Girl Scouts of North East Ohio Announces Exciting Changes at Camp Sugarbush
For 65 years, Camp Sugarbush has inspired girls through s’mores, songs, and more to help them experience the outdoors, connect with their peers and adult mentors, and try new things in a safe and supportive environment. Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) is committed to raise funds to invest in Camp Sugarbush, a green oasis located in Kinsman, Ohio (Trumbull County). GSNEO values and is investing in Camp Sugarbush, so that Girl Scouts in Mahoning Valley and surrounding areas can learn to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors with diverse and challenging experiences.
Recently, two local and dedicated volunteers, Mary Jeanine Pipino and Shelley Taylor, have helped GSNEO launch the Camp Sugarbush Revitalization Campaign, with plans to triple the size of the existing pond, build two pavilions and a dock, provide storage for boats, and set aside funds for volunteer and staff training and member events. The planned expansion will create a horseshoe-shaped pond to provide more opportunities for girls to learn boating maneuverability skills.
“Boating is just one of the unique activities that Girl Scout camp offers,” said Mary Jeanine, a campaign co-chair of the Revitalization Campaign. “By making these slight but impactful upgrades to the camp, we’re contributing to the future of Girl Scout outdoor education. Boating helps girls build confidence in themselves and strengthens teamwork skills as they learn to paddle canoes, kayaks, and rowboats with certified facilitators. We’re excited to enable more girls to have this opportunity with the camp’s upgrades.”
In addition to the Revitalization Campaign at Sugarbush, GSNEO welcomed seven AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps (NCCC) members, who will be living and working at Camp Sugarbush from May 6, 2021 to July 12, 2021. The team will assist the Camp Sugarbush Camp Manager, Doug Shaulis, in upkeep and maintenance to ensure the camp remains a safe and fun environment for girls. AmeriCorps NCCC is a program that engages 18-26-year-olds in team-based national and community service in the United States. The team will learn to perform tasks around camp such as trail maintenance, forestry, and building repair.
Girl Scout camp is open year-round for troops to visit and Sugarbush hosts over 2,000 Girl Scouts every year. With nearly 200 acres of land, Sugarbush features cabins, a dining hall, a swimming pool, low ropes course, archery range, astronomy building, sports court, and a pond for introductory canoeing. The camp hosts a multitude of outdoor opportunities for girls.
“Outdoor education is one of the four pillars of Girl Scouts,” said GSNEO Chief Executive Officer Jane Christyson. “We know that outdoor experiences can build a lifelong love of the environment, teach healthy habits, and foster strong leadership skills. We’re committed to continue providing a safe and clean camp for our girls.”
To support the Camp Sugarbush Revitalization Campaign or for more information please visit gsneo.org/sugarbush.
