Merrie-Wood Property
● Roof repairs were completed on four shelters at the Merrie-Wood property along with needed structural repairs to several pavilions.
Our Long Range Property Plan is underway and we have many exciting updates to share!
- New Updates -
AnSeOx Property
● GSOFCT is excited to share the preliminary architectural plans for several projects at AnSeOx including a new pool, bathhouse and cook shelter. The initial designs, drafted by Patriquin Architects and SLR Consulting, were presented to both the girl-led Innovation Task Force and the CEO Advisory Board during the week of 12/13/21. GSOFCT Camping Services and Girl Experience teams as well as the executive team staff have also reviewed the plans and had the opportunity to offer input.
● All three plans are close to final approval, however the details are subject to change based on the final budgets for each project. Bids are ready to send to vendors to solicit quotes for early 2022. These plans are preliminary-only, and we expect that details will change based on the final bids and any budget restraints including the cost of building materials and supply chain constraints.The girl-led Property Task Force will be involved with each step of that process, and members are invited to check this page regularly for exciting developments as the plans are finalized!
● Members are invited to view the preliminary plans using the links below:
○ AnSeOx Pool concept plan: Features include multiple swimming areas, zero entry access, and interactive fountains.
○ AnSeOx Pool House concept plan: Features include an open poolside porch, ample space for changing rooms and showers, and a fully accessible restroom.
○ AnSeOx Cook Shelter concept plan: Features include an open fireplace cooking surface, sink and counter space with storage areas at both the north and south sides of the shelter. An open layout with picnic table seating is planned for the interior.
● The AnSeOx pool project is tentatively slated for completion by summer 2023. Camping Services is currently looking at options for water activities for the 2022 summer camp season.
● A number of trees were cleared from the AnSeOx property in early December to accommodate space for the planned pavilion, to increase capacity for the parking lot and to provide accessibility to a new archery area.
Rocky Craig Property
● GSOFCT CEO, Diana Mahoney, is forming a task force to analyze the Rocky Craig property as part of the Long Range Property Plan. Volunteers who are familiar with the Rocky Craig property from the Fairfield County area are asked to join this effort, with a maximum of 10 positions available. The analysis will review past and current property use, site amenities, needs/maintenance, and possibilities for future use. Task force results will be presented to the GSOFCT Board of Directors to help guide the future of the Rocky Craig property. If you would like to participate, please send an email to customercare@gsofct.org with “Camp Rocky Craig Task Group” in the subject line.
- Previous Updates -
Property Plan Outreach Results
● GSOFCT conducted outreach to membership throughout the summer and fall of 2021 to gather input on the future of the GSOFCT properties. Different outreach strategies were employed to get a variety of perspectives, including: summer in-person workshops with resident and day campers at Camp An-Se-Ox and Laurel, a virtual session with the CEO Girl Advisory Board, an in-person workshop for girls and adults during a fall letterboxing event, and an in-depth online survey.
● A very limited number of members engaged with the online questionnaire. Although the questionnaire was open from June 2021 through October 2021, less than 1% of current membership (including both Girl and Adult members) shared feedback. Online survey respondents were primarily adults, including current/former troop leaders and parents.
● Key outreach takeaways include:
○ All participants are looking for updates or upgrades to existing facilities.
○ Participants expressed a desire for year-round facility and site usage.
○ Facilities should provide for a progression in overnight camping from more modern facilities to more rustic ones that allow girls to build comfort levels and outdoor skills.
○ Campers expressed a preference for community-focused features in overnight accommodations such as connected porches or swings.
○ All campers valued greater privacy in their accommodations, and participants shared an emphasis on accessible options.
○ Girl respondents emphasized a desire for archery and outdoor survival skills, adventure elements including ziplines and ropes courses, and water access and swimming. Water-centered activities were the most important for all age groups.
○ Feedback on cooking shelters and dining hall renovations prioritized natural light and ventilation, adequate storage in outdoor cooking areas, and opportunities for cooking classes, outdoor eating, and multi-person prep in dining hall spaces.
○ Respondents emphasized access to fireplace cooking spaces, outdoor cooking equipment and cook shelters with usable amenities.
○ In addition to outdoor activities, online respondents shared a desire for increased kitchen, storage and indoor program spaces.
● Results from the Long-Range Property Plan outreach and engagement sessions are being used to develop the Master Plan that will determine renovation priorities and updates to existing GSOFCT properties in the coming months and years. The Girl-Led Property and Innovation Task Forces will continue to serve as partners in that process and offer feedback as the Master Plan is finalized. Website Questionnaire
● The online property questionnaire closed on October 15, 2021. Feedback shared in the survey and from in-person engagement sessions will be taken into account as the LRPP and Master Plan are finalized.
Katoya Property
● Council staff followed up directly with adult membership in Milford following the informational meeting that was held on Sep. 30, 2021 to discuss the proposed sale of the Katoya property. Informational packets were hand-delivered to adult members residing in Milford who were unable to attend the meeting. If you are a Milford resident and have not yet received an informational packet, please contact Michele Velez directly at MVelez@gsofct.org to request a packet and confirm your contact information.
● GSOFCT CEO, Diana Mahoney, is available to meet one-on-one or in small groups with Milford members to provide more detailed information upon request. Please reach out if you have questions about the proposed sale or would like to directly share feedback.
Girl-Led Property & Innovation Task Forces
● The Girl-Led Innovation Task Force is exploring a variety of ideas to serve more of our council members with outdoor and camp type programs. Members have surveyed girls in their networks who are and are not Girl Scouts to identify reasons they would want to participate in camp/outdoor activities. Common themes included:
○ A desire for more Older Girl programs,
○ A desire for more adventure programs,
○ Programs that are more physically accessible, and
○ Creating ways to make camping more affordable for troops.
● Currently the Innovation Task Force members are researching companies, farms, organizations, parks and state forests and other organizations in their area to find partners and ideas for specific programs. The group will begin making specific programmatic recommendations at their November meeting.
● The Girl-Led Property Task Force will be part of the review process for the Master Plan and specific architectural plans for property improvements as that process moves forward in the coming months.
● The Property Task Force is still accepting new members! Girl members who are currently in 8th-12th grade are eligible. Please email Michele Velez, Director of Property Services, at MVelez@gsofct.org if you are interested in joining.
Katoya Property
● Membership Planning Meeting - GSOFCT met with adult membership in Milford on Thursday, Sep. 30, 2021 to discuss the proposed sale of the Katoya property and answer questions from membership. More than thirty adult members from Milford and surrounding service units attended the meeting.
● The Katoya property consists of three parcels, one of which is deed restricted. Sale of the deed-restricted parcel requires approval by a 2/3 majority vote from currently registered adult members residing in Milford. The purpose of the Sep. 30 meeting was to provide adult membership in Milford with detailed information so they can make an informed decision during the voting process. A vote to enable the sale of Katoya will be scheduled at a later date.
● Important details from the meeting include:
○ Milford Girl Scouts is a strong service unit with active area membership. However, GSOFCT has experienced a moderate membership decline over recent years that has been impacted further by the Covid-19 pandemic.
○ The income derived from summer camp attendance does not outweigh the combined annual expenses required to run camp, the cost to maintain facilities and infrastructure, and the annual property depreciation.
○ All GSOFCT properties were analyzed by Newmark, a third-party vendor, using the following criteria: financial stability, use potential, competitive advantage, effective operations, physical layout, and ability to expand.
○ Of the three properties in the Fairfield/Bridgeport/New Haven areas, AnSeOx and Aspetuck have higher usage rates by troops, Service Units, and summer camp. The Katoya property is in need of significant investment to re-open, is limited by the topography, and the pre-pandemic usage is comparatively lower than the other two properties.
○ GSOFCT is committed to using our resources wisely to support the current and future needs of girls. The Long Range Property Plan reflects this commitment to a sustainable and realistic property strategy by capitalizing on current market opportunities and high property values.
○ Proceeds from property sales will be used to execute the LRPP (the Long Range Property Plan and Master Plan) at remaining GSOFCT properties, support the Transportation and Innovation funds to increase access across the state, and be invested in property maintenance. A portion of the proceeds from property sales will be spent immediately. The remainder of the funds will be invested in order to provide an annual income stream that will be used to fund ongoing property costs and future improvements under the Long Range Property Plan for years to come.
○ GSOFCT is exploring opportunities to work with the Trust for Public Land ( https://www.tpl.org/) - Potential buyers could possibly include the town of Milford or local Land Trust. GSOFCT is exploring options for a potential camp to purchase the property as well and is committed to finding the best buyer option for Girl Scouts going forward.
● GSOFCT CEO, Diana Mahoney, is available to meet one-on-one or in small groups with members to provide more detailed information upon request.
Engagement Session Feedback
● Attendees at the Laurelei Letterboxing Weekend on September 25 had the opportunity to offer feedback during sessions hosted by the GSOFCT Property team, our hired master planners, SLR, and hired architects, Patriquin Architects. Feedback gathered was consistent with the summer camp session results, including an emphasis on amenities like bathrooms and electricity, privacy and cleanliness in overnight accommodations, updated cooking facilities and improved activity areas.
Website Questionnaire
● Final Chance for Submissions - Members are invited to fill out the property questionnaire before it closes on October 15, 2021. Share your thoughts as we plan for the future of our GSOFCT properties!
Katoya Property
● Membership Planning Meeting - GSOFCT is hosting a meeting for the adult Milford membership to discuss the proposed sale of the Katoya property on Thursday, Sep. 30, 2021 from 6:00-7:00 p.m. at Fowler Field Rotary Pavilion, 1 Shipyard Lane, Milford, CT. Please bring a chair with you. Families welcome. To RSVP, please call 800-922-2770.
● The Katoya property consists of three parcels, one of which is deed restricted. Sale of the deed-restricted parcel requires approval by a 2/3 majority vote by the adult membership in Milford.
● To date, several meetings have taken place with Milford volunteers and the Mayor of Milford to share details of the LRPP and to answer questions from membership.
● The Katoya property sale would help fund planned improvements to GSOFCT properties, including AnSeOx, Aspetuck, Merrie-Wood and Yankee Trails, as part of the Long-Range Property Plan. The goal of this plan is to provide properties that are well maintained, with newly constructed areas such as amphitheaters, cooking shelters, new sleeping areas and updated program areas for archery, boating and swimming activities. Proceeds from property sales will also support an Innovation Fund to provide outdoor programming throughout the state, especially in areas where GSOFCT are centrally located, and a Transportation Fund to help girls reach properties throughout the year including for service unit events, troop camping and summer camp. The capacity for each property will increase, allowing members access to year-round facilities.
Website Questionnaire
● We want to hear from our membership! Please take the time to fill out the online questionnaire before the property survey closes on October 15, 2021 and share your thoughts on the future of all GSOFCT properties including An-Se-Ox, Aspetuck, Merrie-Wood and Yankee Trails.
Property Investment Plan
● GSOFCT is committed to being transparent throughout the execution of the approved Long-Range Property Plan and to share financial information and allocation of the funds generated from property sales.
● The GSOFCT Board of Directors has approved the 2021-2022 operating budget including the use of sale proceeds.
● Approx. 1/3 of the total proceeds from properties sold during FY21 will be invested back into properties throughout FY22
● The remaining approx. 2/3 will be invested to fund future Improvements along with annual maintenance, additional transportation and innovation
By investing a portion of the property proceeds we are planning for a future in which the properties we operate are maintained, accessible, and used for many years to come.
● SLR, our Master Planners, is in the process of creating site plans for the future of the AnSeOx, Aspetuck, Merrie-Wood and Yankee Trails. The following are actions currently funded:
● A new accessible pool at AnSeOx, including showers/changing rooms
● New yurt at AnSeOx
● New Amphitheater at Aspetuck
● New Cook Shelters at AnSeOx
● Update the Inges Haus Pavilion at Merrie-Wood to provide a cooking area
● Expansion of the Archery area at AnSeOx
● Purchase two 4-wheel drive camp vehicles to assist in maintaining properties
● Convert Yankee Trails to a resident camp.
● Funding for future property investments in 2023 and beyond will come from additional planned property sales, improved results from ongoing business, other revenue generation ideas and expected returns on the portion of property sales that will be invested in the Endowment.
● Our overarching goal for these investments is to continue to support GSOFCT properties and membership in years to come rather than covering operating expenses in the short term and to increase spending in transportation, innovation and programs as we move forward in the long-range property plan execution.
Candlewood Property
● Sale Closing - The previously announced sale of Candlewood was finalized on September 7, 2021. The $8.3M in proceeds generated by the sale will be allocated to priority projects and property improvements as outlined in the Property Investment Plan above and according to the master plan for all GSOFCT properties.
● Closing Campfire - The closing ceremony for Candlewood was held on Sunday, August 29, 2021. Thank you to all who attended and shared camp memories, s’mores, and songs at this special celebration.
Master Planning Membership Engagement
- Fireside Chats - A total of sixteen virtual and on-site Fireside Chats were offered throughout June and July 2021 to discuss the Long-Range Property Plan. Unfortunately, GSOFCT received very low registration from membership resulting in the cancellation of all but two of these programs.
- Summer Outreach - GSOFCT gathered feedback during in-person workshops with Camp Laurel resident campers, day campers and staff, Camp An-Se-Ox day campers and staff, plus a virtual session with the CEO Advisory Board in July and August 2021. The input received from these sessions is being used to further establish priorities and develop the master plan for all GSOFCT properties.
- Upcoming Engagement Opportunities - Laurelei’s Letterboxing Weekend at Camp Laurel on September 25 and the Volunteer Development Conference at Camp AnSeOx on October 2 will offer additional opportunities to offer feedback on the master plan. Mark your calendars now. Members are encouraged to share their thoughts and ideas for the future of these camps - we want to hear from YOU!
- Website Questionnaires - An online questionnaire is available for An-Se-Ox, Aspetuck, Merrie-Wood and Yankee Trails. If you can’t make an in-person session please take the time to fill out the questionnaire. The questionnaires will close on October 15, 2021.
Camp Candlewood
- Closing Campfire - Girl Scouts of Connecticut will host a closing campfire to honor the legacy of Camp Candlewood on Sunday, August 29th, 3:00-5:00 PM. Please join us on this special day to share memories and reconnect. This is open to Girl Scout troops, individuals and families. RSVP by noon on August 26th via Doubleknot. Everyone is encouraged to carpool as limited parking is available.
- Reservations - The anticipated closing date for the sale of Camp Candlewood is August 30, 2021. Once the buyer takes ownership, they plan to survey the property in greater detail and will develop a scheduling system for reservations that will be available to GSOFCT members sometime in 2022. Once the reservation system is in place, that information will be posted here.
Camp An-Se-Ox
- In-Progress -
- New Pool and Pool House - Replacing the current pool at Camp An-Se-Ox is a high-priority project. GSOFCT has solicited quotes from pool designers and is in the process of interviewing pool contractors. Construction is expected to begin in November 2021, however this timeline may be affected by a significant delay in the availability of building materials. More information to come. Design plans for a Year-Round Pool Bath House that will include shower/toilet bath facilities are being created now and will be part of this project.
- Coming Soon -
- Cook Shelter - Our hired architect, Patriquin, is
also creating design plans for a fully accessible cook shelter.
We anticipate construction will take place at An-Se-Ox this
fall.
Camp An-Se-Ox |
Completed
- Bouldering wall – the Bouldering Wall is completed at the entrance of camp. This wall can be used without a facilitator. See guidance, HERE, view Page 54. This update will provide an element of adventure to allow for girls of all ages to get acquainted with wall holds and move onto larger courses in the future.
- Nurses Station – the Nurses Station at the rear of the Camp Office aka The Hub has been completed. The new addition allows for the Camp nurse to be near the main office, more privacy and allows for more program space in the Main Lodge. The outside area will also have a large private bathroom to utilize.
- Sling Shot Range – An-Se-Ox has a new Sling Shot Range! Thanks to the nearly 150 students from Hopkins School who assisted with building the sling shot range, donating supplies, picnic tables, and helping GSOFCT get ready for camp.
Camp An-Se-Ox | Coming Soon
- Deck/Yurts – a woman-owned company was selected as the vendor for purchasing the yurt at Camp An-Se-Ox. Weather/permit pending, the deck should be built late July/early August. Yurts will be designed to sleep up to 22 people.
- Water Floats –water floats are being researched to find the best feature(s) for our Resident camp.
Property Clean-Up
- 150 volunteers from VOYA assisted with property clean-up over three days at Yankee, Laurel, and Merrie-Wood. Thanks to their hard work cleaning, painting, raking, spreading mulch, etc., we were able to successfully prepare the properties for summer camp.
Camp Candlewood
- Sales Agreement – a sales agreement has been signed for $9M with an anonymous buyer who is committed to preserving as a camp and open space. We successfully negotiated a clause in the agreement which guarantees GSOFCT the opportunity to use the property free of charge for at least five years after the closing date (tentatively scheduled for August 2021). A slightly higher offer from a developer was declined. We believe that the best outcome for Girl Scouts is to have the property remain as a camp and green space.
- Closing Campfire – we will be hosting a closing campfire mid-August to honor Camp Candlewood. If you are interested in helping plan this event, please reach out to CustomerCare@gsofct.org with an email titled “Closing Campfire for Camp Candlewood.”
Broker Selected
GSOFCT has engaged with William
Pitt Sotheby's International to list the Wilton Office, Camp
Katoya, and Candlewood.
Camp Iwaktwa
Camp Iwaktwa was sold on March 30,
2021. The neighbors purchased the property with the intent to renovate
the property to its original integrity. Although their full plan is
not fully complete, the Camp will enjoy the much needed love and attention.
Transportation Update
Bus routes have been added
to: East Lyme, New London, and Norwich which will provide
transportation to Laurel Day camp Summer 2021. Registration will be
opening soon.
Master Planning
An updated contract is under
review and planned to be signed by mid-April.
Fireside Chats
Fireside Chats are being planned
now and we want to hear your voice! Be sure to continue to check our
website for opportunities to attend one of 16 Fireside Chats which
will be held at Camp Yankee Trails, Anseox, Merrie-Wood and Aspetuck.
There will be four chats held per camp – two virtual and two in
person. Attendees will use Arc GIS Story Maps for storyboard planning
sessions. In person sessions will be on a weekend and a week night to
accommodate different schedules. Virtual chats will also be scheduled
to ensure it can accommodate as many members as possible. More
information to come.
Girl Led Property Task Force
GSOFCT reached out to
a potential girl leader and is awaiting her response on acceptance of
this role.
Girl Led Innovation Task Force
Confirmed girl
leader has accepted the role to lead this effort and is currently
working with GSOFCT’s Chief Mission Delivery and Inclusion Officer to
get started.
