Results tagged “Camp Sunshine” from GSSA Leader Blog: The Virtual Volunteer

This past week I had a chance to watch girls at camp. That is the best part of my job, watching girls move out of their comfort zone and grow. It is always amazing to see the really young ones, who are a tad unsure, see their older counterparts step up and try things. The next thing you know, they are in the tent, putting their things away. Spiders don't bother them. Wading into the lake, where they can't see their feet, isn't terrifying, even if they can't swim. A canoe, which on first entry feels very tippy, becomes a way to get around, get exercise and watch fish. Isn't being outdoors simply amazing, so much more challenging and interesting than playing their video games or watching television.

I was especially interested in how the girls would handle the zip lines. This is the first year; it involves lots of equipment and frankly, some courage. You get into the harness, it is tightened up, and then there's the helmet, not a fashion statement of any type. You wait for your turn, which seems to take a long time. Once up on the platform you decide when to go. We had one girl stand there for at least 7 minutes, summoning the courage to step off and take the plunge. Off she went, shrieking and screaming all the way down the cable, laughing all the way. What a sense of accomplishment to face your fears and win.

If you want to enjoy the zip lines too, you can click here, or go to Montgomery Advertiser, under Media click on Video and watch Camp Sunshine Girls Ride Zip Lines.

Yesterday, I had the privilege of listening to Jeno James, previously with the Miami Dolphins; speak to a group of Girl Scouts who live in public housing communities in Montgomery.  His message was clear and poignant; never listen to the voices that say you can't do something.  

From age 4, Jeno was determined to become an NFL football player. He was told he wasn't from the right place and was repeatedly told that he would never make it.  But, Jeno told the girls, he didn't listen to those voices. He listened to the ones of encouragement, who shaped his confidence in his own gifts and talents.   Not only did Jeno James have a successful career at Auburn University, but he was an offensive tackle in the NFL for 9 years, playing for the Carolina Panthers (in the Super Bowl, no less) and the Miami Dolphins.   Jeno's message to the girls is that you are more than enough - to be what you want to be, accomplish the goals you set out for yourself, and follow your dreams. Something we all should remember.

For 20 years, Camp Sunshine has created a fun-filled environment for girls from Montgomery Public Housing Communities (ages 6 to 12) to attend a weeklong camp, sponsored by Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama.

 

Camp Sunshine, founded 20 years ago by Laurie Weil, who now co-directs the camp with Kathy Sawyer, is specifically designed for at-risk girls who have limited summertime recreational activities.  The camp provides girls with fun, exciting field trips; programs that nurture self-confidence, emphasize the importance of success in school, teach self-reliance, build teamwork skills, and help girls to be their very best.

 

In addition to enjoying being outside and seeing new sights, the campers participate in activities that reinforce the Girl Scout Law and Promise. 

 

Camp Sunshine is staffed by volunteers, some of whom take a week's vacation from work to volunteer.  Many of the campers find the experience so rewarding, they return to Camp Sunshine as Junior Aides.

  

There's also great photos on the Montgomery Advertiser's website, as well as video.