Girl Scout Outdoor Extravaganza Camp June 27-29th

Girl Scout Outdoor Extravaganza Camp June 27-29th

Activity Three: Ropes Course

After lunch and another dance party, the girls hiked to the Ropes Course. There they worked on team building exercises and problem solving. We were with another troop which included girls off all ages. Leaders emerged fairly quickly and both troops worked together really well. 

Listening to instructions for the first trust exercises. The next four photos show the girls practicing their spotting skills with the other troop. 

Then they were on to their "Island Adventure." They had to figure out how to get everyone onto a large platform. Once they succeeded, they had to figure out how to do it on progressively smaller platforms. They were very fast thinking and the counselor seemed surprised at how quickly they caught on. 

Biggest platform. 

They figured out the instructions said they all had to be on the platform but the instructions didn't say how much of each girl had to be on the platform. Smart girls!! 

The next activity was a spider web of sorts. They all had to get through the holes in the web without touching it. They couldn't use the same hole as someone else so they had to get creative. 

Working out the plan. 

They had the taller or older girls use the bottom openings first. 

Then those girls worked on passing the other scouts through the middle and upper openings. This is Sarah getting through. 

And Kjirstin

Then Lexi

They continued their work spotting each other by walking across a moving log. 

Heather even got in on it! 

Once they were done, they talked about what worked, what didn't, and how they could have made improvements. 

Group photo before leaving Ropes. 

Activity Four: Archery

Our troop has patiently waited for fourth grade so they could finally, FINALLY, do archery. The only problem was that a huge storm was coming our way. We knew our time outside would be limited so each girl had just one shot. While it would have been understandable for them to grumble about this, none of them did. They were so excited to get a chance to try it that they didn't complain once! A lot of them were very good shots too! Kjirstin's arrow flew so far that we never found it again! 

Getting safety instructions.

Sarah

Lexi

Sophia

They look proud of themselves, don't they? 

Kjirstin

Gabby

Saturday Night Camp Fire

Archery may have been cut short by a storm but we still had fun. We made it to the dining hall in time to play a few games like the human knot (have your daughter show you how). After dinner we headed home to "rest" before the camp fire. Resting included a lot of giggling and more dancing. 

Our camp fire night was held indoors because of the weather. Each group preformed a little skit. Ours did the "Form the Mullet, Form the Orange, Flush the Toilet" song. If you haven't already heard that a thousand times by now, ask your daughter to sing it. It was a huge hit! If I can figure out how to add a video to this, I'll put it up. 

During the skits, the counselors had a huge fire going in the fireplace. Sadly, the flue broke before we could make s'mores. It was just our luck that the skies cleared and we were able to head outside to a camp fire instead. The girls roasted their own marshmallows and used Girl Scout cookies instead of graham crackers. 

By the time our camp fire was over, everyone was exhausted. The girls fell asleep within minutes and managed to sleep until 6:30! 

Sunday 

We started the day by cleaning up the cabin and getting our clothes packed. We headed to the dining hall for our flag ceremony. Sarah was chosen to be the reader! She did a great job. 

Last year, the counselors at Camp Conestoga explained that each camper has specific duties at camp. This allows everyone to enjoy their time and gives them some ownership. Camp Singing Hills didn't quite put the same amount of emphasis on kapers (the Girl Scout term for chores). Each troop number was listed on a chalk board along with a kaper they were to complete. It seemed to Heather and me that our troop was the only one who followed through. Our girls swept the floor in the dining hall and I'm certain it looked better than ever. They never complained and didn't stop until they felt they had done a good job. We have so many reasons to be so proud of them but watching them do the right thing, even if others took an easier route, was fantastic. 

Our mostly standard group pose.

And the ever-present silly pose.

Heather and I actually got in one! :) 

The best photo of the weekend! This was taken at the very end of the trip when they were at their dirtiest,  stinkiest and most tired! And yet look how adorable and happy they are. 

We stopped in Mason City for lunch. Lexi's parents were kind enough to give the girls gift cards for McDonalds. They quickly decided they wanted to use them for ice cream at the end of the trip so we stopped at Perkins instead. Our waitress was 3 days into her first job and was struggling to keep up. The girls were tired and hungry but watched her carefully as she ran around, doing her best. Instead of getting upset about their hour long wait or hungry bellies, they commented on how hard she was working and how frustrating it must be to have everyone ask you for things at once. The manager came over and thanked them for their patience. She also told us she only charged us for half of our bill. The girls had such a great follow up conversation about how kind the manager to them. They all wondered if their being patient with the waitress won them some kindness in return. 

Finally, they got their McDonald's ice cream! By a stroke of luck, we happened upon one that had a play area. They were able to blow off some steam and have their treats. What a great way to end the trip! 

Thanks to all of the parents for being flexible with our drop off plans on Sunday. Thank you also to Sophia's parents who helped the girls with gas money. They were excited to keep a bit extra in their account for future use! Finally, thanks for sharing the girls with Heather and me. We learn more from them than they do from us.