By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — Camp Gertrude Coleman in Trussville re-opened Wednesday for use on a “limited use” basis for Girl Scouts troop camping.
Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Communications Coordinator Robyn Tucker said one troop is scheduled to attend the camp in March and another in May.
The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Board of Directors on Nov. 20 unanimously approved a resolution to allow the closed and rested camps to be re-opened on a limited use basis.
The Girl Scouts camps will remain open pending the outcome of the re-evaluation and strategic planning process. The camps included are Camp Coleman in Trussville, Camp Anderel in Florence, Camp Tombigbee in west Alabama and Camp Trico in Guntersville.
“Limited use” means that no staff, instructors or services will be provided and that troops will be responsible for bringing their own equipment and supplies.
The Board of Directors in May 2013 approved an amendment to its three-phase property plan, which rested Camp Coleman instead of closing it permanently. At the May 9, 2012, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama Board of Directors meeting, a 13-4 board vote approved of divesting the Camp Coleman property as part of Phase 2 of the group’s property plan.
Camp Coleman in June 2012 was favorably reviewed and listed on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage by the Alabama Historical Commission. A historical marker was unveiled near the bridge at the camp’s entrance in early 2013. The marker was dedicated in remembrance of all the “courageous women who established this site and those who sustained it over the years so that girls could enjoy the benefits of camping envisioned by (Girl Scouts founder) Juliette Low,” according to the marker.
Camp Coleman, in continuous use for nearly 89 years, consists of 34 wooden structures and outbuildings constructed between 1925 and 1994.
Contact Gary Lloyd at news@trussvilletribune.com and follow him on Twitter @GaryALloyd.