During the week of June 25 to 29, the woods of Camp Edmar became an island paradise for 60 Girl Scouts who attended a week-long Girl Scout day camp. Girl Scouts from Kutztown, Fleetwood, Brandywine, Tulpehocken and surrounding areas from all levels of Scouting – Daisies, Brownies, Juniors and Cadettes attended the camp. Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts attended the camp as program aides.
In keeping with the island theme, the girls spent the week learning about Hawaii – its history and customs, shell identification, marine life, and volacanoes. At camp, girls sewed Hawaiian leis, made and erupted volcanoes, participated in a sand castle challenge, and created many crafts using shells. In addition, campers also participated in traditional Girl Scout camp activities such as archery, nature hikes, singing camp songs, and playing games. Opening and closing flag ceremonies were held every day. Campers enjoyed sleeping over one night and being able to cook their dinner over the campfire.
Camp ended on Friday with camp skit performances and a whole camp swap exchange. Swaps are a Girl Scout tradition in which girls create a little gift that is given to other Girl Scouts. These gifts are normally pinned to a swap banner and collected through all years of Girl Scouting. Swap stands for “special whatchamacallits affectionately pinned somewhere.”
All campers earned the Historically Speaking Hawaii patch and a Camp Edmar patch. Camp Edmar is a Boy Scout and Girl Scout owned camp located outside of Kutztown. Girl Scouts have been running a day camp staffed by volunteers each summer at this camp for the last 50 years. The Edmar volunteer staff remains committed to ensuring that all local Girl Scouts are able to experience traditional Girl Scout camping and activities.
