Camping with Rachael

Rachael's Brownie troop planned a camping trip this year for April 25. We decided to just do one over-night because April weather can be iffy and it would be the first time camping for many of the girls. Plus Rachael had a 1st communion workshop Saturday morning so our plan was to leave Sat. afternoon and get back Sunday afternoon. In our meetings we practiced tying knots and folding bandannas. All of the girls worked together to create a menu that we adjusted only slightly.

Our date turned out to be unseasonably warm and beautiful. Originally we had 6 girls plus parents attending but at the last minute most canceled and it wound up only being Rachael, myself, my co-leader and her daughter Sadie, who came. We were disappointed but it gave us a lot of freedom. Rachael and Sadie were excited to be camping and were great helpers unloading the gear and hauling it to our tent site. It was in the 90's and very humid so we were sweaty in no time. The girls helped me set up our tent and had great fun with the poles. Rachael had the thing figured out in no time and with Sadie's help and mine it was up quickly. They gathered firewood and then we made foil packets of carrots, potatoes, and chicken. While our food cooked in the hot coals we went exploring. The girls struggled to stay on the path and avoid picking everything, but we did try to "Leave only a little trace behind." We found Gun Powder Falls at the bottom of a steep wooded hill and the girl's eyes lit up. They really wanted to get in but we had to get back to our campsite and get dinner. We promised we would be back tomorrow. The girls worked on earning requirements for Brownie Try-It badges scattered throughout our camping adventure.

Our foil pack dinners were fantastic and then I introduced the girls to the GS camping dish washing system. They jumped right in and did all of our mess kits and cooking utensils. dishes are so much more fun outside. The girls did shadow games when it got dark and played with flashlights. We enjoyed our campfire that evening and had a blast making smores while avoiding getting smoke in our eyes. Rachael liked catching her marshmallows on fire, I think it was so she could get to the eating part faster. We tried to sing camp songs but when I asked Rachael what song she wanted she asked if she could go to bed. It was 10 PM and she was exhausted so we hit the sleeping bags.

Morning brought the discovery of many hoof prints in our campsite. We got the fire going again and made pancakes and sausage. Rachael and Sadie took turns flipping pancakes. Then we set off for the water. Since it was only our 2 girls we decided to let them get in the river and just play. They enjoyed the cold water against the 90 degree air. Rachael was in her element. Being out in our neighborhood does not compare to the big outdoors. She was in her element. It was as if it made her calmer, happier, and more agreeable just by being there. She roamed and climbed trees and rocks, waded the river with Ms. Betsy, found shells and animals. I rolled up my pants put my feet in the water and just enjoyed being there. Three hours later we headed back for a snack and to pack up. By then my shins and feet were burnt to a crisp. I had put sunscreen on before we started but those parts weren't exposed at the time. 3 weeks later I am still peeling.

Rachael was such a joy and even extremely patient with Sadie who got over tired and hungry. I love spending time with her like this and it reminds me that we need to get to the outdoors more. She needs the space, freedom and tease of adventure.