By: Kristin Vickery, Volunteer and Donor

“What did you do today?” It’s a line from a Girl Scout campaign from a few years ago that resonates with my Girl Scouts experience – especially as it relates to camp and the outdoors.

Recently, I had the opportunity to go rock climbing at an old quarry with a group of high school and college aged Girl Scouts.  Months away from my 50^th birthday, I never would have imagined myself scaling a 30+ foot wall of rock on a blustery Saturday in March.  The day was filled with team building, perseverance, encouragement, and challenge – so many of the positive things I associate with my Girl Scout experience.

A Girl Scout from first grade through twelfth grade, I earned my Girl Scout Gold Award during my senior year of high school, and then became involved in Girl Scouts again 15 years ago when our oldest daughter became a Brownie. I have served as troop leader, on my area service unit team, and have been event director for area and council events.  My husband and I are also facilitators for several American Red Cross classes. We love offering opportunities for girls, adults, and troops to step out of comfort zones and challenge themselves.

Girl Scouts is all about challenge and there are so many different ways that girls are challenged while at camp. I never had the opportunity to go to summer camp as a child, so as an adult leader taking girls to group camp, I’ve realized what an important experience it is.  The girls who went to group camp with us met new people, learned how to get along with others, tried new activities like archery and sailing – and most of all –  grew in confidence and independence. Today’s Girl Scouts have so many adventures available to them.  Have you looked through the camp guide?  Canoeing, kayaking, archery, and hiking are available at all our camps.  Girls can sail at Camp Graham and Camp Hardee and can ride horses or challenge themselves on the Alpine Tower at Camp Mary Atkinson.  There are offsite adventures including trekking with llamas, whitewater rafting, a two-day canoe adventure, surfing, and climbing natural rock faces… I wish I could go!

These adventures are amazing fun, but they lay a foundation that extends far beyond the camp setting.  When our scouts challenge themselves by participating in outdoor activities they build confidence in their ability to do more than they thought they could.  This confidence is often parlayed into a willingness and ability to effect change in the community as girls embark on “Take Action” projects. Girl Scouts fosters a passion for service and helping others, and the camp and outdoor experiences available to them build the courage and confidence needed to take that passion from idea to reality.

I challenge you to consider donating your time or talent (or both) to Girl Scouts.  It is an investment in our future and the future of Girl Scouting.

Join Kristin and the hundreds of others who invest in girls and our camp programs. Make your gift today!