Camp Choee Report from Camp Director,
Miriam “Sugar Cookie” Nor:
The
girls and staff at Camp Choee are having a great summer! Thus far “Fantasy
Fest” was our most popular week. The girls were able to express themselves by
dressing up as fairies and princesses. When three of their favorite Disney
princesses came into camp, all of the girls gravitated towards them. The girls
loved how the characters they all watched on the big screen and read about in
books instantly came to life. Singing, dancing and face painting made these
girls dreams come true.
Along
with having fun, girls have been growing as leaders. Virginia “Musi”
DeOvin-Berenguer (a two-year Choee camper) exhibited courage at our Junior
Olympic size pool by teaching herself to swim under the careful supervision of
our lifeguards. Virginia “Marshmallow” Snyder-Pendergrass (a four-year veteran
Choee camper) exhibited great character as she welcomed a first time camper
into the Wacky Monkey (Brownie) unit, showing that every girl is a sister to
every camper at Girl Scout camp. Finally, Sydney “Dora” Gilmore (a first time
Choee camper) exhibited confidence as she learned to hula hoop for the first
time at camp. Everyday Dora struggled with the task of watching the other
campers effortlessly twirl the hoop around their waist. Determined not to be
defeated, after one week Dora had achieved her goal.
One
challenge our camp has faced this summer was losing one of our valued
counselors Heather “Gumdrop” Hope due to unforeseen family hardships. Gumdrop
was a great asset to Camp Choee and is truly missed. The staff all worked
together to ensure the girls morale remained high after her unexpected
departure. Camp Choee has now welcomed Claudia “Tigger” Sequera on board for
the remaining of the summer. Speaking of our awesome summer camp staff, one of
our most popular staff members this summer is our Arts & Crafts Director/Cook
Stephanie “Frisky” Brown. She always encourages the girls to be leaders by
allowing them to be independent in all forms of artistry and to take ownership
of their own enjoyment at camp; Frisky truly provides a great example of the “Girl-Led”
focus of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience.
Camp Mahachee Report from Camp Director,
Sarah "Sunshine" Wach
As a
new camp director, with a young (although experienced) staff, we have had to
prove that we are capable of running a camp that is both exciting and safe. By
having girl led activities and teaching new skills (such as cooking) through a
learning by doing method, they have created an environment in which girls feel
accepted and engaged every day. Sunflower is one of our most popular staff
members who encourages girls to have confidence in their individuality and
strengths, which in turn causes them to be leaders in different aspects of
their lives. In one recent evaluation, a 9 year-old camper from Unit 2 wrote,
“I like Camp Mahachee because we get to go outside and make new friends.” The
Girl Scout tradition to “make new friends, but keep the old” flourishes at our
camp as we build leaders of the future.
Camp Little House Report from Camp Director
Susan "Sizzle" Beaudoin
As always, Camp Little House was the first Girl Scout camp to
fill to capacity and develop a waiting list…way back in March! This summer has
been yet another epic experience for the Girl Scouts that are lucky enough to
attend Camp Little House. Summer at Camp Little House kicked off with “Let the Memories Begin” week which set the
tone for the summer by getting the girls excited about creating lasting
memories.
As Camp Little House staff we are
small, we are strong, and we work as one. Each staff member contributes a
different quality of leadership and together we make camp happen! Camp Little
House staff sets the stage to let Girl Scouts shine as leaders. During our
"Be Presidential" week, one of our campers, Daisy, was voted
"Camp Director for the Day." She was passionate in accepting the
responsibilities that came with the title and demonstrated strong leadership
skills well beyond her years.
We also value Cooperative Learning so we wanted to involve the parents of our campers in our camp activities. As a result, Camp United was created: a program that invites our campers, their families and friends, former campers, former staff, and Girl Scouts who have used South Miami Little House in the past for programs or meetings, to share a memorable night of campfire songs, skits, s'mores and ending with a traditional flag retirement. It was an amazing event for all 97 in attendance.
We also value Cooperative Learning so we wanted to involve the parents of our campers in our camp activities. As a result, Camp United was created: a program that invites our campers, their families and friends, former campers, former staff, and Girl Scouts who have used South Miami Little House in the past for programs or meetings, to share a memorable night of campfire songs, skits, s'mores and ending with a traditional flag retirement. It was an amazing event for all 97 in attendance.
2012-2013 Program Book for all of the cool events happening this year!
