Girl Scouts camp outside Cuba to be sold

A northern New Mexico Girl Scouts camp dating back to the 1960s has been put on the market, leaving some people upset.

On Jan. 26, the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails board of directors decided to sell Camp Rancho del Chaparral while keeping its second camp, Elliott Barker, in Angel Fire.

"Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails evaluated the long-term sustainability of operating two camp properties and determined that maintaining both is no longer financially or operationally viable," Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails CEO Celia Tellez said in a statement. "As a result, the council is moving forward with the sale of Rancho, while continuing to operate and invest in its remaining camp."

Rancho del Chaparral, which sits between Jemez Springs and Cuba, opened in 1969. It is located on land that was part of the San Diego Land Grant, according to the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails.

Troop 10471 leader Wendy Lexa said the camp "holds deep historical and personal significance."

"Me and my daughter have camped at Rancho many times throughout the years," she said. "It is a place where we can connect with nature and with each other. There is no cell service at the camp so we can truly have the chance to unplug and spend quality time together and with the friends we make while at camp."

Lexa started a petition with the hopes of convincing the board to reconsider the sale. As of 4:07 p.m. Monday, there were 348 signatures.

"... Lots and lots of people are upset about the sale of the camp, and we're just trying to get them to relook at it, possibly look at different fundraising options, different ways of getting the camp property used as opposed to just getting rid of it," she said.

Tellez said the Girl Scouts of New Mexico Trails is selling the property because of high operating and maintenance costs at camps Rancho del Chaparral and Elliott Barker.

In fiscal year 2023-24, it cost about $900,000 to operate both camps, including summer camp. This does not include deferred maintenance or needed upgrades, Tellez said. 

"... Deferred maintenance across both properties exceeds $1.3 million," she said. "When you add in capital improvements, like adding essential upgrades like plumbing, bathrooms, and emergency communications, that number grows to over $2.5 million."

Over the next five years, Tellez said, it would cost about $4.5 million to $5 million to operate both camps.

"Taken together," she said, "these realities, not any single year, staffing decision, or program approach, led the Board to conclude that maintaining two camp properties is no longer financially or operationally viable, and that focusing resources on one camp and broader statewide programming will better serve more girls across New Mexico."

No sale date has been announced.

"The timing can vary depending on market conditions and interest, so it's difficult to give a precise timeline," she said. "Rather than setting a fixed schedule, the council is focused on moving forward thoughtfully and will share updates as key milestones are reached."

Gregory R.C. Hasman is a general assignment reporter and the Road Warrior. He can be reached at ghasman@abqjournal.com or 505-823-3820.