Girl Scouts of America

LEAVE NO GIRL INSIDE

By Erin M. Cowser

It’s not merely the outdoors, it's the great outdoors. A swift Google search reveals countless reasons why.

Studies have indicated that spending time outside leads to improved cognitive function, lower blood pressure, better mental health, reduced depression, enhanced memory, attention, and impulse control. It facilitates better sleep and reduces anxiety and stress levels. Moreover, outdoor experiences nurture leadership abilities and social interaction skills. Exposure to the great outdoors presents diverse challenges and scenarios, fostering boldness and stretching creativity.

And, it’s also just really nice to be outside and breathe.

Girl Scouts Louisiana East (GSLE) is initiating a capital campaign to ensure that young leaders in our region have ample opportunities to grow and learn in the outdoors. Camping is intrinsic to the Girl Scout experience, often serving as girls' first encounter with activities like horseback riding, swimming, or completing challenge/ropes courses.

The campaign, named "Leave No Girl Inside," aligns perfectly with the organization’s objective to raise funds revitalizing GSLE’s two camp properties – Camp Covington and Camp Marydale –and securing them for future generations.

“Girl Scouting breaks the leadership barrier for girls of all backgrounds,” said Rebecca Pennington, GSLE Chief Executive Officer. “We help develop girls who are inspired to make a difference in their world and who have the skills to become successful leaders, collaborators, and community builders. Girl Scouts are the job creators of the future, fostering gender-balanced leadership.”

“Girl Scouting breaks the leadership barrier for girls of all backgrounds,” said Rebecca Pennington, GSLE Chief Executive Officer. “We help develop girls who are inspired to make a difference in their world and who have the skills to become successful leaders, collaborators, and community builders. Girl Scouts are the job creators of the future, fostering gender-balanced leadership.”

Girl Scout alumnae serve as living proof that today's teachings shape tomorrow's leaders. Eighty percent of women business owners and 69 percent of female U.S. senators and members of Congress were once Girl Scouts. Research unequivocally demonstrates that Girl Scout alumnae are more likely to graduate from college, earn higher incomes, vote, and engage in volunteer work.

“While cookie sales build entrepreneurial and social skills, Girl Camp Covington, a 23-acre property purchased in 1927, stands as one of the oldest Girl Scout camps in the United States. Nestled along the beautiful Bogue Falaya River, approximately seven miles northwest of Covington, it boasts sunny open spaces and shaded camping grounds, making it ideal for first-time campers. Campers engage in activities such as archery, hiking, and river exploration.

Also part of the GSLE Council, Camp Marydale spans 400 acres and is situated 45 miles north of Baton Rouge, near the rolling hills of St. Francisville. Since its establishment in 1947, Girl Scouts have enjoyed amenities like low ropes challenge courses, hiking trails, archery, swimming pools, and canoeing. A multi-purpose building, activity center, craft hut are located near a pristine lake. The shining star of Camp Marydale is a beloved herd of 27+ horses. Girl Scouts are taught horsemanship skills by girls in the Wrangler program and older Girl Scouts who volunteer on weekends.

The $5.5 million goal for Phase 2 of the Council’s Master Plan improvements follows Phase 1, during which GSLE invested over $138,000 to enhance functionality, safety, and overall appeal at both camps. Phase 1 upgrades included electrical and carpentry work, new bedding, fixtures, doors, screens, and painting.

Two generous bequests were received for the construction of new archery pavilions at both properties, expected to be completed by the end of 2023.

Phase 2 improvements to Camp Covington include:

- Construction of a climatecontrolled multipurpose program space

- Addition of a pool house, splash pad, and sail shades to limit sun exposure

- Enhancements to safety and accessibility at the riverfront area

Camp Marydale is set for:

- Construction of a pool with pool house and splash pad

- Addressing deferred maintenance at the lake by expanding its footprint and adding a gazebo

- Construction of a new Equestrian Center in a new location that would better serve the horses and the Girl Scouts enjoying this experience

GSLE seeks support from foundations, corporations, community groups, and individuals who believe in the Girl Scout mission. Donor recognition opportunities include naming rights to various features at both camps and acknowledgment in the Annual Report, on the GSLE website, at special donor events, and on the Leave No Girl Inside Campaign donor wall.

Camps Marydale and Covington have provided outdoor experiences to over 250,000 girls for a combined total of 170 years. By contributing to the Leave No Girl Inside campaign, donors invest in ensuring another 170+ years of sustainable outdoor experiences for future generations of girls and young women in southeast Louisiana.

For more information about GSLE or to donate to the Leave No Girl Inside campaign, contact Molly Sanchez, GSLE Chief Development Officer, at msanchez@gsle.org.