(information forwarded from Laura Elliott, Camp Coleman director)
An informational meeting concerning the bridge at Camp Coleman will be held this evening, April 5, at 6:00 PM at Bluff Park United Methodist Church. This is very important.
Background: For 85 years, the Girl Scout council has partnered with communities across the state to provide outdoor education programs at Camp Coleman for thousands of campers every year. Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama remains steadfastly committed to providing this important service to the community.
On May 11, 2007, county bridge inspectors closed the wooden bridge at our main entrance- and the only way to access our property at the time- citing structural concerns. The bridge has now been closed for almost 3 years. At this time, the ONLY access to Camp Coleman is by a provisional easement granted temporarily by the City of Trussville.
The closing of the bridge has significantly impacted the Girl Scouts’ ability to provide quality services to girls and their families. Prior to the closing of the bridge in 2007, Camp Coleman routinely provided outdoor program opportunities to over 15,000 visitors per year. After the bridge was closed, some programs were eliminated and the capacity of others reduced in order to maintain safe conditions for participants. In spite of these challenges, Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama remains committed to providing quality outdoor experiences at Camp Coleman.
Commissioner Bobby Humphryes' office has confirmed he will attend tonight's meeting. As Commissioner for District 3 and the Commissioner responsible for Roads & Transportation in Jefferson County, Commissioner Humphryes’ support is vital to replace our bridge. To voice your support of Girl Scouts and Camp Coleman and to show your support for the replacement of the bridge, please attend the meeting and signthe online petition .
Replacement of the main entrance bridge with a new, safe structure will:
• ensure that Girl Scouts are able to continue to offer these important services to the community
• benefit thousands of children being served at Camp Coleman
• restore access to adequately support the high-volume traffic of vehicles passing through year-round without impacting the activities
Time is of the essence, as Girl Scouts is in the process of planning Camp Coleman’s 85th anniversary, October 9, 2010. The future of the services being offered at Camp Coleman depend upon the security and proper access provided through the replacement of the bridge.
Thank you!! If you have any questions about issues resulting from closure of the bridge, please call Laura Elliott, Camp Coleman’s onsite Director, at (205) 655-3782 or lelliott@girlscoutsnca.org.
Sincerely,
Laura Elliott
Camp Director
Camp Coleman www.girlscoutsnca.org
(205)655-3782 toll free (866)882-3572
Camp Coleman is owned an operated by Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama and provides a variety of innovative programs that build courage, confidence, and character.
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