Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

Of all the different first jobs a young person could have, summer camp counselor is simply the best. Other regular jobs won’t leave a young person with as well-rounded a skill set as summer camp and in my (incredibly-biased) opinion, being a Girl Scout summer camp counselor is even better for introducing young minds to the workforce. Growing up I had two dreams: become a world famous best-selling author and be a Unit Leader at Camp Blue Bay. Thanks to my experience working at summer camp, I’ve already been able to achieve one of my lifelong goals! (And as soon as I finish my novel, I’ll complete the other one…)  It all started 15 years ago. I was 8 years old and enjoying the sleepaway experience at Camp Blue Bay for the very first time, but my camp counselors were an enigma to me. They were teenagers and college kids who were also adults, and they were cool but also responsible?? I had never met a person like that before. They were friendly and helpful when I misplaced my water bot...

Who are Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts are go-getters, innovators, risk-takers and leaders. They’re G.I.R.L.S who design robots, learn life skills, improve our neighborhoods and go on amazing adventures. They’re making a difference. Girl Scouts is a lifelong adventure full of friendship, connection, service, and fun! Every Girl Scout Alum has a unique story to tell about her experiences and adventures, and we’re sharing those stories. Girl Scout Alum Raven was a Girl Scout for 7 years and continues to volunteer with Girl Scouts of Nassau County in a variety of ways.   Name: Raven Brewington Council: Girl Scouts of Nassau County Tell us about your time as a Girl Scout. Looking back, what were some highlights, important moments, lif e lessons, and/or favorite memories? To say Girl Scouts changed my life is an understatement. My fondest memories revolve around Camp Blue Bay . I can remember the songs, campfires, swimming and crafts, not to mention all of the friendships I ga...

How Troop Meetings, Council Activities, Girl Scout Leaders, and the Girl Scout Gold Award Have Helped Melanie Become the Leader She Is Today! Who are Girl Scouts? Girl Scouts are go-getters, innovators, risk-takers and leaders. They’re G.I.R.L.S who design robots, learn life skills, improve our neighborhoods and go on amazing adventures. They’re making a difference. Girl Scouts is a lifelong adventure, full of friendship, connection, service, and fun! Every Girl Scout Alum has a unique story to tell about their experiences and adventures, and we’re sharing those stories. Girl Scout Alum Melanie was a Girl Scout for 11 years and continues on as an Adult Lifetime Member. Name: Melanie Sinesi C ouncil: Girl Scouts of Nassau County Tell us about your time as a Girl Scout. Looking back, what were some highlights, important moments, life lessons, and/or favorite memories? Being a Girl Scout is part of the fabric of my identity, having learned many of life’s lessons, teach...

Picture this… You’re spending the weekend camping at Camp Blue Bay with your Girl Scout troop. Your troop is sitting around the campfire at Romany Wood. You’re sitting on a bench, but it is a little dewy from the day. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you had a sit-upon? Sit-upons are exactly what they sound like; something you sit upon. A sit-upon provides a dry, slightly cushioned barrier between you and the ground, a bench, bleachers, or whatever else you might be sitting on. They can be store bought or hand-made (hint, hint: hand-made sit-upons make a great troop activity leading up to a camping weekend). And, remember although you can make sit-upons that aren’t waterproof (they are useful because they provide comfort), waterproof sit-upons are a great idea because we don’t want a little rain to dampen a camping weekend. Check out some of these sit-upons ideas… Make a sit-upon using an old vinyl tablecloth .  Make a sit-upon using some leftover wallpaper, newspaper and yar...

Indoor Troop Meeting Activities With all the cold weather we’ve had these last few weeks (yes, spring we are ready for you), our Girl Scout Leaders are thinking outside the box, planning indoor activities for their troop meetings... activities that keep Girl Scouts active, while also challenging them to try something new and different.   Besides selling Girl Scout Cookies outside during winter months, most troop meetings are likely to be spent inside where it is warm. Try some of these badges with your troop, while staying toasty... And if your troop is really are itching to spend some time in the outdoors, try winter/spring troop camping at Camp Blue Bay or your local Girl Scout Camp. Don’t be intimidated by these badge titles! Everything is planned for troop leaders on the VTK , and the materials are not hard to come by. Daisy (K-1) Good Neighbor Badge - Learn about being a good neighbor and citizen at school, and explore the communities in your town and st...

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...

Every Girl Scout is amazing, and when we come together for fun, friendship and purpose in the Girl Scout Cookie Program® we are unstoppable! This year, we’re celebrating the strength, value and spirt of teamwork powered by the Girl Scout Cookie Program ®. As the country’s largest girl-led business, it’s a unique, hands-on way for girls to develop essential skills that will help them grow into leaders in all aspects of life. Many successful businesswomen and community leaders say they got their start selling Girl Scout Cookies. The Cookie Program also funds your Troop’s activities, and it helps support our council’s financial assistance, girl programs, Volunteer training and facilities maintenance – including our newly renovated Service Center and our beautiful Camp Blue Bay . All proceeds stay here in Nassau County. Best of all, our girls look forward to the Cookie Program every year because of the fun activities, exciting opportunities…and the chance to take charge....

SAVE THE DATE Camp Blue Bay Fall Adult Weekend “Craft, Laugh and Learn” October 13-15, 2017 Looking for something fun to do on a fall weekend? We have something very special planned for you at Camp Blue Bay! A chance to gather with adult Girl Scout friends old and new, take a walk on the beach or just enjoy relaxing outdoors. A variety of workshops are being planned for you to choose from throughout the day Saturday; some might be just for you, others will give you ideas for your Troop. Choose to arrive Friday night or Saturday morning for the weekend or join us for the day Saturday. Accommodations indoors in a Troop House or tents available on a first come, first served basis at time of registration. This event will not be offered again until Fall 2019, so be sure to put it on your calendar.  Click here to register!  

by Jillian K. Every year I get super excited when I register and count down the days till I am back at camp. Being part of Girl Scouts since I was a Daisy has taught me to be independent and more grown up, so I have learned to pack my own bag. I have to fit everything into one big duffle bag: pack two weeks of clothes, a sleeping bag, sheets, beach and bath towels, toiletries, flashlights, stationary with pre-stamped envelopes, books, and NO food. Food is not allowed at camp because all of the wildlife around camp. Being at camp has also taught me how to have manners especially at the table and kapers at cookout. Camp Blue Bay (CBB) has taught me so much every summer that I want to continue to grow and give back: this summer I'll be a counselor-in-training (CIT). Camp is on Gardiners Bay in East Hampton so everyday we go swimming. Every other day we go sailing and it is always beautiful out on the bay. On the other side of camp is the Creek. The Creek is where you can...