Howard County agrees to buy Camp Ilchester from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, preserve camp
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. — Howard County officials have reached an agreement to purchase Camp Ilchester in Ellicott City from Girl Scouts of Central Maryland and preserve the 21-acre camp.
Executive Calvin Ball said the camp, which had been used by the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland, was purchased for $6 million. It will be used as open space as part of the county’s parks and recreation systems.
The purchase will be voted on by Howard County Council on May 25.
“When the Girl Scouts of Central Maryland announced they were looking to sell Camp Ilchester last April, we knew we had to act,” Ball said. “We needed to make sure our county didn’t lose this important green space and valuable community resource that allows Howard County families to experience all that nature has to offer. I am delighted that we have reached this important milestone in preserving Camp Ilchester as an open space for current and future generations to enjoy.
Howard County
The letter of intent indicates that the property will no longer be marketed for sale and lists the steps for the final sale.
Ball said Howard County intends to preserve Camp Ilchester as green space, keeping up to 105 housing units out of the development pipeline and using the property to expand program offerings. recreation to county and state residents.
Officials said potential uses for the camp could include sports programs, outdoor adventure camps, active aging activities and a nature center with nature-based educational programs.
“Today’s announcement is a big step toward preserving more green space in Howard County,” said Sen. Guy Guzzone. “The advocacy of our community and the collaboration of state and local authorities has enabled Camp Ilchester to provide many years of outdoor recreation for our residents.”
“I am so excited to finally see Howard County’s offer accepted to preserve Camp Ilchester,” said Senator Katie Fry Hester. “As a lifelong mother and conservationist, it is extremely important to me that we provide our children with the opportunity to experience an outdoor education – if this is approved by the county council, it will will preserve nearly 21 acres of green space for the local community. It’s a win-win for our children, our community and our environment.”