| Camp Daisy Poetry and Inspirational Words |
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| Table of Contents A Counselor’s Prayer A Letter to My Daughter’s Counselor An Adult No More Are There Normal People Out There? Camp Daisy Obsessed Can-Knew Camp Is An Addiction Camp People Counselor Creed For Everything From A Camp Directors Scrapbook G is for… Girl Scout Horse Sense Green At Heart Leader Song My Friend New Friends and Old Origins Of Taps Pass It On Part of Camp Recipe for a Counselor The Story of Lake Odonata Thoughts of the Week To an Old Camper Twelve Days of Camp The Two Roads Wright Family Halloween Wright Family Christmas 57 Uses For A Bandanna 101 Random Things About Camp 101 Ways to Praise A Child A COUNSELOR'S PRAYOR Put me in touch with the heart of the child. Let me study his doubts and fears: Let me try to show him the way of life And help him avoid its tears: For the heart of a child in its buoyancy Is one that is pure and free. So put me in touch with the heart of a child Of the Person that is to be! -Author Unknown A LETTER TO MY DAUGHTERS COUNSELOR How strange it is that I've never met you and in a few days you will become the most important person in my life. I suppose you've been told that already. That "these are other people's children: their most cherished loved ones; they'd actually give up their own life before they would let anything terrible happen to them...," etc., etc. But I hope that you don't think it's strange if I take a few moments to write down a few things that I would want you to know. Oh, sure, there are those official camp forms where I can tell you that my son or daughter is allergic to a rare kind of wallpaper paste, loves volleyball but not when it's cloudy (please keep an eye out for that), or has promised the parole officer not to set any more fires. I wanted to take a few extra moments to tell you some things that don't really belong on a form. I've been thinking a lot the last few days about baby-sitters. Whenever I hire one to look after my child, I interview them. I have the chance to meet them, ask them things, watch how they interact and play with my child and how my child responds to them. I can personally talk to people for whom they've worked before. When my child goes to school, I get to meet the teacher before it starts. But when a parent sends their child to camp, odds are they've never met the people who will stand in the parent's place. If I understand right, at some camps you don't even know the counselor's name until camp actually begins. I just wanted to tell you that all of this is scary. Please don't be insulted. I trust the director who hired you and would never think of sending my child unless I did. If the director trusts you, then I trust you. But I know that the director is not going to be taking care of my child personally. You are. And I just wanted you to know what an extraordinary act of faith it is for me to put my child into your arms. Please hold my child carefully. I'm sending my child with all of the things that the newsletter said to include. I feel absolutely certain that I've forgotten something and I have this fear that my child will be the only one without it, whatever it is. I can still remember when I went to sleep-over camp in Wisconsin. The first year my brother and I had gone to the first four week session and the next year my parents decided to send us for the second four week session. Of course we didn't know that no one in the camp did that. We didn't know that we would walk into a place where everyone knew each other and would be staring at us as if we were a couple of dorks. Of course, we also didn't know yet that the reasons for the staring were the incredibly dorky official camp shirts we were proudly wearing. It seems that without our knowledge these shirts, which were considered the height of coolness our first summer, had been declared the depths of dorkiness for our second summer. When we arrived it was dark. We were grateful for that. Everyone was on the floor of the dining hall watching a movie, so we snuck into a corner by ourselves, away from the stares. The movie I later learned was called the Student Prince. At first it looked cool with these guys with swords and stuff, but all of a sudden they would start singing really loudly like opera singers. They were dancing around on the tables smiling and singing stuff in falsetto voices like "I'm going to kill you!" and "I'm going to slice your heart out!!" I wondered why they weren't talking. What was all this singing about? I'd never seen a musical. It was different and uncomfortable. And I got the feeling that the kids at this camp had never seen anyone as dorky or different as me. And I don't think I've ever felt so alone. And then I remember the first counselor who smiled at me. Who asked me lots of questions about what I liked to do. Who really listened without interrupting me or correcting me. I must have talked for three or four minutes with him just smiling at nodding at me. I kept waiting for him to interrupt or something. Four minutes! That was a personal record. It never happened at home. I liked it. I liked it a lot. And then the box of regular shirts arrived in an emergency package from mom and dad. They had no camp logos or other dorky parts anywhere. Things got much better after that.... There were a few other things I wanted to tell you: I don't expect you to be perfect. Heaven knows I'm not. With any luck, maybe heaven doesn't know.... I've brought my child up the best way I know how and I know I've made mistakes. I keep trying to learn how to do it better, and just when I think I've got this parenting thing down, my child grows older, changes considerably, and sends me back to the drawing board to figure it all out again. I have learned one thing: if you don't know, ask. Read. Watch others. Invite help. I have a lot of good friends who I talk to all the time about raising my child. I'd hate to think you were suddenly trying to do this on your own when I can't do that myself. Please know that my child is not perfect either. I'm hoping that you will forgive just as you would like to be forgiven yourself, and that when my child does something that isn't right, that you will focus on helping to show what should be done better the next time. In other words, just treat my child exactly as you will want to be treated if you mess up. If know you've got a lot of children to take care of. They are all important. I hope very much you find something special about mine. I don't mean better. I just mean something unique that sets my child apart as a valuable individual. You see, I love my child very much. And I tell my child that every day. But the problem is that I've raised a reasonably smart child who figures that it's my job to say "you're smart" and “you look great" and "people really think you're terrific." From time to time my child must wonder if I say these things because they're really true or because I'm supposed to say them. Wouldn't it be great if my child met you, a complete stranger, and you discovered valuable things in my child all on your own? See, if YOU find and talk about these positive things, my child can say, "Hey, people I meet notice that I've got good things inside of me. I guess maybe I do...." So I've sort of ended where I began: talking about strangers. Ironically, the very fact that you are a stranger to my child gives you, in some ways, even more power than I have. And one final thing: sometimes when I write my thoughts down I understand them better. When I started writing this letter I didn't really see this, but I do now: It just occurred to me: If you care for my child with love and patience and skill, then you're no stranger. You've suddenly become my most important friend in the world. Thank you friend. Have a most wonderful summer: A Child's Grateful Parent. -Camp Daisy Hindman Staff Manual AN ADULT NO MORE I am hereby officially tendering my resignation as an adult. I have decided I would like to accept the responsibilities of an 8 year old again. I want to go to McDonalds and think that it's a four star restaurant. I want to sail sticks across a fresh mud puddle and make ripples with rocks. I want to think M&Ms are better than money because you can eat them. I want to lie under a big hickory tree and run lemonade stand with my friends on a hot summers day. I want to return to a time when life was simple. When all you knew were colors, multiplication tables, and nursery rhymes, but that didn’t bother you, because you didn't know what you didn't know and you didn't care. All you knew was to be happy because you were blissfully unaware of all the things that should make you worried or upset. I want to think the world is fair. That everyone is honest and good. I want to believe that anything is possible. I want to be oblivious to the complexities of life and be overly excited by the little things again. I want to live simple again. I don’t want my day to consist of computer crashes, mountains of paperwork, depressing news, how to survive more days in the month than there is money in the bank, doctor bills, gossip, illness, and loss of loved ones. I want to believe in the power of smiles, hugs, a kind word, truth, justice, peace, dreams, the imagination, mankind, and making angels in the snow. So....... here's my checkbook, and my car-keys, my credit card bills. I am officially resigning from adulthood. And if you what to discuss this further, you'll have to catch me first, because, "Tag! You're it! -Author Unknown ARE THERE NORMAL PEOPLE OUT THERE? Are there normal people out there? Cuz here, the have tons of braids in their hair. They put toothpaste on their face! Does the word sanity mean anything at this place? They dress up like boy bands that claim to have many fans. They wear prom dresses to dinner and say: "He could pass as a girl, if he were thinner.” They eat with little strife, their whole meal with knife! They sing songs like "Oh Gee" and some go for a swim in a biffy! Though it may seem like I'm complainin' I'm really just waitin' for another summer at this place where they are crazy.... CAMP DAISY!!!! -Smily : ) CAMP DAISY OBSESSED 1. You have written school papers about camp 2. You see who you think are "camp people" in the mall, at school, in other states, other countries, in the clouds...heck, EVERYWHERE! 3. You friends all have 2 names. 4. Your name tag at work has your camp name on it. 5. You come home from a hard day and make yourself a big helping of Squaw Corn for dinner. 6. You insist people have their napkins in their laps, pass the salt and pepper together the right way around the table, while reminding them the mustard doesn't go on the plate. 7. Instead of a purse you carry a 25 cent folder with your name written on the front in black marker. 8. You shower two times weekly and it doesn't bother you. 9. You wear sports bras under string tank tops. 10. You collect things like daisies, and bamboo because of camp 11. The mailman knows you by your camp name. 12. You have referred to Camp Daisy as "my camp" 13. You are insanely jealous of John Brown, Sage, Dean, and Kenny. 14. You have a set of "camp clothes" 15. You buy things during the year to use for camp next summer. 16. You made a camp web page. 17. You refer to your summers not as "the summer after my Senior year" or "the summer of '97" but as "Light blue shirt year" or "Rock and Rope, etc... year" 18. People have to call you by your camp name just to get your attention. 19. Your address book is full of funny names. 20. You know where Dover, Auburn, Eskridge, and Alma are. 21. You know where to get the best pie in the county (The Dover Cafe) 22. You have visited camp in the spring, fall, and winter. 23. You have considered getting a personalized license plate with your camp name on it...bonus points if you already have one. 24. You still know how to make friendship bracelets. 25. You drive your roommate crazy because at night you turn the lights out and use your Coleman lantern. 26. You wish you could program your alarm to sound like a Whippoorwill. 27. You are still confused if 6 and 6 make 9. 28. You still have a friendship pin on your shoe. 29. You have ever tried to talk someone to work out at camp...extra points if it worked. 30. You sing camp songs in the shower. 31. You would rather sleep outside. 32. You have possessions that still say your camp name on them. 33. You swear by paint pens and pony beads. 34. You understand the significance of 7:50, 9:30, 10:45, 1:30, 2:45, 4:00, 5:20, 7:00, and 8:15. 35. You know that TP doesn't stand for "toilet paper." 36. You can name the two cool things that grow on the primitive storm shelter. 37. You have acquired a taste for burnt marshmallows. 38. You make a camp scrap book, instead of sticking the pictures of camp in any old photo album. 39. You have only been employed by KVGSC (or at least it seems so.) 40. You have eaten baked beans with your bare hands. 41. You could live off chocolate puddin'. 42. You know what kind of life savers spark in the dark. 43. You could walk all the trails at camp in your sleep. 44. You know the names of more Newsies than you would like to admit. 45. You know Topeka's nasty high school boy hang out- extra points for being there at least once. 46. You hate Little bit o camp just cuz it aint Mini Res. 47. When you walk into the council office you are called by your camp name. 48. You hated someone from camp one year and loved them the next. 49. You cry at campfires. 50. Your email address is related to camp (point per addresses) -Zokey CANOE-a little joke Little Suzy didn’t do very well in her studies. During an oral spelling exam, the teacher wrote the word “new” on the blackboard. Now, she asked Little Suzy, what word would we have if we placed a K in the front, after a few moments reflection Little Suzy smiled and said, Canoe. -Author Unknown CAMP IS AN ADDICTION My first time up there as a camper, it was a small hit that I liked... so I came back the next summer for another hit. Finally, I needed more... I had to have it. So I worked up there for my first summer, and the addiction was in full force. I get back in the fall, and I feel like I need more camp! But I shake it cold turkey, until I can't stand it anymore (usually around December). Then I go back north for a staff reunion after Christmas -- another small hit that will get me through until next year. It's an addiction that is a good thing -Kayla CAMP PEOPLE I'm quitting my job to go back to camp. I can't grow up. I just can't do it yet. I enjoy Steal-a-Friend Wrasslin', and fart tennis, and greenball, and eating with a carrot in my nostril. I enjoy singing around campfires, and being hugged every hour of every day, and singing Paul Simon with Lorne while washing the dishes, and I enjoy being absolutely ridiculous purely for the sake of itself. At the last staff training weekend while sitting around the campfire, I used toilet paper to make a turban to keep the no-see-ums from munching on my scalp, and hardly anyone batted an eye. There are few places in the world where one can do things like that and not be considered strange or abnormal. People who never went to summer camp simply cannot appreciate how grand it really is. There are some people for whom camp becomes a disease... it gets into their blood, seeps into their cells and refuses to leave. Those people get misty-eyed when they smell campfire smoke. They have to resist the urge to sing whenever someone says the A word. They take a certain pride in being hoarse, and in not having bathed for four days. Mustard and sloppy joe stains on t-shirts are considered battle scars, instead of just dirt. They know that putting your elbows on the table is one of the seven deadly sins, right up there with coming to the dining hall in your bathing suit. They get nostalgic pangs in the belly when they smell burnt toast and bacon early in the morning. They are comforted by the sound of someone turning over on a pissy rubber mattress on the upper bunk. They know that birchbark is great for starting a campfire, but they also know never to peel too much from the same tree. They wake most peacefully to the sound of an iron bell clanging from across the field. They're not ashamed to admit that they own more than four John Denver albums. They hear a loon calling sadly for its mate and feel wistful, and they always listen quietly for the happy trill of their reunion. Camp people love construction paper and puff paint and individually wrapped pieces of cheese and those yellow melamine plates that wouldn't break if you drove over them with a tank. Camp people can eat a pork chop with an army-issue potato masher and their fingers taped to their palms, and still manage to dip it in ketchup to cover up the charred bits. Camp people get hungry, not for sirloin, but for grilled cheese cooked over a Coleman stove. In the winter, they dream not of a sunny beach and the scent of coconut oil, but of chilly July mornings with a mist rising from the lake. Camp people know all the words to "One Tin Soldier" except for that one line, which is always murmured inaudibly. Camp people have back-up plans for rainy days, even though it never rains. Camp people automatically relax when they hear the sound of a tinny guitar being strummed in the distance. Camp people know that stargazing is properly done in silence, but surrounded with a group of friends. Camp people usually can't remember what they're laughing about anymore by the time they finally stop. Camp people never feel quite at home without a sign on their door that says, "_____'s Room - come on in anytime!" Camp people know that life is just easier when you shout, "YES!!! I made a mistake!" Camp people know the contentment of everyone for miles wearing the same orange t-shirt. Camp people know that joy lurks in anonymous warm fuzzy notes, hides in the homesick camper that's finally laughing during a game of Rocks. Camp people know that when you look your worst, you've done your best. Camp people will pick up a piece of porcupine poop without a second thought, and they'll break it apart to show their kids that it's mostly made up of wood splinters, and suddenly it's not poop anymore, it's the miracle of nature. I have to go back... it's where I'm best. -Author Unknown COUNCELORS CREED I am a Girl Scout I try to lead by personal example I am interested in girls and camping I try to find the balance between work and play I am impartial. I share what I have to give with everyone I realize that everyday is an opportunity for some scout to grow I must not lose the chance to make her life richer -Author Unknown DROP A PEBBLE IN THE WATER Drop a pebble in the water: just a splash and it is gone; But there's half-a-hundred ripples circling on and on and on Spreading - spreading from the center, flowing on out to the sea And there is no way of telling where the end is going to be. Drop an unkind word, or careless: in a minute it is gone; But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on They keep spreading, spreading, spreading, from the center as they go, And there is no way to stop them, once you've started them to flow. Drop a word of cheer and kindness: just a flash, and it is gone; But there's half a hundred ripples circling on and on and on Bearing hope and joy and comfort on each splashing, dancing wave Till you wouldn't believe the volume of the one kind word you gave Summer is over and what did you do, Touch the life of a child or two? Did you take time to look at each face And remembered to smile as they call out your name? Were you patient and thankful for each passing day, Those filled with sunshine and those filled with rain? How did you answer the million questions they ask and Yet remember to do all the things of the day? Yes, summer is over but not in my mind for memories of People will last a lifetime. -Written by a Staff Member from Camp Merry Heart FOR EVERYTHING For every step taken on a wet and rocky trail. For every reminder note you didn't forget to mail. For every skinned knee you attended, For every broken heart you mended. For every burnt camping meal you ate, For every late parent on which you had to wait. For every tearful disappointment you heard, For every time you could've ... but didn’t say a word. For every ounce of laughter to a little girl you brought, For every midnight giggle your tired ears have caught! For every tear you've shed as they've grown up through the years. For every one of your Girl Scouts, now full of confidence, not fears. For every song you've sung, For every song you'll sing... Thank you... Camp Counselor... simply put...for everything -LaDonna Albert FROM A CAMP DIRECTOR'S SCRAPBOOK Dawns are always wonder dawns Of glowing untouched hours; Buds are always promises Of unseen perfect flowers. Youth is life unlimited Not yet defined or small; Not yet poured out in queer-shaped jugs That cannot hold it all. - Mary Ellen Edge C.C.A. Magazine, Feb. 1953 G FOR... (Girl Scout Uniform) She wears a G for Grubby fingernails She wears a I for Insects too She wears an R for Rolling Sleeping Bags She wears an L for Leaky Tents She wears an S for Scrubbing Pots and Pans She wears a C for Clean up too She wears an OUT for Outdoor Johns, Outdoor Johns Now, that’s a REAL Girl Scout...NO Doubt! -Author Unknown GIRL SCOUT HORSE SENSE An out-of-Towner drove his car into a ditch in a desolated area. Luckily, a local Girl Scout Leader came to help with her big strong horse named Buddy. She hitched Buddy up to the car and yelled, "Pull, Nellie, pull!" Buddy didn't move. Then the Girl Scout Leader hollered, "Pull, Buster, pull!" Buddy didn't respond. Once more the Girl Scout Leader commanded, "Pull, Coco, pull!" Nothing. Then the Girl Scout Leader nonchalantly said, "Pull, Buddy, pull!" And the horse easily dragged the car out of the ditch. The motorist was most appreciative and very curious. He asked the Girl Scout Leader why she called her horse by the wrong name three times. The Girl Scout Leader said, "Oh, Buddy is blind, and if he thought he was the only one pulling, he wouldn't even try!" We are all in this together!! -Author Unknown GREEN HEART (ODE TO SPECIAL VOLUNTEERS) Tune: Battle Hymn of the Republic I've always been a Girl Scout From the time that I was young. I remember very fondly All the camping, crafts, & fun. I thought the work was over When my Gold Award was done, But I'd only just begun! Chorus: Glory, glory I'm a leader! A crazy, project planning leader. I don't even have a daughter, But now I have ten girls! I went away to college And I thought it awfully smart Just taking on a small troop, Meeting once a week to start. Soon my major class work Took the form of Girl Scout crafts! At least my teachers laughed! Chorus The parents think I'm wonderful Because I spend my days Helping their girls learn & grow In Girl Scout laws & ways. They take for granted that I've time Since I've no child at home, But I wouldn't have time for my own! Chorus: Glory, Glory I'm a leader! A proud, exhausted, childless leader! I don't even have a daughter, But I've raised some darn fine girls! This is to honor those who are "Green Heart"..if you're a Scout who can't quit, even when you have no children, or when your children our grown, dropped out of Scouting, whatever. It takes a lot of heart to stick with it for other people's children! -Author Unknown MY FRIEND Firelight, tissues, moonlight, and tears, this I'll remember the rest of my years. Camp has been something so special to me, counselors who show the way, the ones who lead. Tents and cabins, trails and paths, all these memories make me laugh. Love in my heart will always burn bright, because here at camp, everything’s alright. Horses, canoes, crafts, and arts, at the end of summer, I hate to part. Tears flow gently down my cheek, even though I'll be here next week. Closing campfires and saying goodbye, no one at camp can do anything but cry. Can't believe this is the end, but you I'll always love, my friend. -Kim K. NEW FRIENDS AND OLD FRIENDS Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. New-made friendships, like new wine, Age will mellow and refine. Friendships that have stood the test-- Time and change--are surely best; Brow may wrinkle, hair grow gray, Friendship never knows decay. For 'mid old friends, tried and true, Once more we our youth renew. But old friends, alas! may die, New friends must their place supply. Cherish friendship in your breast-- New is good, but old is best; Make new friends, but keep the old; Those are silver, these are gold. -Joseph Parry 1841-1903 THE ORIGIN OF TAPS This is story of how "Taps," first came to be played at military funerals The time was the United States' Civil War. Confederate Army Colonel, Dan Butterfield, a courageous and able soldier, was also a man of music. To honor his fallen comrades, he composed on July 2, 1862, a simple and heartrending melody. Later that summer, Union Army captain, Robert Ellicombe, was with his men near Harrison's Landing in Virginia. On the other side of this narrow strip of land was a contingent of the Confederate Army. During the night, Capt. Ellicombe heard the moan of a soldier who lay mortally wounded on the field. The captain lit a lantern, suddenly caught his breath, and went numb with shock. In the dim light of the lantern he saw the face of the soldier---it was his own son! The following morning, the heartbroken father asked permission of his superiors to give his son a full military burial, despite the young man's enemy status. There was reluctance to grant any such request. Certainly a burial with full honors was not permissible because the soldier was a Confederate. But some sort of funeral was acknowledged as appropriate. The Captain asked if he could have a group of army band members play a dirge for his son at the funeral. This request was denied; but, out of respect for the captain, his superiors agreed to let one musician play. The Captain chose the bugler. He gave the bugler a note that had been taken from the pocket of the dead youth's uniform, on which a series of musical notes were written. The bugler agreed to play them. That music was Colonel Butterfield's melody; it henceforth became the haunting bugle tune we now know as "Taps." So now you know that "Taps" originated as a beautiful closing, given to all the world through compromise. -Author Unknown -From information submitted by Edward C. Iberger of Riverhead, NY, and Pat Skelly <ScoutLdr@AOL.com> Plymouth Bay GSC, Massachusetts PASS IT ON We all appreciate the beauty and the calmness of our out-of-doors. Nature is a kaleidoscope, in which all parts and pieces mold together to form the most beautiful picture imaginable. Yet, if we were to take each segment, and examine it deeply, then, when we re-created it as a whole, we might appreciate its beauty even more. Let us imagine what we could then pass on to others. Pass on the Camp sunshine. Remember its power to bring warmth and light to everyone. But remember especially its power to cheer and to bring joy into our hearts. Pass on the beauty of the water, when the sun rises and sets upon it, when it glitters in the moonlight, when it is silent and still. Pass on to others the feeling you get when you are walking in the forest among the trees. Help them to appreciate the sights and the sounds you have experienced yourself. Pass on the beauty which we have all experienced at camp - the natural wilderness of flowers that fills our meadows and lines our roadsides with a rich sweet scent. Pass on the beauty of the setting sun - blended colors lighting the evening sky. May the peace and tranquility of our sunset be ever with you. Pass on the light and guidance of the stars; God's twinkling eyes in the sky to forever lead and protect us. The stars will never die. Pass on friendship. Do not walk in front of me - I may not follow. Do not walk behind me - I may not lead the way. Just walk beside me, and be my friend. Pass on a smile. Smile a mile and when you smile others will smile too, and soon there will be miles and miles of smiles -Author Unknown PARTS OF CAMP -we can dream about how time really flies, we won't say goodbye, cause true friends are beside -close your eyes, recall a memory, of a special place that touched our lives eternally, we now see the joy in simple things, the sunlit sky, the beauty in the songs we sing -though seasons change, and years slip by, what still remains the wondrous smiles what once we dreamed we now can see camp always was the light inside of me -take my hand here tonight let me show u the way to a place where the rest seems to all fade away -the family we've known, the place we call our own, knowing we'll return here forevermore through the years -this is home, this is where we are part of a family. this is where tradition will be ours to uphold. we were told, every day of our childhood even as we grow old, camp will be where our hearts are, leaving brings on a tear. though we go far away home is here. At camp losers can be winners, followers can be leaders, shy people can be outgoing and so on. -home friends can do anything and have a great time, but camp friends can do nothing and have the time of their lives -camp is: 100 smiles, 200 jokes, 300 secrets, one reason, best friends. -Kayla THE PATHWAY At five, an all ready for fun, A Daisy Girl Scout, just waiting to run. As a Daisy, she is starting to grow. She's doing things and always on the go. At six, a little girl is all ready to be A Brownie Girl Scout, a bright penny to see. As a Brownie, her life is just chock-full of fun She's busy and eager - forever on the run. How to plan -what to do about most any thing, Comes from ideas shared in the Brownie Ring. She learns how to grow with the brownie Try-Its. As she explores the world, bit by bit. Toward growing in heart, the foundation was laid On the day by the pool where her Promise was made' Till the day she was ready without any doubt To take the next step - to become a Junior Girl Scout. By the Promise and Law she now strives to live. A little more of herself she's learning to give. The patrol system, and so much more to learn, A new world of proficiency badges to earn. During the yeas of Juniors, you grow and grow In so many ways and soon you will know, That you now are ready to take the next step - To cross a new bridge and become a Cadette. As a Cadette, she starts a journey, Exploring the world, its wonders to see. Choices of opportunities she can take. She goes about her merry way, Her Silver received, she awaits the day, When across the bridge she once again goes, As upward to Seniors she continues to grow. A Senior Scout, as leader she trains, To share with others what she has gained. She strives to decide which path she will take, Will it be scouting, college, or a job she will take? And then across the bridge she will go, With a wealth of information, That she'll need to know As off to the world of Adult Scouting she goes. As an adult, she'll have the chance, To give back what she took without a second glance, She'll return to the younger Scouts that she will meet, The love, understanding, trust, and respect, That as a child she deemed a treat. -Patricia L. Feikert RECIPE FOR A CAMP COUNSELOR Combine one level head and one loving heart with equal parts of enthusiasm and energy. Blend in ability to work with others and appreciation of individual differences. Add a double measure of humor and the desire to help girls grow. Fold in the imagination of an elf and the memory of an elephant. Top with a rugged constitution and resilience to adapt to new ideas. When seasoned with the training and steeped in experience, this recipe will serve many girls well. Scouting I wear the pin of a Girl Scout; I try to live the Law. I have often said the Promise, when life held only flaws. But it's not the pin nor the Promise, nor just the Law I live That causes me to love this Scouting - It's the feeling Scouting can give. You have to live it to know it: When the sun has sunk down low You must sing with other Girl Scouts, around the campfire's glow. You must plan a cookout with them, and have it spoiled by the rain, You must sing instead of crying, and make the plans again. You should hike for many a mile, under a clear blue sky. Then sleep in the open country, and watch the stars go by. There are no words to express it, it can't be told in song. You just must experience it; it will not take you long. It is brought out when you are singing, as loud as you can sing. And again in the peaceful silence, when a flag is taking wing. Then when you salute Old Glory, you know that you belong, And Taps cannot end this feeling, after the day is gone. You will want to meet tomorrow, in hope that you can live To pass on some of this feeling, only Scouting can give. So it's not the pin nor Promise, nor just the Law I live, That cause me to love Girls Scouting - it's the feeling Scouting can give. - Adapted from Majorie Sullivan THE STORY OF LAKE ODONADA A long, long time ago, in a valley beside a creek, there lived a tribe of war faring Indians. The boys of the tribe were raised to be brave warriors, well-trained in the skills of combat. But there was one little Indian boy who wasn't like his brothers. While the others sparred with each other and developed hunting and fishing skills, he went into the woods and talked to the animals. The others teased him unmercifully, and wouldn't let him have any part in their everyday life. There was one special place where he would always go when the others had been especially cruel. Under a tall tree, besides a small lake, surrounded by his true friends-the animals, he could finally be at peace. Green turquoise, gold and silver dragonflies would whirl up to him in welcome. A blue heron, which nested near the lake, would glide across the water and land gently in the tree above him. The make him feel as one with the wilderness. He grew up this way, spending most of his time beside this little lake in the valley. He grew farther and farther away from the rest of his tribe until he was almost totally excluded from it. They lived their life in war fate with small neighboring tribes and he lived his with the dragon flies. One day, when the boy was nearly a man, a huge tribe moved in from the west, intent on destroying all of the tribes in the area. The local tribes were too busy with each other to notice anything else. The boy was sleeping peacefully by the lake when his dreams were interrupted by the dragonflies. The usual gentle creatures were whirling furiously around his head. "What is it?" he asked of them, but they were too alarmed to answer. The great blue heron lifted his wings, swept across the water, and swooped above the boy's head. The boy sat up. He had never seen his friends so upset. The snapping turtles dragged themselves out of the waster and, grasping his moccasins with their jaws as they tugged at him. "What's the matter?" he asked again. The dragonflies whirled closer, beating out an urgent message with their silver wings. The heron and the turtles echoed it. The Indian boy leapt to his feet and saw them: a thousand Indians in war paint, milling around below the lake. They didn't see him beneath the tree, and he slipped away and raced over to where his old tribe was. They were in battle, but he ran among them anyway and they stopped fighting and listened to him. Together the warring tribes organized a defense, and they destroyed the tribe from the west. The boy became a hero. Feasts were held in his honor and his brothers were finally glad that he talked to animals instead of fighting with men. After all the celebrating was over, the boy walked silently back to the quiet little lake. He sat in the darkness by himself. He was a man. In his tribe, when a boy becomes a man he goes out into the woods alone and a name comes to him. The lone Indian boy had spent most of his life alone in the wilderness, and a name had never come to him. That night was different. Out of the darkness came a glowing, it was the dragonflies, his life-long friends, their silvery wings reflecting the moonlight. They came to the boy and gave him their own name - Odonata. From then on that was his name. Only he and the dragonflies knew where it had come from. Odonata was welcomed in all the tribes from then on. He lived quietly and happily with is people and gave them a peace they had not known for hundreds of years. His arts of harmony replaced the old arts of warfare. Yet, no matter how busy he was, he always found time to slip away and sit alone under the tall old tree beside his lake. And dragonflies would come to him and whisper his name, and theirs - Odonata. -Camp Daisy Hindman Staff Manual THOUGHTS FOR THE WEEK Monday "The world is divided into 2 kinds of people, those who know what camp is and those who never will." Tuesday ~ Life without camp is like bagels without cream cheese. Wednesday ~ When its getting dark, you're miserable and the task at hand seems endless, then this is the time to dig your sense of humor out from the bottom of your pack, wear it on your spirit and lighten your load. Thursday "School friends can do anything and have a great time, but camp friends can do nothing and have the time of their lives!" Friday Dream like you will live forever, Live like your going to die tomorrow, Love like it's never going to hurt Dance like no one's watching. Saturday Live life to its fullest!! go to camp!!! Sunday "To the world you might be one person, but to one person you might be the world." -Authors Unknown Adapted by "Pokey" TO AN OLD CAMPER You may think, my dear, when you grow quite old, You have left camp days behind, But I know the sent of wood smoke Will always call to mind Little fires at twilight And trails, you used to find You may think some day you have quite grown up, And feel so worldly wise But suddenly form out of the past A vision will arise, Of merry folk with brown bare knees And the laughter in their eyes You may live in a house built to you taste In the nicest part of town But some day for your old camp togs, You'd change your last gown, And trade it all for a balsam bed Where the stars all night look down, You may find yourself grown wealthy, Have all that gold can buy, but you'd toss aside a fortune For days 'neath an open sky, With sunlight on blue water And while clouds sailing high. For once you have been a camper Then something has come to stay Deep in your heat forever Which nothing can take away, And heaven can only be heaven With a camp in which to play -Mary S. Edgar TWELVE DAYS OF SUMMER CAMP (Tune- Twelve Days of Christmas) On the first day of summer camp my family sent to me, A raccoon in a pine tree. 2. skinned knees 3. broken pencils 4. flashlights 5. perfect s'mores 6. bathing suits 7. missing skewers 8. counselors sleeping 9. pairs of skivvies 10. noisy chipmunks 11. lost swimmers 12. soggy towels -Author Unknown THE TWO ROADS There was a path Deep in the woods Once it forked- The bad, the good I chose to take the left hand path I did not know I had no map Now this road that I travel Is dirty and battered. It's littered with dreams, that are broken and shattered. Paved with wrongdoings And dotted with hearts, that were taken from people and just torn apart Pain and regret are common here wherever you turn they're always near. I want to cross to the other path and leave behind this painful wrath I thought I was forever doomed to walk and all the gates were tightly locked But as I continued a footbridge I could see A bridge of hope called out to me Slowly I crossed to the path of good finally I was on, the path of which I should. Now hidden deep within the woods the one that forked, the path's bad and a good I once was wrong but now I'm right and before me glows a guiding light My simple mistake, following the crowd, Ignoring the heart, that speaks so loud. The choices you make can change your life one will bring happiness the other brings strife. Following the crowd won't lead you to the right If you follow your heart you'll be guided by light. There was a path deep in the woods once it forked- The bad, The good Heed my warning because I know follow your heart, you'll know where to go. -Kayla WHAT IS A COUNSELOR Somewhere between adolescence and adulthood there occurs in human development an age which is physically and psychologically impossible. It is that unfathomable stage known as the camp counselor, a creature worshipped by campers, either admired or doubted by parents and unheard of by the rest of society. A camp counselor is a rare combination of doctor, lawyer, Indian, and chief. She is a competent child psychologist with her sophomore textbook as proof. She is an underpaid babysitter with neither television nor refrigerator. She is a strict disciplinarian with a twinkle in her eye. She is a minister to all faiths with questions about her won. She is a referee, coach, teacher and an advisor. She is the example of womanhood in worn out tennis shoes, a sweatshirt two sizes to big and a red bandanna. She is an idol with her head in the cloud of wood smoke and her feet in the mud. She is a comforter in a leaky ten on a cold night and a pal who just lent her last pair of dry socks to someone. She is a teacher of the out-of-doors knee deep in poison ivy. A counselor dislikes early mornings, kaper, and mosquito bites. She is fond of sunbathing, exploring, and teaching new games, time off, and her old can Henrietta. She is good at patching up broken friendships, bloody noses, and torn jeans. She is good at locating lost bathing suits, untying tent flaps and knocking down spider webs, making s'mores; she is poor at rolling out of bed on rainy mornings, making it to flag on time, and getting to bed early. A counselor is a friendly guide in the middle of the cold, dark, wet night on the long and winding trail to the biffy. She is a dynamo on a day off, exhauster the next day, but recuperated in time for the next day off. Who but she can cure homesickness, air out wet bedding, play 16 games of "Little Sally Walker" in succession, an whistle "Dixie" through her fingers, carry two backpacks, speak Pig Latin in French, stand on her hands and sing 37 verses of Boom Chica Boom and still have room for 4 helpings of dinner? A counselor is expected to repair 10 years of damage to Susie in 6 days, make Judy into a woman, rehabilitate Betty, allow Joan to be an individual, and help Linda adjust to the group. She is expected to lead the most prized possessions of 24 adults much older than she. She is expected to lead them in fun and adventure even when she spends 9 months out of the year in Manhattan, Lawrence, or Emporia; to teach indigenous activities ....when she can't even spell the word; to guide youngsters in social adjustment...when she hasn't even reached legal age; to ensure safety and health...with a sunburned nose, a band aid on her thumb and a gimp knee. For all this she is paid enough to buy the second text in psychology, some aspirin, some new socks, tow new tires for Henrietta, and some new tennis shoes. You wonder how she can stand the pace and pressure. You wonder if she really knows how much she is worth. And somehow, you realize you can never pay her enough when, as he leaves at the end of camp, waves good buy and says, "See ya next year!" -Adapted from: CDH Staff Manual 57 USES FOR A BANDANNA Just ask Kit "What is a bandanna?"" A most useful thing," she will say. For this bright square of fabric Can be used in 57 ways. First as a triangular bandage For right hand, and left hand & knees, For right eye, & left eye, & headache Or for right foot, or left foot, or sneeze. You can wrap up your lunch in a jiffy, Then mop up the stuff that you spill. As a hat, it can look very spiffy. As a babushka, it will keep out the chill. It's a flag on the top of a flag pole Or on grease pit to mark the place, Or a warning on trailing tent poles That extend from bulging trunk space. You can bind up a cut from the hatchet Or a slip of the wrist with the knife, Or a burn to keep down the blister, And as a warning it may save your life. It makes a good sling for that broken arm, Will brace your leg while you use a cane, On the ground as a sit-upon serve you, On a trail show the way that you came. Round the neck it is Western in flavor On the head, a pirate so bold. Dropped coyly, it might lead to romance. As a muffler, it keeps out the cold. In a game, it serves as a blind fold In a relay, it's something to pass In a race, it marks home base line. At a square dance, marks lady from lass. As a belt, it will hold up the trousers, Or a dress, it makes a gay sash. As a tie, it adds some distinction In a hip pocket, it gives certain dash. As an apron, it serves you at tea time Or centerpiece doily so gay Or a hot pad to lift up the coffee, Or to wrap up warm bread on a tray. In pairs their purpose is doubled. Two make a bikini, you know, Or a blouse, or a skirt, or sun shade If you know how to sew. For child care it is a blessing Tied to a chair, he won't fall Tears or tails can be dried very neatly And for play, you can make it a doll. For knot practice too, it is handy Square, clove, bowline, and more Now this makes 57 uses And you no doubt could add more. But with this, I'll end this ditty. More uses we'd name had we chose, But we'll add only the primary purpose That of blowing the nose. - Florence Bush 101 RANDOM THINGS ABOUT CAMP 1. Don't be afraid to get dirty or wet. 2. Take time to get to know all the campers. 3. Take lots of pictures. 4. The name of the lake is Lake Odanata. 5. Keep track of all the little jokes and memories. 6. Take time to walk through camp alone and enjoy your surroundings. 7. Beware the Crazy Naked Man. 8. Every time you walk across the Sleepy Hollow Bridge, hold your breath, make a wish and throw a rock over the side. Then your wish will come true. 9. Invite your friends and family for open house. They'll get an understanding of where you work. 10. Learn the words to Pickin' Flowers. 11. If you're being pushed into a pool or lake, don't struggle. You'll end up in there anyway, and you'll get hurt. 12. When walking past Juliette Low, address them as thus: Hidee Ho Juliette Low! 13. The big pine tree by the barn is the silent tree. Don't talk after you pass it while going to the barn. 14. If you don't know the answer to a question a girl asks, find out. 15. Take time to look at the big wheel chandelier in the Dining Hall. 16. Go to flag on time and set a good example for the girls. 17. Do the all-camp Kapers. 18. The walkie is not a toy; it is a means of communication. 19. Keep a list of the girls' names and take a group picture so you remember returning girls. 20. Wear sunscreen and bug spray. 21. Father/Daughter weekend is the perfect time to teach the Ronald McDonald song. 22. You will eventually be able to distinguish all voices over the walkie. 23. Squaw corn takes tomato sauce, not tomato paste or soup. 24. Learn all the names of the trails. 25. Sing on the porch with the girls after meals. 26. Yes, random is the most overused word at camp and we like it that way. 27. When putting the flag up, put your hand over your heart at the first clip until the end of the Pledge of Allegiance. When taking the flag down, put your hand over your heart when the flag starts going down, until the last clip is taken off. 28. Don't forget the fire bucket and rake at campfires, Juliette Low doesn't like theirs stolen all the time. 29. Take time to eat with the Primitive girls at least once. 30. There's nothing better than a camper letter in the middle of December. 31. The day will come when you will take time off just to clean your tent. 32. Write things down so you will remember them. 33. Don't hold back on special meals: It's not every day you get to dress up as your fave Spice Girl. 34. Hot logs and coals, when immersed in water, makes the coolest sound. 35. Close the latrine lid. 36. What is known as Sleepy Hollow today, was once called IPESI, and then IPESI was moved to where it is currently now. 37. Sleep is important, but those late night bonding sessions are priceless. 38. Don't be afraid to randomly sing. 39. We get two hours of time off a day- that's enough. Spend the rest of the time with the kids. 40. Don't stack the plates. 41. Take a cold shower at least once. 42. Enjoy your camp name because you'll hear it yelled in public at least once. 43. The easiest way to clean utensils is to put them in 3 separate piles and wash one pile at once. 44. Swim with the kids. 45. Take time to get to know everyone on staff. 46, Do something crazy; camp is the perfect time. 47. You receive the best hugs from kids you may not even know at the top of the hill. 48. To find camp, turn left directly before the blue water tower. 49. Say Hi to Ranger Dean and his family when they are in camp. 50. The mailing address is Topeka, not Dover. If you put Dover, it will take twice as long. 51. Take time to look at the murals in the infirmary and on the boathouse. 52. Camp sits on two different counties: Shawnee and Osage. 53. Hand goes up, mouth goes shut. 54. There's natural clay in the spillway by Trail's End. 55. Visit the CIT lats. 56. Cereal does not go in the trough! Put it in the trash!!! 57. With out fail, the girls will always throw rocks at the trash can by the Trading Post. 58. Make sure your kids really sweep the Dining Hall floor, not just under the chairs. 59. Give good presents to your secret buddy often, you expect the same in return. 60. Keep all your food in Tupperware containers. 61. Go visit the old horse barn. 62. Give the staff house character. 63. CDH was bought in 1925 by Mrs. WC Hindman, and was officially opened in 1931. 64. Some things to remember at meals: Cross your body when passing things; keep your napkin in your lap; cut bread in half; pass salt and pepper together; salt and pepper are married, ketchup and mustard are married; no elbows on the table; don't put mustard on the plates, it stains them; put your sugar in your spoon before putting it in anything else; cut your bread in half before eating it; don't touch above the line on the cups; milk goes in the big glass, OJ in the small glass (no substitutions). 65. Remember that they have spring beds in IPESI. 66. Keep a flashlight and shoes by your bed. 67. Learn your Unit's strengths and weaknesses and use them to your best advantage. 68. Tie the knot of the red sashes for flag on the left. 69. Set a good example and follow the rules. 70. Cookouts run much more smoothly when everybody helps. 71. Recognize birthdays at meals. 72. Attend and participate in All Camps. They're called ALL CAMPS for a reason. 73. Mrs. WC Hindman died on July 1, 1965. 74. Get to know moms and leaders at Mother/Daughter and TCCS: they have great ideas and wonderful stories. 75. The Dr. Pepper clock in the Dining Hall always shows the same time. 76. Don't forget to visit Trail's End and Sleepy Hollow every once in a while. 77. The two back comers of the pool are the unofficial counselor areas. 78. The infirmary's official title is the Chief Medicine Lodge. 79. Don't pet a horses' nose, it may be sunburned. 80. The order after dinner is: 1) Be sure everyone has numbers 2) Announcements 3) Get buckets 4) Spin 5) read the kapers. 81. Kids seem to leave things at the pool cubbies, Dining Hall porch, and Dining Hall cubbies. Always double check. 82. Don't wash dishes while the wheel is spinning. Wait until the kapers have been announced. 83. CIT was first called Pioneer, then it was changed to Top Brass, and finally CIT. Pioneer, today, was once called Hidden Valley. 84. Tie up your tent with a bow and not a knot. 85. Always tell the kids you have 10 minutes less than they really do in order to be on time. 86. Go creekin'. 87. Icy pops are one of the fave treats of CDH. 88. Only pick one plant/flower per 10 that are growing. 89. There are no squirrels in camp ... if anybody can figure this out, we would like to know. 90. Plants to look out for: Poison Ivy, Nettles, Gooseberry bushes, Thistles, Locust Trees, Burrs, and those that have been attacked by Spittle Bugs. 91. IPESI means "whither" and stands for Inspiration, Possibilities, Example, Service, and Ideals. 92. Do a cook's parade for exceptionally good meals. (Done after desert and before spinning.) 93. Dover has the best pie in the county. 94. Wild Strawberries grow on the storm shelter in Primitive. 95. Be a head at dinner and sit with different people. 96. Write campers back when they write you. 97. The bench by the front gate of the pool is the old diving board. 98. Take time to look at the fog lifting off the lake early morning. 99. Bring Kleenex to closing campfire. 100. The best Mulberry tree grows down the road from Juliette Low. It makes a great treat. 101. Remember, you're here for the girls! -Zokey 101 WAYS TO PAISE A GIRL SCOUT * Wow * Way To Go * Super * You're Special * Outstanding * Excellent * Great * Good * Neat * Well Done * Remarkable * I Knew You Could Do It * I'm Proud Of You * Fantastic * Super Star * Nice Work * Looking Good * You're On Top Of It * Beautiful * Now You're Flying * You're Catching On * Now You've Got It * You're Incredible * Bravo * You're Fantastic * Hurray For You * You're On Target * You're On Your Way * How Nice * How Smart * Good Job * That's Incredible * Hot Dog * Dynamic * You're Beautiful * You're Unique * Nothing Can Stop You Now * Good For You * I like You * You're A Winner * Remarkable Job * Beautiful Work * Spectacular * You're Spectacular * You're A Darling * You're Precious * Great Discovery * You've Discovered The Secret * You Figured It Out * Fantastic Job * Hip, Hip, Hurray * Bingo * Magnificent * Marvelous * Terrific * You're Important * Phenomenal * You're Sensational * Super Work * Creative Job * Super Job * Fantastic Job * Exceptional Performance * You're A Real Trooper * You Are Responsible * You Are Exciting * You Learned It Right * What An Imagination * What A Good Listener * You Are Fun * You're Growing Up * You Tried Hard * You Care * Beautiful Sharing * Outstanding Performance * You're A Good Friend * I Trust You * You're Important * You Mean A lot To Me * You Make Me Happy * You Belong * You've Got A Friend * You Make Me Laugh * You Brighten My Day * I Respect You * You Mean The World To Me * That's Correct * You're A Joy * You're A Treasure * You're Wonderful * You're Perfect * Awesome * A Plus Job * You're The Best * A Big Hug * A Big Kiss * I Love You! -Camp Daisy Hindman Staff Manual |