Camp Darden Climbing Wall Dedication

Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast dedicated a new climbing wall at Camp Darden in Courtland on June 20 during a ceremony with campers, Girl Scout alumnae and friends from the community. The 22-foot high wall was built at the camp this spring thanks to a $15,000 grant from the Obici Healthcare Foundation. Girl Scouts from the Suffolk Service Unit donated funds to purchase auto-belay devices for the climbing wall.

Following the dedication ceremony, guests were led on a tour of the camp. Among the guests in attendance were Franklin Mayor Frank Rabil and his wife Lynne, and Tammie Mullins-Rice from the Obici Healthcare Foundation. John and Irene Field also visited camp for the ceremony. Irene is the daughter of the late former Virginia Governor Colgate Darden who donated Camp Darden for Girl Scouts to use.

“When children are involved in programs that encourage healthy lifestyles, the knowledge that they gain and the habits that they develop have a long-term impact on their health and well-being,” Tracy Keller, CEO of Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, said. “We hope that the addition of the climbing wall will encourage more girls to come to camp, spend time outdoors and be active.”

The climbing wall will be used by thousands of Girl Scouts, as well as members of the public who rent the camp facility for recreation, conference and training events.

The climbing wall the latest improvement Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast has made to the camp to offer a variety of high-adventure activities for girls. Last year, an archery range opened at the camp, and a low-ropes course and new pool were added to the camp in 2013. Camp Darden also offers hiking trails on its 105 acres and a waterfront for canoeing and sailing.