PITCAIRN —The Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways’ Long Range Property Planning Task Group has decided not only to keep Camp Trefoil open, but to further develop the property.

Camps and program centers in Troy, Pa., Syracuse and Seneca County will close. Camp Trefoil, 168 Rose Road, was one of two the task group decided to keep open.

“Having been there once myself, it’s a beautiful piece of property on a small lake,” said Judy Gallagher, director of marketing and communications. “We have adults who used it as kids who come back with their Girl Scouts.”

Mrs. Gallagher said the task group made its decisions after looking at the usage of each property, the cost to maintain each property and a market research study. Graduate students from Syracuse University helped the task group by surveying NYPENN Pathways members about camps and camp programs.

Scouts from the north country and throughout the council’s 26-county region already have reserved all spots for Camp Trefoil’s weekly summer camp sessions.

Reducing the number of camps and camp opportunities for Girl Scouts may create greater interest in Camp Trefoil, Mrs. Gallagher said.

“We’ve always encouraged people to register early,” she said. “That won’t change. We’re in full swing for the summer season.”

Camp Trefoil can accommodate about 100 people per night, and about 215 people per day. The camp has an outdoor educational center with lab tables, science equipment and power lighting.

Overall, the task group looked over the council’s six office spaces and nine camp properties. Decisions have been made on only four camps and three service centers. As the group moves into the next phase of its process, it will make recommendations on the remaining camps: Amahami, Deposit; Hoover, Tully; Misty Hollow, Corning, and Yaiewano, Auburn.

According to a news release issued Friday, the council also will work toward developing a strategic plan for capital investments for the camps it decides to keep. A draft of remaining recommendations will be shared with the council’s membership in the fall through a conference call and town-hall-style meetings.

In the release, Sara Ayala, chairwoman of the council’s board of directors, said, “Challenging economic times require us to look closely at the costs of maintaining and improving council properties so that they are places that meet the current interests of girls.”

Mrs. Gallagher said that while closing camps and offices will reduce operating costs, the council has yet to figure out how much money will be saved.

For more information on Camp Trefoil or the task group, visit the council’s website at www.gsnypenn.org.

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