National Friendship Week is just around the corner. Over the next few weeks we will be making lots of new friends as new members join. How great would it be if everyone shared their favorite Girl Scout story or tale of friendship? I spent so many wonderful years in Girl Scouts and met amazing friends. I am so happy to say that I still stay in touch with some and am delighted when I run into one unexpectedly after all these years.

Just recently on one of my trips to camp I ran into a Girl Scout mom who happened to be in my first ever Girl Scout troop. We started as Daisies and her mom was leader, my mom was co-leader. I moved in first grade, but we stayed in touch with my old troop because they were only 15 minutes away. Then as we got older we lost touch, but she is now mom to her very own Girl Scout.

It was such a nice surprise to see her and know that her daughter is now having similar experiences to the ones we had.  Just thought I'd share. Would love to hear your story or even better see it! Feel free to post your pictures to our facebook wall.

-Cheers!
  Erin

Summertime! Summertime!

It is officially summertime! That could mean many things, but right now it means it is camp time. This is the best time of year to head outdoors and discover nature, make new friends and do a little self-discovery (find your leadership skills). Camp is the perfect place to learn about team building and cooperation. Beginning this week girls from around this council will be swimming in the lakes or pools, canoeing, hiking, making crafts, singing songs, performing skits …shall I go on?  Keep your eyes peeled for pictures of the fantastic times they will be having.

Happy Camping!

-Erin

Why Should I Send My Child To Camp?

Summer is fast approaching and things are getting ready to heat up. Most of the schools only have a week or two left. Then what? 

Well, one option is the classic notion of sending the kids to camp. There are many options for summer camps now. You can choose day or overnight, activity specific (soccer, theater, music, etc), or group specific. The options are there you just need to pick which one(s) best suit the needs and desires of your child. 

I attended camp every summer for more than twelve years. I had the best time! Every year it would come I would hardly sleep a wink the night before and the morning of I was the first to rise. The friends I made at camp, I will never forget. The skills I learned I still use often. The fun I had…well enough about me. You are probably wondering-Still need convincing that camp could be the quickest route to summer bliss. Why should you send your child to camp? I can name a few reasons, though in my opinion there are a million more.

·         They will make new friends- Kids will expand their social circle by meeting new faces, often times the only people they see are family or school friends and camp is the perfect opportunity to meet new people.

·         They will gain independence- Kids learn that they can do things on their own, they learn to cope with being away from mom and dad, they are forced to step out of their comfort zone to try new things and make new friends.

·         Skill building – Among confidence, cooperation, respect for self and others, and decision making, skills can range from outdoor education and fire building, to hiking and learning about nature, swimming, canoeing, archery, crafts and so much more. They will always have the skills once learned and it is most likely something they would never have gotten the chance to do otherwise.

·         They stay physically active- Camp provides opportunities to reconnect with nature. They can hike through the woods, play a game of volleyball, go canoeing or swimming and participate in other activities that require physical activity.

Want to learn more about how a Girl Scout camp can benefit your daughter?  Check it out!

Happy Camping!

-Erin