Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Girls don’t like camping . Our first myth is far from the truth. Girls aren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves, build a fire, pitch a tent or explore the outdoors and nature. Sixty-two percent of girls said they enjoyed almost all of the outdoor activities they participated in through Girl Scouts , with camping ranking in the top three activities. Girls described camping as “fun.” They enjoy the opportunity to overcome challenges, and the feelings of accomplishment. Girls use this time to build and strengthen social bonds and hang out with friends. Girls will get bored at camp . This is not the case at all; finding the time to fit in all your favorite activities is actually the problem. Taking a break from technology might scare some girls… and the volunteers who agreed to take them to the woods. Including the girls in the planning will keep them enthusiastic and engaged. Go for a hike, collect shells on the beach, play a game of GaGa, roast marshmallows or star gaze. The oppo...

It’s the end of the session and the dining hall at GSNC Camp Blue Bay is filled with the sound of happy campers talking and engaging with their new friends. This is much different picture than what we saw at the start of the week; the awkwardness of campers, thumbs fidgeting in the absence of their electronic devices. Camp Blue Bay is an electronic free zone; and it is one of the reasons why myself, other camp staff and campers love camp so much! Campers hug their phones goodbye as they board the buses thinking there is no way they will be able to make it a week without them. Surprisingly to them by the end of the week they are actually grateful for their time disconnected. There is no WiFi at camp, girls have the opportunity to make a different connection, a more personable one. It’s great to watch campers meet and connect with other girls face to face and learn important social skills. Campers listen to the ideas of others and take part in meaningful conversations without b...

The Girl Scouts of Nassau County (GSNC) recently announced the addition of brand new Summer Camp Mini Session for Cadettes. The mini session, offered to all individual Cadette Girl Scouts, ages 11- 13, will be held at Camp Blue Bay in East Hampton, NY on August 4-7, 2014. “We wanted to offer girls the opportunity to have a complete camping experience even if they are not ready for a full session of sleep-away camp,” said Donna Ceravolo, Executive Director and CEO of GSNC. “Through this unique, four-day camp session Cadettes will be able to learn valuable life skills and also work on team-building activities.” The August mini session, Adventure Fun, will focus on team-building games and activities on a low ropes course. Girls will get to challenge themselves and their teammates as they complete each element of the course. Girl Scouts will spend the four days and three nights at Camp Blue Bay participating in campfires and cookouts, nature programs, boating, swimming, ar...

Summer may not be here yet, but it will be here soon.   Now is the time to start thinking about and planning what you are going to do this summer with your Girl Scouts. Are you going to take a trip to the beach, plan a BBQ (maybe to work on your Junior Simple Meal badge or the Ambassador Dinner Party badge ), play some sports or work in the Garden? As you start thinking about your summer vacation, the Girl Scouts of Nassau County Programs Department is busy preparing many exciting experiences and new opportunities for girls to participate in.   Here are a few that might interest you… Camper Badge Program for Juniors - Camping is a great way to share time together. Before you plan your camping adventure, come learn some outdoor skills to use on your trip. You’ll learn what things you need to bring and what to leave home; how to tie some knots, use a map as you take a short hike in the woods and how to cook and clean up. This program is a good way to practice some o...

Dear Mom, Camp Blue Bay is great!   Each day starts with a counselor waking you up and telling you what you’ll need for the day.   Don’t worry, they remind me to put on sunscreen and brush my teeth.    Canoeing at Camp Blue Bay Before breakfast, there is a flag ceremony .   Then we eat!   We can sit wherever we want, so I like to sit with my friends (I’ve made a ton... some are Girl Scouts , some aren't, but that's okay because you don't have to be a Girl Scout to go to Girl Scout Camp), my sister (she’s in a different unit), and my favorite swimming counselor.   My favorite breakfast is muffin Monday.   I also have 2 bowls of cereal, they have lots of kinds to choose from. After breakfast, we met back up with our unit so that we could head for boating.   We sang songs the whole way there.   We put on our PFDs to get ready.   I’m taking canoeing lessons this week.   Today, I learned how to paddle for...