The camp is located just outside the village of Falconer. The tour was led by Cara Biddlecom, Girl Scouts of Western New York chief executive officer, and longtime local Girl Scout leader Joanne Nelson, who guided Molitor through the vibrant campgrounds and shared the history and ongoing mission of the program.

Horton Hill Day Camp has been a tradition for generations of girls in the region. Operated by the Girl Scouts of Western New York, the camp provides a safe, inclusive, and empowering environment where girls can explore nature, develop leadership skills, build friendships, and gain confidence through hands-on learning and outdoor adventure.

“It was truly inspiring to see firsthand the work being done here at Horton Hill,” Molitor said. “The Girl Scouts have a long-standing tradition of fostering courage, confidence, and character in young women–and this camp is a shining example of that legacy in action.”

Molitor met with campers and staff, observed outdoor activities and educational programs, and discussed the long-term impact of Girl Scouts in building strong community-minded leaders. Molitor also emphasized the importance of supporting youth programs like the Girl Scouts that promote growth, self-reliance, and public service.

Front row, from left, are Girl Scouts day campers Autumn, Nyah, River, Reese, Kinley, and Katelyn. Back row, from left are Assemblyman Andrew Molitor, Camp Director Joanne Nelson, Girl Scouts of WNY CEO Cara Biddlecom, and unit counselors Natasha Patchen and Anita Gaston.

“This organization doesn’t just prepare girls for the future–it empowers them to lead it,” he noted.

The Girl Scouts of Western New York continues to serve thousands of girls across the region through camps, STEM programs, civic engagement, and entrepreneurship initiatives like the iconic cookie program.