Help Save Gilbert Lodge - Nelson Scouts

Gilbert Lodge, which is located in the upper river flat area of the Wairoa Gorge Valley road, has been used by kea's, cubs, scouts and venturers for camping for over 40 years. It is the only large camping and accommodation site in the Nelson/Tasman region that Scouts Nelson have available to use that belongs to scouting. A volunteer run ex-scouting group (Friends Of Gilbert Lodge) who maintain the lodge, have had a recent veranda build extension completed this year. Partly funded by a Trust, the full expected funding stream did not eventuate, which has meant a shortfall of money coming in to cover all the costs. This means the volunteers from Friends of Gilbert Lodge now owe $40,000 to a local Nelson building company. We have eight weeks to find the funds, otherwise we may be required to sell Gilbert Lodge.

Possibly 1,000 + children over last 40 years have likely camped at Gilbert Lodge and enjoyed the secluded and many outdoor experiences. The lodge has been rejuvenated in the last 14 years by the Friends Of Gilbert Lodge and is now in an excellent condition that could last at least another 40 years for Nelson Scouts to continue to use.

Friends Of Gilbert Lodge would be happy to discuss a new naming right for Gilbert Lodge if a new major sponsor was able to help to cover the money owing to the building company. Any smaller donations received will be pooled to pay the Nelson building company and hopefully the full payment required can be reached and Gilbert Lodge continues for another 40 years.