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Why are we doing this and why now?
These were difficult decisions to make, and we did not do so
lightly. But we felt responsible to consolidate our properties into
ones that would be outstanding and help GSOFCT be successful in the
years to come.
Today it is expensive to maintain what we have. Also, it would
require more resources than available to bring every camp up to the
level of experience required to attract the number of girls needed
to be financially sustainable in the long term.
We have a rare window of opportunity to take advantage of rising
property values in Connecticut due to the pandemic. If we monetize
these assets at peak valuation today, we can use that money
to fund investments in the properties where we can grow tomorrow.
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Which properties are affected?
We have evaluated our current properties and made a plan about what
to sell, exit, keep, move, and invest in. Going forward, we plan to sell:
We plan to exit Carlson, which is a deed restricted property not
owned by GSOFCT.
We will move the Camp Laurel program to Yankee Trails which we will
develop as a premier destination for resident camp for all girls in
Connecticut. Once Yankee Trails is operational, we will sell Laurel.
We will use a portion of the proceeds from the sales to fund improvements at:
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An-Se-Ox (which will become a camp focused on accommodating girls
of all abilities)
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Aspetuck
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Merrie-Wood
And again, Yankee Trails which will become our premier
destination resident camp in the state.
We will continue to maintain Rocky Craig while we study and
evaluate this property. We will keep you updated as changes occur
and decisions are made. We will also have feedback opportunities to
hear from our membership, particularly girls, on the enhancements
they would like to see at our upgraded camps as we finalize the
master plans.
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Why did you choose those camps?
GSOFCT, with the support of the Board of Directors,
engaged Newmark a commercial real estate firm with a deep
understanding of Girl Scout properties and practices across the
country. Newmark evaluated GSOFCT's real estate, looked a population
demographics and trends, and worked with the board to design a plan
that aligns with our strategic goals.
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Why are we planning to sell so many camps so quickly?
We have a rare window of opportunity to take advantage of rising
property values in Connecticut due to the pandemic. If we monetize
these assets at peak valuation today, we can use that money
to fund investments in the properties where we can grow tomorrow.
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How can I be a part of determining what new upgrades will happen
at An-Se-Ox, Aspetuck, Merrie-wood and Yankee Trails?
As we move forward with the master plans for each property, we will
create input sessions for members, particularly girls, to share
their ideas for what improvements and attractions will be most
appealing at our camp properties.
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Who is the Newmark company that conducted the study? What do they
know about camps in Connecticut?
Newmark is a commercial real estate firm with a deep understanding
of Girl Scout properties and practices across the country. Newmark
has worked with a number of other Councils to successfully plan and
execute long range property plans. Newmark evaluated GSOFCT's real
estate, looked a population demographics and trends, and worked with
Council leadership and the board to design a plan that aligns with
our strategic goals in Connecticut.
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When will I no longer be able to make a reservation at Camp
Candlewood or any of the other effected camps?
Currently, reservations for Candlewood will remain open. Until we
have a buyer for the property we will continue to honor site reservations.
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Why are you still evaluating Rocky Craig on whether to keep or
sell and when will that decision be made?
There are a number of factors that impact the future of Rocky
Craig. At this point we do not have any specific information on
when a decision will be made but we will report to the community
when we know more.
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When will the improvements at the camps begin and how soon? What
specifically will the improvements be?
We have some early momentum. This fall you might remember that we
sold Camp Pattagansett. We are excited to share that those funds
will be used for improvements this year! The revenue from that
sale will fund the following improvements beginning in April:
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Low Rope Elements at Camp Merrie-Wood
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Water Features for resident camp
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Additional Sleeping Areas Yurt/Cabin/Update Tents at Merrie-Wood,
Aspetuck, and AnSeOx
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Begin the planning for a zero entry pool at AnSeOx for girls of
all abilities
Looking ahead we have some great changes that will continue to
enhance our camps.
Other planned improvements include:
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Update Hartford Office to include additional program
space/elements and innovative spaces
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Amphitheater at Camp Aspetuck
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Update Inges Haus to include a cooking area at Camp
Merrie-Wood
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Cook Shelter at Camp AnSeOx
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Build new zero entry pool/shower house at Camp AnSeOx
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Update Conway Cabin to host Wilton Staff and additional program
and retail spaces
These upgrades give us the opportunity to host events all year
round for interested groups at these properties.
But these aren’t all that will be done. The feedback from our
girls and our members will help shape the future of
other improvements and we look forward to hearing your ideas in
those focus groups.
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Are we running summer camp at Camp Laurel this summer?
Yes, we plan to operate summer camp at Laurel this year and until
Yankee Trails is ready to open as the new resident camp. When that
happens the programs from Laurel will move to Yankee Trails
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Will we have a closing
ceremony for each camp that is sold and how will I find out about it?
Yes, we know it is important to say goodbye. As closing campfires
are scheduled events will be posted in Double Knot and shared in e-newsletters.
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Why are we moving resident programming to Yankee Trails instead
of keeping it at Laurel?
Laurel does not offer growth potential. The infrastructure needed
to provide modern facilities that our membership requested are not
able to be obtained at Camp Laurel. However, Yankee Trails’ current
infrastructure has this ability and has expansive growth potential
to include new buildings and modern facilities needed to run a
premier resident camp destination.
