Wednesday, May 29, 2019

Severe weather impacts western Pennsylvania and GSWPA Camp Redwing

Thursday, June 13
Camp Redwing Clean-Up Day: Thank you for your patience and support in regards to Camp Redwing! Find more details about the day in this update, and email clizik@gswpa.org to volunteer.

The Camp Redwing Clean Up date is Sunday, June 23 from 1-5 p.m. In response to the overwhelming support of our Girl Scouts, volunteers ages 5 and up may now sign up to help.

We have assessed the damage, and here are some of the tasks where we will require your assistance. Please plan on mucky/wet conditions, and note that there is currently no hot water.

Post-Flood Building Clean Up – cleaning out silt from flood waters:
Corral & storage shed
Amphitheater
Orchard wash station

General Grounds: 
Leaf raking around tents/buildings
Wood chipping at amphitheater
Tree and brush removal, includes cutting fallen trees
Log Splitting
Weeding Trimming

Road Clean Up/Reconstruction:
Digging out culverts and filling washout on blowhorn hill

General Cleaning:
Help sweep, clean, and stock shower houses and building as needed

What to wear:
Grubby clothes, Long sleeve pants, t-shirt and long sleeved over shirt
Sturdy boots/shoes, muck boots may be useful
Work gloves

What to bring:
Water bottle, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug spray
Rake
Shovel
Cleaning gloves
Wheel barrow
Push broom
Cleaning gloves

Please email clizik@gswpa.org to volunteer.



Thursday, May 30
Update from Ranger Jonathan: From the storms that passed through on Tuesday night, the worst of the damage was to the footbridge that crosses the Connoquenessing Creek, which will require repairs. Other affected areas include the camp's amphitheater area and corral, which remained underwater late Wednesday morning. As of this morning, there’s nothing new to report from last night, but we’re not in the clear yet. The flash flood watch has moved to today, from 11 a.m. through this evening.



Following severe storms, our Camp Redwing in Butler County experienced flooding, and we are bracing ourselves for more storms; the nearby borough of Zelionople was declared to be in a state of emergency.

At Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania, safety is our top priority. The road to Camp Redwing is currently open, but we ask that no one visit the camp at this time. We will provide updates regarding usage of camp facilities and plans for cleanup and repairs as information becomes available.  We are committed to making Camp Redwing safe and ready for a season of summer fun and adventure as soon as possible.

Girl Scouts always ask how they can help their communities in times of need.  Here are some ways Girl Scouts, our families, and neighbors can step up to help Camp Redwing and the affected communities:

  • Help your Girl Scouts research local disaster relief organizations that provide support to families affected by the storms.  Girl Scouts can volunteer, donate items, or give troop proceeds to organizations helping those in need.\
  • Soon, we will be coordinating a cleanup day to make GSWPA Camp Redwing safe and ready for summer. Please use this form to let us know that you're interested in lending a hand! 
  • Gift online or by check to Camp Redwing: You can make a gift to help Camp Redwing at http://gswpa.org/donate


We will provide additional updates here as information becomes available. If you have any questions, please contact us at 800-248-3355 or customercare@gswpa.org.