Long Range Property Planning Project
The Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan has embarked upon a comprehensive review of all of its properties and the programs for girls being offered at those properties. More than 70 volunteers, Girl Scouts, staff and board members from the Council are participating in this Long Range Property Planning Project. During this planning process, participants will develop recommendations on how the Council can enhance its programming and best utilize its properties to meet the changing needs and desires of girls and young women.
The Long Range Property Planning Project will include a review of the six outdoor camp properties and the six service/conference centers now owned by the Council. The Project is expected to take six to nine months to complete. We are very grateful for the commitment of time, creativity, research, evaluation, and energy that is being provided by the volunteers!
Here are some questions and answers about the Project.
Q: What is the Long Range Property Planning Project?
A: The Long Range Property Planning Project (LRPPP) is a strategic review of all of the properties that belong to the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan (GSSEM). The objective of the Project is to present recommendations to the GSSEM Board of Directors, in the first quarter of 2010, to enhance programs, improve the delivery of services, and effectively utilize Council-owned properties.
Q: What is the goal of the Project?
A: Our goal is to balance the rich and unmatched tradition Girl Scouts have for outdoor education with the changing needs and wants of our girl membership and the realities of our financial situation.
We want our properties to support the philosophy that outdoor programs focus on leadership development; provide safe and well-maintained facilities; and are affordable and sustainable for our membership.
Q: Why did GSSEM start this project?
A: Girls Scouts of Southeast Michigan is a newly realigned council made up of four former Girl Scout Councils: Fair Winds, Macomb-Otsikita, Metro Detroit and Waterways. As a result of the realignment, GSSEM has a surplus of outdoor property that far exceeds its needs, and an excess of administrative facilities. The objective of the Project is to present recommendations to the GSSEM Board of Directors, in early 2010, to enhance programs, improve the delivery of services, and effectively utilize Council-owned properties.
Q: Is GSSEM having financial difficulty?
A: No. However, it would be fiscally irresponsible to continue to support facilities that are not fully utilized by our Girl Scouts. GSSEM has a surplus of outdoor property that far exceeds its needs, and an excess of administrative facilities, as a result of the recent realignment of four councils.
Q: Who is working on this project?
A: More than 70 volunteers, Girl Scouts, staff and board members from the Girl Scouts of Southeastern Michigan have made the commitment to participate in the Long Range Property Planning Project.
Q: What properties will be included in this review?
A: Six Service/Conference Centers including:
1. Detroit Fisher Building, Wayne County
2. Clinton Township Service Center, Macomb County
3. Clinton Township Conference Center, Macomb County
4. Flint Service Center, Genesee County
5. Port Huron Service Center, St. Clair County
6. White Lake Township Service Center, Oakland County
Six camp properties including:
1. Hawthorn Hollow, Columbus Township, Macomb County
2. Innisfree, Putnam Township, Livingston County
3. Metamora, Metamora Township, Lapeer County
4. O’Fair Winds, Oregon Township, Lapeer County
5. Playfair, Lexington Township, Sanilac County
6. The Timbers, Long Lake Township, Grand Traverse County
Q: How will Project participants make their recommendations?
A: The Project participants have formed three Research Teams: Market, Program, and Property Research. The teams will compile: 1) market research to assess the needs and wants of girls and adult volunteers in our Council; 2) a program analysis of outdoor offerings for girls and how they support the Girl Scout leadership experience; and 3) a physical assessment of each facility.
Once the three Teams have completed their research, they will present draft recommendations to the Board of Directors, Board Finance Committee, and Council membership for their feedback. Final recommendations will be presented to the Board in early 2010.
Q: How can I get involved in this project?
A: The Research Teams are developing their strategies for collecting information, which may include surveys and other forms of gathering input. If you are selected to participate, your thoughtful responses will make the process worthwhile.
Q: How many properties will GSSEM close as a result of this process?
A: The process has just started and we don’t know how many – or even if any -- properties will close. The Project participants will take a fresh look at all of the sites. Their challenge is to reduce unnecessary duplication and try new ways of program delivery while honoring the history and legacy of the past.
Q: How will Girl Scouts and volunteers learn about what’s going on?
A: We will update this section of the website on a regular basis. We’ll also keep staff and volunteers up-to-date via our e-newsletter. In early 2010, we will hold town hall meetings so Girl Scouts, parents, volunteers and members of the community can learn about the recommendations. The final results of the project also will be discussed at our 2010 annual meeting.
Q: Will Girl Scouts and volunteers have the opportunity to voice our opinion?
A: Yes. The Research Teams will be soliciting input from girls and volunteers in a variety of ways.
Q: When will we be notified of the results of this plan?
A: Currently we anticipate the final recommendations will be announced sometime between February and April 2010.
Q: I have other questions. Who should I contact?
A: E-mail planningteam@gssem.org. We will post additional questions and answers as we receive them.