I was not eaten by a bear. Or tossed in the lake. Or trampled by hundreds of screaming girls singing Party in the USA. All in all the Camporee was a great success.
The weather did not cooperate as much as I would have liked. Who do I talk to about that for next year? But the girls didn’t seem to mind. They just bundled up and went on with their day.
Look, here’s Parker all bundled and getting ready for a boat ride. Chilly smiles of pure joy.
And that’s what this weekend is and why I keep doing it. Girls with beaming smiles as far as the eye can see.
And you know what else? There is no judging in camp-world. I mean let’s say for instance that you have a daughter with a peculiar fashion sense. So peculiar that even in the near freezing and drizzling rain she wants to do the rock wall in her skirt and Uggs. You know what her friends did when they saw this spectacle? They cheered her on so she could ring the bell at the top. No laughing at the fact that the harness made it look like she’s wearing a Depends. Those girls are nicer than her mother who did in fact laugh.
Sometimes, during mealtime, the girls would become so overwhelmed with the urge to dance that they would just pop up and bust a move. I love that.
It was carefree, unabashed, unashamed, un-egocentric, safe girl fun. And I don’t know how learned you are in the girl species but that kind of easy carefree joy becomes harder and harder to come by as they go from big girls to baby women.
I love the way they can just go free at camp. No long lessons about boat safety or canoe rules, just man your oar and head out. They spent an hour rowing backwards in a circle and loved every minute of it.
Well, they are still just nine year old girls. And this is what nine year old girls do when left to unpack by themselves.
Camp. Is good.
**** I did, however, wake up on Monday with a splitting headache, a wet and violent cough, and a bit of a fever. I think I’ll call it Shenandoah Mountain Spotted Camporee Girl Fever. ****
Glad you had a great time! I loved being a girl scout leader. We have some great memories. We live at a boy scout camp as my hubby is the ranger. I get to enjoy nature's splendor all the time except the month of june when the camp is filled with boy scouts. Not so splendid then. Lol.
♥Spot
oh wow. i want to camp like THAT instead of cub scout camp. Seriously.
You are such a good mommy. I want girls who jump up and dance for no reason. *sigh*
I seriously miss the impulse to get up and dance for no other reason than the muse striking. Sure, I do it in my kitchen from time to time, but no one is usually around to back up my story. Now I think doing it in Target would get me carted out of there. At the very least, the security tape footage of it would be online before the week was out.
Yep. And it'll be worth it every single time you can make yourself do it. I'll just have to live vicariously… unless of course, we end up doing the boy scout thing. Hmm…
That was one nice thing about all girls high school – it was a lot like this. I miss that…
I bow to your excellent momshipness. That looks like a blast and it's great that you get to have that time with your girls.
Looks fun!
Oh my God. So many girls together in one place. I love the pic with the bunks and clothes all over the place. So much like summer camp, just without the sand. Perhaps you had mud instead.
I think you deserve a few days rest in bed with hot liquids and devoted attention from your family.
P.S. Glad you were not eaten by a bear.
I loved these pictures – I've got a big happy smile on my face right now.
You deserve lots of decadent civilization time.
"And I don't know how learned you are in the girl species but that kind of easy carefree joy becomes harder and harder to come by as they go from big girls to baby women." That right there?
Pretty much the one reason I'd ever go camping.
This is awesome. I love good healthy happy girl time.
Have you considered dressing as Tempel for Halloween? That would be funny.
Um, you know E is not the camping type. However, the girls are nightmares in the state of Texas – perhaps a little GA fresh air and some free dancing, wall climbin, outside loving…..is what they need. BRAVO SARCASMO – you write well again…I felt like I was there. And I love that Party in the USA song…but you already knew that.
I loved Girl Scouts. Our awesome camp was Camp Cloud Rim and I still have great memories from there. Makes me wanna go back and see if my and my bff's initials are still carved on that tree.
As a former cub-scout leader for 10 years (had 3 boys, no girls), do it as long as you can. Love the description of "no lessons canoing", wish the cubs had been a little less organized. However kids are kids and reading your blog brings back good memories (now a granddad..). Pappa
Sounds like it was a great weekend! What is the name of the camp you were at? I have 7th and 8th grade cadettes who love to travel and visit camps from other councils!
abby (flk423atyahoodotcom)
That rock climbing picture is priceless. So funny.
Glad to hear you're alive.
We'll remind you about this post when you are having your stress/doubts next year at this same time. LOVED this post!
Man, I think I need some time at Camp.
The camp seems fun. Good to see you update again.
This is looks like so much fun! How lucky you volunteered for this kinda craziness!
This is my first visit… came from 5 min for mom! Fun post!