Volunteer Connections by Girl Scouts of Nassau County

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...

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...

Troop 1025 from West Hempstead/Franklin Square Association doesn’t think so. It is one of our most favorite activities every year. We have had pajama fashion shows, nail polish parties, and this year paint night. No outside activities you say? We take hikes, go to the beach, build snowmen and even have compass races for prizes. The wildlife is abundant and fun to watch. The activity building is a favorite hangout where we play volleyball and other sports. The cabins are warm and comfortable and the perfect venue for badge work and crafts. The kitchen is great for cooking our meals but we have been known to cook out on the campfire when the weather permits. We love making fires in the fireplace and of course sharing S’mores. We have been going for many years and hope to go many more! Whether earning badges, working on a Journey or just having fun, Girl Scout Troops have a blast when they go Troop Camping at Camp Blue Bay. Traditional Troop Camping is a unique experience plann...