Long Range Property Plan

In 2019, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council completed our long-range property plan that was developed through member interviews and surveys and approved by the Board of Directors to evaluate our real estate holdings and align them with our mission. One result of the plan was to continue to rest Camp for All Seasons in Tallahassee due to the much-needed maintenance on the property that has been deferred for many years, posing safety risks for girls and adults.  

In an update earlier this year, we provided an update regarding our negotiations with the Florida Forest Service on a lease renewal that included providing assistance to address many of the safety concerns at the property. After nearly a year of working with the Florida Forest Service, we were unable to reach an agreement that would benefit the girls and our members, and our Board of Directors made the difficult decision not to renew our lease agreement. 

As of December 27, 2021, Camp for All Seasons will no longer be a Girl Scouts of Gateway Council property. We will be working over the next few weeks to remove any useable equipment to other Gateway properties for our members to continue to enjoy. 

At Gateway, our focus remains on ensuring girls have the opportunity to create outdoor adventures and provide girls the tools to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors—whether with her troop, at camp or with friends and family. We will continue to expand local partnerships at nearby facilities to host outdoor experiences to ensure Girl Scouts continue their outdoor journey. 

However, Gateway Council has been exploring spaces in Tallahassee to potentially serve as the first true experience center in our council that would be highly visible and accessible for our members to use for troop meetings, programs, and events. While this possible option is being explored by our Board of Directors, we will keep our members updated on the progress of our search. 

FAQs

1.     Why did Girl Scouts of Gateway Council not renew the lease at Camp for All Seasons?

In 2019, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council completed our long-range property plan that was developed through member interviews and surveys and approved by the Board of Directors to evaluate our real estate holdings and align them with our mission. One result of the plan was to continue to rest Camp for All Seasons in Tallahassee due to the much-needed maintenance on the property that has been deferred for years, posing safety risks for girls and adults.  

The camp, which has not been in operations for almost three years, required nearly $1 million in necessary repairs. Updates that would have to be made before Girl Scouts could use the facility included rehabbing every building, clearing trees, rebuilding the waterfront, and rebuilding roadways. Since Gateway Council does not own the property, we worked with the Florida Forestry Service for nearly a year to come to a resolution that would include a commitment to provide necessary repairs. Unfortunately, we were unable to come to an agreement that would benefit the girls and our members, and our Board of Directors made the difficult decision not to renew our lease agreement.

At Gateway, our focus remains on ensuring we have unmatched outdoor opportunities to create adventures and provide girls the opportunity to develop a lifelong appreciation for nature and the out-of-doors.

2.     Will Gateway ever have a property again in Tallahassee?

Girl Scouts of the USA has been working with councils to reimagine program centers to meet the needs of today’s girls and our volunteers. Gateway Council has been exploring spaces in Tallahassee to potentially serve as the first true program center in our council that would be highly visible and accessible for our members to use for troop meetings, programs, and events. While this possible option is being explored by our Board of Directors, we will keep our members updated on the progress of our search.

3.     Will Girl Scouts be able to use Camp for All Seasons in the future?

Camp for All Seasons has not been able to be used by Girl Scouts for nearly three years as it was rested in 2019 due to safety concerns. The future of Camp for All Seasons will be determined by the Florida Forestry Service. At this time, we do not foresee an opportunity for Girl Scouts to be able to utilize the property in the near future. 

4.     Where will my troop be able to camp?

Gateway Council has two incredible outdoor facilities still available including Camp Kateri and Camp Kugelman. Gateway continues to work with other local camping destinations to partner with and offer Girl Scout camping experience in local communities around the council so girls will continue to have many camping options through Girl Scouts.

5.     Will this impact the Girl Scout outdoor experience?

No. Girl Scouts understands the value of outdoor experiences for girls and encourages girls to participate in programs where they learn to take healthy risks, learn from setbacks, and build healthy relationships. Gateway Council will continue to offer these critical outdoor experiences that make up the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. We have partnerships with State Parks and other outdoor facilities to increase girls’ access to outdoor experiences. 

If you have additional questions, please Contact us.