Contribute to save Camp Little Notch

To the Editor:

OK, I'm on a mission — a fundraising mission; it's been a few years since I've asked friends and family for money, so I figure you must have a few dollars burning a hole in your pockets or purses — especially if you were a former camper up at Camp Little Notch in Fort Ann, New York.

Back in the 1980s, I took my Girl Scout Troops to Camp Little Notch — a beautiful 2,300-acre Girl Scout Camp at the base of the Adirondacks.  In 2008-09, it was sold — but fortunately, it was sold to the Open Space Institute, a not-for-profit group that seeks to preserve land.  This sale was arranged through the efforts of about 15 former Girl Scout counselors (Friends of Camp Little Notch) who were incredible in their efforts.

Over 400 of the acres are in a “rent to own” agreement with Friends of Camp Little Notch — they include the platform tents, the buildings, and an entire 80-acre lake.  The mountain and the timber are now owned by a sustainable timber company.

Friends of Camp Little Notch has run a summer camp for girls for the past four years, even offering camping for girls with hearing impairments, as they have three or more counselors who are American Sign Language interpreters.  They also rent tents and buildings to outside groups.

Just last month, a buyer with deep pockets offered to purchase Camp Little Notch out from under Friends of Camp Little Notch, which the Open Space Institute is within its rights to do. Sometimes the institute sells one piece of property to buy something it deems more valuable.

Friends of Camp Little Notch needs to raise $1,090,000 by Jan. 15.  Friends of Camp Little Notch is a registered not-for-profit so all donations are completely tax deductible.  The group has $155,000 so far.  The plan is to raise over $100,000 through people like me; over $400,000 through bigger donors, and take out a loan for over $500,000.

Your first question: What happens to the money if they don't succeed?  The board of directors will ensure that the money is used toward efforts to get girls outdoors — scholarships to camps, etc.

Want more info?  Check out Friends of Camp Little Notch's website or our Facebook page.  I've already raised $515 toward my first $1,000. You can help by sending a check in any amount, made out to "Friends of Camp Little Notch" to me at Betty Fuller, 5709 East Old State Rd.  Schenectady, NY 12303.

If you have any questions, call me at 518-456-8984.  Please send your check today — donations will generate donations.

If you decide to donate directly to Friends of Camp Little Notch, that's OK, too; don't use Crowdrise though even though it might be easier; it takes a cut from the donation.

Thank you so much — take a moment and peek at the website — the pictures are beautiful.

Betty Fuller
Guilderland

Editor’s note: Betty Fuller is Service Unit Manager for the Guilderland Girl Scouts. To read a June story about Camp Little Notch, go online to AltamontEnterprise.com.

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