The council has some exciting news to share!  Our new Decatur Urban Program Center is now open!

As some of you may know, the development of an Urban Program Center is a part of the Long Range Property Plan developed by GSCI in 2010 to provide facilities that meet the needs and interests of today’s Girl Scouts. This center is a modern facility, providing a place where troops can meet and Girl Scout programs can be held. The nearly 8,000 square foot building has office space and program space under one roof. It includes a rock climbing wall, teaching kitchen, meeting and program rooms, outdoor fire circle, green space, the Trefoil Boutique, and staff offices and meeting space.

The new center is located in the building formerly occupied by WSOY at 1100 E. Pershing Road in Decatur. This space would not be possible without the generous contribution of land and building by TR of Decatur. The building has been completely remodeled to meet the needs of our Girl Scout members, volunteers, and staff.

Work began on the facility in the former WSOY building in March, and Girl Scouts of Central Illinois CEO Pam Kovacevich said she hardly recognized the center now. “Words can’t describe how I feel (seeing the center),” said Kovacevich, shortly after she arrived at the program center. “We cannot believe this is the same building we looked at pre-renovation. It’s beautiful, and we know the girls in this community and from around this area are going to love it.”

“We’re really excited to give the community a state-of-the-art building and Girl Scout opportunity,” Kovacevich said. “I’m hopeful that with this center, we will not only be out there recruiting more girls for Girl Scouts, but that girls will be coming to us because they want to be part of this experience.”

We are excited about the future of Girl Scouting in the region and the Urban Program Center will assist us in furthering our mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place!

A community open house is planned for Oct. 20.