Summer Camp Offers Kids Five Key Skills

Each summer, children across Alabama attend summer camp to explore the outdoors and meet new friends. But what they don’t realize is that summer camp provides so much more. Children have five key opportunities at summer camp. They encounter new challenges, experience success, develop leadership skills, improve self-esteem and build life skills.

“Children who attend camp have shown improvements in leadership, peer relations and self-esteem,” said Beth Gable, Program Manager for Camp Cottaquilla. “Learning involves acquiring behaviors, skills, values, and understandings that are not always traditionally academic in nature. The American Camp Association’s (ACA’s) research into the developmental outcomes of camp indicates how the camp experience prepares children for learning.”

“Girl Scout camps offer experiences for everyone, regardless if they are Girl Scouts or not,” said Aimee Canterbury, Camp Trico Director. “Many camps even offer some programs to boys! You can register online today!”

Camp Anderel located along the Elk River in Rogersville will hold a Mom and Me camp for those who want to share the camping experience with their mother, grandmother, aunt, big sister or even a family friend. Participants will have the chance to improve their aim at archery, go canoeing and more. To learn more about Camp Anderel’s programs come to an open house on Sunday, May 1 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 800-734-4541 x1238 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/anderel.

Camp Coleman located on the Cahaba River in Trussville offers many equestrian programs as well as camps created specifically for older girls. Girls can learn how to ride and care for horses or they can spend the week designing clothes all while enjoying swimming, ropes course and other camp activities. Camp Coleman offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn more about Camp Coleman’s summer programs come to an open house on Sunday, April 3 from 2 to 4 PM. For more information, call 205-655-3782 or 800-734-4541 x2000 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/coleman.

Camp Cottaquilla in Anniston offers some very unique resident camp programs. These offerings include artistic sessions where girls will spend the week creating nature-inspired masterpieces and jewelry, a mystery camp where girls will unfold clues and solve a group mystery, or they could spend the week on a treasure hunt. Camp Cottaquilla offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what camp can offer your child, come to Camp Cottaquilla’s open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-782-0073 x1902 or 800-734-4541 x1902 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/cottaquilla for more information.

Kanawahala Program Center (KPC) in Chelsea has a private lake perfect for week-long water sports session. KPC also has equestrian sessions where girls can learn to ride and care for horses in addition to creative camps where girls practice cake-decorating skills, Tie-dying clothes or making jewelry. Girls could also have opportunities to run the zip line at night or solve a camp mystery! KPC offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what KPC can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, March 27 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 205-678-8843 or 800-734-4541 x1602 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/kpc for more information.

Camp Tombigbee in Boligee offers summer programs where children can explore the wetlands of Camp Tombigbee or spend the day fishing! To learn more about Camp Tombigbee, call 800-734-4541 x1412 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/tombigbee for more information.

Camp Trico on beautiful Lake Guntersville offers a variety of equestrian sessions as well as sessions where girls can earn small-craft certifications and learn about water rescue. Girls can also learn how to plan their own party and explore the different areas of design including clothes and architecture! Camp Trico offers resident and day camps. Resident camps are available only to girls, while day camps are available for girls and boys. To learn what Camp Trico can offer your child, come to open house on Sunday, April 10 from 2 to 4 PM. Call 256-582-2617 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/trico for more information.

Online registration for all camps is open now at www.girlscoutsnca.org/camps.

At all Girl Scout camps, everyone experiences healthy outdoor activities that build courage, confidence and character Activities can include swimming, canoeing, hiking, horseback riding, archery, rock climbing and high ropes. Everyone who comes to camp enjoys balanced meals with healthy choices while participating in activities that offer intentional opportunities for campers to practice decision making and teamwork. Resident and day camps include swimming, crafts, games, boating, ropes courses, archery and nature study. Five Girl Scout camps are accredited by the American Camp Association.

Purposeful Art Has Purpose for Crohn's & Colitis Patients

Imani of Troop 2280 wanted to educate the community on Crohn’s Disease, an illness that directly affects her. Imani focused her Gold Award project, Purposeful Art, to facilitate therapeutic painting classes at Children’s Harbor and the North Shelby Library for Crohn’s and Colitis patients in the Birmingham Community. Imani and her team taught the patients different art forms including painting, tape painting, Japanese fans and quilting. Participants used the different mediums to have fun and be creative to help them get away from their diagnosis for a while. The artwork was presented in an art show at Children’s Harbor. Imani’s project enhanced her public speaking, organizational and marketing skills. Imani is a sophomore at Oak Mountain High School and is the daughter of George and Tampia of Birmingham.

The Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion.

Sowing Seeds of Health Partners with Girl Scouts

On Saturday January 22, families gathered for the community-based educational event entitled Sowing Seeds of Health in Huntsville. Sowing Seeds of Health presented parents of the Latino community with information about breast and cervical cancer.

Meanwhile the 22 girls and boys had a chance to experience Girl Scouts’ uniquely ME! program. Girl Scout volunteers led discussions about what makes everyone unique and why being unique is important. 

“All the children were bright, energetic and courteous. It was amazing to see them work together to solve problems,” said Jennifer Moody, Community Development Specialist. 

The children worked together as teams to build birdhouses and make friendship bracelets. “Each child had his or her own strengths, and by working together they completed their projects more creatively than if they had worked individually.”

To learn more about Sowing Seeds of Health please visit: dopm.uab.edu/sowingtheseeds/about.htm

2011 National Young Women of Distinction: Call for Nominations

The National Young Women of Distinction are chosen from among those Gold Award recipients whose final projects demonstrated extraordinary leadership, addressed a local challenge that related to a national and/or global issue, and had a measurable and sustainable impact.

Girl Scouts who receive the YWOD honor receive many benefits including a college scholarship, an invitation to a Girl Scout national meeting where the YWOD are honored, the opportunity to join the National Girl Consultants (NGC), and the opportunity to join the National Young Women of Distinction Alumnae Association.

In 2011, ten NYWOD will be honored at the National Council Session/Convention in Houston, Texas. Councils/USAGSO are urged to publicize this opportunity to Gold Award recipients, parents, volunteers, and staff so that all eligible girls apply.

Application, nomination forms and other information can be found here. Please send any questions to ywod@girlscouts.org.

2011 Central Alabama Women of Distinction To Be Recognized

The Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama will recognize ten outstanding women at their annual Central Alabama Women of Distinction Luncheon on Friday, March 4, 2011 at The Harbert Center from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. This luncheon recognizes women from Blount, Chilton, Jefferson, Shelby and Walker counties.

The Women of Distinction program pays tribute to women who have made special contributions to their community through civic, academic or professional efforts. This year's Women of Distinction are:

• Michelle Ballew of Birmingham, Engineer and IT Manager, Christy/Cobb, Inc.
• Susan B. Brouillette of Vestavia Hills, CEO, Alacare Home Health & Hospice
• Michelle Clemon of Birmingham, VP Human Resources, McWane, Inc.
• Alison Bradford Gorrie of Mountain Brook, Founder & Volunteer, Songs for Sight
• Vikki Grodner of Mountain Brook, Principal, The Grodner Group
• Brenda Mitchell Hackney of Mountain Brook, President, Hackney Foundation
• Holley S. LaGrone of Birmingham, VP Marketing & Administration, Energen Resources Corporation
• Linda Lewis of Jasper, President, Chamber of Commerce of Walker County
• Cheryl Williams of Birmingham, President, A.G. Williams & Co., Inc.

In addition, Virginia Gauld, Ph.D., of Pell City, VP for Student Affairs, UAB (Retired), will be honored with the Mildred Bell Johnson Award. The award is given annually to a woman who has a prior affiliation with Girl Scouting and has made a lifelong contribution to her community by distinguishing herself through professional, community or humanitarian efforts.

Bettina Boateng of Alabama's 13 will serve as the Emcee. Terri Sewell, newly-elected U.S. Representative from the 7th Congressional District will be a guest speaker. Chairing the Luncheon is Mariah Chapman, SVP and Manager at BBVA Compass.

Several Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts will also be honored at the Luncheon for earning their Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. These young ladies from around the community will be recognized for their leadership projects that required over 65 hours of planning, community service and evaluations.

This is the largest fundraising event of the year. Proceeds from the Women of Distinction Luncheon provide direct support to Girl Scouts in North-Central Alabama. The signature sponsor is Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Alabama. Primary Benefactors include: Alacare Home Health and Hospice, Balch & Bingham LLP, Birmingham Business Journal, Brookwood Medical Center, Business Electronics Corporation, Energen Corporation, First Commercial Bank and Greater Birmingham Convention and Visitors Bureau. Many other local companies and individuals have generously sponsored additional tables. For more information on sponsorships, please contact Julie Carter at 800-734-4541 x1030 or visit www.girlscoutsnca.org/WODCentral. Tickets to the Luncheon cost $60 for general admission and $45 for Girl Scout members.