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CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council has announced its decision to sell Camp Giscowheco in northern West Virginia following a yearlong review of the property’s amenities, usage and long-term needs.
The decision was approved by the council’s board of directors in September following a review involving council staff, the property committee and the finance committee.
The review also considered how the council can best direct its resources toward its mission of serving girls and volunteers across its 61-county service region in portions of West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio and Maryland.
"Camp Giscowheco has been an important part of our council’s history, and we recognize the lasting memories it holds for generations," said Beth Casey, CEO of Girl Scouts of Black Diamond Council. "We did not make this decision lightly. As we look to the future, we have a responsibility to evaluate how we use our resources to create opportunities for more girls across our region."
The sale of Camp Giscowheco represents a change in how the council will provide outdoor experiences, not a change in its commitment to them.
GSBDC is beginning to develop a regional network of outdoor partners. Through these partnerships, the council intends to offer a variety of experiences, including camping, outdoor skills, environmental education and high-adventure activities, in more locations throughout its service area.
This approach supports the council’s strategic priority of reducing barriers to participation and creating more flexible opportunities that better reflect the needs of girls and families.
Rather than investing in a single permanent camp property, GSBDC aims to expand the ways girls can explore the outdoors and build confidence through Girl Scouting. Partnership development is underway, and additional information about locations and programming will be shared as plans are finalized.
"Our mission is to help girls discover their strengths and realize their potential," Casey said. "Outdoor experiences are an important part of that journey. By exploring new partnerships, we can continue creating experiences that help girls discover what’s possible."
For more information about the decision and the council’s plans for outdoor programming, visit https://girlscouts.info/outdoorprograms.