The end of an era: Girl Scout Council votes to sell Camp Tahigwa
by Lissa Blake
After half a century of programming for young girls, Camp Tahigwa is now going to be put up for sale.
Thursday afternoon, August 11, the Board of Directors of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois (GSEIWI) voted unanimously to sell the 315-acre camp, located in the rolling hills of Dorchester in rural Allamakee County.
The vote included the stipulation the land be permanently maintained as a natural space for public use. The Board has assigned a task force to send an exploratory letter to county conservation groups, as well as the Department of Natural Resources and the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
DISAPPOINTED
Decorah native Brecka Putnam, representing Friends of Camp Tahigwa, an organization which rallied to save the camp, said she is disappointed by the outcome.
“After six years and over 40,000 volunteer hours contributed, it is disappointing the Council would make no attempt to work with a group that has provided so much service,” she said.
Putnam said the Council also denied her group’s request to participate in the task group charged with selling the camp. “It would have been a nice gesture, and it would have been the best chance for programming to continue,” she said.
USAGE DOWN
The Council said the action came following a two-year usage study of Girl Scout properties, “and in consideration of all public input brought to the Board.”
Putnam, who volunteers each summer to help coordinate week-long programming at the camp, said she has seen a sharp decline in the Council’s interest in keeping quality programming. In fact, Putnam said this year the Council failed to notify program volunteers the water had tested positive for dangerous bacteria until after they had started unloading supplies.
“The staff obtained access to camp on Wednesday at noon. They (the Council) did not tell me until Wednesday night the water had tested positive. Staff had already been drinking water as they unloaded supplies,” Putnam explained.
Putnam said although the Council did bring in potable water before the campers arrived, “It kind of shows their disregard for the work of the volunteers.”
GOING FORWARD
Putnam said although she is saddened by the news, she is grateful the Council has indicated the property will be maintained as natural space.
“Looking forward, we are hoping to possibly work with whatever organization that purchases the camp… I see no reason why we couldn’t continue programming at the same level if the new owner is willing to work with us in a way the Council was not,” she said.
CENTRALIZED OPPORTUNITY
Diane Nelson, CEO of GSEIWI, said although the Board voted to sell Tahigwa and 22.2 acres of unused property at Camp L-Kee-Ta in Danville, the Council “remains committed to providing programs and outdoor education that are relevant and fiscally sustainable for our girls. We utilize parks and naturalized areas throughout the Council to offer the best outdoor programs to girls, and that will continue.”
The Council recently spent $4 million to renovate Camp Liberty in New Liberty. They plan to offer transportation for girls in outlying Council areas, including Decorah and Waterloo.
