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...

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...

It’s a hot, August Summer day and the girls at Camp Blue Bay are all smiles excited for all the activities they have planned. For a first time visitor who never experienced camp as a child, I was excited to see what it was like and why parents would feel safe sending their kids to a sleepaway camp. Camp Blue Bay, a beautiful property located in East Hampton, NY with many hiking trails and a private beach, opened my eyes about the camp experience and seeing the girls having so much fun is reason enough for parents to send their girls to Camp Blue Bay. Everyone at Camp Blue Bay was warm and welcoming, from the staff to the campers. Girls of all ages, Girl Scouts and Non-Girl Scouts, interacted with each other.   Although it was hot out, the girls didn’t seem to mind spending time in their tents just talking, joking, and spending time together. Camp counselors were always close by ready to direct them to their next activity. While I explored the camp, I saw many types of a...

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...