Ascension : 1ST ASCENSION GIRL GUIDES EASTER CAMP
Submitted by The Islander (Cheryl Anthony) 27.04.2006 (Article Archived on 11.05.2006)
Easter holidays has been and gone and the 1st Ascension Girl Guides enjoyed yet another one of their successful and full of fun 3 days of camping at their campsite up Northeast, Ashpit.
1ST ASCENSION GIRL GUIDES EASTER CAMP
Easter holidays has been and gone and the 1st Ascension Girl Guides enjoyed yet another one of their successful and full of fun 3 days of camping at their campsite up Northeast, Ashpit. The theme this year was “COW GALS”. Dolphins were named Texan Gals, Pandas were Western Babes and Lions were called Dixie Chickz. Yours truly was named “Swifty”!!
Friday 14th April we left sunny Georgetown for the trees and dirt (no grass at all was there). We arrived at camp at 11:30 a.m. had lunch and set up camp. Like a flash, the Patrol Tents were pitched, kitchens prepared, dry wood collected, camp gear packed away and the girls were ready to do whatever was on the programme for that day. There were 19 girls at camp out our total of 21 in our Unit, and this was so pleasing to see that although we had 9 girls camping who were new to this everyone got on “like a house on fire” – well that is what Girlguiding is about – been a sister to everyone. The girls had 2 4-man tents to a Patrol and they sort out the sleeping arrangements. Visitors may have thought their tents are small because one Patrol slept in one tent but that was how they wanted to live for the 3 days and 3 nights. There was no complaining because all was comfortable and felt secure and snug. Janet (my helper!!) camped with us but I loan her one of my personal tents – I could not have imagine her in with me!!!
That evening after a “Cow gal” wash a few were dressed in their PJ’s and thinking that after their hot chocolate and biscuits they were to chill out or go to bed, but I had a completely different idea and took them on the walk to Weather Post. We did ¾ of the way but it was enough to give them time away from the campsite and for the sleep to come on quicker!! Not a sound was heard after 11 and this has never happen before. The Guides in previous camps were giggling and talking into the wee hours of the morning, but this group thought having a good night’s kip was better. Good job they did……………because………….
Saturday morning at 7 I heard Gemma shouting to her Patrol to wake up as it’s gone 7. Been awake most of the night and wide awake by 6 a.m. I had to tell Gemma the programme for the day was up at 7:30. I don’t think her Patrol was too please from not having their extra half hour of snooze.
After breakfast and tents all spick and span the Patrols were given 13 challenges to do in the duration of their camp. The challenges were that enjoyable they did it all by the evening. They even painted hard-boiled eggs (4 to a Patrol!!) to rest in the nests they made out of natural materials found around the camp and made their very own Dream Catchers. I hope theirs work because I can’t say the same about mine for not having a decent night’s sleep in my own bed since Maundy Thursday up to Easter Monday. The body is still recuperating!!!! This other challenge was fun. Each girl plastered lipstick on, press their lips on white canvas and the Patrols had to identify them.
During the afternoon Wendy and Richie came to visit us and helped to put the finishing touches to our entrance sign. Then Helen and Ian Close and their friends arrived to say a quick “Hello”. That evening Debra, Johnny and Kristian who joined us for Hot Chocolate and biscuits visited us. Kristian really thought he was a Girl Guide he joined in everything they were doing and sat with the Lions in their tent, much to the delight of the Patrol.
With the camp looking like a western movie with the cardboard cut-out horse, plywood cactus, the sign at the entrance and the girls mini plays all rehearsed everything was ready for the Open Day on Sunday.
At the crack of dawn on Sunday I was up with the fire blazing by 6:45 in readiness for breakfast. By 11:30 Swifty’s lunch had been cooked and we all got dressed up in our Cow Gal outfits. Chloe did definitely go to town with her outfit – she had a pr of western boots on that looked 3 sizes too big for her!! The gals looked ever so smart. I bet their parents felt the same when they arrived with their lunch at 1 p.m.
The camp came alive with over 100 adults and children. After lunch Mr. & Mrs. Hill judged the best-kept tents and surroundings. Swifty welcomed everyone and the Patrols performed their plays. In addition the Dixie Chickz had the best dance and song routine from one of their challenges that they wanted to show it off to their parents, families and friends. Once all of this was out of the way the volley ball game took off. There were squeals of delight and shouts of “Ah! You’re cheating?” but the game got everyone in that joyful spirit.
While this took place Carl Thomas helped Swifty with the chopping of wood to start the fire for the tea. Within a few minutes campfire tea was brewing. By 5 p.m. tea was served to all present. Chad was invited to stay with us but Nathaniel came to the Open Day and was enjoying himself so much he stayed the night too. How lovely it was to have these two Scouts with us. The enrolment of Khiya, Georgina, Imogen, Louanne & Shannon took place at 7 p.m.
The evening for the Guides was rounded off with singing sitting around the campfire drinking hot chocolate (thanks to Annis for keeping her eye on this while I joined in with the songs) and roasting marshmallows. Wendy had the girls doing the Hokey Cokey just to tire them out in readiness for sleep. The camp was in quietness by 10:30!!
Monday morning by 9:30 Swifty had their Eggy Bread and Bacon cooked and their tea brewing. By the time they came for breakfast most of the Patrol tents had been dismantled. Once breakfast was over the girls continued with their packing. Shannon volunteered to scrub the sooty pots, which brought nearly all of the girls in helping knowing that extra points would be awarded. There must had been a lot of manicuring going on once they returned home!!
By 11 a.m. Tessa and Timmy arrived with transport to take our gear back. Then Peter and Coral arrived a little later with more transport. Khiya and Lucy had the army tents down with the help of Timmy and Gavin and everything was ready to be packed in the trucks.
Before our day ended we used the painted hard-boiled eggs to play the partner throwing game. This you do with your partner standing in front of you and keep throwing the egg to one another taking a large step outwards. Janet and I were going so well until the gap got quite a bit wider and Janet not the best of catchers missed the egg and I managed to hit her right on the dose – I mean nose instead – Tee! Hee!!!!! Sorry Janet but the girls and I saw the funny side – we laughed all the way home!!! We left the campsite at 2 p.m.
This camp is over but come July the girls will be fundraising for camping gear, so be aware they will be knocking on doors to be sponsored. They are reluctant in doing this because they do get turned away at times but please do consider our Youths of Ascension. We do not have anyone to sponsor us so whatever we need, we have to make the money ourselves.
Here’s to the next one………………..
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