CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Opening day has arrived for the Black Diamond Girl Scout Council Volunteer and Resource Center as well as their Urban Camp and Girl Zone.
The $6 million facility is located on Charleston’s West Side at the former Moses Auto Dealership. The Girl Scouts have spent the past year renovating the building and creating their own space to serve the young women of the Council.
Beth Casey, the CEO of the Black Diamond Council, said they’ve created a space that accommodates administration offices, conference rooms, a gift shop, a kitchen, great room, two bunk rooms and a fenced in outdoor space.
She said it’s all waiting to be used for the very first time.
“We have girls coming in [Saturday] for a cookie event. They’re going to be boning up on their sale skills and techniques and getting ready for January,” explained Casey.
The building is about 99 percent complete. On Friday, a few workmen were still in the building.
“We’re still getting some finishing touches on the building but, for the most part, we are completely ready for business,” stressed Casey.
When you walk in the front door you’ll notice subtle colors. Head over to the Girl Zone and it’s a completely different experience. The space is filled with vibrant, comfortable furniture, areas for the girls to hang out and watch TV or play games. Just outside, in a large fenced-in green space, is a giant fire pit.
“[The girls] can come to the city, feel safe about where they’re staying but still have the opportunity to enjoy the out of doors and have the campfire that’s so important to Girl Scouting,” said Casey.
The Girl Zone is all about giving scouts from across the Council, which serves most of West Virginia, a chance to visit places like the state Capitol and the Clay Center for the Arts and Sciences but still have a camp feel.
As for the rest of the building, Casey said it’s home to plenty of office space and meeting rooms, that can be rented out to the public. She says they’re not lacking for space.
“We’re going to be able to do so many different things, in this facility, than we could in our past facility, both for girls and volunteers,” explained Casey.
The Black Diamond Council has already raised $1.5 million for the new facility. They’ve got $4.5 million to go. Donations are still coming in from businesses and individuals. Casey said, whether it’s a grand gift or just a few dollars, every donation brings them closer to their goal.