[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 93 (Thursday, July 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1321]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    RANCHO DEL CHAPARRAL GIRL SCOUT CAMP CELEBRATES 35TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 7, 2004

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the 
35th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council's resident 
camp, Rancho del Chaparral, located on 1,200 acres of forest, river and 
meadow in the Jemez Mountains. ``A piece of blue sky and all there is 
beneath it'' is the theme for Rancho, as it is affectionately called.
  On July 17, Girl Scouts from New Mexico and across the United States 
will reunite to mark this historic occasion, exemplifying the strong 
bond of friendship that young women gain through their Girl Scout 
experiences. Such relationships are vital for young women and foster an 
appreciation for helping others, whether it be in the community, at 
school, or at home. It is clear that these women have cherished the 
spirit of the Girl Scout tradition as they now gather 35 years later to 
renew their friendships.
  Rancho is located on part of the San Diego Land Grant bestowed to 
Francisco Garcia de Noreigo in 1790 by the Governor of New Mexico. It 
was purchased in 1963 by funds raised through Girl Scout cookie sales.
  Rancho replaced Camp Elza Seligman, which had served the girls of the 
council since the early 1940's. Camp Seligman, located near Ponderosa, 
was no longer adequate for the growing needs of the council. Parents 
and friends of Girl Scouts raised funds through a Capital Campaign in 
1967, and Rancho was dedicated on July 13, 1969. It was designed by the 
architectural firm, George Wright Associates, and built by La Mesa 
Builders, Inc.
  Today, Rancho's El Bosque continues to welcome Brownie, Junior, 
Cadette and Senior Girl Scout troops, along with their leaders, for an 
exciting camp experience. El Prado--with its Adirondacks, hogans and 
covered wagons--houses individual girls participating in a variety of 
outdoor activities.
  Rancho develops girls strong in mind, body and spirit by creating a 
cooperative and supportive community that encourages self-reliance and 
self-discovery. Girls experience hiking, horseback riding, arts and 
crafts, campfires, star gazing, archery, canoeing, and much more. There 
are even programs for the entire family.
  During the celebration, there will be a memorial dedication to 
Captain Tamara Long-Archuleta, a former Chaparral Girl Scout, who was 
tragically killed last year in Afghanistan. Tammy was the copilot of 
the helicopter that crashed while on a rescue mission, killing all six 
aboard. She was from Adelino, near Belen, and her life was a shining 
example of what being a Girl Scout is all about. Tammy was 
valedictorian of her class and a world karate champion. She graduated 
from the University of New Mexico with honors, and while there became 
involved with Air Force ROTC. She had wanted to become a fighter pilot, 
but instead decided to do rescue work.
  Tammy left behind a 3-year-old son and planned to marry a fellow Air 
Force pilot. Sadly, she was two weeks away from returning home when the 
accident occurred.
  Girl Scouts of Chaparral Council serves more than 6,800 girls and 
2,500 adults in nine counties in New Mexico and five counties in 
southwestern Colorado. Chaparral Council is committed to helping girls, 
ages 5-17, develop values, social consciousness, self-esteem and skills 
for success in the future. I have met hundreds of Chaparral Girl Scouts 
over the years and am constantly reminded through these experiences, 
our younger generations are ready, willing, and able to assume their 
rightful role as tomorrow's leaders.
  Mr. Speaker, Rancho del Chaparral will forever be a place where 
friendships flourished and lessons were learned about life and the 
importance of our natural resources. Most of all, these women were 
instilled with the Girl Scout tradition, something they have passed 
down to their children and grandchildren. Thousands of girls' lives 
have been touched and enriched through their experience with the 
Chaparral Council. I am pleased to commemorate the 35th anniversary of 
this very special place that has meant so much to so many.

                          ____________________