Volume 1, Number 3 • Summer 2023
A Publication for Girl Scouts of Western New York Donors and Alums
In this issue: CEO messages Focus on GSWNY camps Gold Award Girl Scouts
A Fond Farewell Some of my most vivid memories of my 11 years working for Girl Scouts of Western New York center on our beautiful camp properties, especially the first walk around camp at the start of the season. I remember when I was first appointed CEO of GSWNY, walking and reflecting and thinking “I get to do this.” Not “I have to do this” or “it’s my job to do this.” Those walks were a privilege. They were moments to enjoy the natural beauty of our camps and to anticipate the many memories that our Girl Scouts would make there. Each step was a gift that made an impact on me and will be in my heart forever. If you haven’t heard, I left my position here at GSWNY to become the CEO of Double H Ranch in Lake Luzerne, NY. The mission spoke to my heart: a camp that provides year-round programs for children (and their families) with life-threatening illnesses. My GSWNY experiences led me to this moment. Every time I see a camper smile, or master a new skill, or make a new friend, it will be because of a moment I brought with me, inspired by you, one of our Girl Scouts, or a member of our outstanding GSWNY team of staff and volunteers. Thank you for making indelible memories for me and for every Girl Scout who ever rode a horse, swam in a lake, made a friendship bracelet, or sang a song around a campfire. Girl Scout camp and outdoor programs are one of the incredible program opportunities that girls experience in Girl Scouts, and which leaves a lasting impact on their lives. Thank you for all of the support that you provide to ensure that Girl Scouts remains available for girls in WNY. In gratitude, Former CEO, Girl Scouts of Western New York
Another Torch to Accept I joined Girl Scouts of Western New York as the Chief Financial Officer in December of 2021, this was right before the retirement of Debra Whais. Deb was the CFO for GSWNY for over 20 years, and I was excited to accept this torch from Deb to become the new CFO of GSWNY. As of August 2, I am again honored to accept a new torch—this time from Alison Wilcox—to be the Interim CEO. Wow, what a great honor and privilege to lead an organization whose mission and vision align with my core values. Comings and goings are a part of life, just as it is at camp, it’s just part of the routine. Most camp visits are short and packed with all kinds of fun and exciting activities for Girl Scouts of all ages. Camp is often a girl’s first time away from home without family and friends. There may be a few tears during camp drop offs. However as the week progresses, new friends are made, bonds are developed, and those tears are now converted into smiles. Learning how to adapt to different places, different people, and different activities are all a part of the leadership skills that we hope to develop and foster at camp. This summer has been a great one at all our camps. We were thrilled to welcome donors and board members to our camps to see how special these places are. Girls have also had all kinds of fun, and developed new skills. As we prepare to begin a new season of Girl Scouts, we are welcoming new members, and renewing last years’ members as well. Like the old song says, “Make new friends, and keep the old…” I look forward to this next season that is full of infinite possibilities for Girl Scouts, and the adult volunteers who guide our Girls on their journeys. I want to say thank you if you’re one of those volunteers. You are inspiring and cultivating girls of courage, confidence, and character who will one day make the world a better place. With Great Gratitude, Interim CEO, Girl Scouts of Western New York
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Seven Hills
camp season was special for me because I have had the pleasure of watching several campers grow over the years “ This to becoming true leaders within our camp staff. Also having parents and caregivers at drop off thank us for giving them a place their camper(s) call HOME!”
—Carolyn Magner, Camp Director
Seven Hills Specialties • Campers love the challenge of the low and high ropes course, learning the art of outdoor cooking, exploring the trails on hikes, hitting the mark in archery, swimming in the Olypmic-size pool, and taking out-of-camp trips. • Open to girls in grades 1 to 12. • Girls 13-17 are eligible to build their skills in leadership programs.
Friends of Seven Hills Were you a Seven Hills camper? Love The Lorax? Relive those memories with us, and join us to preserve the legacy of Seven Hills for our next generation of campers. Contact: Jae Frost Email: FOSH.gswny@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
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Piperwood
summer at Piperwood I have seen the staff do everything possible to make camp a positive, welcoming place for “ This each girl. Campers who have become staff, older girls showing leadership and new staff/campers becoming part of the Piperwood family show us what camp is truly all about. It's not just in one moment... it's in every interaction throughout the day.” —Mary Beth Sullivan, Camp Director
Piperwood Promise • Piperwood is one of three day camps. • Girls from Kindergarten to grade 8 love their days here! • It’s an action-packed day, with plenty of outdoor time, a splash pad, finding balance on high and low ropes course, hiking the trails, and building strength and skill on the archery range. • United Way of Greater Rochester and Finger Lakes generously provides funding for girls from Monroe County and the City of Rochester to attend camp for the summer. • Piperwood is a year-round destination for troops who camp in the lodges and units. It’s booked every weekend!
Calling All Piperwood Families Celebrate all that is special about this magnificent place and become a charter member of the Friends of Piperwood. Contact: Jerilyn Hickey Phone: 716-935-6047 Email: Jerilyn.Hickey@gswny.org with your interest.
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Timbercrest
pride ourselves on being a family at Camp Timbercrest which is evident during closing campfire when we sing “ We the Timbercrest Song. As we stand in our friendship circle and watch the faces of campers and staff light up as the lyrics of the song touches their hearts, especially the final lyric …you’ll always remember, you’re a part of Timbercrest.” —Annette German, Camp Director
Timbercrest Tidbits • Girls have a beautiful lake for swimming and boating, an archery range, plenty of gentle horses for riding, wilderness camping, and other camp diversions for a robust experience. • From grade 1 to 12, all girls are welcomed. • Older girls (age 13 to 17) enhance their leadership with special programs.
Friends of Timbercrest You’re singing the Timbercrest Song in your head right now, aren’t you? Connect with your camp friends through our volunteer friends group. Contact: Jennifer Schlick Phone: 716-490-7384 Email: FOT.gswny@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
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Windy Meadows
is fun and dynamic. I love the end of the week skits and song program where our girl led program ties “ inOurnewcampandfamily old traditions from our program. I love to see the confidence that exudes from our campers through our flag ceremonies, program, and the everyday interactions at camp.”
Windy Meadows Wonders • Creative weekly themes make each session unique. • Campers love the archery course (built by a Gold Award Girl Scout!), hiking these peaceful trails, developing their creative vision with craft activities, and welcoming visiting enrichment experiences. • Girls from 13 to 17 will build their leadership skills with special programs. • Thank you to the devoted volunteers who manage Camp Windy Meadows and create an extraordinary opportunity for our girls!
Friends of Windy Meadows What was your favorite camp tradition? Share it with your camp sisters! Contact: Anne Marie Lesnewski Phone: 908-399-2298 Email: FOWM.gswny@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
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—Linda Zakrzewski, Camp Director
Horton Hill
second Horton Hill Day Camp was a great success with new faces along with many returning girls and staff. Flag “ Our ceremonies, badge work, good weather, meeting new friends and even a ‘retired’ flag burning ceremony made for a fun-filled, educational and wonderful week.”
—Jo Nelson, Camp Director
Horton Hill Highlights • Volunteers lead this day camp: thank you for a second successful year of fun and Girl Scout sisterhood! • Girls from grade 1 to 8 love making crafts, hiking, and learning outdoor skills here. • Leaders are made here, too, with special programs for girls in grades 6 to 12. “Playing and learning at camp are important parts of Girl Scouting. The girls earned three math and nature badges; Numbers, Shapes, and Design. It was math fun and hands-on.” —Ro Woddard, Volunteer
Friends of Horton Hill Since 2019 the Friends have reclaimed the trails, playfield, and gathering spots for use by day camp and any troop or Service Unit at the Jamestown Service Center. Thank you to the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation for a generous grant last year which funded the purchase of picnic tables, tarps, and other camp essentials. Contact: Joanne Nelson Phone: 716-488-9574 Email: FOHH.gswny@gmail.com Find us on Facebook
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4433 Genesee St. Suite 101 Buffalo, NY 14225
Raising Change is published quarterly by the Girl Scouts of Western New York. Cherie Messore, Executive Vice President of Marketing Communications, Editor Photographs by Eileen Koteras Elibol, Mr. Smith Agency, Rob Daniels, and the volunteers at Horton Hill.
United Way funding supports our entire council.
For More Information: Email: customercare@gswny.org Telephone: 888-837-6410 Website: www.gswny.org
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@GSWNY @girlscoutswny
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At our annual Gold Award Ceremony in June, 31 girls from our council received the Gold Award, the highest honor in Girl Scouts. Their projects were diverse reflections of the new societies they endeavor to lead. We also had the privilege of awarding $57,000 in scholarships to members of this year’s class of Gold Awardees. Congratulations to these extraordinary Girl Scout exemplars!