Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas + Sun Club Solar Array Event
With summer camp in full swing, Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas (GSNETX) ceremoniously “flipped the switch” on a new solar energy system made possible through a grant from Green Mountain Energy Sun Club® during an on-site ceremony on June 27. Through a generous $115,940 grant aimed at enhancing sustainability initiatives, the Sun Club funded the installation of a 116-panel and 48.72kW solar array on two buildings at Camp Gambill outside Paris, Texas. The new system provides power well beyond the central structure, generating 79% of the 54-acre camp’s electricity needs.
The project is expected to provide $244,000 in energy cost savings over the next 25 years. The collaboration exemplifies both organizations’ commitment to lighting the way to a greener future by empowering young leaders to explore STEM, care for the planet, and bring innovative and sustainable solutions into their communities.
“We are dedicated to empowering the next generation of changemakers and we’re so grateful to Green Mountain Energy Sun Club for their investment—one that fuels our mission and offers a living inspiration for our members,” said Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas CEO, Jennifer Bartkowski. “Girl Scouts’ commitment to sustainability is central to our values and mission. Today’s Girl Scouts are leading efforts to address environmental challenges as they improve their own communities in so many ways.”
The solar array, constructed over the last several months, creates a powerful environmental impact. It can generate pollution-free power over its lifespan equal to 1,888 gallons of gas and offset as much carbon dioxide (CO₂) as 1,494 mature oak trees.
“Incorporating solar energy in the operations and activities at Camp Gambill reduces electricity costs for this nonprofit organization while bringing new learning experiences to Girl Scouts”, said Andrea Ortega-Toledano, Senior Director of Sustainability, Green Mountain Energy. “It’s crucial that our future leaders understand both the impact and necessity of cleaner, renewable energy sources, and we’re thrilled to help support that with Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas.”
Green Mountain Energy’s mission is to inspire hope and motivate action through the use of clean energy, and to advance sustainable communities through the work of Green Mountain Energy Sun Club. Since its founding in 2002, Sun Club has donated more than $15 million for 174 projects across Texas and the Northeast with a focus on renewable energy, energy efficiency, resource conservation and environmental stewardship.
The ‘Flip the Switch’ ceremony included a group of Girl Scouts showcasing their role building a greener future. Sally Dover, Director of Camps and Outdoor Leadership for GSNETX, emphasized how the project empowers girls to understand and engage with the world around them. The waterfront camp offers a swimming area, floating pier, canoeing, kayaking, a sand volleyball court and archery to hundreds of Girl Scouts each year. “Helping girls see how they can make a positive impact is at the heart of our mission,” she said.
The partnership not only provides a clean, new energy source for Camp Gambill, but also offers Girls Scouts at camp an ongoing up-close experience with solar power and a deeper understanding of the benefits of both STEM education and renewable energy. The installation includes educational instruction panels depicting how solar power works and its environmental impact. Dover is especially enthusiastic about the opportunities for hands-on learning at the camp, where Girl Scouts will experience solar power in action, noting, “they’ll be able to see firsthand how renewable energy works and how it can help create a better future.”