The Long Range Property Plan focuses on serving all girls in Connecticut by investing in camps aligned with projected population growth. Through this plan, we will reach girls in underserved communities and serve our membership for decades to come.

In 2020, GSOFCT hired Newmark, a third party firm, to evaluate all thirteen camp properties owned by GSOFCT. The evaluations looked at the physical conditions of each camp and membership numbers in the area. The results of the evaluations determined how many camps are needed to serve the state of Connecticut, and which properties can be expanded and modified to be ADA compliable.

Many of these properties are well-loved and have served girls for many years, but we have not always invested in them as we should. GSOFCT would need to spend nearly $5M in deferred maintenance costs to bring all thirteen properties up to modern standards.

In order to best support girls and future membership, we developed the Long Range Property Plan to determine how to create the best outdoor experiences possible.

The Council will invest in properties that are easier to access for most of our members, and provide transportation from population hubs to our camp properties.

GSOFCT properties will offer experiences that promote the four pillars of Girl Scouting, inspire healthy risk-taking, and offer a safe place for exploration and friendship. Amenity upgrades include modernizing bathrooms, new yurts and sleeping accommodations, pools for girls of all abilities, pavilions, and more!

Property Plans & Upgrades

We hope you are as excited as we are for the future of camping and outdoor experiences for all girls in Connecticut! For detailed updates, click on each property name below.

An-Se-Ox

Camp An-Se-Ox

The goal for Camp An-Se-Ox was to create spaces that can accommodate girls of all abilities. GSOFCT surveyed members, volunteers, and most importantly Girl Scouts to understand what they are looking for out of their camp experiences. Given the information, we were able to create a plan to renovate, upgrade, and reimagine Camp An-Se-Ox; which was our largest construction site for the Long-Range Property Plan!

Master Plan Rendering (May 2022)

New Pool and Pool House

Replacing the current pool at Camp An-Se-Ox was a high priority project for GSOFCT! The old pool was demolished in May 2022, and the new pool was completed in April 2024. The new pool has different entry points to accommodate girls of all abilities.

The year-round pool house is heated and includes showers, changing areas, and bathrooms available for year-round use.

Take a look at the photos below to see the construction process!

Archery Range & Slingshot Range

In 2023, the archery field was relocated so that a new platform and stand could be added. The slingshot range was completed in June 2022.

Thanks to the 140 students from the Hopkins School in New Haven who helped out as part of their Senior Service Week! The students painted tables for the picnic area, helped build the slingshot range, and designed and built components for the new music area.

Check out the photos below!

Nurses Station

The nurses station at the rear of the camp office - aka The Hub - was completed in 2021. The new addition allows for the camp nurse to be near the main office, provides campers with more privacy, and allows for more program space in the main lodge.

Yurt

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on June 29, 2022 to celebrate the opening of the new yurt at camp An-Se-Ox! GSOFCT worked with a woman-owned company to purchase the yurt, and it was delivered on May 16, 2022. The yurt has electricity, heating & air-conditioning, and has a sleeping capacity of 24 people. The yurt and surrounding areas are ADA compliant.

As of September 2022, members can now reserve the yurt!

Thank you to Chris Chadwick and his team from Edgewell Personal Care, who came out to camp to assist with building and staining the wood for the deck!

Access Road

A new crushed stone service road was constructed in the spring of 2022 as a way to reroute traffic away from the center of camp.

Diana Mahoney Program Pavilion

Named in honor of retired GSOFCT CEO, Diana Mahoney, Sunny Knoll Program Pavilion features two open fireplaces and cooking surfaces, built-in sink and counter space, restroom and storage area at the pool facing side of the shelter. The entire shelter and amenities are ADA compliant.

Take a look at some photos of the construction process below.

Parking Lot Expansion

A new gravel parking lot was added behind the new cook shelter.

Aspetuck

Camp Aspetuck

The goal for Camp Aspetuck was to renovate and improve the site so it can be used year-round. This included upgrades to existing infrastructure, replacing and repairing old structures, and installing new signage around the camp. Since day camp is only 6 weeks in the summer, troops will now be able to rent out the camp for different uses throughout the year.

Master Plan Rendering (May 2022)

Electrical System Upgrades

In April 2022, crews began working on moving the power lines underground at Camp Aspetuck. The purpose of the project was to eliminate overhead connections and wiring on old and rotting trees. As of May 13, 2022, electric and phone service are now completely underground.

New Driveway & Paving

In August 2022, the driveway from the entrance parking lot up to the pool area and Conway Cabin was replaced and repaved.

New Amphitheater

The new amphitheater is now completed. It is a perfect space for activities and events for troops, with seating for up to 100 participants.

New Cabins

Six new cabins were built at Camp Aspetuck in 2023! Troops can rent out the cabins during the year.

Take a look at the pictures below!

Pool Repairs

Minor pools and filtration upgrades were made to both pools at Camp Aspetuck. New fencing was installed to separate the pool area from the amphitheater.

New Archery Platform

An updated archery range was constructed in 2023. It was relocated to the front of the property and is now ready for Girl Scouts to use.

Merrie-Wood toggle arrow

Camp Merrie-Wood

As part of the Long-Range Property Plan, Camp Merrie-Wood received some much needed TLC! This included roof repairs, new siding on buildings, and other cosmetic upgrades.

Roof Repairs

In 2021, roof repairs were completed on four shelters at the Merrie-Wood property, along with necessary structural repairs to several pavilions.

In 2023, new siding was installed on the Ignes House (main cabin).

Yankee Trails toggle arrow

Camp Yankee Trails

After carefully evaluating our properties, the decision was made to relocate our sleep-away camp from Laurel to Yankee Trails. We sent out surveys to our members, hosted information sessions, and studied the results of the Newmark property evaluation closely. It was determined that the current infrastructure at Yankee Trails has the expansive growth potential needed to build the modern facilities our members have requested.

Yankee Trails sits on 300 acres of trees and wetlands, and features the beautiful Sweetheart Lake.

Fun fact: Rumor has it that Albert Einstein ate lunch alongside the lake!

Road Improvements & New Parking Lot

In order to better accommodate traffic, we have improved the road and are building a large parking lot behind the dining hall to accommodate staff, visitors, and deliveries.

Reconstructing the Waterfront

We are constructing an all-new waterfront concept at Sweetheart Lake! This will include a sand beach area with terraced seating and picnic tables. We will also be installing new floating docks.

Expanding the Dining Hall & Building a New Kitchen

We are adding onto the dining hall to increase the capacity from 150 to 250 diners.

The old kitchen was demolished in January 2024 so that crews could begin constructing our new state-of-the-art facility! The new kitchen will also include accessible restrooms for campers.

Check out the construction pictures below. More updates coming soon!

New Shower House Facilities

We are building a new shower house with additional restrooms.

Upgrading Camp Units

We ordered six wood-walled yurt cabin kits in lieu of traditional cabins that have been constructed. These yurt/cabins willinclude bunk beds and sleeping capacity for 8. We will also be cleaning up our platform tent spaces. These projects will allow us to increase the property capacity and create more comfortable spaces for our girls. All tent units will now include camp cots and mats.

Thank you to our work groups!

Thank you to our partners, including Voya Financial and the Hopkins School, for helping us with spring clean-up efforts each year. The work groups have built new picnic tables, cleaned up camp units and entryways, and stained and painted various projects all over our properties.

In the Works

Laurel

Camp Laurel

After carefully evaluating our properties, the decision was made to relocate our sleep-away camp from Laurel to Yankee Trails. We sent out surveys to our members, hosted information sessions, and studied the results of the Newmark property evaluation closely. Ultimately, the infrastructure needed to build modern facilities at Camp Laurel is not feasible.

Girl Scouts of Connecticut has entered into an agreement with the Trust for Public Land (TPL) for the planned sale and permanent conservation of the 350-acre Camp Laurel property in Lebanon, CT. This collaboration effort also involves the Town of Lebanon, Avalonia Land Conservancy, and other community partners.

This intent of this project is to preserve the land as a publicly accessible natural space, supporting outdoor recreation, environmental education, and long-term conservation goals. Under this agreement:

Girl Scouts of Connecticut will retain 13 acres at the front of the property, including the Troop House and a GSOFCT retail store to ensure a continued Girl Scout presence in the community.
TPL aims to protect the remainder of the property for public use and environmental stewardship.
Camp Laurel will again host Girl Scout overnight camp in summer 2025.

This decision was made after thoughtful consideration of how best to honor Camp Laurel's legacy while expanding opportunities for the broader community to benefit from its natural beauty. It also allows us to continue offering Girl Scout programs on-site and to focus on sustainable use of our properties.

We remain committed to providing girls across Connecticut with meaningful outdoor experiences and thank you for your continued support as we move forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the goal of the Camp Laurel conservation project?
The goal is to permanently protect the 350-acre Camp Laurel property in Lebanon, Connecticut, ensuring public access for recreation, conserving wildlife habitats, and supporting climate resilience, while continuing Girl Scout programming on a portion of the land.

2. Who is involved in the effort to conserve Camp Laurel?
The initiative is a collaboration between Trust for Public Land (TPL), the Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT), the Town of Lebanon, Avalonia Land Conservancy, and local stakeholders.

3. What will the public be able to do on the conserved land?
Once acquired and conserved, the land will be open for activities such as hiking, fishing, cross-country skiing, and nature exploration. The area will include a six-mile trail network, a family-friendly playscape, and opportunities for environmental education.

4. Will the Girl Scouts continue to use Camp Laurel?
Yes. GSOFCT will retain 13 acres for continued Girl Scout programming, including the Troop House, a retail store, and seasonal outdoor experiences. The camp will once again hold overnight residence camp during summer 2025.

5. How is the project being funded and how can I support it?
TPL is working to raise approximately $2.3 million in public and private funds. This includes state grants, local municipal contributions, and potential legislative funding. Community support is welcome through donations and advocacy.

Property Sales

Candlewood toggle arrow

Selling Camp Candlewood

GSOFCT enlisted the help of William Pitt Sotheby's International Real Estate to list Camp Candlewood in New Milford for sale in 2021.

Sale Underway

A sales agreement was signed for $9M with an anonymous buyer in the summer of 2021. The buyer is committed to preserving the property as a camp and open space.

A slightly higher offer from a developer was declined. We believe that the best outcome for GSOFCT is for Candlewood to remain as a camp and green space.

Closing Campfire

Girl Scouts of Connecticut hosted a closing campfire on August 29, 2021 to honor the legacy of Camp Candlewood. Thank you to everyone who attended and shared camp memories, s'mores, and songs at this special celebration.

Sale Finalized

The sale of Camp Candlewood was finalized on September 7, 2021. The $8.3M in proceeds generated by the sale were allocated to high priority projects and property improvements as outlined in the Long-Range Property Plan.

Property Usage Agreement

We successfully negotiated a clause in the agreement which guarantees GSOFCT the opportunity to use the property, free of charge.

We understand Girl Scouts have been having trouble accessing Camp Candlewood. As promised, Camp Candlewood will still be available to Girl Scouts for the next 5 years (free of charge) but the buyer, Ben Benoit, is overseeing repairs and upgrades to the property. During this construction period, Camp Candlewood will not be open for use.

Ben has ensured us that he's focused on making the camp accessible as soon as possible. Additionally, Girl Scouts will now be able to use the camp beyond the initial 5-year period agreed upon.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to the Property Department or to Ben benb@pcwmanagement.com.

Wilton Service Center toggle arrow

Wilton Service Center

GSOFCT, along with the help of William Pitt Sotheby's International Real Estate, sold the Wilton Service Center in March 2022.

Relocation Process

On March 18, 2022, the Wilton Service Center (located at 529 Danbury Road) was permanently closed. The office hosted 8 staff members - remote and in-person, a Girl Scout store, and storage and training spaces. The Wilton Store was relocated to Rocky Craig in Stamford.

New Wilton Retail Shop

In February 2025, our new Wilton Retail Shop opened at 27 Danbury Road.

Past Presentations & Meetings

Newmark Webinar

Long Range Property Plan Meeting | Thursday, March 11, 2021

Long Range Property Plan Meeting | Thursday, March 18, 2021