Door County Land Trust Aims to Purchase Camp Cuesta from the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes

The troop house at Camp Cuesta today. Photo by Kay McKinley

Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes (GSNWGL) proudly announce they have reached an agreement to sell Camp Cuesta in Baileys Harbor to the Door County Land Trust. This strategic partnership would ensure the continued availability of Camp Cuesta for local Girl Scouts and the preservation of this cherished property.   

Located adjacent to the Door County Land Trust’s 281-acre Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve, this 24-acre camp has been a destination for local Girl Scouts to build on their environmental stewardship and outdoor skills for nearly 50 years. The decision to transfer ownership to the Door County Land Trust was made with the utmost consideration for the well-being and future of local Girl Scouts. This collaboration will ensure that the camp remains a valuable resource that will be protected for generations.   

“We have mixed emotions about selling Camp Cuesta, but we are excited about the future with the Door County Land Trust,” said Patti Shafto-Carlson, CEO of GSNWGL. “Their commitment to preserving and maintaining the property aligns perfectly with our vision and values. This partnership ensures that Camp Cuesta will be a place where Girl Scouts and others can connect with nature, have meaningful outdoor experiences, and create lasting memories.”  

The Door County Land Trust, known for its dedication to protecting Door County’s scenic landscapes and natural habitats, is establishing a usage agreement with GSNWGL to keep Camp Cuesta open and accessible to Girl Scouts. “We are honored to take on the stewardship of Camp Cuesta as part of the Kangaroo Lake Nature Preserve,” said Emily Wood, Executive Director of the Door County Land Trust. “Our goal is to maintain the integrity of the land and ensure that it remains a vibrant and accessible space for the community and Girl Scouts for years to come.”   

The community and all those who love Girl Scouting are invited to help support the project with a donation. A generous Door County Land Trust supporter is offering to match dollar-for-dollar the first $50,000 in donations to help protect Camp Cuesta. To read stories of the local Girl Scouts who have long cared for and maintained Camp Cuesta for their programs, and donate to support the project, visit www.DoorCountyLandTrust.org. For more information about the Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes and their programs, please visit gsnwgl.org.