Revitalized camp will accommodate more outdoor adventures, year-round programs and people with disabilities
BETTENDORF, Iowa–Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois kicked off the public phase of its capital campaign at its annual meeting today. The campaign will fund improvements and expansion of the council's most centrally-located camp in New Liberty, Iowa. The organization announced that $1.6 million has been raised to date, with a lead gift coming from the John Deere Foundation.
Girl Scouts has been empowering girls to be leaders and confident young women since 1912. The capital campaign, "Outdoor Odyssey," will help fund the infrastructure Girl Scouts needs to expand their outdoor programming and continue its mission of "building girls of courage, confidence and character to make the world a better place."
"We couldn't be more appreciative of the campaign's lead donor, the John Deere Foundation," said Marie Ziegler, campaign chair. "This generous donation, combined with strong contributions from the Riverboat Development Authority and the Hunt and Diane Harris Family Foundation, shows unyielding support from the community for the work we do to build tomorrow's leaders."
"The John Deere Foundation is delighted to provide a lead gift in support of the Girl Scouts' capital campaign and their mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We're pleased that with our support, the Girl Scouts can continue to provide unique and educational outdoor experiences at Camp Conestoga for girls of all backgrounds." Mara Sovey, president, John Deere Foundation.
"We are also incredibly grateful for the 100 percent giving participation in the campaign by members of our board of directors, the campaign steering committee and our staff," said Diane Nelson, CEO, Girls Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. "By enhancing the current facilities and making the camp accessible to all girls, we ensure every girl has the opportunity to embark on the odyssey to becoming a strong leader."
Because of its proximity to 75 percent of members, the camp in New Liberty was chosen to be the premier residential camp for the council, providing year-round activities and experiences.
To make sure girls start their outdoor journeys with strong, confident steps, the organization will renovate and develop the New Liberty camp in three phases:
- Phase one includes building a new, climate-controlled lodge for year-round use; building adjoining cabins; updating facilities for American Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance and safety; updating the equestrian area; and providing an entry road, parking lot and accompanying infrastructure
- Phase two includes building cabins and a troop house and updating pavilions and activity areas
- Phase three includes building new activity areas and improving the lake and zip line
For the thousands of girls enrolling in outdoor programs, there aren't enough overnight facilities to meet the demand. And, the New Liberty camp currently does not have the buildings and resources needed to provide year-round programs. With these renovations, any girl or parent can enjoy camp regardless of climate or accessibility.
The council has a total of four camps that serve as starting points for girls to begin their leadership development. The other three camps will continue to be used for day camps, troop activities and council events.
"Girl Scouts has a long, rich history of outdoor programming. Experiences such as zip lining, canoeing and horseback riding are fun, but more than that, they build courage; they build confidence; and they build character," said Nelson. "Through the outdoors, girls are exposed to challenges that require teamwork, problem-solving and decision-making to overcome obstacles and build character."
"We are very thankful for all of the donations we have already received," said Ziegler. "By kicking off the Outdoor Odyssey campaign today, we hope the excitement will continue to build and will motivate others throughout our council to give."
Ziegler encouraged people to consider creative ways to give to the project, stating that people can make cash gifts or pledges, gifts of grain, stock or life insurance, or explore utilizing IRA rollover funds.
For more information, or to make a donation to the Outdoor Odyssey capital campaign, please call 800-798-0833 or visit www.GirlScoutsToday.org.
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