How are Girl Scouts adapting to changing needs. What properties are being sold by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Why is the organization selling these properties. How will this impact scout activities.
Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana: Property Sale Overview
The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana are making strategic moves in the real estate market. As part of an ongoing assessment of their properties, the organization has put several key locations up for sale. This decision comes as the council aims to adapt to the changing needs of their members and address financial challenges.
Properties on the Market
- Friendship Center: A 32-acre camp in Country Club Hills
- Meeting and activity center in Homewood
- Meeting and activity center in Merrillville
- Camp Pokanoka: A 260-acre camp in LaSalle County
- Camp River Trails: A 136-acre camp in LaSalle County
These properties were listed for sale at the end of December, and while there has been significant interest, no purchase offers have been made as of yet.
Reasons Behind the Property Sales
The decision to sell these properties stems from several factors:
- Underutilization of facilities
- Significant deferred maintenance issues
- High costs associated with property ownership
- Changing preferences and needs of Girl Scouts
Vicki King, vice president of programs and property for the council, explained that some facilities, like Friendship Center, lack amenities such as outdoor sleeping facilities and commercial kitchens. “It just doesn’t lend itself to the kind of experience girls are looking for,” she stated.
Financial Challenges and Property Maintenance
The Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana have faced financial hurdles in recent years. The 2008 merger of seven Girl Scout councils coincided with the onset of a recession, putting a financial strain on the organization. From 2010 to 2015, the council lacked the resources to invest in necessary repairs and improvements.
Currently, the estimated cost for needed repairs and updates at camps and other facilities exceeds $30 million. This substantial figure has prompted the organization to reevaluate its property holdings and consider alternative solutions.
Impact on Scout Activities and Future Plans
Despite the property sales, the Girl Scouts assure that activities will continue at the sites being offered for sale. Summer camp registration is proceeding as planned, starting on the Monday following the announcement.
To replace the Homewood and Merrillville gathering places, which also house scout retail shops, the council has begun searching for leased spaces in northwest Indiana and south Cook County. This shift from property ownership to leasing is part of the organization’s strategy to reduce costs and increase flexibility.
Adapting to Changing Needs: The Girl Scouts’ Vision
Julie Somogyi, council vice president of member and mission engagement, emphasized that the goal of selling properties is not to reduce opportunities for girls but to enhance what is currently offered. The organization is focused on adapting to the evolving “wants and desires” of the scouts.
Vicki King reinforced this sentiment, stating, “We are doing this so we can serve the girls. We want to make sure we are relevant and around for the next 100 years.”
Investments in Remaining Properties
While some properties are being sold, the Girl Scouts have invested in improving their remaining facilities. In the past three years, the council has spent approximately $7 million on upgrades. A notable example is the addition of a High Adventure Course at Camp Butternut Springs, which includes zip lining, high ropes, and a climbing tower.
Retained Properties
- Camp Palos: An 80-acre camp in Palos Park
- Camp Greene Wood in Woodridge
- Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso
These retained properties will continue to serve as key locations for Girl Scout activities and programs.
The Broader Context: Girl Scouts and Property Management
The decision by the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana to sell some of their properties reflects a broader trend in nonprofit organizations. Many are reassessing their real estate holdings to better align with their mission and financial realities.
For the Girl Scouts, this process involves balancing tradition with innovation. While camps and outdoor experiences have long been a cornerstone of the scouting experience, the organization recognizes the need to evolve with the times.
Challenges Faced by Youth Organizations
- Changing interests of young people
- Competition from other extracurricular activities
- Financial pressures on families
- Maintenance costs of aging facilities
By addressing these challenges head-on, the Girl Scouts aim to remain relevant and continue their mission of empowering young women.
Community Impact and Reactions
The sale of Girl Scout properties, particularly beloved camps, often elicits strong reactions from the community. Former scouts, volunteers, and local residents may have emotional connections to these spaces, viewing them as important parts of their personal histories and community landmarks.
How are communities responding to the news of these property sales? While specific reactions to the Chicago and Northwest Indiana sales have not been detailed, similar situations in other regions have seen:
- Petitions to save camps from being sold
- Fundraising efforts to maintain properties
- Proposals for alternative uses that preserve some public access
- Discussions about the cultural and environmental value of these spaces
Organizations like the Girl Scouts must navigate these community sentiments while making decisions that ensure their long-term sustainability.
The Future of Girl Scout Programs
As the Girl Scouts adapt their property portfolio, how will this impact their programming? The organization emphasizes that these changes are aimed at enhancing, not diminishing, opportunities for scouts. Some potential developments include:
- Increased focus on STEM activities
- More urban and suburban day camp options
- Partnerships with other organizations for outdoor experiences
- Greater emphasis on leadership and entrepreneurship programs
- Expanded use of technology in scouting activities
By freeing up resources currently tied to underutilized properties, the Girl Scouts may be able to invest in new, innovative programs that resonate with today’s youth.
Balancing Tradition and Innovation
How can the Girl Scouts maintain their core values and traditions while adapting to modern needs? This question is at the heart of the organization’s strategy. Some approaches might include:
- Incorporating traditional scouting skills into new, tech-savvy formats
- Preserving the most beloved and well-used outdoor spaces
- Creating virtual experiences that complement in-person activities
- Developing programs that address contemporary issues faced by young women
The goal is to honor the rich history of Girl Scouting while ensuring its relevance for future generations.
Environmental and Conservation Considerations
The sale of large parcels of land, such as the camps being offered by the Girl Scouts, raises important environmental questions. These properties often serve as habitats for local wildlife and contribute to the preservation of natural spaces in increasingly developed areas.
What environmental factors are considered in the sale of these properties? Responsible organizations typically take steps to address these concerns, such as:
- Seeking buyers committed to conservation
- Placing conservation easements on the properties before sale
- Partnering with land trusts or environmental organizations
- Considering partial development plans that preserve significant natural areas
The outcome of these sales could have lasting impacts on local ecosystems and green spaces, making it a matter of interest not just for the Girl Scouts, but for the broader community and environmental advocates.
Financial Implications for the Girl Scouts Organization
The sale of properties represents a significant financial decision for the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. Understanding the financial implications helps contextualize the organization’s choices.
How will the property sales impact the Girl Scouts’ financial health? Several factors come into play:
- Immediate influx of funds from property sales
- Reduction in ongoing maintenance and operation costs
- Potential for reinvestment in programs and remaining facilities
- Shift from capital-intensive property ownership to more flexible leasing arrangements
While the short-term financial boost from property sales can be substantial, the long-term sustainability of the organization depends on how these funds are managed and reinvested.
Budgeting for the Future
How do nonprofit organizations like the Girl Scouts plan for long-term financial stability? Some strategies include:
- Diversifying revenue streams beyond traditional fundraising
- Investing in efficiency-improving technologies
- Building endowments to provide ongoing financial support
- Developing partnerships to share costs and resources
By carefully managing the proceeds from property sales and implementing sound financial strategies, the Girl Scouts aim to secure their ability to serve future generations of young women.
The Role of Volunteers and Community Support
Girl Scouts, like many youth organizations, rely heavily on volunteers and community support. The decision to sell properties and potentially change the nature of some programs may affect these crucial relationships.
How can the Girl Scouts maintain strong volunteer engagement during this transition? Some approaches might include:
- Clear communication about the reasons for and benefits of the changes
- Involving volunteers in the planning process for new programs
- Providing training and support for volunteers adapting to new roles
- Recognizing and honoring the contributions of long-time volunteers
- Creating new volunteer opportunities that align with the evolving needs of the organization
The success of the Girl Scouts’ adaptation will depend in large part on their ability to keep their volunteer base engaged and motivated.
Building New Community Partnerships
As the Girl Scouts reshape their property holdings and programs, there may be opportunities to forge new community partnerships. These could include:
- Collaborations with schools for after-school programs
- Partnerships with local businesses for mentorship and career exploration
- Joint initiatives with other youth organizations
- Engagement with community centers and parks for outdoor activities
By expanding their network of community support, the Girl Scouts can continue to provide rich experiences for their members even as they adapt their physical footprint.
Looking Ahead: The Evolution of Youth Organizations
The changes underway at the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana reflect broader trends in youth organizations. As society evolves, these groups must find ways to remain relevant and appealing to new generations.
What might the future hold for organizations like the Girl Scouts? Some possibilities include:
- Increased focus on digital literacy and online safety
- Programs addressing global issues like climate change and social justice
- More flexible membership models to accommodate busy schedules
- Greater emphasis on career readiness and entrepreneurship
- Expansion of international exchange and cultural awareness programs
By staying attuned to the needs and interests of young people, organizations like the Girl Scouts can continue to play a vital role in shaping future leaders and engaged citizens.
Measuring Success in a Changing Landscape
How will the Girl Scouts and similar organizations measure their success as they evolve? Some key indicators might include:
- Membership retention and growth
- Participant satisfaction and personal development outcomes
- Community impact and recognition
- Financial sustainability and efficient resource use
- Alignment with contemporary skills and values
By focusing on these metrics, youth organizations can ensure that they are not just surviving, but thriving and making a meaningful difference in the lives of young people.
As the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana navigate this period of change, their experiences will likely provide valuable insights for other youth-focused organizations facing similar challenges. The balance they strike between honoring tradition and embracing innovation will shape the future of scouting and youth development in the region and beyond.
Girl Scouts selling more than cookies as Country Club Hills camp, properties in Homewood and Merrillville, go on market
This is the time of year when Girl Scouts in the Chicago area are in full cookie sale mode, but apart from the sweet treats, the scouts’ umbrella organization is also looking to move some real estate.
As part of an ongoing assessment of properties it owns, the Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana has put on the market Friendship Center, a 32-acre camp in Country Club Hills, and meeting and activity centers at 1005 175th St., Homewood and at 8600 Broadway in Merrillville.
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With summer camp registration starting Monday, the council said activities will continue to be held at sites being offered for sale.
Part of the asset review strategy is to get out from under the costs of owning property, with plans to replace the Homewood and Merrillville service centers with leased space, according to the council.
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The nonprofit said those two properties and Friendship Center, east of Interstate 57 and north of 183rd Street, are targeted for sale in part because they’re underused or have “significant deferred maintenance issues.
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Abutting residential areas west of Cicero Avenue, Friendship Center includes a large multipurpose room and kitchen, outdoor picnic shelter, hiking trails and parking for 100 vehicles, according to the council.
Friendship Center, a 32-acre Girl Scout camp in Country Club Hills, is among properties being offered for sale by Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana. (Mike Nolan / Daily Southtown)
Major drawbacks for the camp, however, are a lack of amenities such as outdoor sleeping facilities and a commercial kitchen, said Vicki King, vice president of programs and property for the council.
“It just doesn’t lend itself to the kind of experience girls are looking for,” she said.
The Chicago-area council, formed through the 2008 merger of seven Girl Scout councils in Illinois and northwest Indiana, noted that the tab for needed repairs and updates at camps and other facilities exceeds $30 million.
Along with the Country Club Hills, Homewood and Merrillville properties, the council is offering for sale the 260-acre Camp Pokanoka and 136-acre Camp River Trails, both in LaSalle County.
The council also operates the 80-acre Camp Palos in Palos Park, Camp Greene Wood in Woodridge and Camp Butternut Springs in Valparaiso.
The council noted that the 2008 merger occurred just as the country was slipping into a recession and, like many other nonprofits, it put a financial squeeze on the scouts.
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From 2010 until 2015, the council said, it didn’t have the financial resources to invest in needed repairs or improvements at its properties. In the last three years, the council said, it has regained its financial footing and has spent about $7 million to make upgrades.
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For example, at the 300-acre Camp Butternut Springs, the council last summer finished a High Adventure Course that includes zip lining, high ropes and a climbing tower.
The properties being offered were listed for sale at the end of December and the council is working with real estate brokers. There has been “a lot of interest and activity” regarding the sites, but no purchase offers, King said.
To replace the Homewood and Merrillville gathering places, which also have scout retail shops, the council has begun looking for leased space in northwest Indiana and south Cook County, she said.
In looking to shed properties, the council’s goal is not about reducing opportunities for girls but rather to augment what is now offered, Julie Somogyi, council vice president of member and mission engagement, said.
Noting the Girl Scouts have been in existence for more than a century, King said the council is adapting to the changing “wants and desires” of the scouts.
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“We are doing this so we can serve the girls,” she said. “We want to make sure we are relevant and around for the next 100 years.”
mnolan@tribpub.
com
Apache2 Debian Default Page: It works
Apache2 Debian Default Page
This is the default welcome page used to test the correct
operation of the Apache2 server after installation on Debian systems.
If you can read this page, it means that the Apache HTTP server installed at
this site is working properly. You should replace this file (located at
/var/www/html/index.html) before continuing to operate your HTTP server.
If you are a normal user of this web site and don’t know what this page is
about, this probably means that the site is currently unavailable due to
maintenance.
If the problem persists, please contact the site’s administrator.
Debian’s Apache2 default configuration is different from the
upstream default configuration, and split into several files optimized for
interaction with Debian tools.
The configuration system is
fully documented in
/usr/share/doc/apache2/README.Debian.gz. Refer to this for the full
documentation. Documentation for the web server itself can be
found by accessing the manual if the apache2-doc
package was installed on this server.
The configuration layout for an Apache2 web server installation on Debian systems is as follows:
/etc/apache2/
|-- apache2.conf
| `-- ports.conf
|-- mods-enabled
| |-- *.load
| `-- *.conf
|-- conf-enabled
| `-- *.conf
|-- sites-enabled
| `-- *.conf
- apache2.conf is the main configuration
file. It puts the pieces together by including all remaining configuration
files when starting up the web server. - ports.
conf is always included from the
main configuration file. It is used to determine the listening ports for
incoming connections, and this file can be customized anytime. - Configuration files in the mods-enabled/,
conf-enabled/ and sites-enabled/ directories contain
particular configuration snippets which manage modules, global configuration
fragments, or virtual host configurations, respectively. - They are activated by symlinking available
configuration files from their respective
*-available/ counterparts. These should be managed
by using our helpersa2enmod,
a2dismod,a2ensite,
a2dissite,and
a2enconf,
a2disconf
. See their respective man pages for detailed information. - The binary is called apache2. Due to the use of
environment variables, in the default configuration, apache2 needs to be
started/stopped with /etc/init.d/apache2 or apache2ctl.
Calling /usr/bin/apache2 directly will not work with the
default configuration.
conf is always included from the
See their respective man pages for detailed information. By default, Debian does not allow access through the web browser to
any file apart of those located in /var/www,
public_html
directories (when enabled) and /usr/share (for web
applications). If your site is using a web document root
located elsewhere (such as in /srv) you may need to whitelist your
document root directory in /etc/apache2/apache2.
conf.
The default Debian document root is /var/www/html. You
can make your own virtual hosts under /var/www. This is different
to previous releases which provides better security out of the box.
Please use the reportbug tool to report bugs in the
Apache2 package with Debian. However, check existing bug reports before reporting a new bug.
Please report bugs specific to modules (such as PHP and others)
to respective packages, not to the web server itself.
Children’s health camp “Tsiolkovsky”
Will the children be bored in the children’s camp?
Of course
well, no! A fairly dense entertainment program awaits all vacationers,
which includes diverse events: concerts, animation programs,
contests, shows with prizes and gifts. Every day there are at least 3
entertainment programs, so there will definitely not be time to be bored.
How are counselors recruited?
Counselors
undergo a rigorous selection and participate in a serious competition.
To apply for the competition, they need to collect the entire package
necessary documents, including a sanitary book and a certificate of absence
criminal record. Recommended for work counselors with experience of at least 5 shifts, with
pedagogical or related education, from 20 years old (course not lower than 3rd). Every
undergoes individual interviews and group trainings in game technology and
child psychology.
My child is going to camp for the first time! How can I help him deal with anxiety?
here
the main thing is not to panic yourself, but rather to aim the child for a great rest and positive emotions. From experience, I can say that
the first three days of the child’s stay in the camp become especially difficult, so
called the adaptation period. Next – he merges into a new one for himself
team, and in symbiosis with employment, the desired effect is achieved.
And, of course, specially
trained counselors will help your child cope with this!
What kind of connection catches in the forest? Will the child be able to constantly be in touch?
On the “Territory of Childhood” in the NJSC “Sanatorium Tsiolkovsky” the network of MegaFON and MTS is excellent. Also, the child has the opportunity to use the free WiFi network, the point of which is located in the House of Creativity, so the child can always be in touch. If his phone is turned off, you can safely call any counselor!
It should be noted that the Administration of the Children’s Camp is not responsible for lost phones and gadgets. It is recommended to instruct the child before arrival on the use of the phone.
Do I need to give money with me?
This is not at all necessary. In the Sanatorium “Tsiolkovsky” six meals a day, compiled by a professional diet nurse. The child will definitely not be hungry.
However, there is a Cafe at the base where you can buy mineral water, pastries, chocolate; souvenir shop, photo studio and other additional services.
Is it possible to drive to the camp site by car?
Access to the territory of the children’s health center by motor transport is FORBIDDEN. When visiting children, ONLY parents (legal representatives of the child) enter the territory free of charge, other visitors pay for their stay on the territory of the DOL.
How are children settled?
Who can visit the child?
According to the recommendations of Rospotrebnadzor, unfortunately, Parents’ Days and visits to children have been temporarily canceled.
Ask a question
Svetlana Mikhailova: “The main thing is the result!”
#LIFE_INCAMP
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« Komandor Camp » are narrow-profile programs for children and adolescents, where children can not only relax, but also gain new knowledge, master one of several areas they like or improve existing skills. And looking at the head of this camp – Svetlana Mikhailova – I want to quote the hero Vladimir Etush from the film “Prisoner of the Caucasus”: “… a Komsomol member, an athlete, finally she is just a beauty.” Meet the Chief Commander of Camp Komandor Camp “- Svetlana Mikhailova!
-Tell us about your organization, what is its main value?
-The most important value that a child receives after our camp is the result. It is achieved by daily activities, complete immersion in the direction. For example, in just 10 days of the equestrian camp, beginner children undergo basic riding training, and in the winter ski camp, children can easily master skiing or snowboarding from scratch and learn how to ride freely and safely.
For guys who have already arrived with basic skills or with more experience, there is always an opportunity to improve and learn something new in any direction of the camp. So, for example, already trained guys who get into the MOTO camp improve their off-road riding skills with hard enduro elements.
– Who or what had the greatest influence on you at the stage of formation?
-Most likely, a series of events in life. At a certain period of my life, I got acquainted with the children’s association, became its active participant. There, every camp, every trip of the children’s club was aimed at ensuring that the guys were responsible for the common cause and each other, helped and supported, were a team. And of course, despite the fact that we ourselves were children, it was possible to create events, concerts, social events and, after the camp, implement them for our area. This is a very unifying factor and the most important thing is that the guys had a common goal and, of course, the result of their work, in the form of holding this event.
That’s why when we thought
“Commander”, we wanted to create such
a space where the child could not only relax, but return home with a new
passion, with a sense of pride that he was able to overcome himself and achieve
result.
-Tell us about your favorite book. Why did you choose her?
-I chose for a long time between “Pollyanna” by the American writer Eleanor Porter and between “Winnie the Pooh” by Alan Alexander Milne, still let it be “Winnie the Pooh”.
Although
the philosophy of these heroes is very similar: both Pollyana and Winnie the Pooh are fierce fighters with difficulties. For them no
impossible, because if it happens
something bad, you can always say, “That’s lucky, but it could have been more
and worse.”
Character
Winnie the Pooh is cheerful, sociable, he is always ready to help. We are on
in our programs, we also try to give children the understanding that everything that is with us
happens, we create ourselves and form an attitude to everything that happens, too
us, not someone else.
The main thing is not to be afraid of difficulties, but to be able to perceive them correctly. As he says
Winnie the Pooh: “I always end up where I went, leaving where I was.”
-If you were writing a book about your life, what line would it start with? What would it be called?
– Title – “When we become children.” And here is the beginning:
“…
All children and adults need to dream more often, but more, of course, it is necessary
adults, children are not deprived of this feeling anyway…”
-What inspires you in life and work?
– The result and the opportunity to make it even better. Happy kids and happy parents. The opportunity to open up new ways for children to develop.
-What helps a woman – a leader in making serious decisions?
– “The main thing is calmness and only calmness,” as Carlson said.
-Being a camp leader is a big responsibility.
How do you deal with accumulated fatigue and stress?
– Stress and fatigue come from endless administrative work, you need to be able to switch and not get hung up on the constant solution of current tasks.
Sometimes
it is useful to switch and become at least for a day also a child, this opens up a lot of new things for yourself.
Here,
for example, we have now returned from the winter ski shift from Sochi. Usually, I go there to solve a bunch of
administrative issues, but this time I decided that I really need to understand that
happens with the children inside, how to make our program even better for them. AND
so, having been snowboarding for many years, I go straight to the group to my
for beginners to skiers and with them from scratch side by side, I master alpine skiing.
This
charge of emotions, was not for a long time. At the end of the shift, I could proudly say
to the guys that they have perfectly mastered the course, which, by the way, is taught even
ski instructors.
