Sing, Sing, Sing!

As always at the Great Escape, singing and music is an important part of the event.  We sing graces before meals and I always make sure to include one or two songs in the opening ceremony. We may have a musical workshop or two as well, and there are always musicians practicing their skills in a corner or a sunny outdoor spot. 

Ukelele Ladies!

Workshops and performances!

And singing every night.

With Kaye and her crew.

Can't wait until next year?  Join Kaye and Kathy on October 31st at Cedar Hill! 
When: October 31, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Camp Cedar Hill, 265 Beaver Street, Waltham
All the Details: Online at http://bit.ly/1PWkXEL
Register: Online at http://bit.ly/1WcjkpY
Register: By sending $12, payable to GSEM, along with your personal information
Mail to GSEM Alumnae Day at Camp, 95 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116

What We Made 2015 Part 2

Danielle's Easy Camp Crafts workshop was a big hit.  A long time Girl Scout tradition is that little girls, at the beginning of their GS career, make a sit-upon.  These comfortable, waterproof, portable cushions protect little (or big!) bottoms from the cold, wet, dirty ground or floors.  In my (girl) era, these involved oil cloth, newspapers, a hole punch and gimp (plastic lacing.)  But no more - there's a new way to do it and it's easier!  And cheap!  And cute!  Here's a couple that were made in the workshop.

These are made from those chic plastic grocery bags that are everywhere these days, a bit of duct tape, and inexpensive roll up foam mattress 'egg crate' pads.  Cut the pad to fit, insert in the bag, tape the bag closed.  And of course, it comes with a built in carrying handle. 

Wouldn't these be a hit at your kids' or grandkids' sports events?  DD bought me two attractive bags for thirty cents each - I'm going to make a couple of these for my front porch to use next summer as I sit on the steps to drink my 5 am coffee in the rising sun.

What We Ate and How We Ate It!

Gracious Living in the Outdoors is our motto - and the food, thanks to the kitchen crew, lives up to that motto!

In recognition of their hard work, in addition to the traditional cooks' parades, Betsy made them custom aprons!

But Gracious Living includes more than food!  In true Girl Scout fashion, we sing grace before meals.  This year, thanks to Kaye and Wynelle, we had visual aids.

And for Saturday dinner, we went all out on the fine dining front.  Rose made us centerpieces keyed to the apple theme (and we didn't even ask her to do it.  She just did it. What a good Girl Scout! )  We added intricately folded napkins to our fine white tablecloths!

Good food, good friends, good fun, gracious living.  Reminds me of my favorite mantra for this time of year; Grateful, Thankful, Blessed.

What We Made 2015 Part 1

GE Committee member Lesley is one talented person, I must say!  Here's a photo of a GE tote bag that she made for this year's auction.

Note the quote from Thoreau; "This world is but a canvas to our imagination."

This year her workshop was making greeting cards using buttons (optional) and zentangles.  Here are her examples.

Here are some cards made by one participant, our treasurer, Laura.  Not every class project gets finished at GE.  Teaching technique is very important.  I think you can tell that Laura has nailed it and when these are done, they will be every bit as beautiful as Lesley's.

Picture of Lesley and Paula, just because it's one of my favorites....there's nothing like a good platform tent to bring back memories, is there?

If you would like to see something you made at GE on this blog, send me the photos!

Alumnae Day at CAMP CEDAR HILL!

Who is an Alumna?  If you went to camp, were in a troop, were or are a registered adult, led or helped to lead a troop, in any GSUSA or USAGO dominion, you are an Alumna.   If your SO ever was left lonely because you were off with the troop again, then he/she is an alum!  And we want you to come to camp on October 31st and have your kind of Girl Scout fun (no children allowed! No teenagers to snicker as you sing or negotiate the ropes course!)  Sing, have tea, smores, climb, hike, chat with museum docents, chat with old friends and new, meet Juliette, see the amazing Great Hall makeover, give service - all of these options are available from 11 - 3 on October 31st!

This event is for all adults (no need to be currently registered).
When: October 31, 11 am – 3 pm
Where: Camp Cedar Hill, 265 Beaver Street, Waltham, MA
All the Details: Online at http://bit.ly/1PWkXEL
Register: Online at http://bit.ly/1WcjkpY
    or
Register: By sending $12, payable to GSEM, along with your personal information and mail to GSEM Alumnae Day at Camp, 95 Berkeley St, Boston, MA 02116

Send this invitation to all of your "friends and relations!"  Bring a friend!

Beautiful Lake - Canoeing Edition

Here are some more photos from this year's Great Escape.  These are from Pat and Paula's canoeing workshop - whether you are a veteran canoeist or a newbie, these ladies will get you paddling!  It was a beautiful weekend, wasn't it?

Beautiful Lake - Swimming Edition

We are so lucky that Camp Wabasso has two beautiful water fronts - one for swimming and one for canoeing.  This year our new friend Jillian took some really great photos and has allowed me to share them with you! The new docks at the swimming lake look great, don't they? And look at the sky in the third photo.  I'll share the canoeing pictures later.