For 83 years Camp Whispering Cedars has given thousands of girls the chance to experience the wonder and freedom of nature close to home in southern Dallas County. Over the last 10 years alone, more than 67,000 girls have enjoyed Girl Scout outdoor education at Camp Whispering Cedars.

Camp El Har, a 52-acre site bordering Camp Whispering Cedars, is currently under contract for sale to Teen/Life Challenge of Dallas, Inc., pending approval of a zoning change request by the City of Dallas Planning Commission. The request is to amend the planned development ordinance to add a use of Group Residential Facility as an allowed use by right.

Their plan is to provide a residential facility for 100 men who suffer from life-controlling issues such as substance abuse or other addictions. While we acknowledge that the mission of this organization is a worthy one, in todays climate, even the perception of a safety issue could harm our council.

We are opposed to the proposed zoning change to Camp El Har.

To allow this zoning change would mean allowing a residential facility for men ages 25-40 with a history of drug abuse to reside right next to a year-round camp for girls ages 5 to 7.

We view this as a direct threat to the safety and security of our girls and the financial well-being of our council. The decision to allow this zoning change will impede the important mission of our council to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

Therefore, we, the undersigned, are strongly in opposition of Teen/Life Challege of Dallas, Inc.'s proposed zoning request to amend Planned Development District 743 to add a use of Group Residential Facility on the Camp El Har site located at 5218 Kiwanis.

We respectfully request that you vote against the proposed zoning request.