Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) has been gathering data and having discussions for their Camp Property Assessment & Planning initiative with the assistance of consulting company Kaleidoscope, Inc. The company was contracted to help evaluate camp properties and ensure that resources are being optimally used to provide a premier camping and outdoor experience for girls and volunteers. GSSI’s Property Task Force recommended Kaleidoscope, Inc., for their considerable expertise in assessing and planning for camp properties since 1984, including working with numerous non-profits and eight Girl Scout councils.
Three Town Hall Meetings
facilitated by Kaleidoscope were held for GSSI’s girl members, volunteers,
Board of Directors members and staff to discuss camp properties and what girls
would like and benefit from the most during camping and outdoor experiences.
On May 12, 66 adults and 13 girls
attended a Town Hall Meeting at First Baptist Church in Collinsville. On May 13, a meeting was held at Camp
Wassatoga in Effingham and had 36 adults and 18 girls attend. On May 14, a final meeting was held at First
Presbyterian Church in Carbondale and was attended by 48 adults and 12
girls. See Town Hall Meeting Photos
In addition, GSSI has been conducting
a survey about camp and council properties which closes May 22. To date, 378 girl members and 706 adults have
taken the survey. The surveys were
distributed through e-mail and social media.
While paper copies were made available, none were requested.
On April 1, a new Property Assessment & Planning committee was assembled, which includes the following members:
Board of Directors Chair Linda
Manley from Highland and Board members Sarah Anderson from Mt. Vernon, Sandra
Evans from Alto Pass, Richard Huntington from Mt. Vernon, Diane Siemer from Teutopolis and Angie Zahn
from Trenton. Other volunteers are Jane Childers from
Carbondale, Cheryl Heimerman from O’Fallon, Jodie Herbstritt from Belleville, Karlene
Hoefner from O’Fallon, Marci Malnar from Anna, Dawn Quicksall from Effingham,
Darcy Rowland from Godfrey and David Waun from Jonesboro.
Kaleidoscope, Inc. is working with
this committee, along with GSSI’s Property Task Force, a part of the Board of
Directors that has been gathering information for several years.
In addition to assisting with GSSI’s
Town Hall Meetings and property survey, Kaleidoscope representatives also visited
each of GSSI’s six properties with Director of Property Jonathan Stanley and
Director of Program Angie Suhre.
Next, Kaleidoscope will take compiled
information to discuss in conjunction with the Property Assessment &
Planning Committee during meetings in June and July.
GSSI is committed to providing experiences
that appeal to a wide variety of our membership of all ages and abilities. We
are committed to providing every Girl Scout an affordable and accessible
outdoor opportunity so that all girls may experience the wonders of nature,
explore their natural environment, learn outdoor skills and develop leadership
skills.