The Hopewell Valley Girl Scouts’ Annual Camp-Out saw record participation with 126 Girl Scouts (from first to eleventh grade) from 16 troops in attendance.
“This is the biggest turn-out we’ve ever had,” said Heidi Wilenius, Hopewell Valley Girl Scouts (HVGS) service unit manager. “We are very excited that so many girls and families participated!”
The weekend, planned and organized by older Scouts and Girl Scout volunteers, included a traditional flag ceremony, scarecrow building, pumpkin decorating, a Juliette Gordon Lowe-themed scavenger hunt (GSUSA founder who would celebrate her 157th birthday on October 31), s’mores, and two STEM projects.
Parent and leader, Christy Stier, said, “A spontaneous friendship circle at the amazing Fall Campout by part of Troop 70129 — this is what it is all about –strong girls enjoying their time together with so many memories made!”
Roxanne Clarke, event chair and service unit co-manager noted the tremendous community support, “All of this was made possible by the truly dedicated and hardworking leaders, older Girl Scout troops, and extremely helpful parents and community members who attended the event. The girls had a great time; we hope that this event has begun a life-long love of camping for the girls.”
Hopewell Valley Girl Scouts are grateful to its local community members for helping to make the weekend such a huge success, especially: Mary Innocenzi, owner of the Village Learning Center for letting Scouts use her property and facilities for this event; Sansone’s Farm Market for discounted pumpkins, apples, and hay bales; HomeFront for providing (unwearable) clothing for scarecrows — perfect for scarecrows!; Hopewell Township Police Department for adding the event to the patrol schedule over the weekend; Hopewell Township Bureau of Fire Safety and Zoning Office for processing permit; and Jessica Barzilai, science teacher at Hopewell Valley Central High School, for leading the rocket STEM project Sunday morning.
Clarke added, ”Thanks to all parents, volunteers, and business owners for helping HVGS achieve our mission: building girls of courage, confidence, and character – who make the world a better place.”
