GSSI & Kaleidoscope, Inc. Gathering Information For Camp Property Assessment & Planning

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.

GSSI Holds Third Property Town Hall Meeting in Carbondale

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) held the third of three Property Town Hall meetings May 14 at First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale.  Approximately 60 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experience. 

Photo ID:  Girl Scout Alexis Jones from Carbondale shares her views on camping and outdoor experiences at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Property Town Hall meeting held at First Presbyterian Church in Carbondale on Thursday evening.  Approximately 60 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experiences.

GSSI Hosts Second Property Town Hall Meeting at Camp Wassatoga in Effingham

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) held the second of three Property Town Hall meetings May 13 at Camp Wassatoga in Effingham.  Approximately 60 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experience.  The final Propety Town Hall meeting will be held Thursday evening in  Carbondale.

 Photo ID:  Girl Scout Lilly Flowers from Effingham shares her views on camping and outdoor experiences at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Property Town Hall meeting held at Camp Wassatoga in Effingham on Wednesday evening.  Approximately 60 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experiences.

GSSI Holds Town Hall Meeting in Collinsville

Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois (GSSI) held its first of three Property Town Hall meetings on May 12 at Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville.  Approximately 100 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experience.  Two more town hall meetings will be held Wednesday evening in Effingham and Thursday evening in Carbondale.  Girls and volunteers can still register for upcoming Property Town Hall  meetings by signing up on Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ website at www.gsofsi.org

Photo ID:  Girl Scout Rowan Dothager from Staunton shares her views on camping and outdoor experiences at Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois’ Property Town Hall meeting held at Meadow Heights Baptist Church in Collinsville on Monday evening.  Approximately 100 girls, volunteers, parents and Board of Directors attended the town hall meeting to share their thoughts on GSSI camps and what they would like to have for girls to have a first-rate camping and outdoor experiences.

Winter Camping at GSSI Camp Properties!

GSSI Camp Properties offer camping opportunities all year at the following winterized units.  Click on the camp name to see more information about that property.

Camp Cedar Point -- Makanda, IL: Sahara Lodge and Bruce Lodge both offer heat, fireplace, bathrooms, mattresses and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave).  Each has a capacity of 20 campers.   

Camp Chan Ya Ta -- Worden, IL: The Lodge offers heat, fireplace, bathroom/shower, fire pit, water, tables and chairs, mattresses and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave).  It is an accessible unit and has a capacity of 30 campers.  The Bunkhouse has two sections that sleep 12 people each.  There is shelter, lights, access to the showerhouse, fire pit, water and refrigerator.  Indoor cooking is not permitted.  This unit is accessible.

Camp Torqua -- Edwardsville, IL: Pumpkin Patch Unit A has a capacity of 36 campers in three heated cabins with bunkbeds and 1/2 the heated program center with heat.  Pumpkin Patch Unit B has a capacity of 24 campers in two heated cabins with bunkbeds and 1/2 the heated program center with heat.  Both Pumpkin Patch units have access to the showerhouse (two toilets and two showers), an accessible Pullman kitchen, microwave, tables and chairs, shelter with lights and fire pit. Both Tuckaway and Lisetta Units have a capacity of 30 campers and has a heated troop house, kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave), fireplace, tables and chairs, mattresses, shelter with lights and fire pit.  Tuckaway also has an indoor accessible bathroom.

Camp Wassatoga -- Effingham, IL: Ridimakahe Lodge has a capacity of 25 campers and offers heat, full kitchen, fireplace and bathroom with showers and mattresses. 

Camp Whispering Oaks -- Salem, IL:  Lazaretti Lodge has upper and lower levels that each have a capacity of 15.  Both have heat, fireplace, accessible bathrooms with showers, mattresses, fire pit, tv/dvd, tables & chairs and kitchen (refrigerator/stove/microwave). 

Camp Butterfly -- Farmington, MO: No winterized units are available at Camp Butterfly.  This camp is open April 1 to Oct. 31.

There open dates available for your group now!  Call Carol Ann Hering at 800.345.6858, ext. 1131. 

GSSI Updates Policy for Males at Camp

GSSI recently changed its camp policy when a male co-leader, helper adult or tagalong attends camp or a trip. On trips where male(s) are part of the group, it is not appropriate for them to sleep in the same space (tent, caboose, cabin/hogan or lodge) as girl(s). Male(s) must sleep in separate quarters (tent, caboose, cabin/hogan or lodge). Males need to have separate bathroom facilities that are not used by girl(s). If there is only one bathroom, then a sign must be posted or a person stationed outside the door. During Family or Parent-Daughter overnights, one family unit (mom or dad) may sleep in the same quarters (tent, caboose, cabin/hogan). Troops/groups should inform all participants if male(s) will be present during the trip. Also they must inform GSSI property/program registrar at the time of reservation that male(s) will be present during their camp outing.  For more information, please contact Director of Property Jonathan Stanley at 800.345.6858, ext.  1107 or e-mail jstanley@gsofsi.org