September 22, 2011

BLYTHE, Calif – Colorful kids’ art that once covered the walls is now trampled and tattered on the floor. White boards where activities were eagerly planned is desecrated with graffiti. The little kitchen where snacks were prepared and shared is soiled and covered with broken glass. The small white bridge that proud little girls once crossed over to signify their transition from one Girl Scout level to the next is burnt and broken. These are just a few of the acts of vandalism recently discovered at Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio’s scout house.

“The damage was immense,” said Erin Stout, vice president of business operations for the council. “We’ve been slowly working towards scout house renovations for several months, and had hoped to be able to reopen it for the girls by next spring. This is going to push our timeline back considerably.”

The vandals broke into the scout house Monday evening, September 19. They smashed the kitchen window and climbed into the house where they proceeded to desecrate the property with graffiti and excrement before finally setting fire to the place.

“It’s heartbreaking to have something like this happen,” said Michele Penn, membership and community development manager for the council’s low desert region. “We have three troops in that area who have been waiting for the scout house to reopen so that they can hold their meetings there.”

Damage to the property is still being assessed but is estimated to be in the thousands. If you would like to help restore Blythe Scout House, check donations can be mailed to Girl Scouts of San Gorgonio Council, 1751 Plum Lane, Redlands, California 92374. For credit card donations contact Erika Riddle, finance assistant for the council at 800-400-GIRL (4475).