By Gary Lloyd
TRUSSVILLE — The first resident camp since Camp Coleman rested in May 2013 was held last week.
The Miss Fix-It Camp was hosted by the Friends of Camp Coleman at the Trussville camp.
Attendees helped to make repairs to the camp, painting structures, and learning how to use tools and equipment
Girl Scouts also participated in traditional camp activities such as canoeing, hiking and cooking.
Camp Coleman in Trussville
file photo by Gary Lloyd
The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama last month developed a three-year strategic plan to guide it as it continues into the second century of Girl Scouting. The plan was developed over the past year in partnership with Clarus Consulting. More than 500 stakeholders including girl members, adult volunteers, staff members, community partners, funders and organizational leadership were engaged to form the plan.
Four goals were developed during the planning process to ensure Girl Scouting keeps a clear vision and remains relevant in an ever-changing world.
“Our world is undergoing exciting changes,” said GSNCA Board of Directors President Sarah Edwards. “It is important to not see them as hindrances. Instead, we embrace them to keep Girl Scouting relevant.”
The plan focuses on developing the council’s financial resources, including a new property plan and technology plan; its community and partnerships by focusing on transparency and communication; membership growth and retention by strengthening girl program opportunities and professional development efforts; and organizational development by ensuring stable leadership, all-region support and by encouraging a philanthropic culture.
“The goals from our strategic plan will help us meet girls where they are,” Edwards said. “Every girl can benefit from the leadership Girl Scouting cultivates. We have always been instrumental in giving girls the opportunities they deserve, and now we are better equipped to continue doing this well into the future.”
Task forces have already begun to implement the plan’s different areas. GSNCA Communications Manager Robyn Tucker said four committees were formed based on the priority areas of the plan.
“There are volunteers, board members and staff sitting on each one,” Tucker said. “Each committee will form tactics to accomplish the overall strategic plan over a three-year period.”
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. 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.
The board of directors on Nov. 20, 2013 unanimously approved a resolution to allow the closed and rested camps to be re-opened on a limited use basis. “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. Camp Coleman re-opened Jan. 15 on a “limited use” basis.
Camp Coleman, in continuous since 1925, 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.
