A "tents" situation resolved with donation
By KEVIN SKALICKY
DCN Reporter
A recent walk for breast cancer research in the Twin Cities is now helping the Girl Scouts of northern Minnesota.
The tents, which were used during the “Breast Cancer 3-Day� walk, helped the Susan G. Komen Foundation raise millions of dollars for breast cancer research. Now they could potentially raise up to $42,000 to help the scouts build a much needed storm shelter at Camp Roundelay.
The Northern Pine Council, headquarters for Girl Scouts in northern Minnesota, acquired 1,400 tents that were slightly used during the three-day walk.
“They’re a two- to three-person pink tent that has a rain fly and mosquito netting,� said Julie Igo, the council shop manager in Duluth. “They pack down small for storage, too. The tents are in excellent shape, and it’s for a great cause.�
The Girl Scouts group is giving the tents away with every $30 donation to the Camp Roundelay Storm Shelter Project. The camp is located in Gordon, Wis., and entertains Girl Scouts from all over northern Minnesota. The Gordon area has definitely seen its fair share of dangerous weather.
According to the Wisconsin Emergency Management Department, a state record 62 tornadoes were documented in 2006.
“The storm shelter will help keep the girls safe,� said Gail Close, the membership development director of the Northern Pine Council.
“Nobody at the camp has been hurt or injured by the storms, but we’ve had nearby tornadoes do damage to trees on the campground,� Close added.
Camp Roundelay takes pride in helping young girls grow to be confident, caring and concerned adults. The 620-acre camp offers activities from horseback riding to canoeing. Being able seek refuge from dangerous weather such as tornadoes, hail and flooding would ensure even more safety for young campers.
“They (tents) make a great gift with the holidays coming up,� Close said. “We’ve already sold a few hundred and they’re going fast.�
For purchasing information, visit the Northern Pines Council Shop on Michigan Street in downtown Duluth.