Have questions about SoCA or Camp Archbald?

Update: As of July 29th, 2020, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA, owners of Camp Archbald, have announced that Camp Archbald is no longer under review and camp has been saved from being sold! Read the official decision announcement here. Read SoCA’s press release regarding the decision here.

What is SoCA?

Supporters of Camp Archbald (SoCA) is an association of Girl Scouts that seeks to support and conserve Camp Archbald for Girl Scouting. We are concerned about recent Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania (GSHPA) decisions and recommendations regarding Camp Archbald, specifically: utilization, the sale of acreage, planned demolition of camp buildings, and the lack of programming at Camp Archbald.

Is SoCA part of Girl Scouts?

No. SoCA is independent of Girl Scouts of the USA and Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA. We are an independent 501(c)3 nonprofit organization.

Does SoCA work with the official Girl Scout organization?

We work together to plan activities and events at Camp Archbald. Members of the group are all registered Girl Scouts, and all members who are supervising girls have clearances through GSHPA.

Is camp saved from potential closure and sale?

Yes! Effective July 29, 2020, Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA who own Camp Archbald, made the decision to keep the property operational and will develop a business plan to ensure continued maintenance and programming at the camp indefinitely. 

How do I learn more about resident camp?

Click this link to go to the camp page.

I’m looking for a facilitator to help lead some activities while at camp. Can SoCA help?

SoCA helps to maintain a list of volunteers who have certifications in the following areas:
Animal Tracks
Archery
Backpacking
Basic Outdoor Cooking
Botany Identity
Fire building
High Ropes
Hikes
History of Camp Archbald
Knots
Lifeguarding
Low Ropes
Watercraft

Please contact us at socamparchbald@gmail.com and note what type of certification you are looking for and we can help. If you would like to be added to our list of facilitators please e-mail mediaforsoca@gmail.com your name, certification organization, expiry date and contact information and we will add it to our list of Facilitator and Mentor Certifications

What are the goals of SoCA?

  • To promote clear, open, and honest communication between Girl Scout membership, the board and administration of GSHPA.
  • To raise funds, both directly and with council support, to support Camp Archbald.
  • To encourage, promote, and provide increased quality programming at the camp.
  • To prevent the sale of camp land. (Check! Effective 7/29/20)
  • To preserve Camp Archbald acreage for Girl Scout use and for the safety of all concerned.
  • To protect and repair historic camp properties.
  • To reach out to alumni and scouts for assistance in supporting, conserving, and protecting Camp Archbald.
  • To plan for the 100th Anniversary of Camp Archbald in 2020.
    (Check! Effective 9/12/20)

What do you want to change?

  • Providing the increased availability of Girl Scout activities and programs at Camp Archbald.
  • Having clear, open, and honest communication with the board and administration of GSHPA.
  • Ensuring accurate accounting of the costs to operate Camp Archbald, including deferred maintenance costs so that we can plan how to meet those needs.
  • Accurate accounting of camp utilization. 

Was a building study done at camp?

SoCA provided an engineer free of cost who completed an engineering study of the structures. The study was completed in fall of 2018 and shared with the administration at GSHPA.

Has any of the camp been sold?

Yes. One parcel on the opposite side of the lake, where “The Point” is. Fortunately, it was purchased by a member of the Ely family, who intends to preserve the land in its current, undeveloped state and allow continued usage by Girl Scouts who visit the camp.

Where do donations to SoCA go?

Donations given to SoCA are used for a number of things. Our main focus is the cost of running resident camp. GSHPA will be charging SoCA $10,000 for the 2019 resident camp rental. We put most donations towards camp. Other donations are used for printing costs, hosting events and mailings.

Donations to SoCA may be sent to the Community Foundation of the Endless Mountains, to the Supporters of Camp Archbald Fund. These donations are tax-deductible.

You may also donate directly to SoCA via the donate page here.These funds will be used for girl activities at Camp Archbald.

SoCA also accepts money via Venmo. Find us at @supportersofCA and include in the note what or who your payment is for.

There are gas wells on Camp Archbald. Where does the gas drilling money go?

There are gas leases on Camp Archbald property, but the gas wells have been drilled on adjacent properties not owned by GSHPA. The underground portion of these wells crosses under the surface of Camp Archbald land, owned by GSHPA. As a result, GSHPA received royalties due to gas being extracted from under Camp Archbald. The money received from gas drilling has been used for expenses at the council-wide level, rather than being solely earmarked for Camp Archbald or our local community. 

I am interested in serving as a delegate or nominating someone to be a delegate for Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA (GSHPA). How can I do that?

SoCA and GSHPA are always looking for delegates. You can nominate someone, or yourself who would be a good representative to serve in the best interest of the girls of the thirty counties served by GSHPA. Visit the delegates page on GSHPA’s website to fill out form and get more information.

I am interested in receiving your monthly newsletter how do I sign up?

Click here to sign up for our monthly newsletter!

I heard about Preservation PA, where can I find out more information?

Visit Preserve PA and check out the 2019 at risk list or read our press release here.