Summer Escapes - Work and Play - Play?

Before the plaque joins us at Camp for the Great Escape, (whoops, actually it's off for another trip to the UK!) here's a report on its last long journeys.  First, it accompanied Laura to Milwaukee, Wisconsin.  It checked out this cow in Logan airport.  (It's in the lower right corner by the cow's hoof.)




 Wisconsin is not the only cheesy state.... but it might be the only one with cheesehead hats on sale in the airport.  In spite of these lighthearted photos, Laura was on a work trip.  After her return the lucky laminate got to participate in a trip more on the order of the active pursuits it's gotten used to; Laura, her husband and the plaque participated in a bicycle trip from the Berkshires to Boston.  Laura didn't want to toot her own horn and tell me how far she actually rode, but one leg, from Devens to Boston was 52 miles!  That night she camped out in Boston Harbor and sent these pictures taken from her campsite of the harbor before and after sunrise.

Just before sunrise.

A view from a tent.  Did Laura rest on her laurels that day?  No, she rode 30 more miles around the city in a "Hub on Wheels" tour. 

Starting line.

She passed by the Zakim Bridge on her way into Boston, and who was by her side the whole time? Well her husband, presumably, but also a little friend.

Great Escape Auction

GE runs an auction to benefit our beloved camp, Wabasso, and other Girl Scouting causes.  This year we have some vintage GS pieces to auction, including some of the cute little green dresses (second from right) from the 1960s/70s  seen in this photo from Medford Days! 

@GirlScoutsEMass #medforddays vintage uniforms pic.twitter.com/noDlMRiZbE

Packing My Trunks For Great Escape

Did you think I was speaking figuratively?

Just 5 days left!

Many Hands Make Light Work

If you've been on a Girl Scout camping trip, you're familiar with kapers. At Great Escape we love kapers because many hands make light work! And that leaves more time for singing, eating or just chatting with friends for everyone.

At Great Escape this year we have 3 types of kapers. We'll be using the same random selection process as last year that takes into account each person's individual needs and skills.

Meal Hoppers: Hoppers are responsible for setting or cleaning up from one meal. And you know how much we love to eat at Great Escape!
Closing Camp: Each unit needs to be tidied and closed up at the end of our weekend together. Those sleeping in the unit will complete these jobs, which include sweepers and my personal favorite - Potty Princesses!
Service Activity: As part of Great Escape's giving back to Camp Wabasso each year, we break down the beds and put them away for winter storage. The more the merrier for this heavy duty task!

Be sure to stop by the concierge table after you check in to choose your kaper for Great Escape!

Friday, Last Day

Tomorrow, Friday, is the last day to register for the 2014 Great Escape!  This year we have new friends coming from as far away as Pennsylvania and Washington State to join us. 

We'll be missing a few old friends who can't make it this year but excitement is building amongst the committee members!  Hope you are all excited too!

Sleeping Warm

Just 9 days left!  The trees are starting to change color!

The weather in New England is famously fickle.  I’ve known the last weekend in September to be over 90, but this year the weather seems to be trending to the cold side.

 

Last night Holly, George and I were talking about our favorite tips for sleeping out in cold weather.  All of us agreed that fleece socks were our number one tip! I recommend a camisole under long sleeve fleece pajamas or long underwear,  and a drawstring hoodie with a front pocket for warmth.  Holly likes two small fleece blankets - one for her feet inside the bag, one for her head, outside the bag.

I asked the GE committee:  “What is the one thing you would recommend people tuck into their backpacks to ensure comfort at GE this year, if the weather continues to be unseasonably cold? (Not including raincoat and pants...) Or, what do you sleep in that keeps you comfortable?”

Here are some responses!   Comment if you think we’ve missed something!

I am a huge fan of a thin fleece sleeping bag liner and a hat. Also, change all clothes before going to bed.  – Sue

I like to use the hand and foot warmers. I throw one in the bottom of my bag. Keeps my feet nice and warm. I have also used a thermacare back patch. - Kathy

I like to wear a hat if it's really cold or pull a hood up over my head. But I like it to be a little chilly when I sleep, so usually I end up with 1 foot sticking out of the bag! – Danielle

Always put clean clothes on, especially socks! Hat and fleece hoodie keeps drafts away. Fleece blanket under the sleeping bag keeps cold from the mattress from seeping thru. If you wake up, go pee! Otherwise it keeps you awake and cold, because your body devotes energy to keeping that liquid warm! Pat

Lean In - Have You Read It Yet?

I haven't finished it yet either!  But it's in my purse read to go off with me to sit in the Toyota place waiting room - I'll read it over the fine coffee and donuts they provide.  I've really enjoyed what I've read so far, and it has changed my attitude toward some of my GS and students.  I am so looking forward to hearing what all of you think.  (And yes, skimming is fine...come to the discussion on Saturday whether you have read it or not.)