Closed Today
All service centers and shops will be closed today for Labor Day. Orders can still be placed online and through our GSCP2P Shop Order Form.
A Message from Our CEO
Greetings! As announced at the Volunteer Conference, we are undergoing a Property Assessment to determine repairs, maintenance and safety of all three of our camp properties. I want to take this opportunity to share an update.
During the week of August 18, a contracted Property Assessment team, including two structural engineers, visited all three of our camp properties. This was an important first step in understanding exactly what our properties need in order to continue serving our girls and volunteers well.
The structural engineers were able to communicate obvious issues, and we have taken several sites “off-line” that are clear safety hazards. Further, the engineers will be returning to all camps for closer inspections of several structures.
So, what happens next?
First, we will begin to compile a list of issues that need remediation and a high-level estimate to do repairs. This will be a long process and has already begun.
Second, the Property Assessment team will be sending out a survey so you can share your thoughts about what property needs matter most to you, if any, and where your priorities lie for Girl Scout programming. It is important to hear your voice to determine where to focus not only our attention but our financial resources.
Third, our Property Assessment company will be conducting focus groups with both volunteers and girls. If you’d like to participate in an in-person focus group, you can sign up using this link.
And finally, the full Property Assessment report is expected to be completed in December of 2025 and will be delivered to the volunteers of the Board Property Committee.
Thank you for being part of this important process and we will be updating you regularly to keep you informed of the progress. In the meantime, here are some updates for each property after this initial assessment:
Camp Ginger Cascades
- Dining Hall: Unusable, unsafe decking, roof issues (assessment pending)
- Rainbow & Rocky Ridge: Decking issues and egress not safe for children from cabins
- Hilltop: Roof damage causing mold, shelter with roof issues
- Mushroom: New building almost complete; bathhouse not renovated until further inspection. Basement units of Mushroom are for storage only. Egress of old Mushroom building being assessed. Mushroom shelter with decking and roof issues
- Roof issues at most unit shelters
- Mary Leach: Structural issues found on docks and decking.
- Pool not able to be opened.
- Aiming to open Challenge Course & Archery Range for day use this fall.
Camp Pisgah
- Water failed inspection (bacteria, not E. coli) – Current assessment is water lines are not buried deep enough and an estimate on burying all water lines is pending.
- Roof issues at most cabins and shelters – need additional structural assessment
- Decking issues at troop house
- Decking issues throughout the camp
- Treehouse unit offline due to unsafe conditions
- Pool not able to pass inspection currently
- Water leak in Westfeld – assessment underway
- Lightning strike damaged Internet; electrical repairs needed
- Whippoorwill is deemed unsafe and is offline
- Site closed to girls until water issue resolved, and structural evaluation is finalized with egress issues addressed
Keyauwee Program Center
New & Improved:
- 5 NEW canvas tents brought from Ginger Cascades
- Maintenance building (replacement)
- New deck at Caraway
- New septic pump installed last week
- $105K dining hall roof (in progress due to be completed in the next few weeks)
- New Fire alarm system in dining hall
- Major water line leaks and issues repaired this summer
Still Needed:
- Horse lean-to structures
- Assessment & repair for offline areas:
- Apache, Chippawa, Comanche Units (minus large building at Comanche)
- Amphitheater Stage – unsafe structural issues
- Bathroom near Amphitheater Stage
- Sally Williamson – structural issues and animal issues as well as leaks from bath
- Nature Center – mold removal and floor replacement
- Boat Dock – structural issue needs remediation
- Dining hall retaining wall area
- Assessment of cabin egress more than 44 inches off ground
- Pole Barn destroyed by falling tree needs demolition and reconstruction
- Decking issues and repairs for several sites
- Rooftops all need additional assessment and many need remediation
- Bathhouse updates
Thank you for your understanding and patience during this process. Your support helps us keep our camps safe, welcoming and ready for the future. More updates coming soon!
Sincerely,
Kathryn Benison, Interim CEO
Last Week to Register for Girl Scouts Love State Parks
Every September, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend. We’ve partnered with several state parks in our footprint to bring family-friendly fun and unique experiences like learning how waterfalls are made, making nature art or even going on a night hike complete with s’mores! Find events on our calendar for unique activities at state parks near you and find more resources and the downloadable activity guide on our badges and patches webpage.
Last Week to Register for Keyauwee Program Center’s 80th Birthday
On Saturday, September 20, you can bring your family and friends to experience the outdoors and classic camp activities as we celebrate Keyauwee Program Center’s 80th Birthday. This milestone event honors the campers, alum and community who have made KPC a special place.
Meet Your BFF
The Fall Product program starts on September 15 and we want your vote to help name our Grizzly Bear mascot! Voting closes on September 12 and our new Brave. Fierce. Fun! mascot will be announced to kick off the program.
Get ready to start the troop year with great learning activities and easy start-up funds that support your Girl Scout adventures throughout the year. Girls can also take a sneak peek at the Fall Product recognition items that can be earned for their entreprenuerial success.
Destinations
Pack your curiosity and get ready for takeoff! Join us for an exciting virtual Adventure Awaits: Your Passport to Girl Scout Destinations! information session where you’ll explore the incredible travel opportunities available through Girl Scout Destinations. Whether you dream of hiking the Swiss Alps, diving into marine biology in the Florida Keys or immersing yourself in a new culture abroad, this session will help you chart your course. What’s in store? Inspiring stories from past travelers, tips on applying and making the most of your experience and a sneak peek at upcoming adventures. Don’t miss this chance to turn your travel dreams into reality- because the world is waiting, and so is your next great adventure!
Girl Scout Destinations is the ultimate adventure program for girls ages 11 and older. Meet Girl Scouts from across the nation as you explore new adventures, cultures and careers. Learn more about trips and our DPASS Scholarship to start making plans!
Bronze and Silver Reports Due
Have you been working on a Highest Award this year? If you’ve just graduated 5th grade or 8th grade, it’s time to submit your Girl Scout Bronze Award Final Report or your Girl Scout Silver Award Final Report if your Silver Award project has already been approved. Submitting your report by September 30 ensures your accomplishments are officially recognized and celebrated!
New GSCP2P Wants to Know Survey
Help our council get to our ideal destination by providing your valuable feedback to our new GSCP2P Wants to Know Survey.
Patch of the Month: Girl Scouts Love State Parks
It’s time to lead the way at your favorite state parks and help create a better planet for all! How? By heading out to explore your local state parks during this year’s Girls Scouts Love State Parks Weekend! Every year, on the second weekend of September, you can participate in self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing and more, all while fostering a clean environment for everyone to enjoy with Pick Up America.
Adult Volunteer Resources & Trainings
Let’s rally together for a great Girl Scout year ahead! Our council is excited to launch Rallyhood– our new, one-stop communication and collaboration tool. Tomorrow, Tuesday, September 2, 2025, Rallyhood will kick off by e-mailing troop leaders and service unit managers with invitations to join rallies specific to them. Feel free to start testing out the features in our Welcome Volunteers Rally and connecting on the message walls before our virtual Rallyhood Training on Thursday, September 18. We look forward to creating organized and engaging spaces for volunteers and families with you!
Upcoming Adult Programs:
Rooted in Adventure: 80 Years of Memories, Magic and Milestones at Keyauwee Program Center
Saturday, September 20
Sophia, NC
Register by September 8.
VIRTUAL: Basic Camping Skills License Renewal
Tuesday, September 23
Register by September 19.
VIRTUAL: Lead the Change: Highest Awards Info Night!
Monday, September 22
Register by September 8.
Leaderee: We’re Better Together
Friday, September 26 – Sunday, September 28
Sophia, NC
Register by September 8.
Trainfest: The Road to Oz
Friday, October 3 – Sunday, October 5
Brevard, NC
Register by September 12.
Upcoming Programs at a Glance.
Riding Instructor-In-Training Orientation
Saturday, September 6
Sophia, NC
Register by today!
Sawdust Sprint
Saturday, September 13
Winston-Salem, NC
Brownie Book Club at the Barn
Tuesday, September 16
Sophia, NC
Register by September 13.
Pony Pals
Thursday, September 18
Sophia, NC
Register by September 14.
Rooted in Adventure: 80 Years of Memories, Magic and Milestones at Keyauwee Program Center
Saturday, September 20
Sophia, NC
Register by September 8.
Remember the Magic: Me and My Guy Dance
Saturday, September 20
Hickory, NC
Register by September 17.
Teaching Leadership: Program Aide Award
Sunday, September 28
Greensboro, NC
Register by September 19.
Pony Pals
Thursday, October 2
Sophia, NC
Register by September 28.
No Horse? No Problem! – DIY Hobby Horse
Saturday, October 4
Sophia, NC
Register by September 28.
No Horse? No Problem! – Circle C Hobby Horse Classic – Horse Show
Saturday, October 4
Sophia, NC
Register by September 28.
VIRTUAL: Gold Award Training
Monday, October 6
Register by October 3.
VIRTUAL: Power of Me!
Tuesday, October 14
Register by October 3.
VIRTUAL: Safe Sitter: Safe@Home
Wednesday, October 15
Register by October 3.
VIRTUAL: Power of You(th) – Middle School
Thursday, October 16
Register by October 3.
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