Long Range Property Plan Update - February 2010

Long Range Property Plan

The LRPPC will present a recommendation for future property holdings and girl programs to the Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains Board of Directors by January of 2010.

The LRPPC will make a physical assessment of each facility; a program analysis of outdoor offerings for girls and how they support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience; and market research about the needs and wants of girls and adult volunteers in our jurisdiction.

The Process
Three sub-committees of the LRPP include Property, Program and Market Research. The Property Committee will report to the board their recommendations based on the work of the LRPP sub-committees. They will recommend how to maximize the use of these properties for the benefit of the girls and the long-range benefit of the council, including how much and which properties our council should own and maintain. The board will make any final decisions about the sale, acquisition, or changes in current property holdings.

Our Outdoor Philosophy
Our property holdings should support the philosophy that outdoor program offerings focus on leadership development; should provide safe and well-maintained facilities; should enhance our volunteer's experience taking into account time commitments, utilization of skills and customer satisfaction; and should be affordable and sustainable for the membership. The recommendations of the board will balance the rich and unmatched tradition Girl Scouts have for program and outdoor education along with the realities of our financial situation and the changing needs and wants of our girl membership.

Have a Question?
More information about our progress will be shared through The Runner, as well as updates to this page periodically.

Resources:
GS-TOP Property Map
Council Market Share Map
Parent Letter
Troop Leader Letter
Statement of Financial Activities
Q & A

Property Usage Changes

While the LRPPC is preparing for the long-term financial health of our property holdings, we will have to make some adjustments for the 2009-2010 membership year to balance our budget. Although partially subsidized by program revenues, grants, and gas revenue, there is still a large gap in property operating expenses vs. revenue – in excess of $700,000 annually. The following short term property plan was presented to and approved by the Board of Directors.

Modified Use

Camp Kiwanis (Amarillo Region) Is available only for primitive camping and Ropes/Challenge Courses from September 2009 to May 2010. Resident camp will be held as scheduled for the summer of 2010.

Camp Rio Blanco (Lubbock Region) Is open for council-sponsored events, service unit events, adult learning courses and troop camping from September 2009 to May 2010. Will be rested the summer of 2010. A special effort will be made to encourage girls who attended resident camp at CRB, to attend camp at Camp Kiwanis, Camp Timberlake and Stevens Ranch.

Camp Timberlake (Fort Worth Region) Is available only for primitive camping and Ropes/Challenge Courses from September 2009 to May 2010. Resident camp will be held as scheduled for the summer of 2010.

“Rest” (these properties not available for use from September 2009 to August 2010)

Morrison Lodge (Fort Worth Region)

Will be closed unless additional funding is obtained

Clarendon Service Center (Amarillo Region)
Guymon Service Center (Amarillo Region)

Click here for more information and the Property Use FAQs.