MILL CREEK — In November 2010, in a press release, the Black Diamond Council announced that it would sell Camp Sandy Bend off W.Va. 14 and Camp Mamie Flynn at Pecks Mill.

According to the press release, selling the two camps would improve programming and ensure responsible use of resources for its other two camps.

"We are strongly committed to providing quality programming for our girl members - to giving them the Girl Scout experience they want," said Susan Thompson, chief executive officer for Black Diamond. "Analysis and redirection of assets held by our council is happening so that we can offer top quality programming to girls throughout our jurisdiction."

Camp Sandy Bend and Camp Mamie Flynn are two of four camps owned by the council. The council will retain and devote appropriate resources to the maintenance and improvement of the two other camps, Camp Rocky Ledges in Milton and Camp Giscowheco in Wheeling.

According to the release, "Girl Scouting has a long tradition of outdoor program and Black Diamond will continue to offer girls outdoor experiences through use of our existing camps and by partnering with many other outdoor facilities.

The decision to sell the two camps is not indicative of lacking membership or finances the council said. Membership has increased and the council is financially sound.

The sale will be based on eight years of research by a panel of board members, residents and volunteers.

The board of directors decided that further investment in the two camps is not the best use of the council's financial or human resources. Usage studies over a five year span showed diminishing usage of the two camps and the cost to maintain the camps far outweigh usage.