
[RALEIGH, NC] — Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines is thrilled to announce over $500,000 in committed funding from generous donors to enhance its camp properties and expand outdoor opportunities for Girl Scouts across the region. These transformative investments will provide innovative spaces that inspire leadership, creativity, and community for generations to come.
Leading this initiative is the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, with a $100,000 grant to support the addition of an outdoor amphitheater at Camp Mary Atkinson in Johnston County. The new amphitheater will provide a versatile space where the beauty of nature meets artistic expression, serving as a hub for outdoor arts, science programs, and year-round gatherings.
“As a former Girl Scout, I know firsthand the transformative power of this organization,” said Sloan Edemann, Fletcher Fellow, A.J. Fletcher Foundation. “The Girl Scouts builds courage, confidence, and character in young girls, equipping them with the skills to lead and thrive. The A.J. Fletcher Foundation Board is proud to support the Girl Scouts –North Carolina Coastal Pines' commitment to empowering the next generation of leaders — whether they're exploring STEM, honing life skills, or finding their voice in the great outdoors at Camp Mary Atkinson.”
A Collective Investment in Girls’ Futures
In addition to the A.J. Fletcher Foundation, generous contributions from local foundations, banks, and individuals have been pivotal in reaching this milestone. Their collective support has made possible a variety of projects across Camp Mary Atkinson in Johnston County, Camp Hardee in Pender County, Camp Mu-Sha-Ni in Onslow County, and Camp Graham in Wake County, including new cabins, program spaces, and outdoor recreation areas.
Notable supporters include Melanie Dubis, Fidelity Bank, First Citizens Bank and the Ella Ann L. and Frank B. Holding Foundation, Kristen Hess of HH Architecture & Other Engineering Partners, Robert P. Holding Foundation, Kathy Karlic and Peter Gross, Mt. Olive Pickle Company, Frances Abbot Burton Powers Endowment Fund, Barbara Sirvis, the estate of Margaret Pickard and Genrik S. Sirvis, Southern Bank, and Suzanne Stroud.
As the camp properties continue to grow and improve, there are additional opportunities to support projects, such as updating cabin spaces, renovating the infirmary at Camp Mary Atkinson, and creating new program spaces. For more information on these upcoming initiatives, visit our Long-Range Property Strategy page.
“These investments reflect a shared commitment to creating spaces where Girl Scouts can learn, grow, and lead,” said Lisa M.K. Jones, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines. “The support we’ve received from our donors highlights the importance of outdoor experiences in shaping future leaders and innovators. We’re incredibly grateful for their generosity and belief in our mission.”
The planned enhancements will include key additions such as new cabins, a craft hut, recreational program areas, and facilities that expand year-round programming. Construction timelines for these projects will span the next several years, ensuring thoughtful implementation and long-term impact for campers and their families.
For more information about these enhancements or how to support Girl Scout programs, visit our website.
We Are Girl Scouts
Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit girlscouts.org.
About Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines
Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines is the largest girl-led leadership development program in central and eastern North Carolina, reaching over 20,000 members and volunteers across 41 central and eastern North Carolina counties. Girl Scouts helps develop leaders of tomorrow by empowering girls to take on bold challenges, discover their passions and strengths, and explore programming like STEM, entrepreneurship, environmental leadership, take-action projects, and global citizenship. Today’s Girl Scouts learn to lead with courage, confidence, and character to make their communities and the world a better place. The council's administrative headquarters is located in Raleigh, with additional program and service centers located in Goldsboro, Fayetteville, and Wilmington. To volunteer, reconnect, donate, or join, visit www.nccoastalpines.org or call (800) 284-4475.
About the A.J . Fletcher Foundation
The A.J. Fletcher Foundation works to improve the lives and well-being of all North Carolinians through strategic investments and partnerships that promote the arts, education, and access to opportunity for all.
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