The Lowdown Alum Newsletter // Summer-Fall 2019
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY, AMAHAMI & TREFOIL! GSNYPENN celebrates 90 years of Girl Scouts building their outdoor leadership skills and camping at Amahami and 70 years at Trefoil in 2019. We hope you can join us at upcoming celebrations in recognition of these amazing milestones!
DON’T MISS THESE EVENTS! 70th Birthday Celebration at Trefoil Amahami’s 90th Anniversary Celebration & Harvest Fest Amahami-themed tree at Home for the Holidays at Roberson Museum & Science Center Pictured: One of the new cabins at Amahami!
Dear Friends of Girl Scouting, Is it really almost October?! What an amazing member year we’ve had! I’m excited to share all the wonderful things that have been taking shape here at Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways since you last received our alum newsletter. We hosted another successful Women of Distinction event in Binghamton, NY in March and raised over $15,000 for our GSNYPENN Gold Award Girl Scout Scholarship Program. Women of Distinction are an exceptional group who exhibit outstanding leadership that embodies the Girl Scout mission. This year we honored SUNY Broome Professor Margherita Rossi, a champion of female leadership both personally and professionally. In June, we celebrated the 10th anniversary of GSNYPENN’s chartering with a special camporee at Wellesley Island State Park in the Thousand Islands region. We could not have ordered more beautiful weather for the girls, troops, adult volunteers and alums in attendance! Our council’s History and Archives Committee provided a magnificent exhibit in tribute to the five Legacy Councils that make up GSNYPENN: Central New York, Foothills, Indian Hills, Seven Lakes and Thousand Islands. Visitors enjoyed seeing pictures and memorabilia from those special times in our Girl Scout history. I hope you enjoy reading through this latest newsletter. Please pay special attention to upcoming activities, events and Save the Dates—like Amahami’s 90th and Trefoil’s 70th anniversary celebrations. Be sure to check out information about the new capital project at Amahami and, of course, our Torch Bearer Profile on Girl Scout alum Jane Sullivan Spellman. I continue to make my way across council and welcome calls and emails from anyone wishing to connect with us! Yours in Girl Scouting,
Torchbearer Profile: Jane Sulliva Jane Sullivan Spellman of Utica, NY, was recently presented with her 80-year Girl Scout membership pin by GSNYPENN CEO Julie Dale. An accomplished historical society executive and published author, Spellman edited two volumes of “Women Belong in History Books: Herkimer and Oneida Counties, New York, 1700-1950” in 2015 JANE SULLIVAN SPELLMAN and 2016. The books are a collection of biographical essays about notable women in the history of the two counties. Spellman dedicated the works to her mother and grandmother, “who knew, women could do anything.” Born on November 8, 1930 in Albany to Eugene and Ruth (Reedy) Sullivan of Fulton, Spellman first became a Girl Scout and went to camp at the age of eight. Girl Scouts has been a part of her life for as long as she can remember. Her family’s involvement in the Movement and history with the GSNYPENN Council pre-dates her own. Spellman’s mother Ruth, a lawyer and counsel to a NY State Senator, first became a troop leader in Oswego in 1927—just 15 years after Girl Scouts’ founding in 1912. She later went on to become the first president of GSNYPENN legacy council, Girl Scouts of Central New York. Spellman’s younger sister, Dr. Sheila Sullivan,
Save the Date!
Gold Award Girl Scout Celebration Drumlins Country Club, Syracuse, NY Saturday, November 23, 2019, 5:30-8 p.m. Cost: $30, registration required Contact program@gsnypenn.org for further information Join us as we recognize the amazing young women who earned their Gold Award, Girl Scouting’s highest and most prestigious honor, this member year. Special scholarships will be presented in honor of Girl Scout sisters we lost in 2019: former Indian Hills Council Executive Director Marie Hepworth, GSNYPENN alum Kelly Perkins and GSNYPENN staff member Kerrie Black. The evening features a keynote speaker and dinner.
cookieWOW! 2020 JoAnne Morak Development Director GSNYPENN
Syracuse University’s Dome, Syracuse, NY January 2020, Date and Time TBD Cost: $15 Early Bird Pricing, $18 after December 2 Join us for our annual cookieWOW! Girl Scout Cookie Program kick-off, once again at the “Loud House” and held in conjunction with a Syracuse University Women’s Basketball game. Participate
an Spellman
History and Archives Corner There’s a camp on Lake Waletka where my heart will always be,
served as camp director at Trefoil in 1953. Spellman’s professional, civic and Girl Scouting accomplishments are many. Before her return to Central New York, she served as a Girl Scout council district director and public relations account executive in Toledo, OH. Upon her return to New York, she worked in public relations for the United Fund of Onondaga County and was most recently director of Herkimer County Historical Society. Additionally, she has served in both member and leadership capacities for the Regional Council History Agencies, Ilion History Club, the Junior League of Toledo and Syracuse, and the Smith College Club of Utica-Mohawk Valley. Spellman has fond memories growing up as a Girl Scout. During her junior year at Smith College, she and her fellow Girl Scout sisters took a voyage on the USS America luxury liner, an amazing trip that she speaks of today as if it were only yesterday. Some of her favorite memories include summers spent at Girl Scout Camp Near Wilderness, where she was a camp counselor, food lieutenant and waterfront director. One of her favorites is the time she as a counselor, along with the group of Girl Scouts under her care, watched first in shock and surprise, and then in awe, as a mama mouse expertly carried each of her tiny off-spring out of the tent Spellman and the girls were sleeping in. To this day, she still marvels at this unique moment in the outdoors, seeing the wonders of nature first-hand. Something, she recalls with a smile, “you just couldn’t teach the girls.” Pick up a copy of Volumes I and II of Jane Sullivan Spellman’s “Women Belong in History Books: Herkimer and Oneida Counties, New York, 1700-1950” at your local GSNYPENN Store, online at amazon.com or via booksellers like Barnes & Noble (only Volume 1 is available in GSNYPENN Stores).
in activities related to the 5 program skills, watch the game, shop the Girl Scout Store and much more. Further details will be shared at cookiewow.org and via council website/social media once confirmed.
Carrying the Torch 2020: Girl Scout Convention on Women’s Rights Seneca Falls, NY Summer 2020, Date, Time & Cost TBD This special collaboration between GSNYPENN, Women’s Rights National Historical Park, the National Women’s Hall of Fame and Friends of Women’s Rights National Historical Park was created in 2017 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in New York. In 2020, we’ll observe the nationwide centennial of women’s suffrage while celebrating how girls of today carry the torch of equal rights through civic engagement. Participating gives girls the opportunity to not only learn about past achievements made by women but empowers them to achieve their own goals and dreams. Keep an eye on gsnypenn.org/torch for updates as they’re available.
Its name is Amahami, and it’s nestled in the trees….
JEANNETTE CLARKE LEE OF BINGHAMTON, NY, (C.1925 AT CAMP AMADAHA, FORERUNNER TO AMAHAMI), WAS ONE OF AMAHAMI’S FIRST COUNCILORS* IN JULY 1929. *THE SPELLING “COUNCILOR,” USED IN THE EARLY 20TH CENTURY FOR CAMP STAFF, REFLECTS THE LEVEL OF GOVERNANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY DURING THE ERA.
2019 marks the 90th anniversary of GSNYPENN’s Camp Amahami, also known as Amahami Outdoor Adventure Center. On a Sunday afternoon in the 1920’s, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Titchener, whose vision led the efforts to build a Girl Scout camp, went looking for a good site on a lake, a former lumber camp, on Page’s Pond in the Town of Sanford.
It was down a dirt road, winding through what seemed a magical forested entry, a jewel of a lake nestled in the wooded hills of Eastern Broome County. Dorothy and Paul Titchener knew this was the place where a Girl Scout camp should be built. In 1929, they purchased 64.5+ acres with the express purpose of starting a Girl Scout camp.
To it come young and old folk, its beauty to behold… In March 1929, a group of council members went to the new location to make plans for building the new camp. The snow drifts were four to six feet high! A farmer drove the group from the main road into the camp. The architectural firm of Conrad and Cummings contributed the plans for development. People in Broome County contributed to the camp fund in many ways. The first building to be completed was the ice house. Paying homage to Native American history of the region, the name Amahami, meaning “mountainous country,” was chosen. Camp opened July 6, 1929. It consisted of the Lodge, the Lame Duck, the wash house, and the Pixie, Robinhood, and Pioneer units. In 1933, the Indian Unit opened on what today is known as Lorelei. Campers slept on the ground in teepees. The unit’s counselor, of Native American decent herself, suggested the name Lake Waletka, meaning “clear water,” for Page’s Pond. Camp Amahami was made possible by the many people who believed in Girl Scouting and wanted Broome County Girl Scouts to learn the joy of living together in the out-of doors. Ninety years later, Amahami Outdoor Adventure Center—supported by Friends of Amahami, GSNYPENN alums, and community partners— provides 21st century leadership opportunities for girls through a continued belief in Girl Scouting and the Girl Scout Outdoor Leadership Experience.
Solar STEM Lab at Amahami GSNYPENN is looking to the future to support girls as leaders in the STEM field in a green way. Planning is underway for our first-ever solar-powered STEM Lab at Amahami Adventure Center! Thanks in large part to two generous Girl Scout alum donors and community grants, we’ve broken ground on what is sure to be a game changer for our girls. Reports show that STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) occupations are growing at double the rate of other professions. Girl Scouts has committed to filling the STEM workforce pipeline. To help make this happen, GSUSA has launched the Girl Scout STEM Pledge, a multi-year initiative to put 2.5 million girls through our Movement’s hands-on STEM programming by the year 2025. Our council plans to do our part to meet this national challenge and serve the girls of NYPENN Pathways. Check out preliminary drawings for our Solar STEM Lab. SOLAR STEM LAB RENDERINGS DESIGNED BY ARCHITECT ELIZABETH DAVIDSON (RIGHT)
Girl Scouts Go Abroad Our council-organized London to Lucerne international trip took place in July. Three European cities. Two World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts centers. One amazing tour! GSNYPENN Girl Scouts experienced the best of both worlds as incredible adventures took them through the bustling streets of London and Paris and high up into the Swiss Alps. The girls had special pinning ceremonies at Our Chalet and Pax Lodge, making their trip even more memorable and meaningful. GSNYPENN GIRL SCOUTS AT THE CHALET-SWITZERLAND WAGGGS CENTER
Meet Sara Scott, Director of Customer Care & Opportunities
Sara Scott—a Girl Scout alum originally from Whitney Point, NY—has been employed with GSNYPENN for 15 years. Her background in social work and school counseling has provided her with a strong skillset working with both our members and friends out in the community.
International Leadership at Summer Camp GSNYPENN welcomed counselors from Poland, New Zealand and the United Kingdom during our 2019 summer camp season.
During her tenure with our council, Sara has worked in different capacities—including membership, customer care, programs and volunteer training. Sara says she loves her job and works with her team to provide excellent customer service to find the perfect fit for each girl and adult member. Girl Scouts has given her the opportunity to attend national conventions, trainings and take many other adventures. Sara lives in Endicott, NY with her husband, Timmy, and their King Charles Cavalier puppy, Levi. She looks forward to many more years with council and says she loves to see girls and adults try new things, work hard earning their awards and badges, and of course, having fun! INTERNATIONAL CAMP COUNSELORS FROM POLAND AT CAMP TREFOIL
On The Cover... 70th Birthday Celebration at Trefoil (Harrisville, NY) Sunday, October 13, 2019, 2-4 p.m. Cost: Free RSVP to JoAnne at jmorak@gsnypenn.org Join GSNYPENN and the Trefoil Troopers to share a lite lunch, birthday cake and opportunities to see the camp property and recent improvements—including the new Sugar Shack!
Amahami’s 90th Anniversary Celebration & Harvest Fest at Amahami (Deposit, NY) Saturday, October 12, 2019, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Cost: $15 Registration required at gsnypenn.org/events, search Harvest Fest Celebrate council’s 8th Annual Harvest Fest and Amahami’s 90th birthday! Activities include guided hikes, fall crafts, fishing, the “no hands allowed” donut eating contest, apple cider and hayride. Bring a lunch and drink. During lunch,
we’ll have cake and share favorite memories of Amahami (attendance at the cake cutting is free for alums – email JoAnne to register). Make it a weekend: overnight lodging available Friday for just $5 per person. (Meals not provided; refrigeration available.)
Home for the Holidays at Roberson Museum & Science Center (Binghamton, NY) Thursday, December 12, 2019, 6-8 p.m. Cost: $25 Registration required, contact JoAnne to receive signup link when available GSNYPENN, our History and Archives Committee and Friends of Amahami invite you to attend a special reception to celebrate Amahami’s 90th during Home for the Holidays, the Roberson’s largest annual event featuring hundreds of elaborately decorated trees, dazzling holiday displays and the International Forest. A tree in the display will be decorated in honor of Amahami’s anniversary! Mansion tour also available.
About GSNYPENN Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways is chartered by Girl Scouts of the USA to administer the Girl Scout program in 24 counties of New York and two in Pennsylvania. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. We offer every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.
St. Lawrence
Jefferson
Lewis Oswego
Oneida
Wayne
New Hartford Little Falls
Cicero
NY Yates
Auburn
Seneca
Ontario
Allegany
Steuben Corning
Schuyler
Onondaga
Chemung
Building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.
Cooperstown
Otsego
Ithaca Cortland
Tioga
Savre
Tioga
Madison HOOVER
Chenango
Tompkins
Horseheads
PA
Syracuse
Cayuga
COMSTOCK
Contact JoAnne Morak: 1.855.213.8555 x2052 jmorak@gsnypenn.org gsnypenn.org
Rome
Rochester
Herkimer
Watertown
We are dedicated to serving our council membership. Your support stays local and gives girls across our region the opportunity to experience the magic of Girl Scouting. Questions, comments, news, donations or suggestions? We would love to hear from you!
TREFOIL
Harrisville
Bradford
Norwich
Broome AMAHAMI
Johnson City
Delaware
Second Annual Alum Cruise Held August 24 on the St. Lawrence Back by popular demand, we set sail on the beautiful St. Lawrence River once again with 40 of our closest Girl Scout alums for a wonderful cruise. We sailed around Grindstone Island through Lake Fleet Islands, Admiralty Islands, in front of Gananoque in Ontario, Canada (head of Grindstone), Clayton Waterfront and back. During the cruise, we discussed the Mariner Girl Scout program. Officially launched in 1934, just one year after National Maritime Day was created in the U.S., the program was created for Senior Girl Scouts interested in nautical activities and whose troops had access to a body of water large enough to permit a comprehensive program. By 1938, only one year before the launch of WW II in Europe, the program had swept quickly throughout the country reaching a total registration of 3,484. Although the program was officially discontinued in 1963, today it has been re-instituted in smaller form. A wonderful time was had by all in attendance!
Juliette Gordon Low Society Have you made a planned gift to Girl Scouts? Through your planned giving, you are part of the Juliette Gordon Low National Society. Please let us know, so that we can honor you with this beautiful Juliette Gordon Low Society pin. If you haven’t made a planned gift yet, it’s so easy. Did you know you can leave any amount or percent of your life insurance, retirement account or estate to Girl Scouts? A small bequest can make a huge difference in the future of our girls and young women. To discuss options, call our Development Office at 315.698.9400 x2052.
Want to take an Alum Trip to Savannah, Georgia in 2020—where Girl Scouting began? Email at jmorak@gsnypenn.org or call 315.698.9400 x2052.
Catch the latest alum news inside!
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