Camp Sacajawea Capital Campaign

This Capital Campaign will reimagine Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea as a premier destination for girl-centered leadership, adventure, and growth. With a $5.4 million investment, the master plan includes a new aquatic center with a modern pool, splash pad, and accessible shower house; immersive outdoor program areas; and upgraded infrastructure. Every detail is designed to foster courage, confidence, and character in a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment.

At its heart, this project is about expanding access and opportunity for all Girl Scouts by creating a space where they can take risks, build friendships, and discover their full potential. From the excitement of a new pool and splash pad to the serenity of a natural pond and accessible pathways, Camp Sacajawea’s transformation will create spaces for adventure, reflection, and connection to shape strong leaders and lifelong memories.

Join us in building a legacy of leadership and outdoor adventure that will impact generations to come.

About Our Council toggle arrow

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) is a 100% locally funded independent nonprofit in the state of Iowa, responsible for the operations, programming, and fundraising in our service area. We have a charter with Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) and operate within the framework and values of the national Girl Scout movement. This relationship also connects us with our sister councils across the country who we share best practices with to strengthen the Girl Scout experience.

GSGI service area

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa serves 67 counties in Iowa, two counties in South Dakota, and one county in Nebraska. While the majority of campers at Camp Sacajawea are from Central Iowa, the camp is open to Girl Scouts from outside the region, and girls from across the Midwest and beyond are welcome to register.

Inclusion

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa (GSGI) is committed to fostering and nurturing inclusive, equitable, and culturally conscious experiences for our Girl Scout community. We value the diverse backgrounds and qualities of each youth and adult member – including race; ethnicity; national origin; culture; gender identity and expression; sexual orientation; socio-economic status; age; physical, intellectual, and emotional abilities; and religious and political beliefs – so that all members feel they belong. We strive to provide everyone with the opportunity to participate fully in the Girl Scout program and contribute to the Girl Scout community.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa is proudly dedicated to serving girls. Research shows that girls thrive in all-girl environments—where they’re more likely to take the lead, try new things, and build confidence. Our programs are designed specifically for girls, while families, volunteers, and community partners of all genders play an important role in supporting their success.

About Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea toggle arrow

About our current facilities.

Camp Sacajawea is a 462-acre property in Boone County, Iowa, situated along the Des Moines River. The camp was acquired in 1959, and the existing pool was built in 1963. The current pool is aging, requires frequent and costly repairs, and is nearing the end of its usable life.

Without a functioning pool, we risk being unable to offer a full summer camp experience—a vital component of programming in Iowa’s hot summer months. Replacing the pool now ensures we don’t face a season (or longer) without this essential feature.

Accessibility at Camp Sacajawea

Improving accessibility at Camp Sacajawea is a central goal of this project. New paved walkways and accessible paths are being added to help more girls and visitors navigate camp safely and comfortably. At the same time, we’re taking care to preserve the rustic and natural charm that makes camp special.

Conservation

We’re deeply committed to environmental stewardship and preserving the natural beauty of Camp Sacajawea. Throughout the planning and construction process, environmental and aesthetic impacts are carefully considered. We are also actively pursuing funding opportunities to support conservation efforts and protect our camp’s natural surroundings for generations to come.

How many people does Camp Sacajawea impact?

This project will benefit more than 5,000 youth and individuals who visit Camp Sacajawea each year through summer camp programs, year-round rentals, Mission Outreach programs, and large community events.

Who can attend Girl Scout Camp Sacajawea?

During the summer months (June–August), camp programming is designed for girls entering grades K–12. Outside of the summer season, Camp Sacajawea is open to the public and available for group rentals and events year-round. That's a lot of people experiencing the magic of Camp Sacajawea!

How long are camp sessions?

Most camp sessions last about five days, but Camp Sacajawea offers a wide variety of options—from single-day experiences to multi-week adventures lasting up to three weeks.

What do girls do at summer camp?

At Camp Sacajawea, girls enjoy a wide variety of activities that let them explore, play, and grow in nature. Activities include swimming, kayaking and canoeing, horseback riding, archery, arts and crafts, sports, challenge courses (like zip lines and rock walls), hikes, and plenty of outdoor games. We also offer themed camps tailored to girls’ interests, with topics ranging from STEM and wizards to spa-cation experiences. New for 2026, girls can try our skilled trades construction camp, giving them hands-on experience in building and problem-solving. Camp Sacajawea also hosts Trek and Travel camps, where girls prepare for and embark on wilderness camping adventures together.

Strategic Goals toggle arrow

Transform Camp Sacajawea into a premier destination for girl programming.

Expand access and opportunities for all girls.

Build a legacy of leadership and outdoor adventure.

Map of Camp Sacajawea in Boone, Iowa. This map displays the proposed changes to the camp property.

Project Details toggle arrow

New era of aquatic adventure

A brand-new, larger-capacity swimming pool with multiple accessible entry points ensures that every camper can splash into the fun
The new deep end will accommodate swim safety tests while the new waterslide adds extra excitement and adventure
A modern, expanded shower house offering private and accessible changing and shower areas to meet the needs of all campers
A standalone splash pad will provide cooling fun and doesn't require a certified lifeguard, extending the water season and reaching more campers
A covered, central shelter will connect the splashpad and pool, creating a vibrant hub where campers gather between aquatic adventures, build friendships, and transition seamlessly between water activities
In place of the old pool, a beautiful, shaded pavillion will become a new outdoor learning hub, big enough to bring the entire camp community together

A transformed program space

Fully accessible pathways will connect all key areas of camp, opening up adventure for every camper
A scenic boardwalk will cross over a previously inaccessible wetland, creating immersive nature experiences and power STEM learning moments
Rain gardens, butterfly habitats, and native plants will inspire environmental stewardship through hands-on exploration
A reimagined civic pavilion will serve as the heart of cmap traditions like daily flag ceremonies and communal gatherings
Designed with the future in mind, the space includes room for exciting additions like a new playground and lookout tower

Infrastructure that inspires growth

Upgraded water and sanitation systems will support a healthier, more sustainable camp experience
New electrical and data infrastructure will allow for safer, more efficient programming and future innovation
Improved roads and paved parking lots with dedicated accessible spaces will make camp easier to reach--and more welcoming--for all

Project Budget toggle arrow

Project budget

Pool	$2 million
Shower house	$1.3 million
Splash pad	$700,000
Landscaping, trails, and surfacing	$520,000
Earthwork	$180,000
Infrastructure and general construction	$700,000
TOTAL	$5.4 million

Pie chart showing Campaign budget as $4.2 million and GSGI funds as $1.2 million

Common Questions toggle arrow

Who can support the Camp Sacajawea campaign? Anyone can support the campaign! GSGI will connect with current donors and board members, as they already share our dedication to building a space for Girl Scouts to thrive. In addition, local stakeholders, business owners, and friends of GSGI will be asked to consider a financial pledge to the Camp Sacajawea campaign. We are greatful for your interest and support of the project!

Are in-kind donations accepted? Yes! GSGI welcomes in-kind contributions that align with the project’s timeline, goals, and construction plan. To explore this type of gift, please connect with GSGI staff. We will facilitate conversations with our construction team to ensure any donation is appropriately planned and executed.

Why is an initial payment requested? Is it required? The Camp Sacajawea campaign asks for an initial payment to begin a pledge. This helps the campaign by immediately addressing the renovation costs incurred with the aquatic center, and allows us to continue moving forward with the project. While we request an initial payment, it is not required to support the campaign.

Why is each donor asked to complete a pledge form? Donors are asked to complete pledge forms so that the gift may be appropriately recorded and acknowledged by GSGI. The most important information GSGI requests is the total amount of the commitment, the amount of the initial payment (if any), the balance, and the payment plan selected by the donor. Donors are asked to sign the pledge form as a good faith commitment, indicating that they have agreed to the terms of the gift indicated on the form. A pledge form is not a legally binding document, and we know that people’s financial circumstances change. If that is the case, please contact GSGI to discuss possible options.

Why does this campaign emphasize pledges? The Camp Sacajawea campaign emphasizes pledges because it allows donors a broader variety of giving options than they might normally contribute when making a one-time gift. This is important in a campaign of this magnitude for continued progress of the project.

To what extent are gifts to the Camp Sacajawea campaign tax deductible? GSGI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit. Gifts to the campaign are tax deductible as allowed by law. The application of such laws varies with individual financial circumstances. Households with specific questions regarding tax deductibility should contact their attorney or tax preparer.

Will the Camp Sacajawea campaign be fully funded through donations? The campaign committee has worked diligently to find every applicable grant opportunity for this project. Alongside grants, donations from individuals, households, community groups, local businesses, large corporations, and foundations will be sought.

What happens if we exceed our goal? Any funds raised beyond our initial goal will go toward future priority projects at Camp Sacajawea. These may include:

⇨ A new imaginative playground
⇨ Additional lodging facilities
⇨ A covered arena for the equestrian program.

These enhancements will further expand opportunities for campers and increase capacity to serve more girls in meaningful ways.

What happens if we do not meet our goal? If we fall short of our fundraising goal, we will adjust the project’s size and scope to align with the funds raised. Some elements—such as the splash pad, outdoor learning pavilion, or enhanced landscaping—may be deferred or removed from the initial phase. However, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa remains committed to continuing fundraising efforts until we can fully bring the project to life.

Campaign Executive Committee

Janet Phipps-Burkhead

Honorary Chair

Christina Moffatt

Co-Chair

Karen Reick

Co-Chair

Committee members

Brooke Bartholomay Quinn

Chief Executive Officer

Jessie Phillips

Chief Development Officer

image with Girl Scouts outside playing with a large colorful parachute. The text below the image says, "The Girl Scout Leadership Experience develops a strong sense of self, positive values, challenge-seeking behaviors, healthy relationships, and community problem solving."

Text on a tan background that says, "13,361 total members served" and "7,256 experienced Camp Sacajawea and Camp Tanglefoot last year." The graphic also contains a map of the GSGI council area, including camp locations, office locations, and overall counties served.

“I’m not a campy person.”

That’s what I recall thinking nearly a decade ago when I accepted this life-changing role. Since that time, I’ve had the enormous privilege of supporting and growing our mission, living out our mission, and best of all, seeing our mission in action time and time again.

There was a time I didn’t know the magic of a campfire under the stars. I didn’t know how, under the cover of inky skies, I’d witness the protective walls of today’s youth come down and see authentic connection and courage blossom; how I would witness singing and laughter and unfiltered joy light up the night.

Then and there I realized I am most certainly a “campy person.” I realized I didn’t have to have years of outdoor experience to truly know the impact of this outdoor world of adventure and connection. What I know now is how uniquely positioned we are as Girl Scouts, with impactful traditions, incredible infrastructure, and comprehensive programs offering a critical, girl-only space for Girl Scouts to soar out of their comfort zones.

Research demonstrates girls are less likely to take risks or engage in competition in environments when boys are present. They are also more likely to shy away from STEM activities and sports when boys are present. Camp Sacajawea provides fertile soil for controlled risk-taking and real-time experiences for girls to grow, learn, and be their best selves, their bravest selves, attributes that have lifelong positive outcomes.

We are at a critical moment in our organization’s rich history, and we are excited to share our ideas, our successes, and our challenges with you.

Thank you for your support.

Beth Shelton
Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa