Camp Singing Hills in Waterville, MN
This weekend, six of our troop members traveled almost five hours to reach Camp Singing Hills in Waterville, MN. They were great traveling companions and never once complained about the trip! We met at Regina, loaded up their stuff and hit the road!
Madelyn and Gabby
Quick pit stop in the middle of nowhere! Still, we were thankful to find it.
Madelyn, Kjirstin, Gabby, Lexi, Sophia, Sarah
After almost five hours in the car and two stops later, we finally arrived! The girls who went to camp last were THRILLED with our cabins. They were infinitely better than last year. These even had exterior walls and, better yet, air conditioning! They claimed their bunks within seconds and began planning their "dance party." Our girls weren't thrilled when they found out another troop was going to share the cabin with us. They were less thrilled to find out they were...GASP!...younger by a whole year. Still, they rallied quickly and gave some great advice to the other girls and remained tolerant to a lot of extra noise.
Arriving at camp!
Camp Shady Glen: Maple Cabin
After settling in, the girls packed their backpacks. They remembered the five essentials from last year (bug spray, sunscreen, water, flashlight, rain poncho), pulled out their hats, and were ready to go. We showed up at the center of camp and had a chance to play GaGa Ball for awhile. If you don't know what it is, have your daughter tell you. It's actually a lot of fun and a great workout. Heather and I have decided Regina needs one!
Madelyn playing Gaga Ball
Sophia and Gabby trying not to get out
Post game celebration!
One of our winners! Sarah!
The counselors called everyone over for some group games that were intended to introduce campers and staff to one another. It took the better part of the night and let the girls blow off some steam after such a long car ride. They also had a chance to pick their activities for the next day. It's amazing how well our troop works together on group decisions. There is a lot of give and take and no one ever walks away upset.
Kjirstin and Gabby
Sarah, Heather, and Lexi waiting for the rules of our next game.
After the festivities, we headed back to our cabin and the girls set the dance party in motion! It involved a lot of flashlights, music, and several back bends.
For a first time camper, she was barely excited. Can you tell? :)
Sophia and Kjirstin showing off their moves while Lexi and Sarah were on light duty.
Saturday Morning
The girls were up and ready to go at 6am. Too bad official wake up calls happen at 7:15! They were great about getting ready quietly and not bothering their neighbors. Ask them about the bathrooms! I'm sure you will hear stories of yellow toilets (well water, though they didn't believe us), 10,000 mosquitoes, a rogue toad, and an entire camp of girls trying to use the bathrooms at once! Whatever they tell you, they probably aren't exaggerating.
And we're off to breakfast!
Madelyn always had her walking stick.
We had to stop to inspect a very cool snail.
And, since we were already off the trail, they decided to climb an old tree trunk. Madelyn got a nettle burn and everyone knew just what to do! Rub some mud on it. Worked like a charm. Thanks to the counselors at Camp Conestoga for teaching us that last year.
Group picture on the log. Kjirstin wasn't so sure about the tree after seeing the nettle burn.
Waiting on breakfast and the flag ceremony.
We had a flag ceremony each morning. Gabby was selected to help Saturday morning. She's in the neon yellow. It's not easy to learn that task in minutes and then get up in front of the entire camp to do it. She did a great job though!
Group photos before breakfast.
More GaGa Ball after breakfast!
Yes, even the adults got in on it.
First Activity: Geo Caching
Our first activity was Geo Caching. Essentially, the girls were on a scavenger hunt with the help of a GPS/compass. They had to take turns guiding their group with the goal of finding a small, hidden box with some treasures inside such as stickers or erasers. It was also a good way to get in a hike and see the whole camp.
Getting instructions
Learning how to work the GPS
Just about ready...
We found a box!
Off to the next one with a little help.
Getting warmer!
Getting a little help (by that I mean Sarah is helping Heather! LOL)
Getting more prizes!
They all declared it a success.
Activity Two: Canoeing and Kayaking
On to one of the highlights! Everyone was so excited to go canoeing. Turns out, half of the camp showed up at the same time. Our girls hadn't quite talked themselves into kayaking (one person kayak) but decided to try it if it meant they could get in the water quicker. Lexi, Kjirstin, Gabby and Sophia still managed to get a canoe. Sarah and Madelyn decided to try their luck with kayaks. After learning to navigate out of weeds and steering clear of other well-meaning camper (who kept bumping them back into the weeds), they were off!
Ready to go!
Storm (from England) teaching them how to get in and out of a canoe.
First time out alone.
Adding one more brave girl to the mix before they set off.
Madelyn and those pesky weeds.
Getting a little help in steering from the counselor.
It wasn't mean to be bumper boats!
Sophia wanted to try it too. It was a success!
Madelyn was much happier out in the open.
Happy girls who were also very proud of themselves. As they should be.
On our way to lunch!
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