Working Together in Waukesha
Located in Waukesha, the 78-acre Chinook Program Center is a beloved oasis among subdivisions and farmland, offering spots to explore on foot through woods, fields, and wetlands, a new ninja adventure course, archery and hatchet stations, and a woodshop.
A longtime annual supporter of GSWISE, the Waukesha Rotary Club recently awarded an additional grant to support the refurbishment of Chinook Program Center’s amphitheater. Not only did the Rotary offer the grant, members volunteered for two hands-on work days at the property to work on the new amphitheater that will provide a better experience for future Girl Scouts and continue to improve the Waukesha community at large. “The Waukesha Rotary Club likes to fund projects that affect youth. When we were asked to volunteer, we all raised our hands,” said Patti, a Rotary Club member. Volunteers spent both days removing and demoing old benches, advising on bench layout options, digging new bench post holes, and more. The amphitheater, which is used as a gathering spot during camp for campfires, skits, songs, presentations, and ceremonies, will now seat up to 70 girls and feature string lights and electrical power for evening activities, like outdoor movie viewings.
Among the volunteers, several were Girl Scout alumnae or mothers, fathers, and grandparents of current Girl Scouts who attend troop camping excursions and other programs hosted at Chinook. “Girl Scouts – and Girl Scout volunteers – improve the lives of girls by introducing them to a world of things they might not otherwise experience,” said Kip, a Rotary Club member. GSWISE’s valued partners, including the Waukesha Rotary Club, create spaces for girls to build confidence in the outdoors, experience joy, and create lasting friendships around the campfire.
Read more stories like this one in the Fall 2023 Discover Magazine.
