MIDDLEBURG, Fla. – Girl Scouts of Gateway Council broke ground Tuesday on a new facility at its 250-acre camp in Middleburg funded by a $750,000 gift from local philanthropist Monica Flynn Jacoby.
Located at the camp's entrance, the Jacoby Center will provide office and meeting space for visitors and staff. The 2,542 square-foot building will include meeting space for 60, a covered front porch and pavilion at the rear of the building.
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The Jacoby gift will also fund the construction of new restrooms at the camp's drop-off and parking area.
On hand at the groundbreaking were Mary Anne Jacobs, CEO, Girl Scouts of Gateway Council, U.S. Rep. Ted Yoho, Doug Conkey, president of the Clay County Chamber of Commerce and about 30 guests.
Four local Girl Scouts had the honor of the first ceremonial shovel dig.
Monica Flynn Jacoby was a Girl Scout in Ridgefield, N.J. In a written statement shared at the ceremony she said, "I am just passing it forward as a thank you to them [Girl Scouts] and to all the wonderful women who dedicate themselves to our girls today. Our world needs strong women leaders, and the Scouting program fosters just that."
The North Fork Leadership Center provides outdoor environmental education and recreation to girls in 16 North Florida counties and to Clay County middle school students. The property is bordered by one mile on North Fork of Black Creek, with amenities that include cabins that can sleep up to 136 people, junior-sized Olympic swimming pool and aquatic center, amphitheater, program and activity buildings, and low ropes challenge course.