I am not sure if this is a correct forum to post this, but I figured I'd give it a try.
I recently learned that Girl Scouts Mile-High Council, Denver Colorado is going to sell off Flying 'G' Ranch, Colorado's first Girl Scout camp. The following is a letter I sent to the presedent of GSMHC respectifully disagreeing with this decision.
If any of you feel the same way, I urge you to write too and let GSMHC know the importance of Flying 'G' ranch to Girl Scouting.
Thanks for your time!
TO:
Jean Jones
President Girl Scouts Mile High Council
400 S. Broadway
Denver, CO 80209
Ms. Jones,
It has recently come to my attention that the Girl Scouts - Mile High
Council is planning on selling the Flying 'G' Ranch. I am deeply saddened at
this prospect. I am a Gold Award recipient, and have been a Girl Scout and
avid volunteer since 1986. Girl scouting has played a central role in
shaping me as a woman and a key part of that role was Flying 'G' Ranch.
In 1996 at the 50th anniversary of Flying 'G' Ranch, I had the honor of
interviewing and recording memories and stories from women who were Girl
Scouts in the early days of Colorado scouting. I was amazed to learn
what an impact Flying 'G' had on these pioneers of Girl Scouting. I was also
proud to be entrusted with such a treasure and to be part of the rich legacy that is Flying 'G'.
Flying 'G' was purchased on July 4, 1946 and was the first Girl Scout
camp in Colorado. In June 1975, two structures, the Homestead House and barn at
Flying 'G' were placed on the list of historic sites with the Jefferson
County State Register of Historic Places. To sell this rare historic site
would be an abuse of the guardianship with which this generation of Girl Scouts
has been entrusted. It would be my hope that the GSMHC would lead the way
in honoring and preserving our history.
To keep Flying 'G' Ranch makes sense not only historically, but on a
business front as well. The article in the September 26, 2005 edition of The
Denver Post never states why Flying 'G' must be sacrificed to build another
campsite. The few reasons that were cited for selling Flying 'G' are ill founded
and make very little logical sense.
The article states that, "the camp is too small". With a growing
demand, it makes sense to keep facilities we already have. It is very short
sighted in the face of swift growing demands, to rid ourselves of established
campsites. By keeping Flying 'G', GSMHC would not only be better equipped to
accommodate more campers, it would potentially save money in the future by utilizing the excellent facilities we already have on hand. It should be remembered that part the Girl Scout Laws states to do one's best to "use resources wisely".
The article also states that that the camp is too seasonal. This is as
would be expected for a camp in the Rocky Mountains. Not only is this part of
the beauty of Flying 'G', this fact would decrease staff and other related
expenditures greatly during the off months, making Flying 'G' relatively
cheap to maintain.
My sister Girl Scouts and I were greatly relieved to learn that our
beloved camp had not been destroyed by the Hayman fire. I am disheartened to
learn that the destruction of Flying 'G' will come not from nature, but from
the administrators of GSMHC itself.
I oppose this sale. It is a grave mistake and a great disservice to all
Colorado Girl Scouts past, present and future. I strongly urge this
decision be reconsidered.
Yours in Service.