meetings were productive in allowing our delegates to express their views with Council representatives face to face, to critique the property decision process of the past few months, to help the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) Board of Directors improve communications, and to share "blue sky" ideas about our future.
It is clear that the way this decision was announced and presented at the April 16 General Assembly meeting was a shock to most in the room. We can’t turn back that clock, but will remember forever that Girl Scouts crave straight talk and want discussion not surprise announcements.
We will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis. Camping will always be the focus for the enhanced properties at Camps Ledgewood and Timberlane. Rather than Premier Camps and Leadership Centers we can think of them as camps with additional multi-purpose program capacity. The FAQ’s updated on our website last week have expanded explanations of what this means in context of our camps. The properties will serve the multi-functional needs of Council including value-added complimentary program experiences for girls and volunteers.
The Board’s decision to sell five Girl Scout camp properties stands and the master planning process will continue. We anticipate that one or two camps will be sold before the end of 2012 and the remaining camps will be sold on a rolling basis over the next two to three years. However, if we receive a viable offer to purchase any one of the five camps, that offer will be considered. In early 2012 we will know if any unsold camps will be open for programming.
GSNEO has much work to do concerning our properties, recruitment and retention of members, nurturing our girls and the celebration of our 100th birthday. None of us can do this alone. Our success depends on YOU, our girls, our volunteers, our staff and board.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the Member Visioning Sessions (August 20 or 27). We encourage you to bring a girl member with you to be part of designing our future outdoor experiences. Online registration opened August 3 and continues. Please be a part of this transformative GSNEO initiative. Again, thank you for your commitment to Girl Scouts today and tomorrow. You may contact me if you have any questions at [email protected].
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Dan A. Bragg, Chair
On behalf of the GSNEO Board of Directors
Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. Selected Master Planner
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) has retained Cleveland-based Brandstetter Carroll Inc. (BCI) to develop a transformative strategy to elevate Camp Ledgewood in Peninsula, Summit County and Camp Timberlane in Wakeman, Erie County into premier camps and leadership centers - the two sites selected to serve the Council into the next century of Girl Scouting.
These GSNEO facilities will continue to be used for Girl Scout programs such as troop, resident and day camping as well as programs focused in financial literacy, the arts, healthy living, environmental awareness, community engagement, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and adult training. The properties will also serve as centers for Girl Scout ceremonies, a place to share history and traditions, and for building future leaders.
"This is a defining moment for the future of Girl Scouting in Northeast Ohio," said Dan A. Bragg, GSNEO Board Chair. "As we move forward to strengthen all of our program areas, including outdoor experiences, we will make the properties something we can all be proud of that will fit with our traditions, memories, and girl needs."
BCI firmly believes this project will benefit most from an inclusive, interactive, collaborative, and thorough process that engages, challenges, and instills creativity and excitement in GSNEO stakeholders including the Council membership, Board of Directors, and staff. The BCI team will guide this effort, pursuing practical solutions that utilize natural systems to achieve programmatic results, respond to budgetary constraints, and produce cost-effective facilities.
"Our team is proud to work with GSNEO in preparing creative, affordable, and relevant site visions to support program initiatives," said BCI Vice President Richard T. Parker, AIA, LEED AP. "We will integrate the new realities of Girl Scout camping with more than 30 years of experience with planning and developing site and building facilities in more than 20 states."
BCI will engage girl and adult members in the process by conducting two Membership Town Hall Visioning Sessions to develop a plan that will support the Council's strategic goals and needs and give broad direction for future planning. These sessions will provide the Council an opportunity to update members, enhance clarity around key issues and intentions, and learn about the visions that girls and adult members hold for the two properties. Girl and adult members will also have an opportunity and venue to explore, develop, and share their visions for the two properties in a way that can impact the final plans. They will also learn about the Council master planning process and on-going opportunities for their engagement. At these meetings, the Master Planning Team will receive essential information to inform the development of the final plans.
The Membership Town Hall Meetings will occur at the Macedonia Corporate Office, One Girl Scout Way and is open to all Girl Scout members. Preregistration is required to attend on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 5-8pm OR Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 10am-1pm. To accommodate the maximum number of members in each session, members can attend only one meeting.
Registration for the Town Halls meetings opens online at gsneo.org, Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
Following the Town Halls, a web-based survey will be issued to GSNEO members who are unable to make the meetings but wish to have input.
Finally, the Vision 2012 Committee, a group of Board members and Girl Scout members ages 14 and up, will re-convene on September 24, 2011, 10am-1pm. This group will establish their role in the next phase of program and property planning. Registration for the Vision 2012 meeting is required and opens online at gsneo.org, Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
BCI's current and recent clients include: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Girl Scouts Gateway Council, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline, Hiram House, and the National Center for Youth Science Education.
GSNEO Camp Changes FAQs
Town Hall Meeting Invitation
Vision 2012 Meeting Invitation
Registration Instructions
BCI Girl Scout Projects
Master Planner Press Release
Western Reserve Land Conservancy has terminated the purchase and sale agreement dated June 15, 2012 for Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio for inability to obtain WRLC board approval prior to Board Approval Date, as defined in the Agreement. GSNEO will restart the RFP process to sell this property.
For the most recent GSNEO property announcements visit http://www.gsneo.org/camping/property-updates.aspx
additional property updates:
Properties Update - November 15, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Great Trail Camp. This agreement is expected to be finalized Friday, November 15, 2013. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
The properties director and other staff are in the process of removing the Girl Scout gates, picnic tables, commercial appliances and other valuables from the property in Carroll County. The History and Archive committee members have already removed all of the memorabilia.
Girl Scout troops that wish to plan “sleepovers” in the North Canton training room may do so by contacting the service center. We also encourage troops and service units to register online for campouts at one of the three Girl Scout camps.
Properties Update - October 26, 2013
Council Offices
- GSNEO sold its Niles office and moved the East Service Center to an updated and modern facility in Boardman (8580 South Avenue).
- A satellite office in the United Way of Geauga county facility opened October 1, 2013. Location address is: 209 Center Street, Unit H, Chardon, Ohio 44024. Office hours at this location are limited similar to the satellite offices in Cleveland and New Philadelphia.
Camp Master Site Plans
- Coming in 2014.
- Facility design and features include many recommendations from volunteers, girls, and staff.
- All three camps will continue to offer a variety of camping alternatives from primitive tent sites to heated facilities with "flushies," showers, kitchens, and sleeping quarters.
- Expanded programming opportunities will be available. (for example: high adventure, high & low ropes, large Council & service unit sponsored events)
- Green technology will be utilized throughout all new construction when appropriate. (solar panels in aquatic center, tubullar dayllight systems in the troop houses, high efficiency heating, lighting and ventilation, utilization of recycled products for construction)
Click on the camp below to see images and information specific to each camp property.
Camp Ledgewood, Peninsula
Camp Sugarbush, Kinsman
Camp Timberlane, Wakeman
Camp Properties Update - September 18, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has completed the sale of Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sale of all camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
Camp Properties Update - CEO message September 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. This agreement is expected to finalize this month. A previous agreement with Western Reserve Land Conservancy terminated after WRLC was unable to obtain their board approval. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
The bricks from the Legacy Plaza memorial at Camp Lejnar will be transferred to Camp Ledgewood, where they will be placed outside the new welcome and program center. Additionally, all of the historical mementos at Camp Lejnar as documented by the archive committee members have been turned over to the Girl Scout museum located in Northfield.
Camp Ledgewood will remain closed weekdays (Monday 7 a.m. through Friday 3 p.m.) during the installation of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Construction that began in April and was put on hold during resident camp and ALE will take place only during the weekdays through October. Weekend troop camping and weekend day hikes will not be affected. This OEPA mandated facility will eliminate existing septic systems and collect all wastewater from troop cabins. The WWTP is designed to accommodate any new facilities and troop housing planned at Camp Ledgewood. The WWTP and collection system will improve local water quality and will meet environmental water quality standards and the camps future growth for many years to come.
At its September 11, 2013 meeting, the GSNEO Board of Directors voted and accepted the highest bid for Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. A formal agreement is in the works. A camp closing ceremony themed, A Walk Down Memory Lane, is being planned for Sunday, October 27 from 1 p.m. until 4:30 p.m. The committee has expressed an interest in offering tours of the camp, serving light refreshments, sharing photos, and concluding the day with a flag retirement ceremony. We will post information online at gsneo.org, in the e-news, and on Facebook with all of the details in October.
Camp Properties Update - August 16, 2013
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio has signed an agreement with a private individual to purchase Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio. This agreement is expected to be finalized by mid-September. A previous agreement with Western Reserve Land Conservancy terminated after WRLC was unable to obtain their board approval. As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Sugarbush and Timberlane.
GSNEO staff members are currently in the process of removing the bricks from the Legacy Plaza memorial at Camp Lejnar, which will be transferred to Camp Ledgewood. The bricks will be placed outside the new welcome and program center. Additionally, all of the historical mementos at Camp Lejnar as documented by the archive committee members are in the process of removal and will be turned over to the Girl Scout museum located in Northfield.
Beginning August 19, 2013, Camp Ledgewood will be closed weekdays (Monday 7 a.m. through Friday 3 p.m.) while we resume the installation of a wastewater treatment plant (WWTP). Construction that began in April and was put on hold during resident camp and ALE will take place only during the weekdays through October. Weekend troop camping and weekend day hikes will not be affected. This OEPA mandated facility will eliminate existing septic systems and collect all wastewater from troop cabins. The WWTP is designed to accommodate any new facilities and troop housing planned at Camp Ledgewood. The WWTP and collection system will improve local water quality and will meet environmental water quality standards and the camps future growth for many years to come.
Camp Properties Update - July 11, 2013
The Board passed a motion at its July 10th Board Meeting instructing the staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal process for the sale of Great Trail Camp.
The Board of Directors originally approved the sale of Great Trail Camp on March 2, 2011. The Board of Directors also amended the approval on October 17, 2011 and again on December 7, 2011. Another action, moved and passed in October 2011, ensures that the proceeds from the sale of Great Trail Camp will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Timberlane and Sugarbush.
Camp Properties Update - July 2, 2013
Greetings!
Below you will find a summary of the information the GSNEO Properties Committee gathered to make its recommendation regarding the future of Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This decision was not made lightly; much thoughtful consideration and a thorough discussion of the options took place before it was made.
Ultimately, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that the Board act upon their motion of March 2, 2011 to sell Great Trail Camp, which was amended on October 17, 2011, and the December 7, 2011 motion to issue a Request for Proposal and accept bids. The full Board will consider the recommendation on July 10, 2013 at the regular meeting of the Board of Directors. Please note that the Board has already voted on a provision that would ensure that all proceeds from any camp sale be restricted to improvements at camp properties.
If you have further questions please feel free to call Jane Christyson at 330-983-0400.
Joan P. Villarreal
Chair, Board of Directors
Properties Committee SummaryGreat Trail Camp Recommendation to GSNEO Board
- 1. Costs considerations associated with reopening Great Trail
Additional Costs to Reopen Great Trail CampSecurity at the camp is a concern. Currently, a camp ranger is overnight 1-2 nights during the week. If reopened, staff would have to be hired.
Ohio EPA inspections, County Health Dept. inspections, and EPA water testing is required to re-open the south section of the camp. Although the costs of the tests are not prohibitive, the actions these agencies might require could be costly.
Ongoing CostsAnnual costs to maintain the camp include labor to cut the grass, accomplish minimal repairs and other maintenance. Actual costs from 10/1/2011 – 9/30/12 were $67,350.51.
- 2. Options considered to generate dollars to reopen the camp
The Properties Committee explored the possibility of a conservation easement for Great Trail Camp with the Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources and Soil Water Conservation District. The only possibility was a Conservation Reserve Program. However, this would only yield approximately $25,000 per year. This is significantly less than the cost of keeping the property in its current state. Furthermore, this is not a confirmed commitment; GSNEO would have to apply and see if the program accepted the land.
The creation of a Land Bank was also discussed. All buildings would have to be removed. The cost of removing all the buildings may be as much as $200,000 and a Land Bank would not generate any income.
Staff attempted to negotiate an easement for an oil and gas pipeline through the lower 50 acres of the south section to generate revenue, but the neighboring properties were not cooperative. Therefore, the deal could not be culminated.
Staff discussed a waterline easement through the south portion, but the company that was interested did not accept the restrictions GSNEO requested for safety reasons.
- 3. Considerations of area membership and proximity to other camps
A one week volunteer run Resident Camp for the girl membership in the southern part of the GSNEO council will be held at Camp Sugarbush for the 2nd year in a row. This camp was previously held at Great Trail Camp. Camp Sugarbush is an approximately 1.5 hour drive from Great Trail Camp.
This is an exciting time for our Council as we look forward to creating an environment that will take Girl Scouting into the second century and beyond. We thank everyone who joined us for the Master Site Planning session at the Macedonia Service Center on January 12. The meeting was open to all members, girls and adults, interested in taking part in the planning of the “start-up” phase. Approximately 60 members joined us for that session.
The committee was impressed with the details you provided in the small group sessions. Your input reinforced what we learned from past surveys. For those of you who were unable to attend, participants were asked to identify ideas as well as concerns related to future camp development in these five areas:
* Sleeping Units
* Multipurpose Building
* Aquatics Center
* Site Programming
* Green Features
We are pleased to share the survey results and project notes with you, and encourage more of our members to participate in the planning process and future focus groups. At the Master Site Planning session, girls told us they want an indoor rock wall and zip line, an aquatic area with rainbow lights and a heated pool, a low ropes course and sledding hills. Some of the recurring themes include green space, water activities, and amphitheater. As the planning progresses, the committee will continue to be guided by your concerns and creative ideas.
Master Site Planning Session [data by group]
Project Notes Summary
Click on the links below to view the plans and maps.
Master Plan from Annual Meeting October 2012
Camp Ledgewood Start up and Phase I Map
Camp Timberlane Start up and Phase I Map
Camp Sugarbush Start up and Phase I Map
If you have questions or need further information email [email protected].
Camp Properties Update - July 11, 2013
The Board passed a motion at its July 10th Board Meeting instructing the staff to proceed with a Request for Proposal process for the sale of Great Trail Camp. The original motion passed by the Board of Directors on March 2, 2011 allows for the sale of the camp. Another action, moved and passed on October 17, 2011 and amended again on December 7, 2011 ensures that the proceeds from the sale of Great Trail Camp will be used to improve Camps Ledgewood, Timberlane and Sugarbush.
Camp Properties Update - June 27, 2013
Western Reserve Land Conservancy has terminated the purchase and sale agreement dated June 15, 2012 for Camp Lejnar in Lake County, Ohio for inability to obtain WRLC board approval prior to Board Approval Date, as defined in the Agreement. GSNEO will restart the RFP process to sell this property.
Camp Properties Update - October 22, 2012
GSNEO has successfully finalized a lease with Chesapeake Energy for the Oil & Gas Rights at Great Trail Camp. Net proceeds will be restricted to improve the Camps.
Camp Properties Update - October 15, 2012
GSNEO Judgement Entry 10092012
Excerpts from ruling October 9, 2012
GSNEO successfully responded to litigation seeking a preliminary and permanent injunction to restrain GSNEO from selling camps. Below are the claims made by the Plaintiffs and excerpts from the Judge’s formal ruling. The formal ruling is attached.
Camp Properties Update - July 30, 2012
Property Update 7-30-2012
Property Update FAQ 7-30-2012
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio and the Western Reserve Land Conservancy have reached an agreement on the structure of a transaction that would provide for the acquisition of Camp Lejnar and Camp Crowell/Hilaka. Western Reserve Land Conservancy strives to maintain and restore healthy habitats throughout Northeastern Ohio. The Land Conservancy considers these two properties to have significant conservation value and is actively exploring a variety of partnership and funding opportunities designed to conserve as much of the unique natural areas and biologically diverse habitat as is feasible.
GSNEO continues the process of acquiring an oil and gas lease at Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This lease could generate income and camp would be available for Girl Scout use in the future.
As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve GSNEO camps. Plans call for performing deferred maintenance, safety upgrades, and enhancements, including the addition of more specialized programs.
“Our goal always has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that as many girls as possible have access and opportunities to experience camping while developing leadership skills and building friendships in a variety of camp settings,” said Joan Villarreal, Board Chair. “We are committed to providing superior leadership development programs and opportunities for girls now and in the future.”
Camp Properties Update – July 11, 2012
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) has reached an agreement with an individual for the sale of Camp Pleasant Valley. This individual plans to retain the property for his personal and family use. Camp closing ceremonies took place earlier this spring.
Negotiations continue for Camps Crowell/Hilaka and Lejnar with an organization that is dedicated to preserving land and the natural resources in Ohio.
GSNEO continues the process of acquiring an oil and gas lease at Great Trail Camp in Carroll County. This lease could generate income and camp would be available for Girl Scout use in the future.
As directed by the GSNEO Board, the net proceeds from the sales of the camps will be used to improve GSNEO camps. Plans call for performing deferred maintenance, safety upgrades, and enhancements, including the addition of more specialized programs.
“Our goal always has been, and will continue to be, to ensure that as many girls as possible have access and opportunities to experience camping while developing leadership skills and building friendships in a variety of camp settings,” said Joan Villarreal, Board Chair. “We are committed to providing superior leadership development programs and opportunities for girls now and in the future.”
April 13, 2012 Property Updates - Click here to download
Friday April 13, 2012
Leading up to our Spring Meeting of the General Assembly, we will be making every effort to
provide up-to-the-minute information regarding the status of the properties, as well as the current
ballot initiatives. You will find the most recent status of the camp properties listed at the end of this
message.
Keeping in mind the tremendous work that has been done at all of our properties, the friendships
built, and the cherished memories that our current and former members have with each camp, we have
worked diligently to assess our present camping situation while looking for ways to enhance the camping
experience now and into the future.
While we maintain the desire to create opportunities to attract new campers, it is no secret,
like other Girl Scout councils across the country, GSNEO is experiencing some financial strain—due to
deferred maintenance on the camps, necessary upgrades and improvements. In light of this, we have
determined that selling and/or repurposing some of the camps is the course of action that will best
meet the needs of current and future Girl Scouts.
We will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis regarding the camp properties and
other GSNEO business. In the meantime, please visit GSNEO.org for the most up-to-date information.
Sincerely,
Daisy L. Alford-Smith, Ph.D.
Chief Executive Officer
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
On behalf of Joan Villarreal
Chairperson of the Board of Directors
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Camp Sale Status: 4.13.12
Camp Pleasant Valley - Seneca County
Up for sale, however GSNEO has not received
an acceptable offer to date.
Camp Crowell/Hilaka - Summit County
Because the majority of the camp is zoned as
a conservation district, GSNEO is in serious
negotiations with a buyer, whom we believe is
committed to not developing the properties.
Camp Lejner Lake County
GSNEO is in serious negotiations with a buyer,
whom we believe is committed to not developing
the properties.
Camp Great Trail - Carroll County
Negotiating to lease the mineral rights so the
property does not have to be sold and can be used
for Girl Scout purposes to the extent determined
to be advisable by the Board of Directors in the
future.
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio retain additional camp propertyMacedonia, October 20, 2011 – On Monday, the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) voted to retain Camp Sugarbush, in Trumbull County, after several meetings with the master planners, Brandstetter Carroll Inc., during their sites analyses. “The board decided to give the master planners and property management experts the flexibility to consider and incorporate the visions, wishes and recommendations of our membership,” responded Dan A. Bragg, GSNEO chair of the board of directors. GSNEO requires more buildable space than Camps Ledgewood and Timberlane have to accommodate the ideas and visions from the member Town Hall meetings held in August, 2011. While the two properties do have significant total acreage and usable space for programming, GSNEO wants to ensure that their unique features are protected while we expand camping experiences for our girls.
Strategically, GSNEO is aggressively working to increase girl and adult memberships and expand programming opportunities. Girl membership growth continued in the 2011 fiscal year by 3%, adults by 1%. “The size of the sites are important not only for potential programming and housing capabilities, but also to provide appropriate perimeter buffer space to neighboring properties and public ways,” said Richard T. Parker, Brandstetter Carroll architect and project manager for GSNEO’s master plan. He added, “Maintaining the ‘Rustic’ environments was clearly articulated as important to the membership in the Town Hall meetings and by the board at the outset.”
Camp Sugarbush is the recommended camp to retain because: “It is geographically located in an area that has experienced significant growth and also has potential for new members. Based on the assessment information available, it is my recommendation Sugarbush should be part of the GSNEO’s outdoor program properties portfolio,” added Parker. This recommendation is consistent with the recommendation made by Glen Chin, property management consultant for the Girl Scouts of the USA, in 2009. It also aligns with the GSNEO staff recommendation made to the Properties Committee of the board in early 2011.
Parker continued, “Based on collected information this site should not require significant immediate improvement investment.” Camp Sugarbush is accredited by the American Camp Association.
Also on October 17, the board of directors voted to move forward with the sale of the remaining camp properties. Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for Camps Great Trail, Crowell/Hilaka, Pleasant Valley, and Lejnar will be released by December 1, 2011.
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio retain additional camp property press release
Board of Directors Letter to Delegates
August 11, 2011
Dear GSNEO Delegates,
Thanks to all of you who were able to participate in the delegate conversations held over the past two weeks. We are pleased that many of you were able to join First Vice-Chair, Joan Villarreal, and staff for these discussions. The meetings were productive in allowing our delegates to express their views with Council representatives face to face, to critique the property decision process of the past few months, to help the Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) Board of Directors improve communications, and to share "blue sky" ideas about our future.
It is clear that the way this decision was announced and presented at the April 16 General Assembly meeting was a shock to most in the room. We can’t turn back that clock, but will remember forever that Girl Scouts crave straight talk and want discussion not surprise announcements.
We will continue to communicate with you on a regular basis. Camping will always be the focus for the enhanced properties at Camps Ledgewood and Timberlane. Rather than Premier Camps and Leadership Centers we can think of them as camps with additional multi-purpose program capacity. The FAQ’s updated on our website last week have expanded explanations of what this means in context of our camps. The properties will serve the multi-functional needs of Council including value-added complimentary program experiences for girls and volunteers.
The Board’s decision to sell five Girl Scout camp properties stands and the master planning process will continue. We anticipate that one or two camps will be sold before the end of 2012 and the remaining camps will be sold on a rolling basis over the next two to three years. However, if we receive a viable offer to purchase any one of the five camps, that offer will be considered. In early 2012 we will know if any unsold camps will be open for programming.
GSNEO has much work to do concerning our properties, recruitment and retention of members, nurturing our girls and the celebration of our 100th birthday. None of us can do this alone. Our success depends on YOU, our girls, our volunteers, our staff and board.
We look forward to seeing you at one of the Member Visioning Sessions (August 20 or 27). We encourage you to bring a girl member with you to be part of designing our future outdoor experiences. Online registration opened August 3 and continues. Please be a part of this transformative GSNEO initiative. Again, thank you for your commitment to Girl Scouts today and tomorrow. You may contact me if you have any questions at [email protected].
Yours in Girl Scouting,
Dan A. Bragg, Chair
On behalf of the GSNEO Board of Directors
Brandstetter Carroll, Inc. Selected Master Planner
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) has retained Cleveland-based Brandstetter Carroll Inc. (BCI) to develop a transformative strategy to elevate Camp Ledgewood in Peninsula, Summit County and Camp Timberlane in Wakeman, Erie County into premier camps and leadership centers - the two sites selected to serve the Council into the next century of Girl Scouting.
These GSNEO facilities will continue to be used for Girl Scout programs such as troop, resident and day camping as well as programs focused in financial literacy, the arts, healthy living, environmental awareness, community engagement, STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) and adult training. The properties will also serve as centers for Girl Scout ceremonies, a place to share history and traditions, and for building future leaders.
"This is a defining moment for the future of Girl Scouting in Northeast Ohio," said Dan A. Bragg, GSNEO Board Chair. "As we move forward to strengthen all of our program areas, including outdoor experiences, we will make the properties something we can all be proud of that will fit with our traditions, memories, and girl needs."
BCI firmly believes this project will benefit most from an inclusive, interactive, collaborative, and thorough process that engages, challenges, and instills creativity and excitement in GSNEO stakeholders including the Council membership, Board of Directors, and staff. The BCI team will guide this effort, pursuing practical solutions that utilize natural systems to achieve programmatic results, respond to budgetary constraints, and produce cost-effective facilities.
"Our team is proud to work with GSNEO in preparing creative, affordable, and relevant site visions to support program initiatives," said BCI Vice President Richard T. Parker, AIA, LEED AP. "We will integrate the new realities of Girl Scout camping with more than 30 years of experience with planning and developing site and building facilities in more than 20 states."
BCI will engage girl and adult members in the process by conducting two Membership Town Hall Visioning Sessions to develop a plan that will support the Council's strategic goals and needs and give broad direction for future planning. These sessions will provide the Council an opportunity to update members, enhance clarity around key issues and intentions, and learn about the visions that girls and adult members hold for the two properties. Girl and adult members will also have an opportunity and venue to explore, develop, and share their visions for the two properties in a way that can impact the final plans. They will also learn about the Council master planning process and on-going opportunities for their engagement. At these meetings, the Master Planning Team will receive essential information to inform the development of the final plans.
The Membership Town Hall Meetings will occur at the Macedonia Corporate Office, One Girl Scout Way and is open to all Girl Scout members. Preregistration is required to attend on Saturday, August 20, 2011 from 5-8pm OR Saturday, August 27, 2011 from 10am-1pm. To accommodate the maximum number of members in each session, members can attend only one meeting.
Registration for the Town Halls meetings opens online at gsneo.org, Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
Following the Town Halls, a web-based survey will be issued to GSNEO members who are unable to make the meetings but wish to have input.
Finally, the Vision 2012 Committee, a group of Board members and Girl Scout members ages 14 and up, will re-convene on September 24, 2011, 10am-1pm. This group will establish their role in the next phase of program and property planning. Registration for the Vision 2012 meeting is required and opens online at gsneo.org, Wednesday, August 3, 2011.
BCI's current and recent clients include: Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas, Girl Scouts Gateway Council, Girl Scouts of Virginia Skyline, Hiram House, and the National Center for Youth Science Education.
GSNEO Camp Changes FAQs
Town Hall Meeting Invitation
Vision 2012 Meeting Invitation
Registration Instructions
BCI Girl Scout Projects
Master Planner Press Release