12 January 2009
GSUSA: Camp Lakota Snow Adventure
Posted by admin under: Outings .
Since I couldn’t get from Los Angeles to Texas or Georgia or Iraq to see the video teleconference with the Scouts I went ahead and attended my Girl Scout troop’s snow camp. Actually, I was dragooned by Mrs. Admin because I’d done a snow camp with the Boy Scouts and she wasn’t sure what to expect. It was easy. First, instead of staying in tents, we were in a heated cabin at a Girl Scout camp. Sincerely. Heat, real bathrooms… it even had a microwave. This wasn’t even like camping.
First night was all about making a fire in the fireplace and then doing songs and skits for each other. My Tiger son was along and showed everyone his awesome headstand. The girls were being shy so I got things rolling with a grand rendition of “I’m a Little Teapot”. We had s’mores and then went to bed. Well, the girls stayed up and talked a lot and I took my gear outside to sleep in the snow. I mean, it’s snow camp. What fun is it to sleep in a cabin during snow camp?
The next day we hit Mount Pinos with a couple hundred of our dearest neighbors. Althought there was snow on the ground, the weather felt like the 60’s (the Boy Scouts desert shoot was colder) and the warming and cooling of the days had turned all of the snowy paths into icy death waiting to snatch you off your feet. All but one of us did and I remembered in agony that you’re supposed to take your wallet out of your back pocket before it leaves a square bruise on your posterior.
Some girls played in the snow. Some braved sleds and hit the hills. I offered my bike helmet to any who would take it, but I guess they were more fashion conscious than safety wise. I put it on, though, which is probably for the best since I launched from the top of the hill and ended up in the parking lot underneath someone’s car (parked thank goodness).
Somehow I slept really well that night after we worked on a Studio 2B charm about getting to know yourself and others. The girls are preparing to work on their silver awards. Mrs. Admin and another mom moderated teen girl drama while I lay comatose on the couch. Actually, the girls used their conflict resolution skills and handled the matter themselves. They’re getting so grown up (*sniff*).
Interesting dilemma, though. My left-front brake tried to fall off so I had to nurse my car to a shop 20 miles away to get a replacement bolt that is somewhere on the mountain still. The mechanic laughed when he saw I was keeping the brake attached with some rope and a square knot.
We all got home safe and sound. Fun times, beautiful location, and good memories.
- Using Your Noggin While Sledding
- Snow Camp!
- Snowman Tipping
- Cool New Shirt Decorations
- A Timeless Experience
