(1) Except as otherwise provided in subsections (2) and (3), real property owned by a boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organization, a 4-H club or foundation, or a young men’s Christian association or young women’s Christian association is exempt from the collection of taxes under this act, if at least 50% of the members of the association or organization are residents of this state.

    (2) The exemption under subsection (1) is limited as follows:

    (a) Before December 31, 2008, not to exceed 400 acres for each individual boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organization, 4-H club or foundation, or young men’s Christian association or young women’s Christian association.

    (b) After December 30, 2008, not to exceed 480 acres for each individual boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organization, 4-H club or foundation, or young men’s Christian association or young women’s Christian association. However, if a boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organization, a 4-H club or foundation, or a young men’s Christian association or young women’s Christian association reorganizes, merges, affiliates, or in some other manner consolidates with another boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organization, 4-H club or foundation, or young men’s Christian association or young women’s Christian association after December 30, 2007, the total exemption available under subsection (1) to the consolidated or surviving entity shall be 480 acres times the number of individual boy or girl scout or camp fire girls organizations, 4-H clubs or foundations, or young men’s Christian associations or young women’s Christian associations that took part in the reorganization, merger, affiliation, or consolidation.

    (3) Upon petition of the association or organization the county board of commissioners may waive the residence requirement under subsection (1) while the real property is occupied by the association or organization solely for the purpose for which the association or organization was incorporated or established.