Committees Formed to Help Save Camp Sacajawea in Sedalia

The committee to save Camp Sacajawea met last night (Aug. 28) for the first time since the Girl Scouts of Missouri Heartland Council presented what they needed to do to help save the camp. The council told local Girl Scout leaders on Aug. 13 that they would have to present a three-year plan to show how they intend to maintain the property, how they intend to find new money for fundraisers, how they intend to use and increase the use of the property and how they need to finance the property.

Sacajawea West Committee Representative and Service Unit Manager for Pettis County #718 Debbie Busker led the meeting and went over options that various committees could do, but reminded those in attendance that the plan needed to be submitted by Oct.18. After lengthy discussion, the gathering came to the conclusion they would present a three-fold plan.

“We decided to set a three-tier plan,” Busker said. “One to meet the criteria the council have made. If we're not able to meet that criteria, we'll see about having an entity set up for the property to be gifted to and the third and final option to possibly purchase it for individual and Girl Scout usage.”

The maintenance committee, led by Kim Rapp, will have to show how they intend to fix the noted replacements, which includes the replacement of the heating ventilation and air-conditioning and metal roof, gutters and cabinets on the Lodge and upgrading of the electricity. The Harethell Hall Craft Building was said to be needed to be demolished because it's not up to electrical code and needs replacing. In total if all those items are addressed, by the recommendations of the Missouri Heartland Council, it will cost $113,504.

The Fundraising Committee is chaired by Kelly Bryan. This Committee will have to show they have 50% of cumulative funding in year one, 75% in year two and 100% in year three.

The Public Relations Committee is chaired by Charolotte Scholl, who will have to help increase the Girl Scout usage of the site. In 2013, there were 290 Girl Scouts who utilized Camp Sacajawea and 294 adults. They are looking to see about how other groups and organizations could utilize the grounds.

The Financial Committee is chaired by Jennifer Barnier and they will be keeping track of the transactions.

The Committess will put together a consensus and submit plans by Oct. 18 to Springfield. The Girls would appreciate your support and have set up a Friends of Sacajawea Facebook page to garner public support.

Here is a photo tour of Camp Sacajawea's main buildings and the campgrounds.