Judge rules Girl Scout executive board can sell camp properties without membership approval

A judge has sided with the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois in a case brought by volunteers who were upset with previous plans to sell Camp Tahigwa and three other Girl Scout campgrounds.

The ruling by a Scott County judge affirms the right of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois to sell camp facilities without members' approval.

The lawsuit was filed against the Girl Scout council after a board committee recommended last February that Camp Tahigwa and three other camps be sold.  The council changed its recommendation to upgrading Camp Conestoga for year-round use and using Camp Tahigwa, Camp Little Cloud and Camp L-Kee-Ta for overnight or weekend camping.

Some Girl Scout supporters were still disappointed and filed a lawsuit against the council.  The five women who filed the lawsuit asked the jduge to require the council to get membership approval before selling any property.

The judge's decision this week leaves responsibility for the properties in the hands of the council.