Pumpkins

This year's theme for GE was pumpkins!  They were everywhere.

Wynelle and Deb K. (who couldn't be with us, sadly) did a great job on decorations and the photo board.

Audrey (above, left) was Wynelle's (2nd from right) partner in crime this year.

Even the tables were decorated with an additional 'pumpkin' candle for each place at Saturday dinner.

The photo board makes a great 'front drop' for pictures every year.

It was a great weekend!  Anyone got a good pic of Wynelle in costume?  Somehow no one's sent me one yet....

Videos

We're getting so tech-savvy at GE - this year we are bringing you videos, thanks to our friend Michelle.  She's put a few videos on YouTube.  You won't believe some of the things GS leaders get up to (SUP!) at camp when there are no little ones around.

Another One For The Books

I think this year's even had the best weather ever!  Although it was raining in MA, as soon as you got to NH the skies cleared, and Saturday and Sunday the weather was in the 80s. Hatchet throwing, mountains, yoga, stand up paddleboarding, swimming - it's all good when the weather's fine.  Here's a few photos, and more will be coming along later.

Mexico

Our thoughts are with the Guias/Scouts of Mexico, as they are with all the people in all the areas around the world that have been devastated by storm, flood and earthquake.

 

I have just heard from the Cabana people on Instagram that the Cabana and Ticalli in Mexico City, headquarters of the Guias de Mexico, are both ok, and that Ticalli is operating as a shelter.  

Just a little good news among the disasters.

Counting the Days?

Another weekend of Girl Scouting is over - Daisy and Brownie Essentials yesterday, and a troop meeting today - and it's time to look forward to Great Escape this weekend.  Are you as excited as I am?  As they are?

  Or as she is? 

Is this about to be a meme?  Jumping Girl Scouts?

In thinking about what I most want to tell you about the weekend, the best advice I can give is cotton kills!  Remember to bring warm wool or fleece bedsocks, synthetic pjs, a good sleeping bag, hat or hoodie, rain gear, and check the weather forecast on Thursday!  I wrote about this exactly three years ago today - goodness, talk about running true to form!

Throwback Thursday - GE 2007

Getting ready for camping this weekend, and came upon this picture from GE 2007 - some lovely work here!

Auction Time!

If you tuned in here and this post was blank, I apologize.  I wrote a long post and apparently Blogger lost it.  It usually autosaves, but not this time!  And I put in lots of photos and links and everything.

Anyhow, it's time to start thinking about what you are going to bring to the Great Escape Auction this year.  Here's the what and why of the auction:

Great Escape, by running a fund-raising auction each year, has raised and donated more than $14,250  most of which has been earmarked for Camp Wabasso.  The money was used by GSEM for new tables and windows in the Dining Hall, chairs, a new chair rack in the Lodge and to purchase mildew-resistant paint, a dehumidifier and a new stove for the basement of the Lodge, making it cozier and user-friendly.  More than 25 new mattresses were purchased for the camp cots.  In 2013, we donated money to help buy new ceiling fans/lights for the theatre so that it can be used more.  In 2014, we donated $1500 towards restoration of the Adventure Course at Wabasso.  This year we are giving $3,500 towards outfitting all the winterized spaces with new stoves and buying new cross country skis.  When you participate in our Auctions or purchase our merchandise, you are helping to support our Council properties.

What to donate:  Bring your wonderful hand-crafted or enticing gift items (minimum value $25) to be auctioned.  Need ideas for exciting gift baskets?  Go here!  Handmade items such as Lesley's zentangles, quilts, and theme baskets containing wine, chocolate or gift cards are also popular. 

I'm spending this rainy Sunday making something for the auction - so let's get cracking, and remember to bring cash or checks to the event.  Start thinking ahead to holiday gifts - my sister loved the set of handmade coffee-themed placemats from GE 2015!