Girl Scout Camperee Taught Many Skills

The Newtown Neighborhood of Girl Scout Council of Southwestern Connecticut held their first ever camperee in Newtown over the weekend of September 28-30. The theme of the weekend was “Making Choices.” Girl Scouting is an organization that allows girls to develop to their fullest potential.

The act of terrorism on September 11 affected the group, and at the last minute, the location had to be changed to SAC field in Sandy Hook. George Lockwood, Sr, made the new location available to the group, which noted that without him the event may not have been able to take place. Debra Kaza and Toni Baranowski were co-chairs for the extravaganza. Both woman were firm in their belief that the event should be held in Newtown allowing the largest number of troops to attend.

More than 185 girls from all levels of scouting arrived and participated in numerous events. Leaders and registered adults came to assist the troops.

Friday night the first wave of scouts arrived. Tents were set up on the field perimeter; food, water, and all the gear were brought in. In keeping with the scouts’ “leave no trace” philosophy, all the troops had fires above ground. The troops set up stations for hand washing, dish washing and their caper charts. The first night, though hectic, included an opening campfire.

On Saturday, Rebecca Gellis, Nicole Kaza, and Nick Paproski staffed the headquarters area. They took care of the monumental task of organization. Some of the troops sent food to headquarters for judging, including pies and cakes, and foil meals were enjoyed and shared. During the day, the girls participated in skill activities and a stop at the craft station.

Throughout the day the scouts learned about safety with wood – the sledge and wedge method of splitting wood, pocketknife safety, and how to safely use a bow saw. Another station that used a compass sent small groups out onto the trails.

The scouts enjoyed games that included the human knot and a relay race on two person skis. As the day continued, groups participated in programs on handicap awareness and crafts. At the cooking area,  each scout was able to taste something from the Dutch oven then make something for the next group to enjoy. The turkey roasting in the tripod oven continued to provide a wonderful aroma throughout the afternoon.

The lashing activity was a great hit. The scouts lashed their fishing poles together and then fished for “red snapper” fish, which made a great snap when the mousetrap was activated. Cadette and Senior scouts had an activity all to themselves. The older girls worked with the Algonquin Archers of Woodbury to learn archery and then work to perfect their skills.

In the morning, DARE Officer Dana Schubert came to speak and carried the camperee “Making Choices” theme to a personal level.

The afternoon brought the demonstration team from Newtown Karate. Some karate participants were also scouts participating in the weekend. A woman from Monroe came to tell Native American stories. Just before dinner, the Medicine Wheel Dance Crew came from Bethel to demonstrate various dances and to get all the girls and adults up to dance during a friendship dance.

The Girl Scout Promise calls the girls to serve God and country. In keeping with this, Father Larry from St Rome of Lima Catholic Church led a catholic communion service for those of the Catholic faith. All other scouts and leaders were encouraged to attend a Scouts Own Service based upon Native American philosophy.

After dinner the girls regrouped to enjoy another campfire near the flagpole. There were lots of songs and stories. Experiences of the day were swapped back and forth between the scouts. Everyone was ready for a good night’s sleep.

Sunday dawned and everyone cleaned up and moved back into the real world after the memorable scouting experience they shared. The girls that attended had the opportunity to work on scout skills and work on activities that the leaders will be able to apply to some of the level requirements and advancement.