Blog

August 29, 2012

GSEP Property Blog

by Shelly Sickbert

GSEP would like to hear your comments regarding our Property Assessment and Master Plan.

Here is the report that was given on June 16, 2011 at the Property Town Hall meeting. As you are aware, two years ago, GSEP began the process of assessing our property needs to establish a sustainable model for outdoor programming. The Property Committee has overseen this work. The Committee is comprised of Board members, volunteers, staff and the CEO. The assessment has explored how we can be more effective stewards of our resources in our mission to create girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Working with the experienced property consulting firm, Domokur Architects, we have completed the assessment portion of our work. Here is the presentation from the Delegate Meeting held in the Spring of 2010. Here are the updated survey results. Click here to see the Summer 2010 Property Town Hall presentation.

This process has required considerable time and effort to ensure we collect the needs and perceptions of a broad representation of our membership. The Board and the Property Committee have made extensive site visits over the past weeks and months to all the camp properties to review them first-hand. In addition, we have gathered input from camp and facility staff.

To join the conversation, click on the link, enter your question or comment, and submit. To receive email notification when the Property Blog has been updated, subscribe to the RSS feed for this page. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Comments

Laureen said:

Closing Tweedale does a disservice to our girls. The primitive facilities teach them that they can have fun without i-phones, computers, or television for a week. There are any number of private camps that have horseback riding, technology, and more modern facilities, but where else can our girls learn teamwork by cleaning kitchens and latrines?

Posted on: April 21, 2013

Joanne Jones said:

I am extremely upset to read this. Camp Tweedale is a wonderful place. This decision is a disservice to Girl Scouts. Once it's gone, there is no way to ever get it back.

Posted on: December 5, 2012

Michelle Kreger said:

Once again i find myself posting to this site. Thinking about what the fate of the 3 camps that GSEP has chosen to divest. For what reason other than greed. What makes me more upset is that "we" the girl scouts have allowed it to happen once again. athe property committee has failed the members in the past and they are doing it yet again.. new set of individuals who are only seeiing $$$$. Why can't they read a listen to what has been said over and over again on here and think who is this in the best interest of?

Posted on: November 26, 2012

Megan (CIT) said:

This past summer was my first summer at Camp Tweedale, and my experience was AMAZING!! All of the other CITs, who have been going there for years, took me in and showed me everything. I personally think that Tweedale shouldn't get closed, because I've seen and experience the friendships and the magic that happens there. I'm also looking forward to this summer of doing CIT2 there after I do it at Laughing Waters, so I can do both horseback riding and art. I know so many people who treat Tweedale as a second home, and love it there so much. So KEEP TWEEDALE!!!!!!

Posted on: November 25, 2012

Grace(camper) said:

I do not think GSEP should take away Tweedale. Many girls go there during the summer and taking away the resident camp will leave many counselors without summer jobs. I think Mosey Wood doesnt need to be changed and taking away Tweedale will ruin some girls summer plans. I hope whoever is reading this will realize that this idea of taking away Tweedale is stupid and I hope that whoever you are, will take action and stop this harmful plan. I am a camper who went to Tweedale a few years ago and I think that taking away the resident camp will make Tweedale bound to be closed. PLEASE DON'T TAKE AWAY TWEEDALE! I AM SPEAKING FOR ALL WHO DOESN'T WANT THIS PLAN TO BE PUT INTO ACTION! I HAVE HEARD COMMENTS FROM THIS BLOG AND FOR WHAT I'VE READ, NO ONE WANTS THIS PLAN TO BE PUT INTO ACTION!!! Thanks for reading this!

Posted on: November 11, 2012

Karen Wilson said:

REPORT FROM THE GSEP DELEGATE MEETING TONIGHT.... "The GSEP Board UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED the Property Committee's Master Plan to develop Camps Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood and Wood Haven and to DIVEST camps Hidden Falls, Tohi and CAMP TWEEDALE." TIMEFRAME: Hidden Falls was divested as of 9/30/12. Resident camp at Camp Tweedale will close as of the END OF CAMP 2013. Tohi and Tweedale will close to troop camping no later than September 2015. There was no mention of any financial plan to PAY the MILLIONS of dollars that this is going to cost. Their solution to distance is BUSING. There was no acknowledgement of the MANY letters and much input they had received in support of saving Tweedale...but they claim that they DID listen to us...why do we feel that they did not listen to a word we said? GSEP has made a HUGE MISTAKE. This plan does NOT use resources wisely and is NOT in the best interest of the GIRLS. My daughters attended the meeting. We are all devastated and in tears and left in disgust after the announcement, but not before communicating our extreme disappointment (and tears) to Cathy Pullin AND Natalye Paquin...not that it will make any difference...a very rough night in my house and for all the girls in Chester County.

Posted on: October 25, 2012

Catherine Rafa said:

Today i am truly sad thinking about my memories of camp. I participated in the Shalom Hidden Falls weekend held at CHF this weekend and I was truly moved by all the memories we shared with each other. Over 50 years of memories that can't be taken away we will always hold them in our hearts. As i sit her today i am now a Girl Scout without a home because the camps i called my summer home for many years are now just in my memory, Camp Sunset Hill and Camp Indian Run which were sold by the former council Southeastern Pa and now Camp Hidden Falls which as of right now I don't know her fate. I do hope that this council and it's board of directors decides to be true GIRL SCOUTS and preserve the land and it beauty for everyone to enjoy.

Posted on: October 11, 2012

Michelle Kreger said:

This weekend was one of the 2 sadest in my life.. the first when Sunset Hill was closed and now CHF. Prior to merger in 1996 Girl Scouts of Delco had plans for a Mega camp at sunset hill... and the hopes of developing a better camp at Hidden Falls - after the merger soon came with the sale of Indian Run and Sunset Hill. So sad that all these plan are scrapped due to a change in "need" for people who don't even use our camps. Let's realize - that those who were surveyed have no understanding of what girl scouting and the world of outdoors is all about. The 33 people who gathered at CHF this weekend had one thing in common.. A camp that they knew from childhood who helped form them into the women they are today. Without the experiences we learned in survival and friendship we would not be who we are now. Thankful I was given the experience - I can only hope to pay it back forr my girls. As a troop leader - I have had a horrible time finding a site to camp at our camps. They are booked or I can't get to them in a resonable time. Closing of Tweedale is going to make this even worse. I am not sure who is calling the shots but they don't have the best interest of the Future Girls of tomorrow at heart.

Posted on: October 8, 2012

Deborah Penn said:

GSEP reserves the right to refuse any submission for posting so we need to use discretion...I'll be invoking my First Amendment rights here, if you please. Over the years, Camp Hidden Falls has been allowed to disintegrate before our very eyes in order to prove, statistically, that it isn't a viable resident camp. This is my belief. If you deny maintenance and care and allow it to become unuseable, and then girls cannot use sections, and the numbers dwindle, it becomes "past her usefulness" and must be dispensed. Everyone knows that regular maintenance and care keeps anything viable, but council and it's representatives have chosen otherwise. Arguments to the contrary conflict with evidence proving this point. Tent frames judt don't rot in one ow two years, it takes many.At some point in time, you cut an artery at Hidden Falls and watched as she bled to death without using any measure at your disposal to save her. You manage advertising poorly, or there would have been a better response to utilization. You do it for cookie sales, why not Hidden Falls? She was and is our loved one and from whom we have learned what has made us the women that we are, from childhood till now. How dare you deprive upcoming generations of young women and girls the same benefit and experiences. In my opinion, now that you are a board of business people instead of a board of Girl Scouts, as it should be, you have become the antithesis of what Girl Scouting is all about. You have my permission to edit this letter to your heart's content, but the one person reading this and doing the editing will know it's the truth, and it's an opinion of a lot of us that have experienced Hidden Falls. Shame on you for allowing this to happen to our camp, and all of the others that have showed so many of us love. Karma is a very demanding mistress, and of you she will ask much. Good luck with that.

Posted on: October 8, 2012

Catherine Rafa said:

I can't take credit for this but i wanted to share it anyway: Shalom Camp Hidden Falls Why are you crying? I thought you loved camping. I do. But I was not camping. I was at the funeral of a close childhood friend. I know, I didnâ€™t remain as close to her as I could have. I hadnâ€™t visited her in a very long time. But not one day had pasted without her touching my life. The things I learned while together are such a part of me, being me is a reflection of her. I reminisced with our friends and her friends; they knew her in a different stage of her life. We looked at pictures, shared stories, sang songs. Oh the songs. We found our common bond in her spirit. We walked through the old neighborhood, down each path and looking for each dwelling place. It was the same, but looked so different. Time had changed things. Looking deeper, I could still see the way it used to be. I remembered and found our secret hiding places, our quiet places, our fun places. When I listened closely, I could hear our childhood laughter in the rustling leaves and echoing over the lake. Her funeral service was held in the chapel under the trees. We cried, we sang, we remembered. No one wanted to leave. But we know the end had come. In our grief, we want to do something so her time with us was not forgotten. As all good friends, we want to memorialize her selfless generosity for future generations. It is up to us to keep her memory eternal. Stephanie â€œZorbaâ€ Kalogredis October 8, 2012

Posted on: October 8, 2012

Bonnie Wolff said:

Questions & Comments About The Camp Presentation August 21 & 23, 2012 1) GSEP is obligated to provide program & trainings in all areas of council. While staff has made an effort to improve offerings, there is still a serious lack of program for the girls and basic leader training, first aid training, & camp training. The camps give leaders a place to provide program for the girls, especially for those in the farthest reaches of council. 2) Trainings need to be close to home, meaning within 30 minutes. Most of the leaders are moms with other children. Trainings near home are critical as most moms will pass on training opportunities because they donâ€™t want to or canâ€™t travel long distances, especially if employing a babysitter for the night. 3) Camp-trained adults affect the likelihood that girls attend resident camp. Adults need camp training to take the girls camping. Girls who go troop camping are then introduced to the council camps. Exposure to council camps has sparked the interest girls into trying resident camp. So, no adult camp training, no girl exposure to council camps, means girls might be less likely to try resident camping. 4) The Girl Scout population roughly falls 74% south, 26% north proportionately. The general population distribution is 78% south-this includes the counties of Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, & Philadelphia and 22% north-includes the counties of Berks, Carbon, Lehigh, & Northampton. Those percentages were true for 2010 and are predicted for 2020. 5) Is it more cost effective to upgrade the current, more accessible camps? Is it using resources wisely to spend millions of dollars for upgrades that are remotely located for 75% of the membership. Will fees go up proportionately? 6) What is the cost/benefit analysis for building these new camps? Are the gymnasiums going to be used enough to justify the cost? Same question for the tennis courts, soccer fields. What analysis was done that suggested that the girls want sports? The survey results make no mention of organized team sports. 7) How many new beds are being created? An attempt to calculate the number of beds, using the sketchy information provided, indicates there could be a net gain of ~ 300 beds. The seasonal bed count is much different, showing a net loss of ~ 250 beds. It was disappointing that the architect couldnâ€™t answer that question with some degree of confidence in August. 8) Exactly how does this plan improve the occupancy issue? A review of the capacities of the proposed cabins shows that there is minimal difference between the proposed and current capacities at many of the camps. 9) What was the rationale for omitting Shelly Ridge from the original site assessment? The GSEP website states that the Shelly Ridge site has 113 acres. Itâ€™s interesting that Tweedale isnâ€™t big enough to use in the future, but it has 110 acres, just 3 acres shy of Shelly Ridge. Sources: Penn State Data Center; Pennsylvania Department of Education; US Census Bureau; GSEP Annual Reports

Posted on: September 27, 2012

Rebecca Rogers said:

I agree Shelley. We need to organize and we need to contact the biggest donors to GSEP as well as GSUSA. Many of these donors are clients and friends of ours who live near us. Let's figure out how to organize, hire a law firm and stop this unbelievable stupidity. We know we will be able to rally the support. We just have to start talking to the right people!

Posted on: September 18, 2012

Shelley Mincer said:

Please follow the link to read the editorial in the Avon Grove Sun and The Kennett Paper this week -- the time has come to organize: http://www.avongrovesun.com/article/20120904/OPINION01/120909991/tweedale-supporters-must-follow-s-a-v-e-s-lead

Posted on: September 13, 2012

Kristen said:

Really hope that Tweedale stays open, for many reasons.... but the most important is that there are many girls in Southern Chester County that won't have any other opportunity to camp if it closes.

Posted on: September 10, 2012

Karen said:

The new property plans call for huge investments in the camps furthest from GSEP population centers. These projects will be very, very expensive. A significant portion of these funds will have to come from populous and comparatively wealthy Chester and Delaware Counties. But of the 26 school districts in ChesDel, none are within that magic one hour radius of Wood Haven or Mosey Wood, and only 18 are less than an hour from Laughing Waters. It would take girls from all but 7 of those school districts more than two hours to travel to Mosey Wood. Why do you expect people from Chester and Delaware Counties to fund these ambition plans when you are closing the only camp that most of these families feel is accessible to them? Why would they invest in these distant places when you are divesting the camps in their communities, and how will you fund your ambitions without them?

Posted on: September 9, 2012

tina smith said:

since the current plan is not posted...yet... i will place my current thoughts here. I am excited about some of the plans...some not so much.. i am concerned with making plans in flood plains....laughing waters has the name partly because the swamp Creek runs through..and over.. Building an Ag center is an awesome plan but not where the water flows reliably every time we have spring rains or other large storms. There has been a lot of development in the surrounding townships and the water gets funneled into the Swamp ...the plans for the Tuscarora and Towanda area is in a wetland zone as well...and around tall Trees.....and the staffing of these facilities will be 24/7 if there are animals involved...(i would do that)until I actually have this report on paper( the old fashioned way) or on screen .. not flashing by while someone is talking just as fast.. we can not make a full assessment . I do look forward to seeing the report and i do look forward to positive and responsible change.

Posted on: September 7, 2012

Bonnie L said:

Please answer the previous inquiries into the occupancy numbers for the 2012 summer camps, especially Tweedale. My daughter attended 3 camp sessions and we had trouble finding open spots. It is my impression that if a program was not filled, it is not an issue of the camp location (Tweedale) but rather the relevancy of the program offered. A look at the breakdown of occupancy rates and the ages of girls that attend should provide insight and guidance for next years programming.

Posted on: September 5, 2012

Annemarie Carr (Pointe) said:

I attended one of the meetings a few weeks ago and it seems the majority of the new construction and improvement plans are being made to Camp Laughing Waters. In comparison to Camp Tweedale, how many girls attended CLW this past summer for resident camp? Assuming the attendance is similar in years to come, it seems that most of these improvements won't be enjoyed by the girls because they are either too far from home in distance or too expensive for the families to afford. Shouldn't we improve our highly attended camps so that the most girls are able to enjoy and experience all these new features you plan to offer?

Posted on: September 5, 2012

CSE said:

Was Camp Tweedale well attended this summer? I have always read positive comments about camping at Tweedale (I camped there for years as a Scout and as a leader). Have you re-evaluated the value of improving the Tweedale facilities. I feel the decision to close Tweedale was based on the buyer's predjudiced survey. I would hope the requests to keep Tweedale opened have altered your thinking about selling the property. Tweedale is priceless and worth saving - over and above the money the Council would get for selling the property. This is a Scout organization, not a "money making" organization.

Posted on: September 5, 2012

Sarah Williams said:

As a lifetime Girl Scout, a member since I was old enough to register, and now a mom of the future generation of Girl Scouts; I'm disappointed with the upset that the closing/"divesting" of the camps has caused. I understand the need for change and keeping girls interested. However, I don't see how closing camps will do that. I feel like when I was growing up as a girl there was a pride that came with going to camp (camp Tohi...) and getting to know everyone there. But I now feel that with the camps being fewer and farther away that the "ownership" and pride of your local camp will diminish. I hoped that one day i could take my daughter and her Daisy, Brownie, etc. friends camping in the Hill and walking to the point at Tweedale, or sleeping in Sacajawea and showing her the little secrets hidden in Tohi like the wishing trees or running the cookie bridge while holding her breathe. There is obviously a strong feeling of community and ownership over Tweedale for the members supporting Save Tweedale. And this should say something, for the camp and the community. And now as a Delco resident, it is hard to imagine having to drive late in the evening to a camp outside of the councils territory. I still hope someday my daughter can be the fourth generation to camp and sing around the fire at Tohi.

Posted on: September 5, 2012

leecarr said:

I am still waiting and hoping that you will save camp tweedale for us to continue to use, today, tomorrow and forever. it is so convienent for me and many other girl scouts to get there instead of the 3 camps that you are planning to keep.

Posted on: September 4, 2012

Debra McCann said:

I lost 50% of my Junior troop this year. When I asked them, EVERY ONE OF THEM SAID "we don't camp enough". Now, we went camping twice last year, and that's because I made it as big a priority as I could. Being unable to secure camp time, programs filling up too quickly, and an unwillingness to drive farther, or send their daughters farther away without their parents prevented us from camping more. Close any camp, and you will lose more and more girls. Your survey is flawed, and your motives are money driven, not girl driven. I implore you to suspend this plan, and to start again with transparency, honesty, and fairness. THEN, if showing camp closings is still warranted, it will be an easier pill to swallow.

Posted on: September 4, 2012

cadette girl scout said:

Does GSEP even read what everyone is writing? Does GESP see that nobody has posted something positive about closing any of their camps? Do any of the Scouts want the camps closed? What happened to "GIRL LED"???????

Posted on: September 4, 2012

Cindy Murphy said:

With the proposed closing of Camp Tweedale in Southern Chester County, what provisions are being made by council to still provide a local presence for girls in this area? Are you proposing to bus these girls to other camps? Are you taking into consideration the age of campers and whether or not this is unrealistic to expect younger girls to travel far for camps? Thank you for your time.

Posted on: September 1, 2012

Janey Gifford said:

This is a unique facility that GSEP should make sure is around for the next generation of scouts. It will be impossible to duplicate this facility financially.

Posted on: September 1, 2012

Karen Stalker said:

I am curious as to a few questions that I have heard asked and never answered at any meeting. Where is the concentration of girl scouts in this region? Why is the most accessible camp for Chester and Delaware counties being closed? What was the percentage of fill for each camp this summer? Why when the girls offer to do ANYTHING to save their camps and get some businesses and land owners who would help defray costs being told "no"? This whole proceedure does not sound very girl scout like and does not convey at all the girl scout ways. The girls are not selfish and only want it open for them but for the future girls as well. If you don't want people in Chester and Delaware counties to camp by making us drive too far or sending our girls to camps they will not go (mine will never darken Laughing waters doorstep again) - instead of the smoke and mirrors just tell us. Isn't honesty the best policy?

Posted on: August 31, 2012

Dena Sullivan said:

Our Girls need to be able to fully understand how this is using our resources wisely. We have members of a group where the value system is based upon building girls of courage, confidence and character, but the people in charge of the group do not listen to the voices of the girls that this group is for, how does this build them up? Per Natalye Paquin, our CEO, via her interview with Fox 29 News, she is proud of this 'call to action' but the voices of this call are not considered at all.

Posted on: August 31, 2012

Beth said:

I am curious about the occupancy numbers for summer camp 2012? How about updated revenue reports from each camp. Will those numbers be published? My daughter once again had a wonderful week at Tweedale this summer and camp was packed. This did not look like a camp that was underutilized or in need of closure. I believe that there were only 2 available beds in the entire camp the week that she attended. That sounds like a successful camp! Even with a full camp, Star and her staff were as outstanding and organized as always. Chester County Girl Scouts love, use, and need their camp. Please Save Camp Tweedale.

Posted on: August 31, 2012

Jennifer Pixley said:

For those of us who live in southern Chester county, where are we being directed to camp in the future? How many hours will it take us to travel there? Will we be able to afford, from a time and travel expense stand point, to camp overnight as a troop anymore? Will busing be provided for kids from southern Chester county to Mosey Wood, Wood Haven, etc.? How much will that cost? Was Tweedale under used this summer? Why is Chester County losing its camp when it is the county with the second largest enrollment in GSEP? I don't like being directed to "look to the future" by GSEP when what is really being said is "get on board with our plan." I will NOT get on board with GSEP's plan. I will find other places (other than GSEP) to take my troop.

Posted on: August 31, 2012

Beth W said:

No GS camp should be closed. They have intrinsic value (I'm teaching an environmental science class this semester) that cannot be directly converted into dollars. "My" camp was sold in 2000, and I cry every time I hear of another GS camp on/near the market. How can council leadership be so shortsighted? What went so wrong when councils were consolidated? Did none of the people in leadership positions actually attend camp and participate in GS programming? I know that these experiences shaped my life in a way that I cannot even express, and as a result if I win the lottery there are several camps I will buy and hold in trust until GS councils figure out how to run them again. Don't close any more camps.

Posted on: August 31, 2012

Joyce said:

I was a Brownie leader in West Chester for 6 years and our troops went to Tweedale twice a year. Tweedale is about an hour away -- any further, and we would not have gone camping - too much travel time cuts into camp time, and the parents wouldn't have wanted their daughters more than an hour away. Closing Tweedale will "close camping" for too many girls.

Posted on: August 31, 2012

jennifer, mom & leader said:

at this point, the thought of camping next summer at tweedale so she can canoe & improve her archery is the thread that is holding my daughter's interest in scouting. why can't we have an archery program at every camp? why aren't we using tohi for volunteer trainings? i have a baby & a full-time job plus numerous other personal & family activities...to expect me to drive over an hour one way in the middle of the week when i could drive 20 minutes to Tohi....c'mon GSEP! and i'm not alone feeling frustrated with the distance needed to drive (gas money & toll money comes out of my pocket, mind you)to achieve the trainings we're required to have as leaders. keeping Tohi open & using it as a training center makes sense to the volunteers. if the girls drop out & the volunteers fade away, what do you have?????

Posted on: August 29, 2012

Lois said:

I submitted a comment about access last week, but it hasn't been posted. Here it is again: At the Tuesday town hall meeting, "access" to outdoor programming was mentioned as an important goal. I don't see how access can be improved if locations are closed. It seems to me that having more, not fewer, sites would provide greater access.

Posted on: August 26, 2012

Loretta Brugger said:

I was at the presentation last evening. During the presentation it was mentioned that program would be aailable for troops when they go troop camping at one of our camps once the capacity was increased. Why can't program become available in the interim for troops using our camps?

Posted on: August 24, 2012

Susan Edgren said:

I asked at the town hall meeting Tuesday, how many beds would be lost if plans to sell Tohi, Tweedale and Hidden Falls go through. I was told the committee did not know exactly about 300. After counting on GSEP's reservation site, the actual number (not counting primitive sights) is 847. Even at the 30% vacancy rate that was quoted, I am concerned about the availability of camp space for troops.

Posted on: August 23, 2012

GSEP said:

GSEP's plans for outdoor programming are focused around creating enriching opportunities for girls at camp. In an effort to keep the progress of camp planning transparent, we will hold two town hall meetings open to membership. At these meetings the GSEP Property Committee and property consultants will review the master plan (that is pending board approval) for Camps Wood Haven, Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood, Mountain House, Valley Forge and Shelly Ridge as well as any steps taken toward plan implementation. Dates, times and locations for these meetings are: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Shelly Ridge, Smith Lodge The August 21, 2012 meeting will also be video streamed live at http://www.ustream.tv/channel/girlscoutseastpa for anyone that cannot make it in person. Thursday, August 23, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Allentown YMCA & YWCA

Posted on: August 14, 2012

Dori McClennen said:

It would be a shame to close Tweedale because no other camps are in that area. It also seems that applies to Hidden Falls as well. Why keep open camps that are all basically in the same area? Save Tweedale!

Posted on: August 13, 2012

Shelley Mincer said:

Progression of Leaders & Girls thru training â€“ Wouldnâ€™t it be GREAT if GSEP would make Camp Tweedale & Camp Tohikanee Service & Training Centers to service everyone in need of training!! Itâ€™s very hard for leaders to meet the training requirements as training is only offered at certain times and capacity is limited. Access for leaders is just as important as access for the girls â€“ canâ€™t have one without the other â€“ making the program training accessible for leaders in the outlying areas makes the delivery of program to the girls happen. This could be an avenue for keeping Tohi & Tweedale up and running after GSEP develops the other 3 mega camps. At Camp Tweedale, the Hill Unit could be reinstituted as a Conference Center and as a rental to outside organizations. GSEP has never responded to this suggestion made at the August 2011 presentation meeting held at the Mendenhall Inn.

Posted on: August 5, 2012

Deborah Penn said:

GSEP- There are those of us doing everything we can to prevent divestiture. I am, indeed, the woman that Cathy Rafa quoted above. If we are doing everything we can to prevent this atrocity, I have just one question...are you?

Posted on: August 4, 2012

Shelley May Mincer said:

Update Marketing of our Camps â€“ GSEP needs to market all of our camps! In the Winter & Spring of each year, GSEP needs to publish flyers in all of the local papers advertising our resident camps! Nothing was published this year in the Camp Advertising sections of our local papers. This request was made to GSEP at the August 2011 presentation meeting held at the Mendenhall Inn â€“ no response!

Posted on: August 3, 2012

Shelley May Mincer said:

Endow Camp Tweedale â€“ GSEP should partner with us & give us permission to raise funds. We can solicit members of our community for endowment funds to keep our camps open. GSEP has never responded to our request from the August 2011 presentation meeting held at the Mendenhall Inn. Wouldnâ€™t it be GREAT if we could get things started now to ensure that our camps stay open?

Posted on: August 1, 2012

Catherine Rafa said:

This was taken from a comment on my friend's Deb Pen Facebook page and i just wanted to share her thoughts on the closing of Camp Hidden Falls: Intrinsic Value I was looking on the Girl Scout USA FaceBook page, as I was trying to put into words what the closings of numerous camp sites, particularly Camp Hidden Falls in Pennsylvania, could mean to so many people. On their very own page they state, " The largest girl serving organization in the U.S., builds girls of confidence, character, who make the world a better place." I , and many other this weekend spent time reflecting on what camp meant to us, what we learned far beyond macrame and knots, and fire building, swimming, songs, and survival skills was that we can accomplish anything within the realm of our imagination, and the only limit we had, and have, is ourselves. We learned that the whole is more important than the one, and as a whole, we can find a solution to any issue confronting us. We learned to pool our ideas and our talents. We learned to listen to direction from women that were more experienced than ourselves, and value that information and keep it for a lifetime. We learned that our "spirit" was what was fed by the "spirit" of everyone and everything around us every minute we were on that mountain. It was like watching an old friend die this weekend...it's very life force palpably neglected and left to die like a limb with necrosis. Shells of beloved campsite units...overgrown areas that once held incredible beauty and views that will long live only in our memories...trails once clearly marked that led us to adventures and home to camp again are now invisible to our eyes...a lake that still holds many of our tears and echos of laughter from years of life. For years we were infused with camaraderie in it's finest and purest form while learning, what in the grown up world appears idealistic given the way grown ups think, that working together with our shared knowledge base fed us, warmed us, and raised us to be the women we have become. Some of us are Attorneys, Nurses, Educators, and Parents. ALL of us are who we are, largely, because of who we were becoming at Camp Hidden Falls. Closing Camp Hidden Falls closes a door to WHO thousands of young girls and young women could have been, as they will not be attending this camp with all it had to offer. I find this to be the antithesis of what the Girl Scouts say they are as stated in my opening paragraph, and robs these girls and women of the intrinsic value of being a Girl Scout. I understand running and maintaining a camp of this size is expensive. I also understand that not running and maintaining a camp of this value, is a much higher cost in terms of what cannot be measured in financial terms. This camp is NOT just a numbered plot on a map. It is the spirit of every single scout that ever spent time there. It has, however, been reduced to a simple dollar sign. Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, you have lost your way as an organization. You have lost sight of the very values you proclaim. You, evidently, are no longer being guided by real Girl Scouts, but by a bureaucracy. You should feel some degree of shame that you have not learned to pool your knowledge base and devise a better solution. Did you go to this camp? If you did, you might have learned better.... I AM ASKING ANYONE THAT HAS EVER ATTENDED CHF THAT HAS DONE WELL FINANCIALLY, TO CONSIDER ASSISTING GSEP IN SAVING YOUR CAMP. I wish I were able to do this myself. It causes me anguish that I cannot. We all left a piece of ourselves there, but we all brought home something in it's place. WE are Camp Hidden Falls. WE are still proud. WE are Girl Scouts. Always. Thank you for bearing with me as I express this. "Sam"....Last year at Camp Hidden Falls - 1975

Posted on: July 30, 2012

Linda Ingenthron said:

The survey done for input into the property committee decision is suspiciously the same throughout many Councils in the U.S. Validity of survey information includes identifying variables that affect outcome, weighting these variables, having blank or test questions and specifically identifiable characteristics of survey takers, even if anonymous. Some people were polled three times and answered times. Being that variables could not be the same throughout all Councils so questions should have been different and because the real impact of survey results cannot be confirmed by actual number or type of persons taking the survey, the results used by the property committee to make the decisions on camp closings are not valid and may be too small a sample to be predict anything. Where can I review the methodology of the survey done for GSEP to evaluate validity of the findings given to the property committee? (Penn State statistics professor has volunteered to evaluate methodology of survey. The above information regarding surveying is standard procedure and methodology for human research in advanced degrees. This also begs the question as to who was paid for this surveying work and what are the person's qualifications. )

Posted on: July 25, 2012

Lizzie said:

Tweedale. What can I say? Tweedale is my heart and soul. When I first heard about it closing i literally cried my eyes out. I am almost fourteen and have been going to camp for seven years now. Tweedale is the only camp I actually enjoy attending. All the other camps are too far away and the councelors there aren't as cool as the ones at Tweedale. This camp has been a MAJOR part of my life for all the time that I have been accosiated with it. When I came back from my first week at camp, I was six, and I wanted to come back right away. I cried when my mom told me I couldn't go again that summer because I wasn't signed up. The next year, I signed up for at least three weeks. I love camp tweedale soooooo much, and to close it is like ripping out a piece of my heart and stomping on it. When I came home from my second summer of Tweedale, I knew I wanted to be a councelor. I even knew my name and everything. Gurgle. Please let that little seven year old have her dreams come true. Don't close down Tweedale.

Posted on: July 25, 2012

Hilaire said:

I am so glad to read GSEP's post about trying to be good stewards of the camp properties. I think that mind set is so important to model, especially for a leadership organization. I'd also like to be assured they are looking at the future with more than money on their minds. More and more studies are showing how important it is to spend time out of doors. Doing so affects our health and relationships immensely. Spending a lot of time in front of screens or in a sitting position also affects our health and relationships immensely, though not in the same manner, and it looks to me ike this is the direction Girl Scout decisions are moving. I hope this is an area being studied as part of the stewardship campaign. Camp Tweedale is in a perfect place for the Girl Scouts of Southern Chester County to enjoy nature. If it closes, certainly our troops will find other places to be outside, but a special place dedicated to Girl Scout use only has had an amazing impact on the confidence and character of our troop of girls (and also the parents!). Our troop has been thrilled to attend camping activities there. We love its many comfort levels for all types of campers, from cabin camping to bring your own tent. It truly is a gem and we are looking forward to more programs being offered at this location due to the short travel time and beauty of the surroundings. Please continue to study the effect having this wonderful place open will have on scouts in Southern Chester County. As I make the plight of our local camps known to friends and acquaintances, I am met with enthusiastic offers to help maintain Camp Tweedale on a volunteer basis. This is another avenue I'd like to know more about. I know I haven't written anything new or exciting in order save Girl Scout camps, but I hope and pray that those in charge are really and truly looking carefully at all the ways girls are affected by having dedicated outdoor spaces for programming and activities. Excellent stewardship of our earth needs to start with people who cherish it more than the next technological advances coming down the pike. I think keeping the camps open for outdoor classrooms will help achieve this.

Posted on: July 20, 2012

Riley said:

I am nine years old. I have been going to Camp Tohikanee since I was a Brownie. I could not bear to have the camp closed. My Mom went to this camp when she was a girl and last year, we got to camp there together with our Brownie troop. It would make me sad to say good bye to Cookie Bridge, the pool and everything else in the camp. I don't want you to close the camp because I want my little sister to be able to go there and have as much fun as I have in all the years that I have gone there. Please tell us what we can do to keep the camp open. Girls are always looking for volunteer projects- can't we volunteer to do something for the camp?

Posted on: July 18, 2012

Jennifer said:

I am not sure if GSEP is LISTENING or not, but TWEEDALE must remain open. This year alone, my daughter recruited FOUR new girls to camp who had never been to residence camp. ALL of the new girls attended CAMP TWEEDALE. It is the only camp within a reasonable driving distance from their homes. Also, TWEEDALE offers TWO DIFFERENT kinds of water features (A POOL and A NATURAL BODY OF WATER). Laughing Waters does NOT have water for boating. TWEEDALE offers diverse housing accommodations and diverse terrain. It serves a large population in Chester County that would otherwise have a hardship in traveling to camp. PLEASE CONSIDER WHAT THE GIRLS WHO MAKE UP "GIRL SCOUTING" WANT. Respectfully submitted.

Posted on: July 7, 2012

Tina J said:

My two girls just returned from a week at Tweedale. It is their third summer there, and they consider it a wonderful tradition they look forward to all year. They have written their letters imploring GSEP to keep their camp open and urged their new camp friends to do the same. Today's Girl Scouts have spoken, I just hope their pleas don't fall on deaf ears.

Posted on: July 2, 2012

Jackie O said:

I wanted to make a suggestion for a way to increase attendance at all of your camps. I don't know if it is feasible, but I can not see why not -promote the availability of resident Girl Scout summer camps to those living on Long Island, NY. There is only one available and the cost is crazy high. Your camps are more accessible that the one offered in NY state for those of us living on Long Island, and yes, we will drive. I just finished picking up my daughter and her two friends from Camp Tweedale yesterday - a 4 1/2 hour one way trip for us. Two of the girls are registered for Mosey Wood in August! The girls LOVED their first experience at a sleep away camp, and the parents LOVED how wonderful the whole experience was for us on the booking end of things. It is a shame our own council closed/sold our resident camps many years ago... Think long and hard before you close a camp as they will NEVER come back! There are thousands of Girl Scouts on Long Island, consider marketing to them! It could help increase attendance while giving those girls a wonderful experience they can not obtain locally!

Posted on: June 30, 2012

GSEP said:

Sent on behalf of the Property Committee: GSEP Camps Move Toward the Future Planning for GSEP outdoor programming is focused around creating enriching opportunities for girls at camp. The core inspiration that moves camp planning into the future is our commitment to being the premier leadership development organization for girls with a mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. We are tasked with keeping up with the pace of girls and happy to rise to this challenge by providing outdoor programming that will fulfill our mission for all those we serve across our 9 county foot print. In an effort to keep the progress on camp planning transparent, we will hold two town hall meetings, open to membership, in late August of 2012. At these meetings the GSEP Property Committee and property consultants will review the master plan (that is pending board approval) for Camps Wood Haven, Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood, Mountain House, Valley Forge and Shelly Ridge as well as any steps taken toward plan implementation. Dates, times and locations for these meetings are: â€¢ Tuesday, August 21, 2012 7:00 PM â€“ 9:00 PM Location: Shelly Ridge, Smith Lodge â€¢ Thursday, August 23, 2012 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Location: Allentown YMCA & YWCA In the interim, confirmed timing around the closures of camps is as follows: â€¢ Camp Hidden Falls will close to camping on September 30, 2012. The month of October 2012 will be a time set aside for closing ceremonies and goodbyes at this camp. â€¢ Camp Tohikanee and Tweedale Resident Camp will remain open through the Fall of 2013, with programming at these locations running through the summer of 2013. An announcement with a firm timeline for these two camps will be made in the Fall of 2012. We look forward to entering into the future of GSEP Camps with you, our members and volunteers. Together we can make the camp experience better than ever and serve our Girl Scouts with excellence!

Posted on: June 8, 2012

Karen Bartels said:

We had the opportunity to camp at Camp Tweedale for the "Spring into Fun" event. It was absolutely fantastic. Being my first experience at this camp, I had no idea what except. It was clean, beautiful and had something for everyone (whether a princess or a pioneer). It is truly a gem in the Girl Scout Camps crown and it would be a shame to close it down. Thanks for the good times and memories.

Posted on: May 23, 2012

Kim Taskalos said:

We just spent the weekend at Camp Tweedale (our first time at this location) and were pleasantly surprised. We have already been to Mountain House, Mosey Wood, Woodhaven, and Tweedale really is well maintained and a joy to visit. The program we signed up for "Spring Into Fun" was well organized and offered a day packed with fun activities for the girls. For a troop like ours that has "roughed it" with latrines and fire cooking in the past, it was a great experience for the girls and leaders to be able to focus on other things. The diversity of housing options means there is something for everyone. The staff truly loves what they do, as was evident in the planning and execution of the activities and delicious food. The 2 hours it took to get there was well worth the trip. My daughter even asked if she can go to Tweedale for camp next Summer. It would be a shame to close down such a beautiful place.

Posted on: May 22, 2012

Kristen Downey said:

My Junior troop, co-leaders and I spent this past weekend camping at Tweedale. The program was "Spring Into Fun" and April Beattie was the event co-ordinator. (Fabulous program that was VERY well organized and run. Thanks!) This was our first experience camping at Tweedale. (Our troop has camped at Moseywood, Mountain House, and Woodhaven.) What a wonderful place Tweedale is! We were all impressed by the high quality of the all facilities and the beauty of the property itself. Both of my daughter's now want to attend summer camp there. They love the fact that there is a pool for swimming AND the reservoir for boating. Please don't close this camp!

Posted on: May 21, 2012

Maddie W.-K. said:

Tweedale rocks! I went to Harry Potter camp there and it was very fun. It would be sad if people can't experience the camps there because every one was so nice and they had many fum activities that I had never done before. As I said before Tweedale rocks!

Posted on: May 6, 2012

tina smith said:

I have been reading the posts in this blog and much of it is troubling. I grew up at Hidden Falls and Sunset Hill, which was divested from gssepa(along with Indian run) with the same song and dance. It is heart-wrenching to loose a safe and happy place.But, it is equally gut wrenching to see camps turned into a "motel six". I hear it over and over about how the leaders and other adults coming in want unrealistic expectations to come true for them. These include , no dust, no mud, no mice, no bugs and they do not want to follow the rules or clean up after themselves. Driving on gravel only and having the proper number of cars is way too much for some to handle. Taking proper training is an inconvenience and a nuisance. You can tell who has not been trained recently because all the rules are new to them. We are not entitled to have camps let alone be entitled to a five star experience. We learn from adversity so if you have to use an outside toilet so be it. Really, how much time do you spend in the toilet? Will you let that dictate a real outdoor experience and education? The other major factor in closing camps I think is that they are truly not utilized by the membership. Ask the troops that have the whole camp to themselves weekend after weekend. Many weekends have no one scheduled at all. If you all can't be flexible in your weekends to camp please don't complain. Everyone can not expect to camp in may and june. Be realistic. Camp is open every weekend . As for Memorial Day, I think the site managers have the right to be off on one weekend like everyone else to spend time with their families and support those who serve and protect our nation.

Posted on: March 23, 2012

Debra McCann said:

I agree that USING them is the way to go - however, I am one of the leaders who cannot get IN on any weekend that is available for platform tents etc. I get the impression that council based their usage decisions on SUMMER camp enrollment, not troop usage. I firmly believe that a "mega-camp" that only increases the number of available beds by 5 is not going to help, but make troop camping even worse. Plus, a mega camp does not give the "get away from it all" feeling. So, using the camps is important, but does council care if troops use it?

Posted on: November 28, 2011

Jennifer Eagen-McCloskey said:

I agree with Susan - USE our camps! I'm taking my troop to Tohi in early December for a simple sleep-over in the Hibuck's building because they all wanted a sleep-over and this might be our last chance to stay at Tohi. We're bringing the moms, too. For those troops who want a special mom & scout event, plan it at Tohi! On the flip side, I just don't understand why GSEP hasn't held trainings (outside of camp-related ones) at Tohi for all of us out in Bucks County. Nor do I understand why neighborhood camps have not been held there in my 6 years associated with GSEP. ....nor do I understand why events are being planned at the YMCA or other sites - with fees associated that do not fund GSEP - while we have all those great buildings at Tohi to hold Service Unit-wide and Council-wide events!

Posted on: November 15, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

I know there are many factors behind the property committee's Phase I and Phase II recommendations. I don't feel we properly understand them. I wish I understood better. Some of the properties don't bring in anything close to what it takes to run them. Some properties are more expensive to run than others. Some properties could easily take more campsites, and could more easily bring in a higher % of operating costs. Some types of campsite development are more suitable for earning money from outside rentals in the off-season. I just wish we had more information.

Posted on: October 31, 2011

Susan Donahue-Sinback said:

The best way to keep our camps open may be to USE them and USE them often. I know it can be difficult to book the camps but keep trying! Book the camps that are slated to close.

Posted on: October 26, 2011

ReneeMattie said:

Dear Property Committee Members: One of the posted presentations suggested that camp properties are always expected to require SOME kind of operating subsidy from council. The figures you presented in June 2011 indicate the camps, on average, bring in about 60% of their operating cost. Tweedale and Mosey Wood are the highest performers in this category, bringing in 68% and 72% of their operating cost, respectively. What is the target for camp income as a % of operating cost?

Posted on: October 25, 2011

Beth McCoy said:

Please let us now EXACTLY what we can do to have these camps remian open. It's great to say we WANT you to do it, but tell us HOW we can help! What an awesome 100th Year Anniversary project it would be for all of us to join together and make this work :)

Posted on: October 17, 2011

Irene Baldwin said:

Thanks!

Posted on: October 13, 2011

Lance Anderman said:

Thank you GSEP for the extension. Now it's up to GSEP to determine what is needed to keep the camps open (closing them should not be an option). Then, it's up to all of us to support GSEP with volunteer work and annual contributions to make it happen.

Posted on: October 13, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

Thank you for keeping the camps open for one more year. This will give us a chance to better understand how we can keep alive the types of outdoor programs that foster self-reliance and leadership in Girl Scouts.

Posted on: October 12, 2011

Elmo said:

THANK YOU TO EVERYONE WHO KEPT THE MAGIC ALIVE...WE DID IT BECAUSE YOU BELIEVED. LOTS OF LOVE TO ALL LOVERS OF TWEEDALE. : )

Posted on: October 10, 2011

Debra McCann said:

That is wonderful news that ALL the camps will remain open for summer camp next year. I hope that the property committee reevaluates their decision to divest of ANY property at ANY time. My troop of Daisies through Juniors returned today from a weekend of camping at Tweedale. My 5-10 year olds absolutely LOVED roughing it at Ridge A-Frames, cooking over a fire, and they even got used to the pit latrines. Never once did I hear a girl ask for an ipod, a cell phone, or air conditioning (and it got up to 80 degrees this weekend). The boating and archery experiences were amazing, and I saw my normally reserved girls blossom and beam with self confidence at trying a new skill, and build their independence. I question the veracity of Domokur's assessments that girls want flush toilets, air conditioning, wifi and more. I question councils claim that girls want more modern amenities in their camping. I have yet to see any of these points be demonstrated in the real, today's generation, girl scouts I work with. Having next summer is wonderful. Now make the impressive, brave, and right choice, and make it forever.

Posted on: October 9, 2011

Marj Eby said:

Thank you, property committee, for keeping all our camps open thru next summer.

Posted on: October 8, 2011

GSEP said:

Please be advised that the Property Committee met this week and discussed our members questions regarding our intent to run summer programs at our camps next summer. It was decided we will continue to run outdoor program at all camps through September 30, 2012 which includes running resident/day camp at Tweedale.

Posted on: October 7, 2011

Karen H P said:

I just heard the news that Camp Tweedale is closing and it brought me to tears instantly. I went to Camp Tweedale as a Girl Scout in the 80's and cannot think of happier memories from my childhood. The Camp Tweedale experience was a crucial part of me finding myself, building self esteem and confidence. It lead to a life full of outdoor activities... I worked for The Colorado Outward Bound School, traveled all over the US camping and backpacking and took my husband on his first backpacking trip in Yosemite the summer we got engaged. All of this never would have happened without those formative years at Camp Tweedale. The counselors and staff were exceptional. Please Please keep Camp Tweedale open!!

Posted on: September 30, 2011

Sharkie said:

This is the song we sang at our final night campfire for CIT. This is the song that brought tears to everyone's eyes. This is the song that explains our love for Camp Tweedale. To the tune of... Spiders Web There's a camp like a magic land, made of staff and campers too, led by the Star in the moon lit sky. It's a camp that is like a dream, hold it tight till summer's over, as if to tell us that this is our home. Magic Camp Tweedale is the camp that is, a home away from home. And Tweedale keeps the memories real, for friendships new and old. Tweedale is the place we go, to fill our summer's wish. We wish that we could stay here, one week more. Rainbow Children There's a camp that's, down in Oxford. It's a camp we hold in our hearts. There is nothing, that can break us. Tweedale friendships, are much too strong Run River Run And memories go on and on. Until our days are done. Further and further from things that we've done. Reliving them one by one. And we have just begun. For more and more will come. Wishing and waiting and hoping. That we'll meet again Bring Me A Rose We think of camp when we're all alone, when the nights are still. We love this camp like we love our friends, it's our, favorite place to go. For this camp is great, most anytime of year. We think of camp when we're all alone, and we can never forget. One Tin Soldier So go ahead and take some pictures. Go ahead and make some friends. And even when the year is over, you can do it all over again. There will always be awesome counselors, and they will always make you smile. On the sunny morning after, campfire ashes blow away. Shooting Star And i was thinking maybe somewhere later down the road. After all our stories have been told. We'll sit and think of you ( Potter ) The dear counselor we once knew ( Aww ) You shot through our lives like a shooting star -I hope this song touches your hearts like it did to ours. We will never forget our beloved Camp Tweedale. Please save it.

Posted on: September 29, 2011

Paula said:

my daughter and I are soo sad that Camp Tweedale will be closing. She has camped there several times w/ her troops over the last few years and attended summer resident camp last summer. She absolutely LOVED it. We not only loved it because it was only w/ in an hrs drive to us but because of the experiences she had there with her troops. We will truely miss Camp Tweedale and hope that a way to save the camp can be found.

Posted on: September 28, 2011

jennifer e-m said:

i, too, submitted a response over the summer which was never posted. anyone else notice that with increased camp closings (all over the US) there are fewer camping badges offered?

Posted on: September 28, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

You could make it "Save Camp _________________" and fill Tweedale in by hand Or the Girls could do the entire shirt themselves, using fabric markers or paint + stencils.

Posted on: September 26, 2011

Rebecca Rogers said:

I found one of my posts is missing as well. It had to do with the girls wanting to make t-shirts that said Save Tweedale. Apparently the t-shirt company was contacted by GSEP and told that the girls couldn't have them made due to copyright infringment. Who does GSEP and their copyrights actually represent? If girl scouts is actually a organization for the girls, why do the adults in charge of the council not listen to the wishes of their constituants? To be told that the decision has been made and although "you can never say never" that the decision is pretty much already decided is heartbreaking.

Posted on: September 25, 2011

Diana DiMattia said:

I placed a post on return from Hidden Falls around August 22 and it was never posted - why? How many are edited out? Are we not allowed to have our say in this blog?

Posted on: September 15, 2011

leecarr said:

I am so sorry that I did not get to this blog before. today I am reviewing my copy of gsep volunteer essentials and here it is on page 5 GSEP facts: We serve girls in Berks, Bucks, Carbon, Chester, Delaware, Lehigh, Montgomery, Northampton and Philadelphia counties. well if you are serving all these girls then you should at least listen to them and know that they want to keep tweedale open because it is a great camp at a good location.

Posted on: September 15, 2011

leecarr said:

"At this time, GSEP is seeking new members to join the Property Committee." WHY? Did the closure of camp tweedale and camp tohikanee cause the existing members to resign? Our girls and our volunteers should be able to choose the camps that we will keep. all properties can be updated to offer program. Location and travel time to our camps are very important to the people who want to use these properties.

Posted on: September 14, 2011

leecarr said:

I am happy to learn that the statistics will not be the only thing to influence the committee in the decisions made about our properties; need for water activities and horses and year round availability are also important too. usage shows that: laughing waters overall capacity was 46% with 49% of troop camp usage tweedale overall capacity was 41% with 75% resident usage and woodhaven was 38% overall with 46% resident usage as the leaders in overall capacity, they would not be my final choices. I like the other list of the top 3 year round leaders: Camp Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood AND Tweedale. but even this list is not ideal either the top 3 resident camps Tweedale, Wood Haven and Mosey Wood are not the top 3 troop/camporee users: Camp Laughing Waters, Tohikanee, and Tweedale however there is one camp that is on all top lists: Tweedale and it meets the needs list of having good water activities and availability to many of the members within 1 - 2 hours travel I love all our camp properties I hate to see any of them disappear but I also see the statistics on the financial model page I see the money that we are losing daily/yearly trying to keep all of our properties Camp Laughing Waters appears on several of the top lists too and its location makes it a ideal for so many to get there within 1 - 2 hours but of course there is no boating and I really do not like the tents now available there. Mosey Wood and Wood Haven both have good features one has horses and one has boating one is right off a major highway one offers more year round availability one is used more than the other overall but how can I choose one over the other someone else will have to do this one Tohikanee was not given the chance to show its usage as a resident camp on the statistics but they did rank high in usage for troops/camporees but where are the boating/horse activities there - I am sure that the ropes could be moved from there but can the tents, kitchens and toilets be moved to other properties? they are outstanding facilities and its location is relatively central too what can I say about Hidden Falls it offers memories to me and others a night on lookout rock a hike in the rain falls, falls, falls, but does all this may not be enough to keep it and I understand it Mountain House should not even be considered on the list for comparison because it is a unique property that serves a special service, permanent day camp property and as long as this is needed, it should remain one of our primary properties like Shelly Ridge, Valley Forge and Seltzer. okay the last 3 are offices but Mountain House is unique like them, we own it, we do not rent or lease it as some other office properties it is a great hide away and very, very central. more people need to know about it and use it so keep it and promote it. so where does this leave me? keep Tweedale choose between Camp Laughing Waters, Mosey Wood, Wood Haven and Tohikanee Good luck I know that Mosey Wood and Wood Haven offer many thing we would need to improve them and Camp Laughing Waters and Tohikanee are very central to council but do they offer enough and how much more would we need to improve them

Posted on: September 14, 2011

GSEP said:

At this time, GSEP is seeking new members to join the Property Committee. In addition to the Property Committee, we anticipate the creation of sub-committees to guide the various levels of work. If you are interested in serving on one of these committees, download the Property Committee Volunteer Application found on the home page of the GSEP website, fill it out with your information and submit it via email to PropertyComments@gsep.org. Or if youâ€™d prefer, you can drop off the application or mail it to: Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania, Shelly Ridge Service Center, Attn: Shelly Sickbert, P.O. Box 27540, Philadelphia, PA 19444.

Posted on: September 13, 2011

Cynical said:

Closing camp Tweedale is not due to a money issue? So why then do they have an architectural firm involved, helping to do the "survey" for them? If it is not a money issue, why not simply close the camp and keep the property? Call me cynical, but if the proceeds from selling both camps were invested properly, it could close any budgetary shortfall that the council may be going through. No layoffs, no salary cuts, no problem. I will go way out on a limb here and say that this was the plan all along; the survey was a ploy. Once the land is sold, it is gone for good, and they have figuratively eaten their seed corn. Like Watergate, "follow the money".

Posted on: September 13, 2011

Annemarie Carr (Pointe) said:

written for my college english class on service learning: Memoir of Becoming a Memory â€œCamp is not a place; itâ€™s a way of life,â€ is what my camp director said as the summer came to an end. With all my things already packed away in my white Saturn, I begin to drive down the steep camp driveway as all my friends and fellow staff members line the road to sing our campâ€™s song. I keep these words in mind and close to my heart, as tears fall from my eyes just as rain falls gently from the sky. I canâ€™t keep my mind off the idea that this may be the last time I drive down this roadâ€”why would council want to close a camp that means so much to so many people? I fear the reality of her words; the reality that one day Iâ€™ll return to this place and its way of life will be missing. I had the best summer of my life working as a counselor at a small residential Girl Scout camp in Oxford, Pennsylvania. Everything finally all came together, as I learned all the missing pieces that were left out during my years as a camper. I finally understood why we did things the way we did. More importantly, I was able to give back to so many girls in the ways my counselors had done for me when I was a camper. They inspired me to become a better person, to appreciate everyone and everything around you, to challenge myself and make a difference in the world. I can only hope that the girls I worked with this summer believe these things the way I did while I was a camper, and although they may not realize or appreciate it now, someday they all will. â€œCamp is not a place; itâ€™s a way of life.â€ These are words that may not have had meaning to them when I was a camper just excited to have fun and try new things; but today they mean so much to me. I became a Tweedale camper in 2001, when I attended my first program, â€œAdventurersâ€. The three-day program was simply designed to allow young campers to experience time away from home, make new friends, and to allow them to try many new things such as art, outdoor cooking, and environmental activities. I had such a great time during those three days that I was determined to be back the following summer. And thatâ€™s exactly what I did; I came back year after year to try and learn new things and to improve upon previous learned skills because â€œwe call it fun, but some may call it madness,â€ says the Camp Tweedale song. It wasnâ€™t until I came to camp for the seventh year that I finally began to become part of Tweedale, and Tweedale became a part of me. In 2007, I came for a two-week program, â€œExtreme Adventure,â€ that gave me one of the best experiences of my life. I backpacked along the Appalachian Trail and kayaked on rapids among other adventures. I was challenged physically and mentally the whole way. This was the year that I finally gained a full appreciation for nature in all its aspects, began to master my outdoor living skills, and formed meaningful relationships with the other girls in my group. In previous years, Iâ€™d exchange addresses with the other girls only to send one letter, but that year the friendships formed are still intact. That year, my whole perspective changed at the climax of my camping experiences. It was the year that I decided I wanted to become a Tweedale counselor, I wanted to share and experience Tweedale with others. Tweedale became my home, a home away from home that I came to every summer to be myself and to learn and experience things I never thought were possible. The following summer nearly broke my heart into pieces. The program at Tweedale I planned to attend was closed, and I was out of luck. I wanted another adventure and wasnâ€™t turning back after my amazing adventures during the previous year. I made a decision that I didnâ€™t want to make; I decided to attend â€œAdirondack Adventureâ€ at Camp Mosey Wood. For the first time in eight years, I would not return to Tweedale. Instead, I embarked on a new adventure farther away at a camp I had never been to before. I left my friends, my camp family, and all the familiar places behind. I crossed boundaries into what used to be another Girl Scout council to find that their camps differed in many ways from my camp, from my home. That year, I was that negative camper we learned about during staff training. Every time we did an activity, I felt that I had to comment on how it was different that the way we did things at Tweedale. I even sent a letter home featuring a Venn diagram of Camp Tweedale and Camp Mosey Wood. And as hard as I tried not to let it, Tweedale followed me because it is part of me. As much as I disliked the differences, I did enjoy that summer and now Iâ€™m glad that Iâ€™ve had that experience. It even led to one of my most vivid camp memories. Mosey Wood, being in a different council and all, held a program called winter camp in December. I decided to attend that year after everything Iâ€™d heard about it during the summer. And sure enough all the girls in my group that year, each of which had talked so much about winter camp, didnâ€™t show up. I was one of the oldest kids there and the only one who had ever heard of Tweedale. I was in shock and began to wonder why I was even there. But I was wrong; there was one person there who had heard about Tweedale. Ape was there; she was acting as the nurse for the weekend, and today she still is the most dedicated camper and counselor I know. One night, Mosey Woodâ€™s camp director asked if I was planning to come back during the summer, and I responded, â€œIâ€™m going to be a Counselor-In-Training (CIT) at Tweedale.â€ I will never forget the look of overflowing joy that rose on Apeâ€™s face that night. She looked so proud to have â€œraisedâ€ a camper that wanted to come back to learn to be a counselor because of all the great experiences she had had at Tweedale. And become a Counselor-In-Training is exactly what I did. For the following two years, I spent weeks at camp learning the â€œinsâ€ and â€œoutsâ€ of what it meant to be a camp counselor. I gained full appreciation for all the counselors and staff and developed meaningful and long-lasting friendships with my fellow CITs and staff members, both local and international. I learned about different types of campers, activities, games, outdoor skills and so many more essential skills. During those weeks, they were indeed put to the test, as I shadowed different jobs within the camp and spent time with other counselors and their campers. I became almost an assistant counselor, and realized that Iâ€™d made the right choice in 2007. I really did want to be a camp counselor. Now eleven years after my first Tweedale experience, I learn about possibly my last. During breakfast one morning, myself and all the other CITs from the previous two years are pulled to visit the camp director. We sit around the square table in the old Farmhouse basement unsure of why weâ€™re here. We are told that council has decided to close Camp Tweedale and will not be offering resident camp in the following years. Tears filled the room as each of us realized that we were going to lose our home that weâ€™ve grown to love over many years. We leave as the next group enters to hear the devastating news. We stay close to one another, as we are the only ones who understand what it is like to lose the place you love. â€œWe will return here one lucky day, our hearts will guide us they know the way, people in cities donâ€™t understand falling in love with the land.â€ Just as one of my favorite camp songs states, I will return to Tweedale someday. I am fearful of how it may differ from they way I left it; the possibilities are currently endless. When I return and drive up the long hilly camp driveway, will I see the place I know and recognize to be my own? Or will I see someone elseâ€™s camp creation? Will everything that makes Tweedale unique be there? I fear the left turn off Bethel Road that leads upward to Tweedale, my home. Someday I will return and face the boundaries, but for now the memories keep Tweedale alive. As another camp song states, â€œthere will always be a part of you deep inside my heart, and Iâ€™ll know just when to let it show.â€

Posted on: September 13, 2011

Andi B. said:

Hi! I am a Girl Scout and I have Down Syndrome. I can't wait to go to camp Tweedale like my mom and sister, but now that may not be possible. I need help doing things so I have therapists go to things with me to help me out. I would NOT be able to bring a therapist with me if they have to drive really far to camp. Camp Tweedale is 10 minutes from my home. So I could have gone to day camp there and then moved up to overnight camp. If you close Camp Tweedale you will crush my dreams of going to Girl Scout camp just like everyone else without Down Syndrome. Have you considered Girl Scouts with special needs in your plans? Plese keep Camp Tweedale open!

Posted on: September 12, 2011

Laura Berkeihiser said:

I have just learned of the possible closing of Camp Tweedale. I am a transplanted Girl Scout from Indiana, and I am beyond saddened. I have hopes that my now 4.5 year old daughter would join and love girl scouts as I did, and would have a local camp to attend. Please consider the girls that haven't even been given the opportunity. Thank you.

Posted on: September 12, 2011

Catherine said:

Kudos to Clare Wilson for her post below about Camp Tweedale: "GSEP says they want hear more of what the girls think about the closing of Camp Tweedale, so here it goes! I have been in Girl Scouts since Daisies and I recently bridged to Seniors at the end of the school year. I have been going to Tweedale every summer for the past four years and consider it to be my summer home. A majority of the girls in my troop regularly attend Tweedale throughout the summer, my sister and I included. Every year I excitedly await the day that I go â€œhomeâ€! I love everything about Tweedale and think that it is the PERFECT camp experience! The staff and facilities are wonderful! I always feel welcome, happy and completely at home there! When I heard the news that is was being closed, I was absolutely devastated! My sister and I had both wanted to become CITs next year and counselors later on. I was heartbroken to find that there would be no â€œnext yearâ€. This year, for the first time, I attended more than one program at Tweedale. It was amazing to see that when I came back several weeks later, everyone still remembered me! For my first week I participated in Artists at Work, where we got to paint a mural inside the shower house. When asked the one word to describe our overall camp experience, and feature on our mural, we unanimously agreed on â€œHomeâ€. I made so many friends in those nine days that I will never forget! During Final Night Campfire at the end of my last week, I was moved to tears by the beautiful songs and candles, as were seasoned campers, and first-years alike. Even some of the counselors seemed a little teary from seeing their campers so upset! I think we all wished for the same thing and we wiped our eyes and blew out our candles that night, and that was to save this wonderful, beautiful camp! I know that every girl that has been there feels the same as I do when I say please, please, please DO NOT CLOSE THIS CAMP!!!!!" Clare, i feel your pain. Camp Hidden Falls and the former Camp Sunset Hill were my and my mother's summer homes growing up. Everything you just said is exactly what i feel about CHF. so hang in there. Those of us in the former GSDC (Girl Scouts of Delaware County)/GSSEP (Girl Scouts of Southeastern PA) don't want to see Tweedale close either, as well as our beloved Hidden Falls.

Posted on: September 3, 2011

Catherine said:

Kudos, kudos, kudos, for the following post. Anonymous said: There are no close camps for kids in Delaware and Southern PA. GSEP would lose those kids to other councils if they close Tweedale. I have attended other GSEP camps, and the small size of Camp Tweedale makes for a great and unique experience, and a good relationship between staff and campers. this has been my point for the beginning! thank you to whoever made this point you were reading my mind.

Posted on: September 3, 2011

Sami Brzozowski said:

I love camp so much! It's like a second home to me, and I have made some of my best friends there, I met them at Tweedale in 2009 and still keep in touch. Even though one of them moved to Mass. last year, she still came down to camp this year. Camp is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I learn useful skills in life, I meet new people, and I've made a new family there. I t would be wrong to sell something of so much value. It seems that all anybody ever talks about these days is money. Money money money. I just hope that in the end, GS makes the right choice of people over money. There is nothing wrong with Tweedale, I would live there all summer if I could afford it, and I've cried at every closing campfire I've attended at Tweedale, and I don't regret a single moment I spent at camp.

Posted on: August 30, 2011

Claire Wilson, Senior Girl Scout, Great Valley Ser said:

GSEP says they want hear more of what the girls think about the closing of Camp Tweedale, so here it goes! I have been in Girl Scouts since Daisies and I recently bridged to Seniors at the end of the school year. I have been going to Tweedale every summer for the past four years and consider it to be my summer home. A majority of the girls in my troop regularly attend Tweedale throughout the summer, my sister and I included. Every year I excitedly await the day that I go â€œhomeâ€! I love everything about Tweedale and think that it is the PERFECT camp experience! The staff and facilities are wonderful! I always feel welcome, happy and completely at home there! When I heard the news that is was being closed, I was absolutely devastated! My sister and I had both wanted to become CITs next year and counselors later on. I was heartbroken to find that there would be no â€œnext yearâ€. This year, for the first time, I attended more than one program at Tweedale. It was amazing to see that when I came back several weeks later, everyone still remembered me! For my first week I participated in Artists at Work, where we got to paint a mural inside the shower house. When asked the one word to describe our overall camp experience, and feature on our mural, we unanimously agreed on â€œHomeâ€. I made so many friends in those nine days that I will never forget! During Final Night Campfire at the end of my last week, I was moved to tears by the beautiful songs and candles, as were seasoned campers, and first-years alike. Even some of the counselors seemed a little teary from seeing their campers so upset! I think we all wished for the same thing and we wiped our eyes and blew out our candles that night, and that was to save this wonderful, beautiful camp! I know that every girl that has been there feels the same as I do when I say please, please, please DO NOT CLOSE THIS CAMP!!!!!

Posted on: August 30, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

If GSEP is not responsive to the needs of its membership, what can the membership do about it? Can we vote them out of office? Can we vote with our feet? Has Girl Scouting lost its way?

Posted on: August 29, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

Girl Scouting wants to provide a new kind of leadership experience. "premier leadership centers", "aquatic programs, computer labs and communications facilities". "1940s and '50s, when there were 30 girls in a troop". Back then, a Junior troop would have had girls from 3 grades, with the older girls leading the younger girls. There's your leadership experience. Today, we are required to create smaller, single-grade-level troops, with no opportunity for older girls to lead younger girls in the same troop -- a junior troop had 4th, 5th, and 6th graders together every week. Merge three troops, and POOF! You've got a 30-member troop. "When occupancy is down, you study why occupancy is down and sometimes it's facilities." Do air conditioning and flush toilets teach leadership?

Posted on: August 29, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

GSNEO is struggling with the same issues -- camps being closed for PROGRAMMING reasons, not FINANCIAL reasons, in order to focus activity on a smaller number of "premier leadership centers". "Trefoil Integrity" has discovered errors in the statistics presented by its council to justify closing camps, and is taking the step of requesting GSNEO delegates to sign a letter to request a special meeting of their delegates, to vote to halt sales of camp properties, or, if the board continues to go against the wishes and expressed needs of the membership, to vote to recall or remove board members. GSNEO members are taking action.

Posted on: August 29, 2011

Meredith Burnett said:

I am gravely concerned that you are proposing closing Camp Tweedale, as well as the other two camps. Camp Tweedale is well utilized.My children and their troops have been there a dozen or more times for daily events, camporees, or weekend camping trips.They have many many fond memories, yet never attended resident camp there. With three children in the family we did not have funds for that.If there had not been a camp within reasonable proximity, they would not have had these opportunities. Whenever there on a weekend, we routinely met troops from other counties or locations (Malvern, Montgomery County, West Chester, etc.). Although I did not grow up in PA, I have watched camps in Honeybrook and Chadds Ford be sold and developed.One of the pillars of girl scouts is an appreciating the environment, and being stewards of natural resources. Scouts are increasingly in competition for girl's time. Many scouting activities and values can be obtained elsewhere (church youth groups). Your camps and camping experiences are somewhat unique to scouts. I feel that your survey was skewed.For example,when you ask questions about whether one would like air conditioning, girls may respond that they would like it, but I suspect it is not a deal breaker. Until girls have experienced camping, they cannot fully appreciate it. I recently took my girls tent camping in CT. They were worried about bears, skunks, and raccoons. Thankfully no bear sightings, but they learned that skunks are not to be feared, but respected, and that we can coexist. In scouts we were taught to "leave it like you found it". Not to take the cheap easy way out and let it be developed. As others have remarked "once it is gone it is gone". Scouts are taught to think creatively. Please work with those who are committed to saving these camps to find alternate solutions. I will find it very difficult to continue to support the organizaiton financially if you let these valuable resources go. It sounds like better communication and local representation in leadership is something that we all need to work on as we address these and other issues.

Posted on: August 28, 2011

Irene Baldwin said:

If stakeholders do not find the GSEP responsive regarding Camp Tweedale, is there another step in this process? Is it possible to appeal to GS USA if thiscannot be resolved locally?

Posted on: August 26, 2011

Rebecca Rogers said:

I wrote directly to Ann Thorton Field to explain the feeling and thoughts those of us attending the meeting on Wednesday. She is out of the country but forwarded my letter to Natlaye Paquin who was at the meeting. One idea I thought of was that we contact the largetst contributors to GSEP or even GS USA and state our case. Perhaps they can help us start an endowment or give us some more support than we have already received. Just a thought.

Posted on: August 26, 2011

Theresa Santalucia said:

I hope after last night's presentation GSEP, the board and the property committee realize the error of they first decision. There will be only one camp with safe road ways in the colder months. The Hispanic community of Southern Chester County will be lost to Girl Scouts. 72% of your membership will be left with only one camp to use with in the prescribed driving distance from their home. I really hope you look a better solution then Divestment and I hope you see that we do not need mega camps or the work of Mr Copeland and Ms Isler.

Posted on: August 25, 2011

Debra McCann said:

This is my second year as a troop leader. With very little effort, my troop of girls earned nearly $1000 of profit for our troop just in cookies, so what did that raise for council? All I know is, until there is some BELIEVABLE reassurance that this property committee is actually going to treat the membership as intelligent, thoughtful individuals, and with respect, OUR TROOP WILL NOT RAISE A DIME FOR GSEP. Today, my daughters saw a prize that they earned selling nuts for SALE at Boscov's in the GS display. I'm quite sure they won't have the same motivation to get it "the hard way".

Posted on: August 25, 2011

Emily Warren said:

I've never experienced anything more wonderful then the sense of acceptance and the bond of friendship that is the heart and soul of Tweedale. People from the USA and other countries come together and form lasting friendships at Tweedale. For the past eight years Tweedale has been my summer home, and Iâ€™ve loved every second Iâ€™ve been there. There has always been some kind of program available for any child of any age. As a camper I was never disappointed in the program choice. But to be honest I would have gone to Tweedale even if I had to be in a program I didnâ€™t enjoy, simply so I could be there, and see the Res and the trees and live in the units I loved and just enjoy the sense of community, safety, and peace that is ever present. I knew from the first day, like so many others, that I wanted to work at Tweedale. I was blessed with the fulfillment of that dream this past summer. It was an experience I will NEVER forget. But being on staff is not only my dream. So many campers at Tweedale wish to work their when they are older. This just proves how much Tweedale has a positive effect on girls. It is a place where they can grow, learn new skills, and just be their self. To take that away from themâ€¦ it so very sad. The uproar that followed the announcement of its closing is proof that hundreds object to this decision. Itâ€™s a place that changes lives and for many people, children and adults alike, Tweedale not just a camp, itâ€™s our home.

Posted on: August 24, 2011

Rebecca Rogers said:

Well I just left the 3 hour meeting where I was so impressed by the presentation laid out by the members of GSEP in Southern Chester County. I almost believed that you all had come to listen and reconsider your decisions. After the last comment made by your board member, I think we all realize that there will be no reconsidering. You've already thought of everything our representatives mentioned. After seeing the girls themselves get up and plead for you to reassess only to hear a board member say that everything they heard tonight had already been discussed was insulting. The statistics given tonight did not match up with what was written in your report. The only item that you didn't think of was how close the dining hall is at Tweedale? You could have at least given our members a little more credit. If you close Tweedale, you will lose membership. Period. Many of us will not sell cookies to support the programs that you want to make available to everyone in the northern part of our region. Your numbers will decline and then you will be asked the tough questions from people who really do matter to you, the people who decided if you were the right people to put on the board or in charge of the Council. Shame on each and every one of you if you close Tweedale. I hope you can all live with the ramifications of your decision.

Posted on: August 24, 2011

Susan Donahue-Sinback said:

It is a disservice to the girls that the board and staff of GSEP only considered developing a sustainable model for the future by choosing to divest (close) camps instead of finding ways to Use Resources Wisely by developing sustainable plans - fully supported by the board and operational staff - for traditional as well as educational and environmental programs. Not supporting the principles of the Girl Scout Movement is tragic and shows that the board and operational staff of GSEP are not considering the future of the movement. Providing a sustainable future of GSEP camps CAN include retaining, upgrading and supporting partnerships with other educational groups, colleges/universities, environmental groups, etc. Instead of being an innovative, forward thinking council by researching these options, the board, property committee and operational staff is sadly making decisions that will ultimately turn girls away from Girl Scouts and Girl Scout camping. The financial impact on the girls, volunteers and families of GSEP is not a consideration in this matter. This is not what Juliette Low had in mind.

Posted on: August 23, 2011

Rebecca Rogers said:

Having passed the last 24 hours pondering the possibility that Tweedale may be closed, I found myself asking many questions. Every year our service unit is one of the most successful within GSEP when it comes to cookie sales. We ask our girls to donate their time and energy to sell cookies so that more programs can be available for our council. Yet the one camp that is the closest, most beautiful and charming to our girls in southern Chester County is now being considered for closure. Have you asked yourselves how much this is going to further distance our service unit from the council? Have you talked to any of the girls' who love to go there summer after summer or during the year with their troops? I plan on attending the meeting tomorrow night and I hope you have specific answers for us. We don't want to hear that you want to consolidate and have more programs in fewer locations. You service an enourmous council and each service unit deserves support and respect from the managing council. If you cut us off any more than you already have, you may find many of the girls you represent will end up leaving the program all together.

Posted on: August 23, 2011

Sarah 6th grade girl scout said:

I have been camping with girl scouts every summer for 6 years and have attended 3 of GSEP's camps over the years. Camp Tweedale remains my favorite location. PLEASE SACE TWEEDALE! Tweedale may be small but that is a good thing. You get to know everyone at the camp. The campsites are not too far away from each other so it is not too much of hike. We get to save our energy for FUN. I love having all the trees and woodlands around (unlike some other camps) It makes you feel like you are part of nature. You are also in the shade and protected from the summer heat. The lake has such pretty water and is amazing to boat across. There is always something pleasant to look at. It is essential that a camp have both a pool and lake or body of water. It is good to have both because you can then have 2 different water activities to choose from to help stay cool and to learn more skills. Tweedale is the best camp EVER. Please keep it for us to grow with.

Posted on: August 23, 2011

Rebecca Rogers said:

Tweedale is the only campground for those of us in Southern Chester County. I've heard that it's not a money issue driving these deciscions. What is the reasoning? There are thousands of women and girls who have had their lives enriched by their experience at Tweedale. Why did we build the beautiful new Hill compound only to sell it to someone else? Please listen to those whom you serve and keep Tweedale open. We have a former leader who knows every tree in the camp and where will we do Maple Sugaring with our girls? This would be an enourmous mistake and break many hearts. If you expect to keep an active chapter in Southern Chester County, do not take our camp from us.

Posted on: August 22, 2011

Amanda Holm said:

My daughter had a lovely time at Camp Tweedale this summer for a mini week and we hope to go camping there again as a troop this year before we are not able to anymore. I wonder if there are cost savings elsewhere in the council that could be made to save one or more of the camps?

Posted on: August 19, 2011

Michelle Hoover said:

From being a camper at Tweedale for 8 years, growing into a CIT for 2, being a Junior Counselor for part of 1 and then being a Counselor for 1, shows how deeply this camp has affected my life. I will never forget the mroning that the Camp Director had to tell the staff this is Tweedale's last summer. The room instantly filled with tears and emotions. Not only would this be the last time that each of the staff would be at Tweedale, but also the hundreds of girls that call Tweedale their summer home. Many who called Tweedale their home were planning on returning next year because life became to busy this summer, but now there is no next summer. Aside from the perspective of a summer inhabitant of the Camp, I have also done camporees and troop camping events there. It was a great camp for such activites. Yesterday I ran into most of my childhood troop, its only been a few months since we have all last spoken and we are all headed to college, but Tweedale was the topic that was brought up. Even with only going there for short periods of time it had a way of making a difference in these other girls hearts. Closing Tweedale will only be a negative in the long run. If it is not open it cannot make a difference to girls. And if no differences are ever made when will girls become individuals who know when to stand up for what they believe? I know Tweedale made a difference to me and I plan on standing up for what I believe.

Posted on: August 16, 2011

Laurie Wagner said:

With the imminent divestment of Camp Hidden Falls I am left wondering how anyone on the Property Committee can truly believe this devastating decision is in the best interest of the girls to whom each of you owe your absolute best and wisest judgments. Girl Scouting is designed to stretch our girlsâ€™ wings, providing them with opportunities and experiences they seldom get outside of Scouting. It is certainly not about giving them more of the same that they find around them every day. Camp Hidden Falls provides the kinds of programs girls need to challenge themselves to rise above mediocre and mundane. As an organization, we have had to entrust a huge responsibility to the decision-makers at the national and local levels. We believe they will make wise decisions for the benefit of all and not succumb to financial pressures without a valiant and exhaustive fight to do the right thing for those they serve. Why then would the decision-makers of this council give so little regard to what thousands upon thousands of girls will lose if Camp Hidden Falls is divested? You have only to read the extensive list of features detailed by Alice Motten in this Blog to realize that selling this property will result in a tremendous loss both to our girls and to the kind of habitats I thought Girl Scouts regularly strive to protect. Once this land is gone from the Girls Scoutsâ€™ possession, it will almost certainly be given over to housing developments; lost forever as a precious resource, not to mention lost to future generations of girls who will never know what treasure has been taken from them! As a volunteer staff running spring and fall weekends at Hidden Falls over the last decade or more, I have yet to have a weekend when EVERY troop leader at the event didnâ€™t clearly express sentiments such as: â€œI had no idea how absolutely amazing this camp is.â€ â€œThis is what Girl Scouting is about â€“ real camping in natureâ€™s bounty.â€ â€œI thought these girls would complain they donâ€™t have cell service and internet, yet they are so engrossed in the activities here they havenâ€™t missed them one bit. Thank you!â€ â€œI would easily drive these couple of hours to bring my troop here again and again.â€ â€œI now have girls who canâ€™t wait to come to Hidden Falls for summer camp. When will it reopen?â€ â€œThe program opportunities here for older girls are extensive. Why isnâ€™t the Council taking advantage of this camp?â€â€¦ and on and on and on. Decision-makers, I implore you to reflect! What price are you willing to pay for the loss of this camp? You may think you will make it up in the sale of the property, but you would be sadly and irrevocably mistaken! If you havenâ€™t the courage to take the steps necessary to save Hidden Falls for the girls you are committed to support, then PLEASE have the courage to sell the property to those who will preserve it for the natural wonder it is. Please donâ€™t be the ones to â€œpave Paradise and put up a parking lot!â€

Posted on: August 15, 2011

Alice Motten said:

Camp Hidden Falls is the only camp in our council (or any neighboring council) that has ALL of the following: â€¢ a lake (with an island) suitable for canoeing, funyaking, kayaking, sailing, and fishing â€¢ a pond perfect for water study activities â€¢ creeks perfect for â€œenvironmental investigationsâ€ (crayfish, frogs, fish, water insects, salamanders, etc.) â€¢ at least five waterfalls on the property â€¢ a second lake above one of the falls, created by beavers that have built a dam in the area â€¢ a smaller, â€œoccasional lakeâ€ (water level fluctuates with weather conditions) on the upper property lined with fascinating â€œringing rocksâ€ â€¢ an extensive trail system with hiking opportunities for all ability levels (including backpacking) â€¢ deciduous forests and evergreen forests â€¢ meadows â€¢ significant variations in elevation (with good views from â€œthe summitâ€), where you can see New York and new Jersey in the distance) â€¢ enough acreage that campers there truly feel as if they are â€œout in the woods.â€ â€¢ an abundance of beautiful and interesting seasonal wildflowers, lichens, fungi, and mushrooms. â€¢ fossils (millions of years old) in many locations throughout camp â€¢ a wide variety of wildlife such as turkeys, Canada geese, pileated woodpeckers, owls, hawks, coyotes (heard, rarely seen), foxes, deer, chipmunks, red efts, herons, eagles (occasionally), raccoons, beavers, bears (rarely seen), and skunks. â€¢ horseback riding facilities (and overnight trail riding opportunitiesâ€”within camp) â€¢ a large, new swimming pool â€¢ open areas for archery â€¢ areas within camp for primitive camping (â€œpitch your own tentsâ€) opportunities â€¢ locations within camp for sledding, cross country skiing, and ice skating in winter â€¢ locations perfect for star gazing â€¢ a hillside and beach beside the lake perfect for campfires (floating or on the beach), launching wish boats, and watching moon rises â€¢ a strong echo from across the lake that can be initiated from the hillside above the beach. â€¢ an abundance of blueberries (in season during summer) â€¢ a natural clay pit *WHAT PRICE COULD YOU POSSIBLY PUT ON PROPERTY THAT OFFERS SO MANY INVALUABLE LEARNING EXPERIENCES FOR CHILDREN (AND ADULTS!) IN THE OUT-OF-DOORS? * WHY WOULD YOU NOT FIGURE OUT HOW TO KEEP SUCH A PROPERTY INSTEAD OF TAKING â€œTHE EASY WAY OUTâ€ AND DIVESTING IT? ONCE IT IS ELIMINATED, ALL THE OPPORTUNITIES IT PROVIDES WILL BE GONE (AND POSSIBLY THE NATURAL FEATURES AS WELL.) Recommended reading for anyone who is involved with making decisions about our camps: Last Child in the Woods â€“ Richard Louv

Posted on: August 13, 2011

Galen said:

I spent five years at TW and made lifelong friends, and strengthened friendships of girls within my troop. It will always hold memories for me and very many others as well. Please don't let such a positive place for young girls be closed, it's just not fair.

Posted on: August 13, 2011

Jennie Benson said:

Girl Scout camp was the place that I grew up. My home away from home. I started out as a camper at Tohikanee, and was moved to Tweedale when the renovations began. As much as I loved Tohi, Tweedale is the place that I grew up. Every summer I came back and made many new friends, as well as figured out who I was. Being able to work at camp this summer meant that I was able to pass on all of the things I learned at camp that made it magic to me. If you shut down Tweedale, how do you expect the magic to continue. A LOT of people's lives have been touched by Tweedale and I want to see girls experience all that is wonderful about Tweedale. Girls all around this area deserve to have Tweedale around so they can have all the wonderful memories that I have remembered over the years.

Posted on: August 13, 2011

Nikki Davis said:

I worked for two other Girl Scout camps before I came to work at Tweedale this summer. Every camp has its charm, but Tweedale has a magic about it that you simply cannot find anywhere else. The admin team works tirelessly to hire and train staff that will give girls the best experiences possible--and as a result, Tweedale girls grow up to be strong, shining women who can do absolutely anything they set their minds to. In five years of working at camp, I have never known a summer as incredible as the one I just completed at Tweedale. Please reconsider this decision--Girl Scouts are supposed to be about the girls, for the girls, and at Tweedale, we believe in and practice that. Do you?

Posted on: August 12, 2011

Laura Finn said:

I believe that Camp Tweedale should be maintained as a Girl Scout camp. There are so few local opportunities for Girls to appreciate a natural camping experience. Having experienced a basic Girl Scout camp years ago, I know my girls enjoyed the opportunity to get away from the "electronic world" for a few days and live in a natural environment. PLEASE take all of these comments into your considerations. I pray that the correct decision is made to benefit Girls of our future.

Posted on: August 12, 2011

Annemarie Carr (Pointe) said:

This is a place where memories begin and stay and not where they should end. TW gives girls ages 6-17 the opportunity to make lifelong friendships and memories and to learn and experience unique things that cannot occur elsewhere. When I first attended Tweedale 11 years ago, my dream and journey began to become a camp counselor. After 8 years as a camper and 2 years as a counselor-in-training, I finally got to live out my dream. After working as a counselor at TW this summer, I've realized the power of this job and its ability to change lives in a positive way. Please save Tweedale for all the girls who call TW their home and for all the girls who have not yet experienced the magic of camp.

Posted on: August 11, 2011

Mary said:

Please don't close Camp Tweedale. Although I only attended for one year, I will never forget it. I cherished the chance to practice being independent, and the freedom to make the experience my own. Tweedale played this role for many of my close friends. I always hoped to return to Tweedale someday as a counselor, and I hope GSEP will allow this to remain a possibility

Posted on: August 10, 2011

Irene Baldwin said:

I second Betsy Motten's comment of August 5 about thinking through how GSEP might use Hidden Falls as a regional camp. My daughter's council (Greater New York) has no resident camp program, so I've been sending my daughters to the Philly camps for years. I only happened to know the Phila. Girl Scouts had a camp program because I went to them growing up. Some careful thought and strong marketing (which the Girl Scouts are good at) could generate a solution to save these threatened camps.

Posted on: August 9, 2011

Emily said:

I have been camping at Tweedale for almost eleven years now, both with my troop and over the summer, and I can say right out that closing the camp is a huge mistake. I met some of my best friends at Tweedale, ones that will stay with me for the rest of my life, and truthfully, I wouldn't still be a Girl Scout if it weren't for Tweedale because my troop disbanded a few years ago. Why would you close a place that holds so many happy memories when it wasn't absolutely necessary to close it? Sure it doesn't have that many flushing toilets or air conditioning, but that's what makes it a unique experience! Even if it did have those things, it wouldn't be FUN. It wouldn't be CAMPING. Camp Tweedale is my home away from home and me, and the almost 1800 people who signed the online petition, will continue to fight to keep it open-not just for us, but for the future girl scouts who deserve to have a wonderful experience at camp.

Posted on: August 9, 2011

debbie rex said:

My daughter has been going to Tweedale for 5 years. Next year she was ready to be a CIT, and now with the closing of the camp, that can not happen. She is not comfortable being a CIT at a camp she has never gone to before. So I feel GS is letting her down. There have been some other changes in the silver/gold award requirements recently that also effect our troop- and none of our girls can achieve that award now either. All of the constant changes only hurts the girls, and makes me wonder if GS has lost sight of the mission of Girl Scouts

Posted on: August 9, 2011

elaine said:

Wow. Closing the only GSEP camp in Chester County. Not only would the girl scouts miss going someplace so close, but I feel it would put an undue burden on the families in Chester County. When the girls have to travel so far away to another camp site, the families of those children have to put up more money to finance the trip. Not all families have the extra money, especially in these tough times, to send their child to camp. Camp Tweedale affords the girls of Chester County an inexpensive option for camps in this area. Please consider this before deciding to shut down this camp. We need a camp like this for the girl scouts in this area. Thank you.

Posted on: August 8, 2011

Ash said:

I was in a Leadership Program at Tweedale over the summer, and I have never had such an amazing summer. My expectations were not high, as I am used to attending another camp, but Tweedale was the best camp I have ever gone to. The size of Tweedale, the closeness, and the placement makes it very valuable. Where else is there lake-front property an hour out of Philadelphia? Tweedale is a great camp, with counselors and campers that truly genuinely care for their camp and for each other. Camp Tweedale ranked behind Laughing Waters for losses, and yet Laughing Waters is staying open. Camp Tweedale could be expanded, but instead is being shut down and the (very valuable) property sold. Camp Tweedale is a haven for girls who need to get out of the city and experience Girl Scouts as Juliette Low did. Camp Tweedale shows how Girl Scouts was meant to be. Let those who need fancy tents go to other camps. There is no other Girl Scout camp near by in Chester County, a county with a very high growth rate. The statistics do not make sense, and there seems to be no drawback in keeping the camp open. Girl Scouts is not meant to make a profit, but create an environment where "girls grow strong." Camp Tweedale is a place where that can happen.

Posted on: August 7, 2011

Ellen Spoehr said:

There are now almost 1,700 signatures on Change.org to express the need to SAVE Camp Tweedale. The membership has spoken. Parent volunteers and dedicated girl scouts, like my daughter, are absolutely NOT in favor of the closure of this camp - and we were never consulted to my knowledge. GSEP is making an egregious error in judgment hat will most definitely have ramifications in membership and participation. You need to listen closely to your constituents and reverse this decision.

Posted on: August 6, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

Was this a well-designed survey? If the Girl Scouts were told it was a choice between an un-air-conditioned tent or cabin and closing camps -- would they have answered differently? If Girl Scout Camping shifts to air-conditioned cabins with en-suite showers, how are their leaders going to be able to get them out of the air-conditioning and into the woods, cooking over an open fire? How are the Girl Scouts going to learn the "Girl Scout Way"? If Girl Scouts do not learn the Girl Scout Way, what is the purpose of Girl Scouting?

Posted on: August 5, 2011

Betsy (Kip) Motten said:

Having kept up with reading all the comments on this blog, it is clear to me that Camp Tweedale provides its campers with as much of the "magic" as Camp Hidden Falls used to (back when there were several hundred girls in camp at a time being led by caring, competent, compassionate counselors) and still does (by dedicated volunteers) during weekend events there. I have only been to Tweedale once, but I can tell it would be worth saving that property for the benefit of future resident camp campers. As far as my second home, Hidden Falls, is concerned, I would strongly urge wise, creative thinkers to figure out how that camp could be preserved to be used for Core Camps (which flourished for years there), Family Camp (ditto) and special events such as have been provided there year round by enthusiastic volunteers since the camp began (for Scout and non- Scout groups.) I have said for years that a revitalized CHF, by virtue of its size and exceptional physical features, would make a perfect East Coast Program and Trianing Center that could serve many councils who no longer have the camps they used to own. Remember that old adage, "Where there's a will, there's a way?" It is wisdom to be seriously considered as we move forward this year. There are meetings being held so those "higher up" can take in our thoughts, opinions, and suggestions. The question is: Are you just hearing what we have to say, or are you really LISTENING and considering how you might make the best decisions for the future of our council? We shall see.

Posted on: August 5, 2011

Just a dad said:

Would it be possible for the Service Units from the old Freedom Valley to un-merge from GESP? I think the girls would be better served!

Posted on: August 4, 2011

Marissa S. said:

I have been going to Camp tweedale for four years now and i have loved every moment of it. I have learned so much there. i have improved my swimming skills, i have learned to do archery, i have learned the proper saftey percautions during different natural disaters, overall this camp has taught me alot and has made me a better person. They teach you to except everyone and to be kind and caring. Alot of girls go there to make friends and have new experiences. Both of those are always accomplished. What doesnt make sense to me is why you are closing the camp. It has the highest attendance percentage and right now there is an 85 acre farm for sale all around camp tweedale. how cool would it be if tweedale was expanded? so awesome. What doesnt make sense also is that there was just new renovations done to some of the unit shelters and now you want to get rid of them? please please please listen to the girls and parents pleas! we want a place to go over the summer. I WANT MY SUMMER HOME!!

Posted on: August 1, 2011

Sarah B-A LOVER of camp Tweedale said:

Camp Tweedale offers a great experience for the girls and I think they shouldn't close it down. They should close a different one down.

Posted on: August 1, 2011

Tina said:

I not only question the validity of the survey that was given to members of GSEP, but I also have questions about how the survey results were interpreted and how much weight they were given in the final property assessments. According to the property presentation given by Domokur Architects, the response toward Camp Tweedale was very positive, and the camp is well attended. The site assessment indicates that Camp Tweedale has many unique strengths including seclusion from neighbors and room for expansion. It was also indicated in the June 15 Membership Presentation that Chester Countyâ€™s population is projected to increase by more than 18% by 2020, the second largest percentage after Lehigh, but it will have no GSEP resident camps within an hourâ€™s drive if Tweedale closes. Most importantly, in the overall property ranking, Tweedale ranked second on offering what girls want and supporting GSEP program goals, but somehow it ranked last in â€œflexibility to offer enhanced/expanded programsâ€ in the future. What are the plans for enhanced/expanded programs, and how do they differ from the needs and wants of the girls that GSEP serves today?

Posted on: August 1, 2011

Mary said:

My daughter was at camp tweedale for the week long day camp for "Cookie Factory" and had a great time today, but was also very sad to learn that this camp would be the last camp for her to go to. For me to take her to another camp is an hour away, so please keep this camp open. As a leader of a local Girl Scout group I may be able to ask other families to send their girl there. It is a GREAT camp.

Posted on: August 1, 2011

Jennifer said:

I grew up in West Chester in the Freedom Valley Girl Scout Council. My grandmother was a leader, my mom was a leader, my dad was a Girl Scout and Cookie Dad for years. I earned my Gold Award through this council. I camped at Tweedale and Tohikanee. I spent summers at Tweedale, troop camping every year, and father daughter weekends. In college, I was a counselor at Camp Sunset Hill. I still live in West Chester and have a daughter who is now going to be a second year brownie. I am cookie mom and will be become a leader for my daughter's junior troop in one more year. This camporee in October will be her first sleepover at Tweedale. I was devestated to learn that Council in considering closing Tweedale and Tohikanee. Already I feel that GS in this area has lost some of the true basics of Girl Scouting as I grew up in. This is just one more way that the essence of GS is being taken away from Chester County. There are many women who have been working so hard to bring the true meaning of GS back to provide our future generation with the same strong foundation we were given. I have been a lifelong advocate of GS and I want that for my daughter. As the camps that are most accessible to Chester County girl scouts are being taken away, this makes it harder to do. Tweedale must not be allowed to close. Chester county is one of the strongest and largest counties of girl scouting in this council - why are we being left with the the most difficult access to camps? Camp Tweedale offers all that a camp needs to for our girls to grow and learn. We owe our daughters (and granddaughters) what our mothers and grandmothers gave to us. We want our girls to grow up as girl scouts, stay in girl scouting, and promote the benefits of girl scouting. We then, must give them reason to do this. Currently our chester county troops are being given the message that their involvement is not important. Tweedale must stay open. Sincerely, Dr. Jennifer Dawson

Posted on: August 1, 2011

Hope G said:

We would like to help keep camp Tweedale open. My daughter has been to many of the girl scout camps and liked Tweedale most of all. It was smaller, nicer, more organized and every time she has had fun! The councilors are all nice and caring! We wish for Tweedale to be kept open for many years to come!

Posted on: July 31, 2011

Sarah B said:

Tweedale is the best why close it down close a different camp down because I'm sure you'll get more campers at Tweedale anyways.

Posted on: July 31, 2011

Sarah B-A LOVER of camp Tweedale said:

I LOVE Tweedale! I've learned so much there. Like my first year they taught me how to swim and my third year they taught me how to do archery. My friends and went to Laughing Waters our second year of GS camp and had a HORRIBLE experience. We didn't get our luggage until the last day and they made us sleep on tables and they made us walk all by ourselves to get our luggage and we didn't know where to go. And my friend fell and got hurt and I went to the lifeguard to ask for a band aid and she said "I can't help you." and I saw her first aid kit and she wasn't teaching a class or anything. So I had to run and get my tissues and tape to stop my friend's foot from bleeding. Also the counselors were HORRIBLE!!! The one girl made us tie her shoes and she could do it herself. Then the next year we went to Tweedale and had a GREAT time. So if anything you should close down Laughing Waters instead of Tweedale because at Tweedale they take care of us, and they are SUPER nice. So get rid of Laughing Waters instead of Tweedale.

Posted on: July 31, 2011

Donna said:

We just dropped out daughter off today at Camp Tweedale for her first week long camping experience. The counselors were warm, the facility was rustic but well maintained and the girls were thrilled to start their adventure. Given the growth in Chester County, I don't understand why Tweedale would be considered for elimination. I'll review the materials and see you at the meeting in August.

Posted on: July 31, 2011

Kristie said:

I am sharing this because I love the experiences that my girl has had at Camp Tweedale. We tried another GS camp and she lost wait and was crying when we picked her up. Very reluctantly we then packed her back up and took her to Tweedale. At Tweedale the counselors listened to her dietary issues and fears. They did not make a big issue of her needs but loved her and helped her feel safe. I have left her there in their loving care since. It has been 3 years now and every time. Yes every time she has come back smiling and telling me how wonderful the experience was. I am taking her 1 1/2 hours away when I could take her 20 minutes down the road and I will tell you what I will continue if the camp stays open because they have earned my trust. I know this has to be a painful decision for all but my girl does not want to go to another camp. She said that she will not go next year. This is just a shame because she has learned so much and her esteem has grown. Every time she comes back I feel like she is becoming more of the young lady that GS strives to develop. Please reconsider.

Posted on: July 30, 2011

MaryGrace Keller said:

Tweedale's staff is like a family. You cannot move a family from its home and simply hope that they will spread the spirit to other GSEP camps. If the Tweedale staff even goes to new camps (it's hard to picture them anywhere else)they will have to adjust to the way things are run at the other camps. Yes, new ideas could be shared, and yes, GSEP camps are run in a similar fashion, but Tweedale is different than any other. Of course this is not to put down any other GSEP camps, but if council thinks that parents are more willing to spend their money so their girls can camp in luxury or ride horses every day, so be it. But real Girl Scouts go to camp so that they can learn about nature and how to embrace it. Tweedale is known for our huge amount of tripping programs and an amazing staff. I was present at one of the leader and girl delegate meetings when the subject of closing camps came into conversation, and Girl Scouts, Cadets up to Ambassadors, told council representatives that to fairly judge the camps they would have to visit during the summer and see what magic is worked there. We may only be numbers and dollar signs to council, but there is still a chance we can change their minds. This council has done great things in the past, we can only hope they will do so again in their final decision. When there is still only an ounce of hope I wlil cling to it. In all of my 7 years at Tweedale there has never been a dry eye at closing campfire. All of those girls share the same pang of loss with the closing of this camp. Please, save our home.

Posted on: July 29, 2011

MaryGrace Keller said:

How about we use all those great morals we've been taught in scouting to put a stop to this?! I'm going to focus every bit of my courage, confidence and character into saving TWEEDALE! I've been a Girl Scout for 11 years and I cannot stand to see campers cry because their home away from home is being taken from them. Dear GSEP, What should I tell little Brownies when they ask why council is closing Tweedale?

Posted on: July 29, 2011

sheila said:

Tweedale, it is 2 1/2 hour drive from my home but i would have driven even further for my daughter to have the 1 of a kind experince that ONLY tweedale offered. It is sad they might close. She did the hiking of the Appalachian mountains and the Assateague adventure with the wild ponies. It is sad the pampered girls of today need "spa like" conditions for camping. There is more to be learned about self reliance and self esteem when you camp with the basics and no technology. My daughter has gone for 4 years to the different camps. I try and help keep the camps by spreading the word that camps are open to all girls and what fun. If you want the camps to stay open be a GS salesman and sell the benefits of scouting and camping!

Posted on: July 25, 2011

Karen Wilson - Great Valley Service Unit said:

I just picked up my daughter yesterday after a sweltering week at Camp Tweedale. I have to say that the staff there took such wonderful care of our girls in this heat emergency. I had no worries. They kept them wet, cool and in air conditioning whenever possible and were so flexible in scheduling activities to accommodate the extreme weather. Camp Tweedale's facilities proved more than adequate to accommodate the campers in this extreme situation. Yes, you can find the same warm, caring and enlightening GS experience "elsewhere" as GS CEO Natalye Paquin pointed out at the VF CEO meeting, however Camp Tweedale has it ALL as far as diverse facilities that can accommodate all types of winter and summer conditions. We are part of Great Valley Service Unit and this is the closest and most accessible camp to our area. My daughters refuse to go anywhere else! WHY, GSEP, ARE YOU TRYING TO CLOSE IT???!!! What else do we need to do to convince you to keep it open???? Please keep an open mind and reconsider this decision for the sake of our girl...they are OUR FUTURE!!!

Posted on: July 23, 2011

Dale said:

I am very saddened that GS have gone the way of big business. Merge into huge conglomerates and then cut all services to the bone. The GSEP formation has been a disaster to those of us in Chester County. I think there needs to be a hard look at how much programming is held in this county. And now there is not even a camp. With gas at almost $4 a gallon I am not willing to drive 2 hours to get to every GS event or camp that GSEP holds anywhere close to us. This year I do not believe we will be selling cookies. Instead I will pay for my daughter's activities directly and cut out the council middle man. I attended Tweedale and Tohikanee as a scout and my daughter has love Tweedale. We will now seek out other non GS camp opportunities closer to home.

Posted on: July 23, 2011

Betsy (Kip) Motten said:

Change is a good thing, right? Sometimes. But for this lifetime member of the Girl Scouts and anyone else who grew up in Delaware County, the changes have been disappointing and even disastrous in some areas (i.e. communication and issues related to our camps and camping programs, especially challenging ones for older girls.) Each merger from a smaller council to a larger one has yielded negative results, and now we have a huge council being run by people coming and going who, it appears, ( for the most part) are not longtime Girl Scouts, have too much on their plates in their individual positions, whose daily work is merely a job and not a sincere mission, and who lack the wisdom to make effective decisions about program, long range plans, and how to maintain the special, unique qualities of the organization. Geographically, we are spread too wide and otherwise we are spread too thin. Having been a camper, CIT, and counselor at Camp Hidden Falls and an adult volunteer helping to run programs there for the last 30+ years, I am intimately aware of the exceptional attributes of that 1,000 acre property that very few camps in this country can offer. It has always had the capacity to accommodate large groups of girls and is the ideal site for offering older girls â€œreal campingâ€ experiences (as described by numerous weekend participants in recent years) such as hiking and backpacking (on an extensive trail system WITHIN camp, not to mention on trails such as the AT in the vicinity), canoeing and kayaking, even sailing, (on the large lake or nearby Delaware River), swimming (and life guard training) in the new, gorgeous, hardly- ever- used pool, horseback riding, fossil hunting, etc. Before the last merger, a plan to revitalize the deteriorating facilities at Hidden Falls was created, hope was awakened, and the construction work began. Then the last merger occurred, the work stopped, and CHF became a site on hospice. Unfortunately, the people who â€œstudiedâ€ the camps did not look beyond the run down facilities, even though some of us CHF Alumni offered to show them the property and make them aware of the rich program potential there. Interestingly, DESPITE the miserable facilities, the leaders and girls who come to our events at CHF always focus and comment on the incredible beauty of the site and how refreshing and fun it is to be in a place that really feels like a camp (unlike Laughing Waters, which is more like a big backyard in outer suburbia.) Also, once they experience a program-packed weekend run by well trained volunteers (who became women of â€œcourage, character, and confidenceâ€ BECAUSE of their years at camp!), they freely acknowledge that driving the distance is definitely worth it (and using latrines is just part of the adventure!) All that being said, I agree with Ruth Lesser who remarked that we Hidden Falls folks knew as of 2010 that â€œthe dice was loaded and the cards were stackedâ€ against Hidden Falls. It has been so obvious. Therefore, although CHF is my second home and it will break my heart to see it â€œdivestedâ€, no longer to provide girls with the invaluable experiences it has given so many for so long, my concern now is about sales. A few years ago, the Girl Scout â€œbuzz phraseâ€ was â€œGirl Scouts care about the earth.â€ If that continues to be true, I implore any person reading this who has input with the decisions being made to honor the organizationâ€™s commitment to be stewards of the earth. Itâ€™s bad enough that generations of Girl Scouts will be denied opportunities at Camp Hidden Falls (and Tweedale and Tohikani), but you can balance that by making sure the properties goes to organizations that will continue to protect it and use it for educational purposes (and NOT to Toll Brothers or some other developer tempting you with $$$) That is the least you could do for all of us for whom camp has been such a positive influence in and integral part of our lives. Perhaps it would restore a small glimmer of confidence in an organization we no longer recognize as the one we joined.

Posted on: July 22, 2011

NJM said:

My daughter has been a girl scout for 2 years now. She just crossed over to become a brownie. I thought about Girl Scout camp for this current summer, but thought she might still be slightly young. I was fairly certain she would go next year. Without Tweedale, she will never go. There are no camps close to us. I won't send my child hours away at the age of 8, or probably even 9 or 10. Closing Tweedale is a great dis-service to all Southeastern PA Girl Scouts and from what I read, even those who live in DE and NE MD. It would be a terrible shame to totally remove the one "Girl Scout" location that is close to this area.

Posted on: July 21, 2011

Tammy aka said:

I've been affiliated with Camp Hidden Falls since the 1960s-first as unit staff, then Ad Staff, and I returned in the early 1990s (after raising a family) again as Ad Staff. In the past few years we have witnessed increased infrastructure being upgraded and "modernized", and at one point were assured that resident camp would be re-opened after the building of new pipelines and renovations were complete. However, no upgrades or improvements were done to unit buildings, Keithley, Borton, horse stables, boat house, etc. The large new swimming pool has gone unused for several years. Now, GSEP has decided to 'divest' Hidden Falls because of the poor state of repair of the camp! It appears that the plans to sell Camp Hidden Falls were made years ago when several councils were re-aligned and combined, and Girl Scouts of Delaware County adults and CHF Alumnae no longer had a voice that anyone in Philadelphia would listen to. Every time I have visited Hidden Falls in the past few years, I saw more dis-repair and it became increasingly evident that there was no plan to re-schedule resident camp, but it was obvious that the millions of dollars being spent were to upgrade the facilities for a company or business to buy the property. WHY put millions of dollars into infrastructure over the past few years if there was no plan to re-open resident camp?? The property is capable of being developed further as a resident camp, as it once had 15 units and 300 girls a session. BUT, you have to market programs and camps to increase registrations, and it is obvious that GSEP has done nothing to market Hidden Falls and all its great program possibilities, activity areas (swimming pool, horse facilities and trails, huge lake with boating and canoeing opertunities, primitive camping experiences up beyond the hill,proximity to the Appalachian Trail and backpacking trips, proximity to the Delaware River and canoeing trips, etc.). I cannot believe that any surveys that were completed did not take the many positive attributes of Camp Hidden Falls into consideration. I believe that the decision was made to sell Camp Hidden Falls and the 'surveys' fit that decision. I would like to hear from the management folks now running GSEP as to how many of them have actually been to Hidden Falls and how many voted over the years to apportion monies for the upkeep of Hidden Falls before the camp became "in poor disrepair" and in need of being "divested". Tell it like it actually is---it is a money maker that can be marketed to a corporation (if it hasn't been already)for a return of Big Bucks. The Poconos are a huge real estate market for New York City and Camp Hidden Falls is a perfect location for a large corporation to purchase and use.

Posted on: July 20, 2011

COL Ruth A. Irwin said:

I am writing from Afghanistan where I am currently serving. A friend notified me that Camp Tweedale was being considered for closure. When I was a young girl from PA I camped at Tweedale and later returned as a Camporee volunteer. Going to Girl Scout camp at Tweedale helped me become the woman I am today. The Troop Leaders that taught me how to cook out, make a sit-upon, sleep outside, use a latrine and live "rough" had the best place possible to do that at Tweedale. Even back then, it was a long trip to get to camp. It amazes me that the council would consider closing an irreplaceable piece of property that has so much value for the young girls in the regtion. Camping in primative / auster conditions is an important way to develop character and strengths for young girls whose exposure to nature is most likely through a computer or TV. I have to believe that there are ways to continue to maintain this facility if the will is there to look for solutions. It is too easy to simply close and sell the land. This is a short term solution for an organization with a long term vision...the continued development of strong young girls for America's future. Having looked at your BLOG you have a base for grassroot support and should seek to maximize that. I'm sure there are many other former Tweedale campers that would be willing to help if they new of the situation. Although this is an emotional topic, there has to be business solutions that can satisfy the needs of the organization as well as the need of the Camp Tweedale supporters. We need to keep our green spaces and in an area where the population continues to grow, this jewel of a camp, needs to be preserved and cherished. I truly hope that the council will do all that is in its power to seek alternatives to this decision, as its impact, will be non-reversable. Regards from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Posted on: July 19, 2011

Lois Weyer said:

I have a question that I'd like to see added to the FAQ list: I would like a more specific answer to a previous question concerning why camps need to be closed. The answer included the words "It is not feasible for GSEP to operate all of our camps in the manner that would provide the premier leadership development program for girls." What does this mean? Do future leaders need large baseball/football fields? Large, new buildings? Movie theaters, bowling alleys, an auditorium? It seems to me that the camps are currently operating in the manner that would provide a premier leadership development program.

Posted on: July 19, 2011

Lauren said:

I looked through the powerpoint and the points made, if people only want to drive 1 hour or so to camp and you close down Tweedale and Tohikanee then people are no longer taking their kids camping because they dont want to drive them. Also I can only imagine that girls will get turned away from camping due to overbooking with three camps closed. I also think the suvery should not be the main ground for the decision because it may have been taken mostly by people near laughing waters. If all the areas were surveyed equally you would see that tweedale is used the same amount. The decision to close them was made too rashly and many frown upon the choice.

Posted on: July 17, 2011

June Amarant, RNC, BSN said:

It is imperative that GSEP maintain Girl Scout camps in Chester County. Camp Tweedale is an amazing site and we have had the best times for many years there for our Turk's Head Service Unit camping trips. As a Girl Scout leader and a mom, I cannot fathom driving several hours on a Friday night to attend the next closest camp-Mosey Woods. I believe we would stop camping. The extensive drive would just be too much.

Posted on: July 16, 2011

Anonymous said:

There are no close camps for kids in Delaware and Southern PA. GSEP would lose those kids to other councils if they close Tweedale. I have attended other GSEP camps, and the small size of Camp Tweedale makes for a great and unique experience, and a good relationship between staff and campers.

Posted on: July 16, 2011

Grace McGrath said:

Yesterday, I just came home from my sixth year going to girl scout camp, and there I found out that the camp I was going to, Camp Tweedale, was closing. I have been to three of the six camps of eastern Pennsylvania, and I liked them all, but if someone asked me which camp I would choose to keep open if only one could stay open, I would choose Camp Tweedale.

Posted on: July 16, 2011

Kim E. Fraites-Dow said:

The Community Meeting on August 24 at the Inn at Mendenhall was scheduled in response to several conversations with Members in Chester County. Non Members are welcome to attend, space permitting. Please remember to RSVP to events@gsep.org or 215.564.2030 ext. 1036.

Posted on: July 15, 2011

Karen Reabuck said:

To Ms. Jennifer Pixley: I note that you have not received a reply to your message on the blog re your concerns about the check-in procedures at Mosey Wood. I am a fellow mom whose daughters attended Mosey Wood last year and will be attending this summer with a check-in date of 7/24. The check-in procedures should have been sent with your confirmation - there are links to the information on-line. But I can tell you that check-in begins at 1 p.m. on Sundays until 3 p.m., and there's no requirement re alphabetical check-in (they just ask at the gate entrance for your name and the name of the partner). I hope that helps. There's a small toll charge to get into the Pocono resort area where Mosey Wood is located (I think it's $1). Also, if you go to the following link, you should find everything you need paperwork-wise: http://www.gsep.org/camps/camp-forms.php I hope that helps!

Posted on: July 15, 2011

Chris Powell said:

I am familiar with all our camps. I was a camper at Hidden Falls for 7 years and have camped there with my troop 3 times. I was a counselor at Tohikanee one summer. My troop has camped at Mosey Wood 1 time, Laughing Water 3 times and Tweedale 4 times. I visited Wood Haven at an open house. First of all, Laughing Water is the ugliest camp of all. The tents and cabins are in fields. No wonder the girls ask for air conditioning...there is no shade for relief. Tweedale is a gem. It is the most convenient camp for a huge group of GSEP girls. Waking up in some of the units that overlook the reservior is breathtaking. This is what a camp shud be...trees and a huge body of water for boating. By losing this camp, a whole segment of girls will miss out on the chance for day camp and easy access troop camping. From the occupancy chart, Tweedale surpasses both WH and MW in overall capacity usage. Only LW has a higher usage and that is probably because so many GSEP programs are held there. Re: Hidden Falls--How can you say the developable land is 0%? When I was a camper, there were 15 units and 2 dining halls in use. Now there are only 6 units. Obviously, if the land once had units, they could be built again. I understand and agree with the closing of the units on the "public" side of the road. But there is still plenty of areas to add back units on Senior Hill and in Sherwood Forest. What also puzzles me is that having a body of water at the camp was a huge priority on the earlier recommedations. Neither LW or WH fit this description.

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Jennifer Pixley said:

My first issue has already arisen, and I hope that it can be resolved quickly.... but here's the story.... my daughter is registered to attend CAMP MOSEY WOOD for residence camp this summer. Her check in date is THIS SUNDAY. To date, I have gotten NO check in procedures or times send to me. She is also attending with a friend. In recent history, kids have been asked to check into camp based on their last name's alphabetical letter. This just will not work for a family from Chester County traveling to Camp Mosey Wood. We have a 2+ hour drive EACH DIRECTION, so therefore it is ~ a 6 hour drive round trip in one day for the driver of these girls. OBVIOUSLY, we are going to carpool because gas is about $60.00 a tank these days. Our girls do NOT have last names in the same part of the alphabet AND because the trip ALONE is an all day event (in addition to getting the check in process accomplished) we are unwilling to hang around Mosey Wood all day to get both girls checked in with their alphabetical letter. Just the 6 hour drive alone and the cost for gas to get to Mosey Wood is really unreasonable as that represents a 12 hours of driving in less than a week's time and ~$100.00 in gas which has to be added to our ability to budget camp. Now YES, my daughter is also taking advantage of a last summer at Camp TWEEDALE this summer in addition to her Mosey Wood week. She is going to camp with a heavy heart, and I am kind of disappointed that, for all the money paid for girl scout camps this year, we are paying for so much gas and transportation to Mosey Wood, and we are leaving a heartbroken child at Tweedale who is looking at this experience as a "bitter last event" rather than a camp thrill. I just can't emphasize enough how the decision to cut Chester County girl scouts completely out of the camp experience in any reasonably attainable way is going to impact our decision to continue in scouting. We just may look into a non-scouting residence camp for next summer given that, although we love Mosey Wood, the cost and distance is unreasonable to a family of 6 (like ours) who has four children under the age of 10, and we have one special needs child who is very costly to raise. Again. we are devastated and disappointed in GSEP.

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Kate McDermott said:

My daughter has been going to these camps since she started GSEP and she is scheduled to go again this September 2011. My daughter is at the age where peer pressure is very strong. She has chosen to ignore that and stay a member of the GSEP and it is because of her great troop leader, Mrs. Bordley and because of great learning activities but especially because of the camping trips. PLEASE DON'T TAKE THIS AWAY FROM HER OR ANY OTHER GROWING GIRL!!!

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Renee Mattie said:

Without Camp Tweedale, will GSEP be better able to serve its mission to Girl Scouting? Girl Scouts still need to learn to turn off the cell phone and the ipod, camp in tents, sweep the latrines, and cook simple meals over a simple fire. Maybe there is a demand for "fancier" facilities, but there is also a need and a demand for simple camps equipped for camping and cooking the Girl Scout Way. My troop has just bridged to juniors, and we are ready and eager to begin camping -- in real tents. Camp Tweedale is perfect for us. We don't own our own tents. We have not amassed large quantities of cooking equipment. Tweedale has tents and dutch ovens. Tweedale is near our Girl Scouts, who live in West Chester, Exton, Downingtown, and Coatesville. How will divesting Tweedale allow GSEP to better fulfill its mission to scouting?

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Kim Fraites-Dow said:

Thank you for your question. GSEP is hosting a Community Meeting in Chester County on August 24 at 7 PM at the Inn at Mendenhall in Mendenhall, PA. Members are invited to attend and should RSVP to events@gsep.org or 215.564.2030 ext. 1036. The â€œtown hallâ€ meetings referred to in the Philadelphia Inquirer article were not Council-scheduled meetings. Rather, a few groups of Chester County volunteers have met informally several times over the past few weeks to discuss their thoughts around the closing of Camp Tweedale. We are looking forward to the Community Meeting scheduled in August, and hope all interested Members are able to attend. Thanks, Kim

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Debra McCann said:

Thank you for your response. I have a question - is this meeting only open to registered members of GSEP? Also, I'd like to correct your statement that the "informal" meetings of groups in Chester County have not been to "discuss thoughts on closing the camps", but very much so on mounting an effort to have GSEP reconsider the decision to divest Camp Tweedale.

Posted on: July 14, 2011

Debra McCann said:

I would like to know when there will be a legitimate response from GSEP to the questions posted on this blog. NO mention anywhere in ANYTHING from GSEP has mentioned town meetings to address the procedure for closing the camps. The only word from GSEP was "get over it, it's not about memories". GSEP - you are very quickly disillusioning this leader and volunteer.

Posted on: July 13, 2011

Connor said:

My perspective comes from that of an active Boy Scout in the area. I have found in my years of scouting that camping is when some of the most valuable memories are made, and when some of the hardest lessons are learned. I am currently working on my Eagle Leadership Project and I know the skills I gained at camp have helped enable me to get where I am now, they will help me complete my project, and continue to hep me throughout life. I had the opportunity to join my troop in a reunion recently. I meet many people who were scouts many years ago and they told me about their experiences at the same camp I go to today. They told me and my troop stories of great memories they had at camp and told us how scouting had such a positive affect on their lives. This made me think about how my experiences will affect me later in life, and how a week at camp could do the same for so many other people. I ask you to realize the affect Camp Tweedale has on this area, how the memories that are made there can change a persons life forever.

Posted on: July 12, 2011

Katie Lucot said:

I read an article from the Philadelphia Inquirer today about the camp closures: http://www.philly.com/philly/news/20110712_Girl_Scouts__allies_rally_to_save_Chesco_camp.html?ref=facebook.com The end of the article states that "The council... is working on the next step - planning how to close the camps and what to do with the properties. More town halls, which started last week, "will come up with good ways to close the camps," spokeswoman Fraites-Dow says." I was surprised because I have read this blog, I get the GSEP e-blasts, and I check the homepage and the camp page- and nowhere did I see anything about a town hall meeting held last week. I would really appreciate it if the GSEP staff who monitor this site could tell us volunteers and alumnae when meetings are held. Thank you!

Posted on: July 12, 2011

Kat said:

Tweedale is home to me. It's where I feel the most safe. I've been going to Tweedale since I was 9 years old. I've been to the other GSEP camps and they don't compare, at all. The thing I like most about Tweedaale is that no one cares how old you are. I'm usually put in a group that has girls 2 years older than me, girls that if I past them in the hallway at school, wouldn't even look at me. We all act like we're 4 years old at camp because all we want to do is have fun. I met a girl who was going into 10th grade and i was only going into 6th. Please don't shut down Camp Tweedale. It's my home. Don't take my home away from me.

Posted on: July 12, 2011

Kathleen Seaton said:

As a long time Radnor Girl Scout leader and parent, I was disheartened when I read the article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on July 12. My girls and the members of their troops gained invaluable skills and confidence during their time spent at summer and troop camping. The truth is that the farther away the camp is from the troop's meeting place the less likely that girls will have opportunities to spend time at camp. We have suffered through the loss of Indian Run and Sunset Hill. My girls loved both Tweedale and Camp Hidden Falls. I would hope that the council will not rush to a decision, but look for ways to partner with sponsors, schools, and other organizations to keep camping a priority for Eastern Pennsylvania Girl Scouts. Please invite us old greenies to share our experience, ideas, and support to maintaining as many outdoor spaces as poosible.

Posted on: July 12, 2011

Jane Oeffner said:

I was a troop leader for 5 years. Camp Tweedale was the first place we did an overnight weekend and we stayed in the farmhouse pictured and made memories for a lifetime. It sparked our troop into cohesiveness that stuck for many years. My daughter was thrilled to return to overnight camp which she loved.And just when she thought she outgrew Girl Scout summer camp, she returned to Tweedale, had a wonderful time (as always) only to find out it was closing. She came home sobbing, devastated by this development. We immediately signed her up for what is supposed to be the last week ever, but please don't let that happen. Tweedale is such a beautiful place that can only be best used to raise our women who are our future. We beg you to reconsider this difficult decision.

Posted on: July 12, 2011

Lorraine Baughman said:

Divestiture of camps in this economy is a poor choice. Once these properties are gone, they will never be available again. While girls of this generation are indeed wanting to be able to do things that girls in the past had never dreamed of, the thing that sets Girl Scouts apart from other groups is camping. Girls can get science, technology, engineering and math in many groups now as STEM is the new buzzword. But camping is essential to leadership, learning to grow, becoming independent and gaining insight to one's self. Girl Scouts should be synonymous with Camping, for girls can get everything thing else from other places/groups. Don't sell camps.

Posted on: July 11, 2011

Roe Stewart said:

With the selling of Indian Run, Sunset Hill and now Hidden Falls, the Delaware County Girl Scouts will have had all their camps sold. We might as well be selling scouting. The selling of Sunset Hill was supposed to pay for the fix up at Hidden Falls. Hidden Falls may have a little more travel time but the lake, new pool, wildlife, and plant life is a tremendous educational opportunity for girl scouts. Lookout Rock, trails to falls, hiking with friends, will be missed. What is the asking price for Hidden Falls, can buy a unit down to the lake front?

Posted on: July 10, 2011

Irene Baldwin said:

I am an alumna of the Philadelphia Council and an adult lifetime member of the GSEP, now living in the Bronx. The Girl Scout Council of Greater NY does not have a resident camp program so, for the past six years, I have been sending my daughters to the GSEP girl scout camps. My husband just dropped our older daughter off at Camp Tweedale today. This year, for the first time, another member of my daughter's Bronx girl scout troop is also going to Camp Tweedale with her. My daughter has been to most of the camps and likes them all, but Tweedale is her favorite. I was very sad to learn it might close. The distancce is not an issue for us (we are 2 and half hours away) and the lack of "amenities" is not a problem; we actually think of it as a plus: we are looking for a traditional girl scout camp and Tweedale is just perfect. I understand the need to consolidate; I'm sure each of the camps has their particular fans. But in thinking through the utilization issue, has the Council leadership considered partnering with other councils that don't have resident camps? The Girl Scout Council of Greater NY has 21,000 scouts and no camp program. The cost of camp programs here in NYC is much higher than that of Philadelphia. (My daughter's day camp in the Bronx is $500 a week, twice what I'm paying for overnight camp with the GSEP). If the issue is really just one of utilization, I think it might be worth exploring marketing the GSEP Camp programs to NYC girl scouts. The absence of a camp program here, along with the terrific financial value of GSEP camps would make it very appealing to a lot of people, even factoring in the distance. If the Council did decide to market aggressively to out-of-council scouts, it could be done carefully and in such a way that it does not squeeze out girls who are in the Council (For example, open camp registration to in-council scouts several weeks before registering out-of-council scouts). If done right, this could be a way to keep all of the camps open for local scouts, while at the same time performing a service for sister scouts who are not fortunate enough to have a camp program of their own.

Posted on: July 10, 2011

Eliza T. said:

Two years after graduating Girl Scouts, I can firmly say the thing I miss most of all is Tweedale. Some of my fondest memories can be found in those woods and cabins. Tweedale is historical, local, and beautiful. It's also one of the few things Girl Scouts in the Oxford Area have available. With travel prices high, I doubt leaders or parents would want to travel much farther for a good camping experience. This camp is my legacy, as it was for scouts and leaders before me. I sincerely hope that I'll be able to pass on that legacy and the call to close the camp is reversed.

Posted on: July 10, 2011

Katie Lucot said:

I attended the June town hall meeting where the camp closures were announced, and I was shocked to hear that in addition to Camp Tohikanee and Camp Hidden Falls, Camp Tweedale will also be 'divested.' I wrote a post to this blog (which never appeared here) and an email to the committee asking what happened to the priorities of camps with waterfront within an hour of each girl. I would really like an answer to this question, and I believe that the same is true for many of the people who have posted on the blog. I understand that 7 camp properties is costly, but let's be smart about the ones that we keep and keep camp ACCESSIBLE to our future girls, not just AFFORDABLE to the administration! I appreciate the work of the volunteers on the Property Committee. Please keep responding to our concerns, and when our questions are answered maybe we will all be in agreement. Please keep the lines of communication open, and remember that while surveys have been taken over the last couple of years, the enormous decision that was made was a shock to many who care about our Girl Scouts in the southern half of GSEP.

Posted on: July 10, 2011

Olivia O said:

I am very sad that Camp Hidden Falls is closing. I have had many fun times there with my troop. I think they should of asked the kids what should stay open because i dont think they are making the right choice. I love camp hidden falls. And so do my friends. I think that camp Laughing waters is not as pretty as Camp Hidden Falls. So coming from a twelve year old I think they got this wrong and I know my troop would agree with me.

Posted on: July 9, 2011

Susan Donahue-Sinback said:

I'm curious on what criteria the consultant used in determining that a high capacity council such as GSEP only needs 3 camps. Already the troops in my service unit cannot get a date camping, everything is booked in the camps that are a reasonable distance from the majority of the membership of GSEP. The consulting group has spent the past few years advising multiple GS camps to divest their properties but I haven't read of any successes following his recommendations. The advanced glimpse of Spark that was released this week shows that GSEP is once again supporting program in the camps that are too far away. My troops tried to get into Camp Tohikanee this September - fully booked and/or dates blocked out. The available camps - the ones getting full support from GSEP are 2 & 3 hours away. We called GSCSNJ and got right in. So, if we lose three more camps, how does GSEP plan to support membership or is it okay that our troops spend their cookie money camping in the facilities of other councils?

Posted on: July 9, 2011

Michelle K said:

What ever happen to the girls. Selling off camps that have not been used cause they are "Resting" and a camp that is always used to capacity - is crazy. I look back to when Sunset Hill was sold - look at that property now - it still isn't what they said it was going to be. I though girls scouts was for girls not MONEY. Let's put the girl back into girl scouting and save all 3 camps.

Posted on: July 9, 2011

Donna friend of a girl scout!!! said:

I believe that GSEP should listen to what people are saying about keeping Tweedale open.... They are only thinking about the money aspect of this whole situation. How many camps that are staying open actually have a body of water on it. The girls are able to go out on the canoe, without leaving the camp. They say there is no room to grow, but I know there is still alot of untouched land down by the stream where the rock wall is... There is room to grow and plenty of it!!! Keep Tweedale open, alot of girls will miss out if they close it. Its the only camp left in Chester County!!!

Posted on: July 9, 2011

Zoe Wolfe said:

I have just gotten back from a one week program at Tweedale and although I've only been there two years, I refer to it as "home". Tweedale is, in my mind, a perfect place and during the Summer there is absolutely no where else I'd rather be. Tweedale is beautiful and amazing, as well as the councilors. If Tweedale is taken away, Summer will never be the same. I have friends from Tweedale that I still stay in touch with, it has help me mature and grow. Please, I beg of you, keep Tweedale.

Posted on: July 8, 2011

Lisa Sybrandt said:

I just read through the report again and it seems that Tweedale was put at a disadvantage because the 120 acres have been utilized for many years and are currently being utilized by campers. The land that is developable has been developed. This is a positive quality. Chester County is expected to grow by 18% by 2020 (9years). On page 23 of the report it is very clear that the darkest blue areas have the largest number of Girl Scouts. A large dark blue area is in Chester County. Why would we close a camp that is serving an area highly populated with Girl Scouts and will be growing and continue to have larger numbers of Girl Scouts?

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Teri Dignazio said:

Attended Oxford Area Regional Comprehensive Plan meeting last night. The delegates brought up the subject of Camp Tweedale's closing. Leadership consists of representativs from Lower Oxford, Oxford Boro, Upper Oxford, Elk, West Nottingham and East Nottingham townships. They do not want to see Camp Tweedale close and will rally to support its continuation.

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Debbie Alloway Romagnoli said:

Why is the GSEP closing al of the most beautiful camps we have to offer to our Scouts. Camp Hidden Falls has to be the most beautiful camp that I have ever been to and Camp Tweedale has some of the most interesting campsites, such as the Conestoga Wagons to sleep in, not to mention the history of the property where the camp is located. Both camps are also located conveniently on or very close to rivers, where the girls have access to the opportunity to do some serious canoeing. Do the remaining camps offer this?

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Debbie Alloway Romagnoli said:

I totally agree with the person that said "These camps are a valuable resource that WILL NEVER be able to be regained. Each camp offers its own unique beauty and benefits." The most important thing that is going to be lost with the loss of these camps, are the many fond memories, that we the Girl Scouts who sold many GS cookies to keep these camps going and who do not want these camps to be forbidden to us, hold very dear to us and want to share with our girls and our grandgirls. I have many fond memories of camping at Sunset Hills and Hidden Falls in my youth and then as a leader and a mom as an adult again at Camps Hidden Falls, Tweedale and Tohikanee. I now have an almost two year old granddaughter and look forward to sharing my experiences and memories with her, but how can I if GSEP keeps closing all of OUR GS Camps!! I already can't share Sunset Hills with her! Now very soon, I will not be able to share the rest of the camps I've been to with her!! I've never been to any of these other camps that GSEP is planning on keeping open and although I'm sure they have their own benefits and beauty, they hold no memories for me or my children, or my scouts and my scout friends! We'll have no where to go for reunions to help kindle fond memories and old friendships. Can't you at least wait until the old scouts have gone on into the sunset before you play taps on our camps???

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Debbie Alloway Romagnoli said:

Thank You to the person who said: "My home is very close to the former 120-acre Girl Scout camp Sunset Hill in Chadds Ford. I remember that the Girl Scouts said publicly that this camp was their most valuable camp property and would never be sold, and the land had been donated to them in the early 1900's by caring people who wanted this resource for the girls. And then Toll Brothers entered the scene. Before long, there was a half-day "survey" of the property and a downgraded report from this "evaluation company" that the camp was in too poor a condition and that the girls were turning up their noses at the primitive conditions, etc. (same stuff the bean counter administrators are now saying about Tweedale). We began to see the Toll Bros. helicopters flying over constantly doing aerial surveys; and they made a very large offer for the land, constraining the GS organization from entertaining any other offers or responding to any inquiries, of which there were more than 20 from camps and other nonprofits. Over two years, the GS org never revealed that Toll Bros. was the intended suitor. When Toll Bros finally walked them down the aisle, the actual price they were willing to pay was just about half of what they promised the GS. And now we have high density McMansions that are populated mostly by people who have paid far too much for far too little quality--in most cases close to $1 million. And the girlsâ€™ resource is just gone. What the GS leadership FORGOT is that they were not the OWNERS of the land on which the camp was situated. . .they were simply the trusted stewards of the generations of girls who will now never have the opportunity to learn what it's like to be one with nature. They stole that away from the girls by being taken in by greed and opportunism. And now we have a polluted "pond" where the runoff goes, and the bass and sunfish our kids used to catch are all gone. It's just a big muddy mess, a reminder of the fact that the developers always seem to know who will take the money, and they always take more than they give!!! Don't squander your precious resource." Many of our Camps where donated or sold to GSUSA because the original owners new that the GS would appreciate and take care of the land and its resources. Who are this people on council, who think they have the right to dispose of "OUR PROPERTY"? Are they Girl Scouts who have camped at any of the properties that they are planning on divesting (crap, say it like it is, SELLING FOR A PROFIT!)How many GS Cookies did they sell that makes them think they have the right to SELL "OUR PROPERTIES" Did they ask our opinion? The Girl Scouts who have been around for over 50 years?

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Debbie Alloway Romagnoli said:

When girls go to Camp, they come home with memories that last forever and a love of the outdoors. They know the serenity of a campfire and the exhilaration of hard physical work. The girls of today may be different from girls of yesteryear, but once a girl has been given the opportunity to experience all that camping out of doors has to offer them, they have created new memories from new experiences the will last them a life time and help them to grow into more productive and resourceful adults. The GSEP council would do well to leave these successful camps alone and let them continue as the camps that they were meant to be, rather than an extension of home and school. Remember in the old days, our counselors serenaded us at camp, at the end of the day, with a song that ended: â€œRemember the blazing campfire The hills beyond the blue. For you girls belong to Camp Tweedale, Hidden Falls, Tohikanee, And They belong to you.â€ When girls go to Tweedale, they come home with memories that last forever and a love of the outdoors. They know the serenity of a campfire and the exhilaration of hard physical work. The council would do well to leave this successful camp alone and let it continue as a real camp rather than an extension of school. In the old days, counselors serenaded the campers with a song that ended: â€œRemember the blazing campfire The hills beyond the blue. For you girls belong to Tweedale And Tweedale belongs to you.â€ Mmmm I want to linger, Mmmm I want to linger, Mmmm I want to linger here with you!

Posted on: July 7, 2011

Paula R said:

Attending Camp Tweedale as a girl and eventually as a young woman was one of those rare wonderful experiences that helped to shape me into the woman I am today. The opportunity to attend camp with women as role models, providing guidance and encouragement, helped to encourage me, a then shy, timid, and socially awkward young girl, to blossom into a young woman with confidence, and the ability to have leadership skills, work with a group of peers, as well as be independent. To this day, as a 32 year old woman, I think back on my summers at Camp Tweedale with the fondest of memories. I am devastated to think that young girls growing up now would be denied the amazing opportunity I had, and hope that the decision to close Camp Tweedale will be reversed!

Posted on: July 6, 2011

Theresa Santalucia said:

With GSEP's announcement the divestment of three of the camp sites currently being used for residential, day camp, Troop camping and programing. The closing of Camp Tweedale in Oxford will leave a population already suffering from poverty and lack of services without one more service. The troops in Oxford are non traditional in that the leaders run large troops for girls that would otherwise have no activities. The concept that these troops could easily drive 2-3 hours to another camp is unrealistic. Camp Tohikanee in Quakertown is the home of daycamps and used for troop camping as well as service unit camporees. Again the closing of this camp will put parents, troops and service units in financial binds. Without Tweedale and Tohikanee troops and service units will be forced to either cancel future camping trips or use private sites. Private sites cost at least 50% more then scout sites. There will be girls and troops that will opt out due to increase costs. Camp Hidden Falls is an environmental wonderland that will never be regained if GSEP sells this land off to private developers for houses we don't need. GSEP and Girl Scouts of USA say that the current membership doesn't understand the needs of our own daughters. They say it is more tec world so we need to sell off nature and build over priced motel style cabins. We can bring technology to camp grounds without giving millions of dollars to an out of town Architecture firm whose only real interest is how much money they can take out of Pennsylvania. We do not need to Divest we need to invest in the future by saving the camp sites. What we sell off today can not be gotten back in the future.

Posted on: July 6, 2011

Nicole P said:

Many hopes that there is resolution and the camps can be open to support the continued support of camps like this that encourage young girls to be confident and grow in to strong woman; like I am today! KEEP FIGHTING LADIES, KEEP THE CAMPS OPEN FOR THE WOMAN OF TOMORROW!

Posted on: July 6, 2011

Ms. Lois said:

I'd like to emphasize the need for Camp Tweedale to remain open to benefit the large Hispanic community near Kennett Square. When we had an outreach troop in Mary D. Lang school, the leader made a great effort to convince parents to allow their girls to go to an overnight special weekend at the camp. It was a very big breakthrough for the girls and was highlighted in the Daily Local News at the time. A camp experience is great for stretching girls' horizons, helping them "to be all they can be". Our girls' parents are often very protective and cautious, and it would not be possible for them to allow their girls to attend far away camps, even if we solved the transportation issues. This population will be providing most of the upcoming growth in Chester County and I think it is important that they be considered. Also, let me clarify what I posted earlier about support from Council - we do get some scholarship funds. I meant that we in southern Chester County do not get non-camp program benefits from Council because everything is too far away. That makes the camp even more important. We have participated in maple sugaring and an occasional special camping event.

Posted on: July 5, 2011

Karen Wilson - Great Valley Service Unit Parent an said:

I couldn't be prouder of my daughter Laurel for her comment in the post below, "Camp Tweedale is one of the few places I can truly be totally myself and not worry about what people think of me. I can choose from tons of programs and pick one that I know will be tons of fun." Now if that doesn't tug at the heartstrings of the GSEP "powers that beâ€, I don't know what will"!!!! The outpouring of support in the past few weeks to keep Camp Tweedale open has been overwhelming. What more do they need to hear??? I certainly hope our GSEP CEO is reading these comments and is seriously reconsidering the decision to close Camp Tweedale. I have already posted this comment on the petition blog but want to include it on the GSEP blog as well: My two daughters have been Girls Scouts since Daisies and have just bridged to Seniors. This is their 4th summer at Camp Tweedale. They just LOVE it there and call it "home". They love the small but beautiful location, the great counselors and directors (Star is wonderful) who come back year after year, the diverse range of activities, and of course the friends they've made and so many wonderful memories of both troop camping and summer camp. I've asked them occasionally if they would like to try one of the other PA GS camps and they have both adamantly responded "NO!!! We don't want to go anywhere but TWEEDALE!!! I was so proud of both of them for already deciding that they wanted to pursue CIT and counselor training in the next few years. What great leadership experience for them...and now that may be taken away. When we dropped my one daughter off at Tweedale last weekend to begin Appalachain Adventure, we were all just devastated to learn this horrible news. As parents we so appreciate having access to such a wonderful Girl Scout facility, such a reasonable distance from home. We know that we can get to them quickly if they need us, and that they are safe, secure and well supervised there. The summer camp program is so diverse and also affordable which is a factor when sending two girls to summer camp. This is the only GS camp in Southern Chester County. The others are all much farther away. Please don't take away my daughters' dreams for many future summers at Camp Tweedale and Camporees with their troops.

Posted on: July 5, 2011

Susan O said:

This decision is VERY short sited. These camps are a valuable resource that WILL NEVER be able to be regained. Each camp offers its own unique beauty and benefits. Camp Hidden Falls is a wonderful camp and we've enjoyed going there for several years. I wonder if anyone from GS Corp tried to sign up a troop for a weekend "program" camp?? Lot's of waiting lists and then the actual turnout was well below the minimum. I am fed up with Girl Scouts.

Posted on: July 5, 2011

Laurel Wilson - Great Valley Service Unit - Senior said:

I just arrived home from spending two weeks at Camp Tweedale on a backpacking program. This is my fourth summer at Tweedale. We girls who spend multiple weeks of our summers at this amazing camp refer to it fondly as "home". My sister and I have been asked many times if we want to give one of the other camps a try, and we always respond with a usually very loud "NO!!!!!!! We don't want to go anywhere but Tweedale!!!!!!" My sister and I had wanted very badly to become CITs in the next couple years and have been brainstorming possible "camp names" for the past year. I have even started testing mine out on some of the younger girls, so instead of giving them my real name I tell them my name is "Yoda". Camp is one of the few places I can truly be totally myself and not worry about what people think of me. I can choose from tons of programs and pick one that I know will be tons of fun. If this camp closes, my friends and I will have nowhere to go in the summer to just be ourselves and have fun. What kind of a heartless person would want to close such a fantastic place? It's just plain wrong. Please don't close our "home"!

Posted on: July 4, 2011

Lisa Sybrandt said:

I have a question about the process in "divesting". Did anyone that was hired by GSEP to make these suggestions actually walk on the camps and see the units? I hate to think that a business model is used to make a ecological decision. I think that if we let camps go that we can never afford to replace, we will find out too late that this is a huge mistake. I know that the girls in my troop have learn over the years about the business world during the cookie sale but have also learned about using resources wisely and making the world a better place. This would mean that keeping camps that keep some areas natural and not developed is very important and not measurable in the same way as the business side of life. As we know from recent history the business world does not always work ethically nor does it work with the Girl Scout Law in mind.

Posted on: July 4, 2011

Ruth Lesser said:

I was having an email exchange with some sister scouts about the fact that we Hidden Falls alumnae have been quiet about the divestment decision. I think itâ€™s because we realized after last summerâ€™s property report that we were going to lose our camp. How did we know? Consider this: In the July 15, 2010 Site Assessment report: The number one activity girls wanted was a swimming pool. Yet the CHF Strengths slide made no mention of the new CHF pool as a strengthâ€¦though it is mentioned as an â€œopportunityâ€ for Moseywood that currently doesnâ€™t have a pool. â€œBearsâ€ were mentioned as a challenge on the CHF Challenges slide. Yet the only actual bear incident that hit the papers was at Moseywood and funny enough bears werenâ€™t mentioned as a weakness or challenge in the Moseywood slides. An Opportunity listed for Moseywood was development potential for an Equestrian Facility. Equestrian potential wasnâ€™t mentioned anywhere for CHF even though it has had riding facilities for years and contractors had started the sitework for the replacement facility and riding ring. There was no mention as a weakness the charge to get in and out of Moseywood to deliver and pick your children?? There was no acknowledgement that there is a Domokur created master plan for CHF already in existence?? Dire Straits once sang, â€œJuliet, the dice was loaded from the startâ€. And from the minute CHF alumni saw the report in 2010, we knew the dice was loaded and the cards were stacked against us, Camp Hidden Falls, and Juliet Low and traditional camping.

Posted on: July 4, 2011

Ms. Lois said:

I'm a co-leader of what was an outreach Hispanic troop before the merger. The new council doesn't seem to have much committment to the growing population of "girls who would not otherwise be girl scouts" here in Southern Chester County, and they have removed our "outreach" status. We sell cookies, but get no benefits from the sales except about $250 which doesn't go very far. These girls benefit greatly from girl scout experiences, but we cannot readily transport them to faraway camps for day trips. Our scouts' mothers don't drive and/or the parents work 7 days a week and it is only we two volunteers who do the driving. Camp Tweedale gave us opportunities to experience one-day camping, maple sugaring, etc. It is bad enough that Council doesn't provide programs in our area, but are now going to close the only camp we could even visit. We go to Delaware scout events whenever we hear about them in time, and I agree with the posters who suggested that some of our service units join the Chesapeake Bay Council.

Posted on: July 3, 2011

Steph Rogovin said:

It absolutly breaks my heart everytime I think about council closing camp Tweedale. I spent the best weeks of my summer growing up at Tweedale and I just dropped my daughter off for her fourth summer trip there. Anytime in the past 2 yrs that I suggested to her that she try another site she refused and said that she would only go to Tweedale. I feel greatly for the scouts in Southern Chester County because I know what it's like to make the 90 min drive to attend camp. We are closer to both Laughing Waters and Mosey Wood but my daughter insists that Tweedale is the best and only place for her. Please reconsider this decision..think of the impact on the girls who want to actually camp. I'm also very disappointed to here about the amenities that girls are looking for when camping like air conditioning and bathrooms. What about those girls who actually enjoy camping? As I've said the thought of any camp closing is heartbreaking and I feel that council is truly doing a disservice to the girls they are supposed to serve.

Posted on: July 2, 2011

Jamie said:

I am in shock that the council would close the camps which make girl scouts more exciting for the girls in Chester County. Camp Tweedale has been a part of my family's history for decades. Some of my happiest moments in the girl scouts were at this camp. I cannot believe the council would close such a historic and fantastic authentic camping site such as Tweedale. I had always dreamed of dropping my girls off at camp here and the thought that I might not be able to do that breaks my heart. Girl Scouts of today need to reconnect with true camping and they can do that here at Tweedale. Camping trips to Tweedale make the girls more enthused about Girl Scouts in general, and the location makes it doable! Please rethink this and do not alienate the Girl Scouts of Chester County!

Posted on: June 30, 2011

Lisa Sybrandt said:

Just took my daughter today to Tweedale for camp. I just don't understand closing a camp that is so well attended and well staffed!!! I like knowing that my daughter can stay at a camp that is not a mega camp (the size is just right and I know that she is well taken care of). I know that the counselors love to work there because we see them year after year! Also camp is time away from the technologies and the normal comforts of modern life. I like that she is really at camp in the country where you can see the stars and hear the quiet of nature.

Posted on: June 30, 2011

Tracy Reath said:

My home is very close to the former 120-acre Girl Scout camp Sunset Hill in Chadds Ford. I remember that the Girl Scouts said publicly that this camp was their most valuable camp property and would never be sold, and the land had been donated to them in the early 1900's by caring people who wanted this resource for the girls. And then Toll Brothers entered the scene. Before long, there was a half-day "survey" of the property and a downgraded report from this "evaluation company" that the camp was in too poor a condition and that the girls were turning up their noses at the primitive conditions, etc. (same stuff the bean counter administrators are now saying about Tweedale). We began to see the Toll Bros. helicopters flying over constantly doing aerial surveys; and they made a very large offer for the land, constraining the GS organization from entertaining any other offers or responding to any inquiries, of which there were more than 20 from camps and other nonprofits. Over two years, the GS org never revealed that Toll Bros. was the intended suitor. When Toll Bros finally walked them down the aisle, the actual price they were willing to pay was just about half of what they promised the GS. And now we have high density McMansions that are populated mostly by people who have paid far too much for far too little quality--in most cases close to $1 million. And the girlsâ€™ resource is just gone. What the GS leadership FORGOT is that they were not the OWNERS of the land on which the camp was situated. . .they were simply the trusted stewards of the generations of girls who will now never have the opportunity to learn what it's like to be one with nature. They stole that away from the girls by being taken in by greed and opportunism. And now we have a polluted "pond" where the runoff goes, and the bass and sunfish our kids used to catch are all gone. It's just a big muddy mess, a reminder of the fact that the developers always seem to know who will take the money, and they always take more than they give!!! Don't squander your precious resource.

Posted on: June 30, 2011

Jil (aka Guida) said:

here is an excellent op-ed pointing out many of the reasons councils decision is misguided. http://www.southernchestercountyweeklies.com/articles/2011/06/28/opinion/doc4e0a8085733de358852284.txt?viewmode=comments

Posted on: June 29, 2011

Tamara said:

I have never even been to Tweedale, but after reading all the comments, I must say that I think the camp should remain in GSEP because of it's unique geographical location, and to maintain one of the Freedom Valley camps. It does not seem fair that Southeastern Pennsylvania and Great Valley keep legacy properties, and Freedom valley does not.

Posted on: June 29, 2011

Beth said:

This is crazy. The decision to shut Tweedale is short sighted and wrong from every angle. I am curious about the hidden agenda here. I like the previous posters suggestions for all Chester County girls to leave the council and inquire about joining Delaware. Ever since the merger of the councils customer service has been a disaster. The communication has been dismal, getting information about camps and programs has been poor, the online registration was riddled with problems -- even with all of that, the programs at Tweedale are full for this year. I camped at Tweedale and my daughters are current campers. They have camped with their troops and also each summer. They love it. It is senseless that they would even consider closing a well attended camp that actually makes money and is in the fastest growing area of our region. I would like to see the financial reports surrounding the camps, the programs offered and the actual attendance, and also the amount of cookie and registration money that flows to GSEP from Chester County. There is something more at work here and it is not in the best interest of the girls that Girl Scouts should be serving. A sad day.

Posted on: June 29, 2011

Nancy Connelly said:

It was our pleasure to pass along our love of Girl Scouting, Hidden Falls, and the great outdoors on your troop members at our shared campfire. That's what it's all about. I, too, hope we meet again at Hidden Falls.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Jennifer S. said:

I am very disappointed with the decision to close Camp Tweedale. As a Chester County resident, it is realistically the only camp close enough for me to take my troop to for a weekend camping trip due to my work schedule and the busy schedule of other families in our troop. I am a relatively new leader of a troop of rising 7th graders. When the girls were in 5th grade, we did a service unit camping trip to Camp Tweedale and the girls had a fabulous experience. I believe it was because of that trip that almost all of the girls continued in the troop despite their move to middle school this past year. Unfortunately, we didn't manage to participate in the camporee or make another trip this year, and our troop lost quite a few girls. Troop camping keeps the girls enthused about girl scouts even though they have reached an age when it's not cool to be an enthusiastic scout. Without Tweedale, future camping during the school year will be virtually impossible for our troop, and I fear it will mean the end of a wonderful experience for my daughter.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Lesley B said:

I am worried that those troops , girls and Service Units in Southern Chester County will be severed from all programs and services of GSEP C Many cannot afford the cost of transportation. It is really an economic justice issue. Also, Tweedale offers all forms of camping-from primitive to all year opportunities. Teaching girls to primitive camping is CRUCIAL to the scouting experience. Is there Maple sugaring anywhere else? That was not even mentioned in the survey. They mentioned there was no Horseback Riding at Tweedale. It is the middle of horse Country-easily solved with local resources. Chester county's population is increasing faster than any other county in our Council area, this would be a tactical mistake on the part of the board to sever ties with this population-which they are clearly doing. The scouts of Chester county have a difficult time getting intp Tweedale as it is-is is a very well used facility.What is going to happen when you shut down the ONLY presence of Girl Scouts in Southern Chester County and build a mega camp(which was not even mentioned in the VERY FLAWED surveys)many hours away. How many years will we be without services/programs? Have you received any commitment that anyone in Southern Chester County will use your mega camps? I doubt it. You were probably just focusing on serving Philadelphia-as usual. Without Tweedale as a resource for Southern Chestern County, you will see a HUGE drop in financial support, cookie sales and fall product sales. Can the Council afford that? Resources will directed into LOCAL programs and sources since GSEP in ABANDONING this area. Why support a mega camp that is 2 hours away, does not serve our area and is not even wanted by Girl Scouts. What happended to the the three years of operating funds that were turned over to Philadelphia? Did any of it go to Tweedale? Council's stock reply that we are looking at the needs of Girls in the future and Girls are different than Girls of today than yesterday is pitiful. The young lady who started the petition to save Tweedale at www.change.org has over 550 signatures(in less than week) of young and older Girl Scouts who see the value in Tweedale. There is also a Facebook Group working toward saving Tweedale- all started by young Girl Scouts who have taken on the mantra of COURAGE, CONFIDENCE AND CHARACTER BY TAKING ACTION and STANDING UP FOR JUSTICE and economic accessibilty by SAVING TWEEDALE. The Board of Directors need to take a second look at this. The Women and girls of Southern Chester and elsewhere will not give up! Write letters to Board, to the Editor etc! SAVE TWEEDALE. We can do it. Hear us ROAR!

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Teri Dignazio said:

The neighborhood and surrounding residents are devastated by the front page news in the Daily Local. We have honored the camp's mission and waved at every camping family delivery and pick up over the last 30 + years. We listen to the songs and laughter as the sound drifts at night.We heartily support keeping Camp Tweedale apart of our township and County. The decision by your board is shocking!! This camp is well attended and in demand constantly.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Brian S, CPA said:

This Girl Scout organization has over $19 Million in investments, over $37 million in equity and fails to fulfill its mission of serving the girls in the organization by failing to provide sufficient programming to all girl scouts. Now you want to sell three camps which will further hamper girls ability to participate in programming. This will cause the local troops and service units to find programming elsewhere and cause Chester County for one to survive without the need for Council. This will be travesty if this organization proceeds with the sale as they do most things without input from the people in the trenches working directly with the girls day to day since council as the overarching organization provides some programming but does not deal with the girls for most of their experiences in girl scouts. Surveys are not sufficient data gathering for these types of decisions.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Nancy Connelly said:

I don't understand how Hidden Falls only got a score of 3 out of 6 for Location/Setting (regional factors, site features, natural features) and Laughing Waters gets a 5. Look at these pictures of Hidden Falls http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=2IbtmzJy4aOUA and explain why it's not a 10! What did the Property Committee look at? Also, why was each camp rated on "program" and "usage" when programs were not offered equally at all properties and thus skews that evaluation. I thought I heard at an earlier meeting that that would not be part of the evaluation.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Christina Smith said:

I'm so sad to see these camps go. I've only been to these camps once or twice but camping will not be the same without them. I can honestly say if GSEP gets rid of anymore camps, girl scouts just wont be the same to me anymore. I think we should focus on taking care of the programs and camps that we already have instead of trying to launch a whole new program. i can honestly say if things keep going the way they are going, this 16 year old ambassador will be done with girl scouts permanently.

Posted on: June 28, 2011

Debbie Childers said:

Really sad that Southern Chester County is being dismissed in the camp planning of Girl Scouts. Also, I am saddened that one of the rational used to close Tweedale is that GS must move forward with what the technology and digital age require. One of the great things about GS is the option to go "back to nature" at a camp like Tweedale. So many of our girls need to experience a little of the "rough" outdoor life. Building strong girls should have many different components - not just the fad of the day.

Posted on: June 27, 2011

Janet R troop 5506 said:

I was very saddend to hear about the proposal to close Tweedale. Our Marple Newtown Service Unit in Delaware County loves Tweedale. They feel it is a real camp for all ages. The older girls think that CLW is for little girls and does not offer the same programing (boating and actual hikes) available at Tweedale. Each campsite is unique which makes each trip different. Please consider that we already lost Camp Sunset Hills. This part of PA is so beautiful - we could never get this land again. Reconsider please.

Posted on: June 27, 2011

Brenda Fulop said:

We just had an awesome weekend of troop camping at Hidden Falls! This was our first time at HF and I hope it won't be our last. With the Delaware River and PEEC and so many great things just down the road, the location is great! It is totally worth the two hour drive. If you love the great outdoors, this is the place you want to camp. The facilities are a little rundown overall, but the platform tents are the nicest I've seen. Many thanks to the "senior" troop staying in Fernwood that invited us over for a sing-a-long Saturday night...you've created (and renewed) great memories for our girls and leaders. The girls thought it was so cool that you all continue to camp together 40 years after you were senior girl scouts together. You should definitely follow through with the plans for a CD--100th anniversary of GS would be a great time to release it!! It's sad that GSEP spent so much money here putting in a large, very nice pool that isn't being used and now might not ever be used. Hopefully the committee that is looking at all of this will come up with a solution to keep this camp a camp. My son's boy scout troop recently rented a site and loved the facilities. I'd like to see GSEP keep more camps and market them to other non-profit groups to increase the usage. I'd also question the electronic reservation system that was being used the past few years. I've often tried to make a reservation and found that everything was booked, so either the system wasn't working or the low usage numbers I see on the studies seem flawed. I think it's going to be nearly impossible for a troop to go camping in the prime times after 2012 with the camporees using the three remaining camps. Peace Out, Girl Scout

Posted on: June 27, 2011

Teri Dickinson said:

I was so sad after reading about Camp Tweedale closing on the front page of the Daily Local today. I am a former 12 year veteran leader and have taken hundreds of Brownie Girl Scouts on their first camping trip to Camp Tweedale, and most importantly, their first trip away from Mom and Dad. Camp Tweedale was accessible to Chester County, and, not too far for young scouts and parents to travel. If I was a leader today, I would not have that opportunity, as the other camps are much too far away for young, local troops for a weekend outing. The move to close Camp Tweedale will close out young troops from their first camping experience at a safe, close location, full of lore and legends and whispers of Girl Scouts long since grown up! My four daughters will be truly upset that their childhood haven has gone the way of all big business!

Posted on: June 27, 2011

Judy Perego-Williams said:

I was devastated to read in todayâ€™s Daily Local News about the closing of three Girl Scout camps, including Camp Hidden Falls in the Poconos. As the public relations director for GSDC, I visited CHF every summer. While there, I observed first-hand the magic that happens at resident camp. Under the inspired leadership of Camp Director Alice Motten and her excellent crew, girls with no previous outdoor camping experience explored their identities, challenged their abilities, and discovered new possibilities for themselves in that special world. Shy, retiring girls became outgoing explorers. â€œBookwormâ€ types became avid hikers, boaters, swimmers or horseback riders. Ms. Motten and her crew had a true mission of encouraging each individual camper. They sensed each girlâ€™s temperament and even unexpressed needs, and then expertly guided each girl to new, previously undreamt-of experiences. The joy in those happy campersâ€™ faces was palpable; I will never forget their smiles and glowing sense of achievement. Where is that sense of mission now in the Girl Scout organization? A blind â€œbottom-lineâ€ mentality and shortsighted cost effectiveness now seem to rule. Girls of the 21st century are the losers. The assessment that led to the closures supposedly found that todayâ€™s girls want camp cabins with bathrooms, air conditioning and heating. How about flat-screen TVs, computer workstations and Wi-Fi internet access? What ever happened to the experience of â€œgoing away to campâ€? Sounds more to me like â€œtaking it all with youâ€ â€“ and whatâ€™s so special about that??

Posted on: June 27, 2011

Melanie #41229 said:

I am very disappointed to think that Tweedale will be closing. So much of our world is turning to pavement- housing and shopping. Tweedale was always an escape- a place to go and see nature, take walks and teach the girls aobut the outdoors- instead of the technology that they have as such a large part of their life. There is nothing else like Tweedale for us (nearby anyway). I see GSEP becoming more and more corporate and less about the girls- is money everything? It seems to be that way in everything- take a look at the cookie incentives- we get less and less each year. If that is what GSEP is going to be for us in Southern Chester County- less and less for the girls and further to drive for everything then maybe it is time we take our scouts to a different council.

Posted on: June 24, 2011

Karen Windy Snape said:

I cannot imagine what the future will look like for the girls of Chester County with no camps. It is the saddest, most unfair future I can imagine for them. Where will they learn about the outdoors, leadership, independence and teamwork? Camp Tweedale made me the person I am today, more so than any other experience in my life. It is the reason I stayed in Scouting when it was wildly unpopular to do so. Tweedale has been an important part of our scouting heritage for over 60 years, but now it will be lost to today's girls and the girls of the future forever. You will never, ever be able to get it back. This is the saddest day in our future and will be felt for generations. Please reconsider. Give tomorrow's girls a chance to camp along the lake in their community with their sisters like their mothers and grandmothers did. I know the perfect place to.

Posted on: June 24, 2011

Alison said:

I say we all boycot cookies next year. They are not using the money to keep opertunities open for the girls then why do they need the money.

Posted on: June 24, 2011

Beth said:

As a parent I am very disappointed that Tweedale will be divested. Hopefully it will take GSEP years to implement the plan so we can use their WONDERFUL services for a few more years. As a parent I will NOT be able to take my daughter to the other GSEP sites - they are just too far away. (I would not be able to pick her up on time on a Friday from summer camp - I have to be at work!) My family will be looking elsewhere - if you thought the money from my family would just move to another site - you are VERY wrong. As a member of the 609 Service Unit I am not surprised at all about this. Our support from GSEP is non-existant. I grew up in the Freedom Valley Council and the leaders were terrible - the ones supporting the girls in 609 are AWESOME. Why can't you support these AWESOME ladies?

Posted on: June 24, 2011

Robert said:

I am disgusted by your decision to close Camp Tweedale. My 12 year-old daughter is devastated. Camping is by far her favorite Girl Scout experience, and she has been to 3-5 sessions at Tweedale every summer since she was 6. None of the other camps are at all convenient for Girl Scouts in Southern Chester County, so one does wonder about the motives. This may well lead to my daughter quitting Girl Scouts, which would be a terrible pity.

Posted on: June 24, 2011

Carolyn said:

Has the research looked at the future developmentof Chester County (Kennett, south to Nottingham). There are well over 2000 approved building sites for homes. That shows that these areas are growing. How many future Girl Scouts might that be???? There's not much out here, but what we have you will be taking away and you will never get the camp back! Your research needs some work!

Posted on: June 23, 2011

Tanitha (Mushu) said:

I hope the council really takes the time to read all the posts put on this blog, some very interesting and viable options have been presented to save Tweedale.. I know what the camp meant to me and the growth that I got from my time at Tweedale and more importantly the opportunities it gave for the girls ... that is the bigger picture here ... the future generation and practical considerations seemed to have not been considered. there seems to be a serious unbalanced and unconstructed outcome of a survey that really seems to support keeping Tweedale open. I appreciate there is a bottomline ... there is a need and a want to make this work and the council need not be so hasty ... the feedabck i have heard about the past two years was that tweedale was not going to go ... or this would have happened alongtime ago ... let the women who the Grils Scout groowmed and have upheld all that are the Girls Scouts be part of the solution ..

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Cathy Muscella said:

We are not just reflecting on good memories. VF has long ago forgotten about us down here. We have for years said that we should just be part of the Chesapeake Bay council since they seem to like our business. You are now destroying one of the great things about Girl Scouting in Southern Chester County. We love Camp Tweedale down here and the fact that there is one thing that we do not have to drive hours to is really nice. I can't believe that you have let Girl Scouts be taken over by corporates instead of people with real and true scouting spirit.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Karen D said:

1.After reviewing the reports and the surveys, there seems to be a HUGE disconnect between the information gathered which has some glaring inaccuracies and the rationale for the divestment of Tweedale. The numerical value given to Tweedale is obviusly not based on the actual facts and its attributes. 2. No town meetings were held in or near Southern Chester County. Another flaw in the information gathering process. 3.Chester County's future is one of increasing population, it is short sighted to shut down the only presence of Girl Scouts in this area. Is the Board really planning for the demise of Girl Scouting in this area? 4. What model is the Board using to determine the success of a mega camp? Where has this been successful? The mega Council certainly is not working and is unsuccessful,, what makes them think a mega camp will be successful. 5. There is NO support from the Service Units in Southern Chester County for this flawed and damaging course that is being recklessly followed by the Board. Clearly, the process for selecting camp closures was flawed, the goal of having inconvenient mega camps is flawed and predicted future of serving Girl Scouts better under this plan, without Tweedale, is seriously flawed,if not, an outright mispresentation of the facts.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Jackie Miller said:

I'm very disappointed to hear of the divestment of Camp Tweedale. Once again, southern Chester County girls and volunteers are expected to drive over 1.5 hours to camping, events and training. Reading the initial and final reports makes me believe that the future of local girl scout camping is needed to be in air conditioned halls and cabins with bathrooms with no thought to the natural and historical value of a place like Tweedale.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Debra McCann said:

I am disappointed to see GSEP post such an uncaring response to those discussing the closure of Tweedale. I am a new leader in the council, so was unable to participate in any of the surveys/ research into the project. My children and my troop will have to live with this decision going forward, and I have to say, it feels like GSEP made this decision a while ago, and has the attitude of it's done - it no longer matters what anyone has to say (or ever did). I've looked at the reports. It does seem like Tweedale was unfairly evaluated. I was a scout who attended Freedom Valley Camps, and of all the camps I went to, I clearly remember Tweedale and Tohi. I think GSEP would better serve its scouts by being less driven by corporate greed, and more attuned to its memberships needs and desires. And it's really off-putting to see the corporate response to this issue of - it's done, so shut up. And while you may not have meant it that way - it is certainly how it comes across. Makes me concerned about my desire to volunteer in this for the long haul.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

GSEP said:

Responses to the commonly asked questions can be found on the FAQs (frequently asked questions), which will be updated every 10-15 days.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Jennifer Pixley said:

GSEP is short sighted in choosing to close CAMP TWEEDALE. GSEP is no longer about Chester County. It is about the Pocono Moutain region. I have a THRIVING troop of girls who are diligent in attending meetings, working toward their awards, finishing Journeys, selling cookies and ATTENDING GSEP sponsored events. HOWEVER, we CANNOT afford to attend events all the way at Mosey Wood or Wood Haven all the time. [Laughing Water is even far, and it rarely offers GSEP events] It is a MORE THAN 2 hour drive to MW and WH. Check ins for weekend events are ~7:00pm, and that REQUIRES Chester County residents to leave home before the end of the work day... sometime even JUST AS GIRLS ARE GETTING OFF THE SCHOOL BUS. We arrived 30 minutes late to an event at camp Wood Haven and were chastised for being "late." WELL, how are we supposed to participate if we are asked to drive 2+ hours to weekend, council sponsored events? Day events that are 2+ hours drive each directiono are OUT OF THE QUESTION for my girls. It seems as if everytime I deal with GSEP, I get closer and closer to "divesting" in GIRL SCOUTING. That will leave my thriving troop in the lurch just as GSEP is leaving Chester County in the lurch.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Heather Purvin, FVGSC Alumni said:

If GSEP management would focus on the major revenue losses that EVERY camp is suffering rather than putting them on the chopping block, we wouldn't be at this juncture where we're having to do it for the RE money rather than for the good of the council's programming. By the looks of the other comments and the online campaigns, there's a significant population that feels neglected. Hopefully, the council will NOT ignore these messages and do something in order to rectify the situation. I witnessed the sale of Camp Kiwanis, the equestrian gem of FV, when it was sold in the late 80s/early 90s to developers as prime RE. The money bails the council out of the hole they've created by the poor operating performance of the camps.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Sandy said:

The merger into GSEP continues to benefit those closest to VF. Chester County Girl Scouts would be better off petitioning to join the scouts in Delaware. Chester County has been and continues to be such an after-thought of GSEP. It is frustrating enough to be a leader who has to fight for trainings anywhere close to here and now the one convenience and camping (day and overnight) opportunity is being taken away. How about GSEP try moving their headquarters and having all of their meetings and trainings out here for a year and see who shows up?

Posted on: June 22, 2011

GSEP said:

We thank members for your interest and support of scouting, we respect the memories of the past, we will ensure that we will build on the good in scouting, and we encourage you to direct your energy into envisioning for the future.

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Sandy Chu said:

I love Tweedale and Tweedale is like another home to me. I miss it and I do really want to go back for another summer! Camp Tweedale has a long history and facilities with GREAT quality. The council should keep this wonderful camp alive and still be the home to many girls around the world. Even tho I am from HK and cant always go to USA, Camp Tweedale is still another home to me and I always miss it. The experience I got and the friends I met are life-long to me and I always want to return. Not only for me, for the campers currently, for who have been campers to UC, UL as well as who are now grandparents are still missing Camp Tweedale and send their children and grand children to Tweedale. So Tweedale is an important place to everyone and has a special position to all of us. Please do not close Tweedale, and RE-CONSIDER your decision!

Posted on: June 22, 2011

Jil said:

please sign our petition to save Camp Tweedale!! http://www.change.org/petitions/girl-scouts-of-eastern-pa-keep-camp-tweedale-open#comments

Posted on: June 21, 2011

Bonnie said:

I would love answers to these questions: 1)When, where & what time does the property committee meet next? 2)When, where, what time is the next board meeting? 3)Why did the board not vote at a meeting that was publicized to the the membership? 3)How much was Domokur paid for this study? I heard $200K-$400K. That kind of money could have funded some serious camp upgrades. 4)A CDO (Chief Develpment Officer) was hired in January, were her fund-raising skills used to raise money for the camps? If not, why not? 5)Will you allow the membership or an independent review of all the raw data? Comments: 1)Travel time couldn't have been seriously considered for those of us in southern Chester County. I don't consider West Chester School District south, but it's 50 min. from the closest camp; Unionville-70 min; Octorara & Kennett-80 min; & Avon Grove & Oxford 90 min. 2)I also disagree with the demographics map, Machaloha has 440+ girls, not the 201-300 the map indicates 3)Chester County is/will be the 2nd fastest growing county according to the data. That appeared to be discounted.

Posted on: June 21, 2011

Tracey said:

My daughter LOVES Tweedale and is already plotting the day she can become a counselor there...it's a beautiful site and we travel from Montco to get there because it's worth it. Would be very sorry to see it closed. Encouraged my other daughter to try it this year...might have encouraged her to go elsewhere had I known it might be closed.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

KathyP said:

Lifetime GS, over 25 years in Freedom Valley. This is no different than the closing of Kelton Woods and just as short-sighted. Land does not appear in the future. You won't be able to say, "oops, girls from southern Chester County and Bucks and Montco aren't coming to camp anymore, so I guess we need to go buy a camp closer to them." The number of people surveyed is very tiny. To use those numbers on a decision of this magnitude is political and nothing more. Try thinking outside the box for a change and work with our older girls and troops. It impossible that people won't step up to help with maintenance and scheduling, but it is also possible that they will. "Council" --which ever one -- never gives the girls and parents a chance to either participate ( don't start on association meetings - too few, no chance for real discussion and never enough time except for "council business") or to know about issues in a timely fashion.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Tamara said:

I am as upset as anyone else about the loss of camps, particularly Hidden Falls, but there are some economic realities to consider.Maintaining all of the camps runs into millions of dollars per year, and one of the reasons some of them are in poor repair is that adequate funds have not been available for upkeep. I appreciate the enthusiasm of those who suggest volunteer help or fundraisers, but do you really think we can come up with that much money and that many volunteers? Remember that an awful lot of troops do not want to camp, and we have to provide programming for them, as well.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Monica Maury, Troop 71030 & Director of Holly Pine said:

Through the merger, Tohi is a "new to me" camp but my girls and I have made it home. Not only does my older girl troop of 35 use the camp regularly for our troop needs but I also use Tohi for the neighborhood day camp I run. There has been a lot of talk on Facebook among the girls. I've received phone calls with girls crying on the other end as well as messages and texts. They are devastated that, with all probability, their camp will close. Aside from their own personal loss, the day camp, which has been running for over 50 years, is now in jeopardy. We moved to Tohi after the merger, after years of being in public parks after the day camp was "evicted" from CLW. Keeping 150 campers safe in a public park is not the easiest of tasks. How do you keep the public out of a public park? Holly Pines is a GIRL LED camp. Every one of our 10 unit leaders are Seniors and Ambassadors. In addition, we have another 40 C/S/A who are program aides. These girls are planning all of the activities and leading the units for two weeks. It's simply a sin that GSEP considering taking away this leadership opportunity from them. I am already considering other options for the camp and right now, the local BOY SCOUT camp looks like it might be our best option. They will gladly take our money, from what I hear. I understand council is trying to do what is best for the future of the council -- but what about the girls that are here NOW? Don't they matter? If you ask them, they will tell you it certainly doesn't feel like it.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Betty said:

Of the 3 camps being proposed to update, I have a strong objection to MoseyWood. Tweedale is much easier to get to from all parts of the council. MoseyWood is out of the way and too far to ask parents who live in Bucks and Phila Counties, to drive especially in the dark. Tweedale would be a much better choice. I hope someone listens to the volunteers who want the girls to have a camp experience.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Rebecca Heston said:

I have been planning for a while now to get my PhD and then return to Tweedale (which, my mother attended as a camper and counselor before I even came along--it is a family tradition!). I know it might be difficult, but what if we integrated the curriculum with more science, like making it into an enrichment program? The AT Adventure could focus on geology (there are such wonderful opportunities there!). Biodiversity research could 'take over' wildlife programs. Art programs could possibly be hooked up with actual art opportunities, such as galleries and competitions like Logo My Way (a practical entrepreneurial experience!). I suggest an open forum for program overhaul, followed by heavy advertising (perhaps as part of the 2012 year, that girls could become involved in), and a trial year of new 'curriculm' in 2013. In order to fight budget cuts, the many supporters of Tweedale could all donate $5-20 or so to offset costs for a 2013 trial year (assuming that 2012 is currently planned as the final year of operation). As for developable land, I recommend the council to take initiative in using this 'setback' for further income. I think it would be possible to set up an architecture internship program to develop the property in modern, cost-cutting ways. Tweedale already has a record of success in this area with the design of the Hill unit buildings. Such a program could potentially bring additional revenue and positive public relations. I would also recommend that Wilson College be contacted for possible 'outpost' relationships. Wilson College is a women's college in Chambursburg, PA with a record of summer science enrichment for young women; perhaps Wilson may be able to extend its programming to the extent that entrance-level college credit could be given for some programming for older girls--certainly something that could bring in additional revenue. Another cut of cost could involve a summer program that allows young women to work with camp staff and professionals to install green energy units (I believe solar power would be the most practical, although wind power could be implemented at 'the Point'). This could cut operating costs in the kitchen and Hill units especially. Sustainable gardening internships for young women could cut food costs. And may I remind the administration that green energy and sustainable agriculture programming is related to numerous grants for start-up costs, even in the current economy (I challenge the council to involve young women in the grant-writing process!). In summary, I believe that this camp was given an erronous score of low flexibility. Camp Tweedale, as it is currently run, may not be financially sustainable. However, with some initiative and programming overhaul, its traditional goals can be integrated with modern cost-cutting strategies that improve opportunities for young women of all ages*. *On a side note, innovation and overhaul, if integrated with scout opportunities, may require the camp to cater to older girls for a limited time, until such overhauled programs are established. Educational opportunities--in which older girls work with younger girls, could play a large part in future all-age programming.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Karen S said:

Please do not close Tweedale - may daughter has been a summer "resident" for 6 years now and would be absolutely destroyed if next year she couldn't try for the CIT program at the "best camp ever!" She's already upset she only has 3 years left! Tweedale is the only thing left for the old Freedom Valley Girl Scouts to attend - the others are far away and according to my daughter "not even close" to the quality and besides - conestoga is the ONLY place to stay when you are camping for the summer! Please re-consider closing Tweedale!

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Katelyn S said:

The bulk of the girl scouts appear to be in Chester County yet we are proposing to close the only camp to serve the majority of girl scouts in the area? Doesn't make sense to me. Seems to me since the merger everything from training to now camps is going north. Sad because Tweedale is the best of all of the camps other than Tohi - Sad day for Girl Scouts of Freedom Valley.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Jil S (aka Guida) said:

i sent this as an email, but felt the need to post it here as well. I realize now that conversations have been taking place for 2 years regarding the decision to close Camps Tweedale and Tohi. I am heartbroken that I am just finding out about it now, when it seems too late to alter the course Council has chosen. I spent my entire childhood summers at Tweedale. From the age of 5 when I was a brownie staying at Hill until I was 14 working as a kitchen aid and then later as an intern. I understand that girls will be able to make summer memories anywhere, whether in Oxford or in the Poconos, but my girl scout troop also did weekend camping at Tweedale. The decision to close Tweedale and Tohi will be a huge loss to the local troops, as it seems unlikely that they will be able to get all the way up north for short camping stays. I cannot overstate the importance of those weekend camping trips. They prepared me for being able to go to sleep away camp without fear; before I went to my first summer program, Tweedale already felt like home. This was a huge comfort. I also doubt that parents will be willing to send young children to sleep away camp that far from home. Sleep away camp is so important to a child's development. I think it often goes unmentioned, but in addition to providing valuable summer programming to kids, sleep away camp also prepares them for adulthood. It is an opportunity for children to test independence, while still in a safe and supervised environment, and enables them to develop coping mechanisms for dealing with homesickness. Many of my college classmates were miserable the first few weeks because they had never been away from home before. Thanks to Tweedale, I was a pro! I know that decisions like this are made for economic and political reasons, but I do hope that Council has really taken the time to view the problem from every angle. Because losing these camps would be a real tragedy for the girls of Lancaster, Chester, Delaware, & Bucks counties. "And when we are gone they'll remember our song..."

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Susan Donahue-Sinback said:

One issue that concerns me the most is that these descisions have a tremendous negative financial impact on volunteers, families and the girls we all serve The distances to Mosy Wood and WoodHaven are a 2-3 hour drive fir the majority of our membership. Prohibitive travel times for weekend troop camping. The cost to travel to those camps will be $50 or more per vehicle. The stated goals of the committee were not reflected in the final report. It is unclear to me what Girl Scouts this plan will serve, certainly not the current membership.

Posted on: June 20, 2011

Shelly S. said:

The recommendations seen in the presentation were presented to the Board on June 8, 2011 and approved unanimously. Please see the posted "Frequently Asked Questions" for answers to the most common questions.

Posted on: June 19, 2011

Renee said:

To whom it may concern. Camp is one of the most important experiences in a young childs life, be it any type of camps, day camps to religious camps. Tweedale is a Girl Scout Camp, i've worked as a UC at Tweedale for two summers 08'-09'. It has been the BEST experiences of my life, Tweedale has become my second home, along with the hundreds of girls that attend camp at Twee every summer, i saw how Twee is in their hearts, i was RIGHT amongst it. Tweedale is perfect grounds for camp, the land and reservoir is just perfect, no matter the age of the campers, anyone could search for "dragon teeth", Twee has such a huge history with the parents even grandparents of girls that are still attending today.The five different type of units at Twee are amazing, there's just so much opportunities and experiences lying in the land of Twee. These days people of the world are so obsessed with being one step ahead of each other, trying to make things constantly better for oneself...Even by sacrificing things that are SO treasured by SO many, i don't understand why Tweedale has been picked for closure, but its really going to effect so many girls, parents, staff and myself, even though i have a totally different life here in New Zealand. I was hoping to return to Twee next summer, it has a place in my heart, and as well as the campers that influenced my life. Keep Camp Tweedale open, so the Twee-fever can touch many more hearts and lives. Kiwi, NZ

Posted on: June 19, 2011

Bethany #4042 said:

Please don't take any more true camping experiences away from our children! They need these GS camps tp learn how to enjoy life without TV and other technology, in order to truly appreciate what they have when they get back home!

Posted on: June 19, 2011

Katie Frueh, Proud Girl Scout Alumnus said:

As an alumnus of this wonderful organization as well as a current college student with a double major in film and economics, I would say that I certainly understand the demands for allocative and productive efficiency. As a producer on a film set, it is my job to ensure that efficiency is obtained through the productionâ€™s financial costs as well as the crew memberâ€™s valuable time. I am expected to think creatively about how to efficiently utilize the talent and resources in front of me in order to minimize costs and maximize output. When problems arise, I am expected to think â€œoutside the boxâ€ to find a solution. These qualities I attribute to my 15 years in Girl Scouting. They are skills I have learned from my Girl Scout leaders who have inspired me to take on challenges and to never settle for less than perfection â€“ to never settle for quits over finding a solution. I struggle to find the difference between my tasks as a producer and your tasks as a Property Committee. I have taken the skills that I have learned (from these Girl Scout camps, I might add) to find solutions rather than excuses, to turn costly jobs into opportunities for other to serve, and to utilize specialization in the areas where individuals are able to thrive. In our Older Girl troop alone, comprised of seniors, ambassadors and alumni who are ready and willing to volunteer, we have girls who love and specialize in environmental studies, history, sustainability, supply chain management, education, robotic engineering, life technology, filmmaking, psychology and international logistics. Rather than focusing your arguments on how these camps are failing, why not use your primary resources (the Girl Scouts!) to fully utilize the missions and rationale you instill in us? Why not take this time to set up programs and committees led by those who use the facilities to help with the upkeep? Why not require troops and day camps that use the facilities to offset some of the upkeep? Many nearby colleges have an untapped collection of former Girl Scouts who are willing to lead the programs you struggle to sustain. Why not reach out to these students through internships and career based opportunities to increase girl involvement in these areas? Why not use them to establish specific programs such as energy efficient sustainability or recreational activities for girls to further get involved? If we are able to fully utilize every resource available, I am confident that in the long run, these camps will yield exceptional results that will build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who will truly make the world a better place.

Posted on: June 19, 2011

Stephanie said:

I feel like since the merger of Freedom Valley and Philadelphia the Girl Scouts in this area have been forgotten. The council is all the way in Philadelphia making it really hard to get to for young girls in this area. Tweedale was the closest camp and girl scout site in the Unionville Chadds Ford area school district as well as for several others. The council barely brings programs out here as well. We need to let our voice be heard for Tweedale and programs. Please sign the petition for past, current, and future girl scouts in this area of PA. We can not let council forget we are HERE!!!

Posted on: June 19, 2011

Vicki S said:

If these closures in this new report are recommendations to the Board to decided on why in the world are we telling girls working camp or the dedicated volunteers that plan Maple Sugaring at Tweedale that this is the last year for these events at camp. NO ONE should be telling anyone these things. The Board has NOT decided on anything per the report. And saying these things implies that the decision has already been made- which is it?? Are they really recommendations or is it a final decision?

Posted on: June 18, 2011

K.DAgusto said:

When there was Freedom Valley, Southern Chester County was treated as the stepchildren of Council:few programs, minimal services. When we consolidated with Philadelphia, we were treated like foster children: no Council training, no Council programs, minimal Council services. Now we will have the status of homeless children-no Tweedale-the ONLY real presence of Council in Southern Chester county. Maybe we can join Delaware? Very sad. Perhaps effective and efficient management(and marketing) may save Tweedale. We had to use Paradise Farms many times because we couldn't get into Tweedale(it was always booked). If we do not have Tweedale, we will probably give up on Girl Scout camps (and perhaps Girl Scouts) and look elsewhere. Very sad, sad, sad. Not sure how the Board and Council can expect the organization to grow when they will be offering less and less programs and services. Less camps will definately mean less services and less girls??? Using resources wisely may be a goal here, as well as, maximizing resources(which council has failed to do) If they intend to sell to a developer, like they did with the Girl Scout camp in Chadds Ford (that was a huge mistake, too), they will not get much. Just make sure that no one on the Board who is encouraging this path is going to benefit from the FIRE SALE that is inevitable-given the economy. This would be a serious conflict of interest. Non profits need to protect their assets when so called "do-gooders" get on their Boards and want them to divest- especially, if they made their millions in Real Estate. It is a cautionary tale to take into consideration.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Julia Smith said:

I am so very sad to hear about Tweedale closing! It was an amazing place for me growing up and my daughters love it as well. Is there really nothing that can be done to save it?

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Joni Brennan, Indian Valley, #7269 said:

I was very sad to see my childhood camp be sold off and made into townhomes (Indian Run). My personal ties to Tohi and Hidden Falls are more recent - my SR/AMB girls have hosted several camporee weekends at both and have enjoyed countless winter weekends at HiBucks over the last few years - but this does not make it easier to hear that they will probably go away. I understand that this is a business decision and the numbers all seem to make sense, but I just can't help but wonder what potential we are missing. I just can't help but wonder what number we should put on tradition and memories. There must be a way to pull in more revenue and/or reduce costs at these properties. We have so many dedicated and very capable girl and adult members - why have we not tapped into them as a resource? Girls could be doing leadership projects to help maintain and improve the properties. Alum could be enjoying weekends at camp reconnecting with thier inner Brownie if we had an active Alumnae Assocaition. With some guidance and organization, troops/groups could adopt a site or project, fundraise, and watch the improvements become a reality. Money is always an issue, but my girls each raised $2600 for a trip to Europe, most did it over one year... if they can do that, they could research, fund, and implement a wind energy project or reshingle cabin roofs or anything else that was needed. We have Alum who are experts in every field - we should tap into them to find creative solutions. We talk about building girls of Courage, Confidence, and Character, but then we don't effectivly use the resources we so painstakingly built. In just my group of 18 (current girls and Alum), we have 260+ years of Girl Scouting experience and history, 3 adults with more then 25 years each, and 6 lifetime members. I know that in many other troops this scenario is the same. I know they would all be thrilled to be able to make a real difference in the future of these properites, not to mention the future campers who will make memories that last a lifetime, just as they did. I implore the Property Committee to look outside the box and find a solution that would allow these properties to remain. I have faith that if you call on your members, we will rise to the occasion.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Marj Eby said:

After living thru the selling off Indian Run and Sunset Hill, I could not bring myself to attend the meeting. I think all our camps are beautiful and worthwhile. I understand the decision was hard but I never heard anyone suggest we should try to raise money to keep the camps. What happened to the idea that there should be a camp within an hour of our centers of population? Chester and Delaware Cos have been shafted again! There are so many people living in the southern part of our council and so few out toward Woodhaven. Tweedale has fantastic boating as well.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Kristen Miller-Kirschner said:

These camps are priceless. They aren't property... they're heart and soul. Society is changing at an alarming rate and Girl Scout camp is one of the few ties left to decency and innocence. It's not just about the priceless and beautiful memories that have been made, it's about the preservation of our values. Generations to come should know what it is to hold your breath and rush across the cookie bridge, or sing I Want To Be Strong among what little land is left in Bucks County. Please, for the sake of history and our precious future, don't close Tohi and Tweedale. Our girls deserve the same magic we relished in our youth. So much is already being taken away from them, please leave them this beautiful legacy.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Ginny H. said:

As a Leader, I've already experienced a shortage of cabin camping sites for my Troop. I expect it will be nearly impossible now to reserve a site for a Troop camping trip.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

TohiSummers said:

It's a shame to see properites like Tohikanee and Tweedale getting the cut because the bottom line is what is being looked at. What isn't being looked at is the amount of lives that have been changed by all three camps, the girls who grew into women with a strong sense of self because of these gs camps. Did we really do all we can to save these camps? or did they just become a burden to a new council that took no time to see the wonder of these camps but instead went with camps they were already comfortable with. How do these camps that were able to function for years in good and bad economies suddenly need to be "divested". Your telling me no-one at council had enough camp and marketing skills to sell horseback riding, canoening, hiking trips, gourment cooking,pottery and an assortment of other activites. No girls in the Chester/Philadelphia and Bucks County area (which is affulent) have no interest in those things? Interesting...well the only sorrow if those girls who will grow up without knowing the true magic a summer at any of those camps can create and change you only for the better.

Posted on: June 18, 2011

Shelly S. said:

One of the next steps is working on a detailed disposition strategy and timeline where creative disposition solutions will be explored (i.e.: conservation easements).

Posted on: June 17, 2011

ShutterBug said:

How can BOTH Freedom Valley camps be on the chopping block?? There are thousands of girls and adults with priceless memories from both camps. I did my first resident camp at Tohi, and my troop camped at Tweedale every year. I agree with the previous comment that all of the people who spent time at these camps are devastated :(

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Bonnie said:

My daughter just called me sobbing, apparently, Tweedale is being closed for residential camp after this year. Am not sure what other decisions have been made. The timing is suspect as most schools are getting out for summer, therefore troops have stopped meeting. When will the decisions be posted for the whole council may see!!

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Theresa Santalucia said:

I still do not understand why in a recession anyone would consider selling all that land. We will not get the true value of the land, and some large corporation will buy it cheap and in 5-15 years build more mcmcmansions on it. Mean time leaving girls without options for sleepover camp, day camp and leaving service units paying higher dollars to rent space from private camp grounds for their camporees. We already know that there isn't enough camp spaces for summer sleep over. We also know that service units and troops have been forced to other sites outside of GSEP for troop and service unit camping. Is is not bad enough you ignore Chester County when offering transportation to camps over the summer now you are closing the two last sites from Freedom Valley? Very sad day

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Shelly S. said:

The presentation given last night at the Property Town Hall meeting was posted on our website this morning. Today we will also post a frequently asked questions list with responses.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Renee Grebe said:

What can I say that hasn't been said already? This is devastating. To remove the possibility of camping from an entire population of girls because of distance is a huge step back for the Girl Scouts. As a lifetime Girl Scout, my heart is breaking for all of the lost opportunities and the sad future ahead for the properties no doubt doomed to be developed. They will be lost forever as a place of discovery and a place helping to shaping of girls into young women with confidence and strength. We need more of that, not less, in our world. A truly sad sad day.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Lisa Sybrandt said:

Tweedale was my camp and is my daughters camp each summer. I think that there is something about Tweedale the makes it great and is unmeasurable!!! I would not sell this property. This land is too valuable and its location to the water is perfect!!! We don't mind the latrines that is part of camping.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Lisa Sybrandt said:

Is a SU cookie manager for the last 6 years I really did the job in order to keep scholarships for summer camp and keep camps open. We have sold our cookies and met or exceeded council goals. I don't understand why there is a need to close any camps!!

Posted on: June 17, 2011

KG said:

I am sad to see the camps being closed but I understand that it needs to be done. I am really sad to see Tweedale being closed. It is the only camp remotely close to SE Chester County girls. The next camp is not even close and unfortunately, has eliminated the possibility of our troop ever camping at a GSEP camp again. I feel bad for the girls since the closing of Tweedale has closed a Girl Scout experience for a lot of girls - whether it be with a troop camping or attending day camp. I just talked my daughter in attending day camp next summer, and now that is out of the questions. The girls will be missing a great opportunity and missing a part of being a Girl Scout so I feel they are the ones being punished.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Rhonda Hirsch said:

I found out today that Camp Tweedale and two other very important Girl Scout Camps are scheduled to be closed. My own daughters, myself and my two troops are so sad to find this out! Our entire Girl Scout Camping times has been spent having the time of our lives at Camp Tweedale. There has to be a way to save our cherrished Girl Scout Camps!!!

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Betsy W. said:

I hope that the Maple Sugaring Program will continue.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Vicki S said:

Yet again, the girl of Chester County get screwed. Lets see all the number please- the usage of all the camps prior to the merge and the usage after the merge. taking into consideration the fact that council has limited programming at the camps that they are now closing And lets also keep in mind per the last report Tweedale was the only summer camp that was in the black, all other summer camps were in the red. Yes lets see all the numbers. Still waiting for the finance committee to answer may questions about all of this as promised at the one property meeting last year. Sad day for the girls of this council.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Stephanie B said:

Please stop shutting down camps. The Girl Scout organization says they are always looking for opportunities to help young girls. Camping is one of these opportunities. It was the foundation that Girl Scouts was built upon. Please lets save these camps from being destroyed!!

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Theresa Santalucia said:

You obviously do not care what the members think. If you did we would not need a disposition strategy. Why are the Former GSFV sites on the chopping block?? Why are you leaving the second largest membership area without a camp site? When you can't fill the requests NOW for camp sites and sleep over camper requests?? I thought the plan was to divide the sites add more kitchens so that smaller troops could share space with another smaller troop. Not close down entire camp grounds. If you didn't want to know what we wanted why did you ask in the first place? Again Chester County gives alot to GSEP we should have a say in if Tweedale is closed or not. I believe we will vote Not.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Christine said:

Like Bonnie, I received a call from a sobbing daughter, who has spent 10 years at Tweedale. My younger daughter, also devoted to Tweedale, was soon sobbing as well. I can't understand how a trade study that favors larger camps for their potential over the "current camper counts (5)and score for offering what girls want and supports the goals (5)" is in the best interest of girls. It will take years to build use of potential sites while in the meantime, admist many broken hearted longtime campers, a generation of younger southern Chester County scouts will be sleeping in museums rather than at camp. Please reconsider. It doesn't make sense that Tweedale which is well utilized now would be a bad property to maintain for the future.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

jeannette said:

I am deeply saddened by the news that the camp I grew up at, worked at, and have loved all my life is being divested. Although I feel sad that a place that holds so many memories me is going to be gone, I feel worse for all the girls in the area that will not get to experience what I did there. My years of troop, father/daughter, mother daughter, service unit and resident camping, and many year of being a counselor at Tweedale shaped the person that I am today. The fact that there is now nothing local for today's girls saddens me. I hope that Council will ensure that the property is divested in a way that preserves it's essence... renting it out, selling it to someone who will use it as a camp, or something else that keeps it from being developed.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Nancy Connelly said:

I'm curious to know where all the waterfront activities will be at Laughing Waters and Wood Haven. The lakes are at Hidden Falls, Mosey Wood and Tweedale.

Posted on: June 17, 2011

Shelly S. said:

Camp Hidden Falls has not been put on the market and there is not a for sale sign in front of it.

Posted on: June 16, 2011

Lynx said:

Just got the news that eventhough the meeting is not until this evening the results of the Board of Directors is out... closure of Tohi, Tweedale & Hidden Falls.... I understand this is a business decision. Doesnt make it any easier for those with many memories. What is the sales procedure of these locations?

Posted on: June 16, 2011

Rose Jones said:

My apologies to everyone--there was a technical problem that prevented us from seeing new posts. It has been resolved.

Posted on: June 15, 2011

Shelly S. said:

We have posted the Delegate Meeting presentation, the updated Survey Results and the Summer 2010 Property Town Hall Meeting Presentation in the second paragraph above. In the Property Town Hall Meeting Presentation, utilization is calculated by number of beds used/number of beds available.

Posted on: June 15, 2011

Nike said:

there are hundreds of us who still love Tohi and hope that it remains open so the magic of the camp can be shared for years to come.

Posted on: June 10, 2011

Lynx said:

the non-monetary value of Tohi is in-valuable.... Not sure when FVGSC stopped fully utilizing Tohi but its opportunities are tremendous. I'm sure some of us former camp staffers (and campers) can offer many suggeestions on how to make Tohi profitable....

Posted on: June 8, 2011

Kayanne said:

My personal opinion is council needs to focus on EFFECTIVELY marketing the use of these properties to troops and other groups (such as families and church groups). Tohikanee, for example, is a beautiful property that in my opinion, is far more desirable than Laughing Waters. For various reasons, including an appalling report from three friends whose daughters attended a week long resident camp there, as well as some extremely poor online reviews, Laughing Waters is off our list for camping. I was not even aware Tohikanee existed until I came across it online. I toured it in the fall and we just came back from a wonderful weekend there with 14 Junior level girls. What a sin - we are considering selling properties which we will never be able to get back, and if experience serves, that money will be spent on intangibles with dubious value. Mothballing for a few years while council works to hire people who can actually market and manage camp registrations in an efficient, effective manner is surely more preferable than selling off property because some council employees are lacking in management skills.

Posted on: June 6, 2011

Beth McCullough said:

If GSEP is assessing the needs of the camp grounds what was the huge for sale sign in front of Camp Hidden Falls that I saw this weekend? Tell me I'm wrong and Hidden Falls is NOT for sale. I had a troop of sad girls when they saw this :(

Posted on: June 5, 2011

Christine W said:

Where can we find on the gsep website the camp utilization and what method of analysis was used?

Posted on: May 31, 2011

Amanda G said:

Camp Hidden Falls is available for Troop and Service Unit camping this summer. As of this past weekend there was a lot of work that needed to be done in order to be up and running for troops to camp. The camp has not been maintained as it should have been over the winter, and as of Sunday the tent units had no running water and the Main Drain was not working, among other issues. Also, Borton is advertised as having a working kitchen. The Kitchen had a tarp in-front of it and appeared unusable. Troops need to be informed if they are renting it expecting to have a kitchen that they will need to do all of their cooking outside. The is a great camp, and it is a shame it is not being taken care of.

Posted on: May 3, 2011

Nancy D said:

I have ambasadors and love to utilize the properties. We do miss be able to research all available sites based date. Our girls have busy schedules and set aside weekends for camping. Unlss I am missing something, I we need to go to a camp page then check each individual site for availabilty. We will do it but takes alot more work and time to make camping choices in a meetting.

Posted on: April 28, 2011

deluc/Paula DeLucco said:

Can the camp property assessement information (the Fall 2010 Town Meetings presentation by Domokur and the re-opened-combined Survey results)be re-posted on this new GSEP website (possible under the CAMPS header)? Thank you.

Posted on: April 19, 2011

Shelly Sickbert said:

On the gsep.org website we will re-post the presentation from the Fall 2010 Delegate meeting that shows utilization numbers post merger. We do not have pre-merger utilization numbers available since each council had their own system.

Posted on: April 13, 2011

Kathleen Taylor said:

I am upset about the possibility of the closing of Tohikaneee. The Girl Scouts in Bucks County and North East Philadelphia will have no camp within two hours of travel. That is a lot of girls who have no readily available camp or programs.

Posted on: April 11, 2011

Maryanne Higbee said:

Before I make any recommendations, I would like to see some numbers as to utilization of each property both before and after the merger as GSEP. It would be interesting to see if there has been a change in accessibility to camps as the council has grown. How would one access that information?

Posted on: April 8, 2011

Nancy K said:

They use to have family camping at Tohikanee and Tweedale on Memorial Day..had some WONDERFUL times there. I agree there needs to be a better balance between summer camp usage and troop usage. I had a troop in Freedom Valley for 14 years and used both camps winter, fall and spring.. I grew up going to Hidden Falls and think it is a sin that it is not better utilized. I think more than ever camp offers young woman an opportunity to grow and learn like no other experience. My girls in my troop still talk about the times we had at those camps, especially what they learned about themselves.

Posted on: April 8, 2011

Shelly Sickbert said:

Camps are closed on Memorial Day unless a pre-arranged event has been planned due to the holiday. Camps are closed in June for preparation, set up, inspections and training for resident camp counselors. As we continue to evaluate camp occupancy issues, these policies may change in the future.

Posted on: April 6, 2011

Chris Powell said:

I was wondering why all camps are closed on Memorial Day(except for council events at LW and WH) and in beginning of June (except for HF and Tohi)? This is prime time for troops to plan a trip. I understand that camps need to be made ready for the summer and staff comes for training, but that probably isn't more than a week before start of summer camp. Why the whole month of June?

Posted on: April 4, 2011

Shelly Sickbert said:

The Property Committee is conducting a series of in-depth, on-site visits to each GSEP property, with completion expected by mid-May. The Committee plans to present its recommendations to the Board this summer, with an announcement expected in the Fall. No decisions about any GSEP properties have yet been made.

Posted on: March 29, 2011

Shelly Sickbert said:

Yes, Camp Tohikanee and Camp Hidden Falls are available for troop and service unit camping this summer. Please note that no decision has been made concerning GSEP properties.

Posted on: March 21, 2011

Nancy N. said:

I saw in Spark magazine that they are available for Troop camping. I hope they are not being considered.

Posted on: March 18, 2011

Rich J said:

Are Tohikaneee and Hidden Falls available for Troop camping?

Posted on: March 18, 2011

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