T.T.T. Society celebrates 110 years

MT. PLEASANT — 110 years ago a group of prominent women decided that young girls needed summer camps, too. The group now known as the T.T.T. or “Time, Talent and Treasure” society was formed in Mt. Pleasant in 1911, nine years before women had the right to vote.

Six women gathered in Mt. Pleasant 110 years ago. They knew that there had to be more in life for young girls. They knew that summer camp opportunities for girls at the time were limited, and they felt that young girls needed the experience as well.

“They knew something that is now obvious: that a week away in the woods, meadows, streams and lakes is a complete immersion in healthy living and can truly make a difference in the life of a girl,” said Sherry Hope, the Iowa State board president for the T.T.T. society.

The Founder’s Chapter in Mt. Pleasant and the DD Chapter gathered Tuesday night to celebrate the anniversary with cake and a combined meeting of the chapters.

The T.T.T. society sponsors young girls in fourth or fifth grade in need who would like to go to summer camp. They cover the cost of the camp, equipment and more and send the girls to a summer camp of the society’s choosing.

The members of the society pay yearly dues and donate supplies for the campers to cover the cost of the camps.

“We believe that summer camp helps girls learn and grow, developing self-confidence and self-expression,” Hope said.

Hope believes that seeing the transformation of going to camp and coming back is great at developing a young girl and her confidence.

“It’s like seeing a rose bud bloom, they come back from cam, and they tell us about their experience, and you can just see the change in the confidence,” Hope said.

The organization isn’t just about sending girls to camp. It’s also about building friendships and groups among the members of the group of adult women.

“Most importantly being a member of T.T.T. is a chance to make a real difference in the lives of young girls and to make great friends while doing so,” Hope said.