Girl Scouts of Northern California is entering a pivotal moment as we enact our three-year strategic plan, focused on aligning our programs, resources, and infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of girls and families across Northern California.
As part of this work, we are conducting a comprehensive, data-driven assessment of all 26 GSNorCal properties, including camps, program centers, and offices. This assessment will help ensure our property portfolio can support both current members and a growing Girl Scout community by clarifying how each site is used, the cost to maintain, and how well it aligns with our long-term vision.
The purpose of this document is to provide an overview of GSNorCal’s comprehensive property assessment of our camps, program centers, and offices. The FAQ explains why this work is underway, what information is being reviewed, how members can share input, and the timeline for next steps.
We want to hear from you! Let us know how you use these properties in this survey:
We’re sharing this in January 2026 as we begin surveys and focus groups, so members have clear information as they provide feedback. We are currently in the information-gathering and scenario-planning phase, and no decisions about specific properties have been made. If you have questions, please contact info@gsnorcal.org.
1. What is a Property Assessment?
Girl Scouts of Northern California (GSNorCal) is conducting a comprehensive assessment of our full property portfolio which includes 26 owned and leased properties- offices, program centers, and camps. This work is part of our three-year strategic plan and will help us understand how our properties support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and outdoor programming now and into the future.
2. Why is GSNorCal doing a property assessment?
To remain strong and sustainable for future generations of Girl Scouts, we need a clear, data-driven understanding of how our properties are used, what they cost to maintain and improve, and how well they align with current and future program needs. This helps us be responsible stewards of our land, facilities, and donor dollars while keeping membership as accessible as possible. The property assessment, once completed, will be a key tool in the development of a Long-Range Property Plan.
3. Does this mean camps are closing?
We are currently in the information gathering and scenario-planning phase. No decisions about specific properties have been made. This assessment is about understanding our options—not making assumptions or final decisions.
Our focus will be on offices and program centers as our outdoor spaces are some of the finest in the country.
4. What kinds of information are being reviewed?
The assessment includes:
- How often and in what ways each property is used
- The true cost to maintain, repair, and improve each site
- How properties support the Girl Scout Leadership Experience and outdoor programming
- How well our properties can meet future program needs and growing membership
This comprehensive approach ensures decisions are informed by both mission impact and financial sustainability.
5. How does this support outdoor programming?
GSNorCal offers the most exceptional outdoor experiences in the country, with about one-third of our girls participating each year. This assessment helps ensure that these experiences remain high-quality, accessible, and sustainable by allowing us to invest wisely in the properties that can have the greatest impact.
6. Will this lead to improvements at camps and other properties?
Yes, one goal of this work is to better understand where strategic investments can make the biggest difference. This includes opportunities to make properties greener and more efficient, such as exploring solar energy, improving building sustainability, and enhancing program infrastructure.
7. How will members be involved?
Member voices are a critical part of this process. Members will have formal opportunities to share input through:
- A survey open January
- Small focus groups in January with members and key volunteers
- A focus group held at the Annual Meeting on April 18
8. How will member feedback be used?
Member input will be reviewed alongside usage data, financial analysis, and program needs. While no single factor will drive decisions, feedback will play an important role in understanding how properties are valued and used across our council.
9. What is the timeline for this work?
This is a multi-year process:
- Property use and financial information/data gathering: Fall 2025
- Surveys and focus groups: Winter 2025–2026
- Property Assessment complete: Spring 2026
- Long Range Property Plan development and Board approval: Summer 2026
- Final plan communicated with all members: Fall 2026
We will share updates along the way and communicate what we know as the process unfolds.
10. Why does this take so long?
Responsible planning takes time. This assessment involves careful analysis, community input, and alignment with council budgeting. Taking a thoughtful, deliberate approach helps ensure decisions are mission-driven, transparent, and sustainable.
We also want to ensure the Board can review the information and potential scenarios as part of its governance role, so any updates we share are well-informed and not premature.
11. How does this affect fundraising and donor support?
This assessment supports responsible stewardship by helping us make informed, long-range decisions about our footprint. It gives donors confidence that resources are aligned with mission impact, sustainability, and the experiences Girl Scouts count on.
12. How will GSNorCal keep members informed?
We will provide regular check-in updates and share information whenever possible—even when the update is that analysis is still underway. Clear communication is a priority throughout this process.
13. What is the ultimate goal of this assessment?
The goal is to ensure that GSNorCal can responsibly care for our properties, invest in improvements that matter most, expand access across our footprint, and position Girl Scouts for long-term success. This work helps protect the magic of camp while planning wisely for the future.
Please reach out to info@gsnorcal.org for any further questions.
Last updated on January 22, 2026