LOCAL FAMILY FUN
The age-old tradition of outdoor camping combines with modern STEM-focused programming in Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma’s brand new Camp Trivera, opening in Oklahoma City this month. Occupying 17 acres just east of the Oklahoma City Zoo, the state-of-the-art camp is the result of a multi-year journey, one that began amidst controversy. “I still remember one of my volunteers calling to tell me to turn on the TV, that Cookieland was on the news,” recalls Shannon Evers, chief executive officer with Girl Scouts Western Oklahoma. Purchased by the Girls Scouts in 1948 using money from cookie sales and personal funds, Cookieland provided outdoor camping and programming experiences for generations of local troops. But, in 2016, the Oklahoma Turnpike Authority was working out plans for a new turnpike, which required land acquisition to build, and both Cookieland and personal homes sat on parcels of land under consideration. “The public meeting was heated,” said Evers. “People were very worried about their homes.” The Girl Scouts engaged girls of various ages to discuss the dilemma of selling Cookieland or community members potentially losing their homes and help find a solution. “The Turnpike Authority met with a group of our girls to explain the options, and in the end the girls decided to save the homes and sell Cookieland,” said Evers. The Girl Scouts then turned their focus to building a new camp, and from the beginning, members have played an integral part of the planning and design process, including selecting features, programming and amenities. Camp Trivera focuses on STEM and outdoor experiences, offering a year-round destination for troops and the community. Both traditional outdoor adventures, like camping, hiking, zip lining and kayaking, combine with indoor lodging options and an indoor rock climbing wall Girl Scout urban STEM camp opens in the Adventure District BY LINDSAY CUOMO . PHOTOS PROVIDED.
ONE OF THREE TREE HOUSES AT THE CAMP, EACH SLEEPING ABOUT 10.
14 METROFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM / SEPTEMBER 2020
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