Camping in the Keys - Camp Wesumkee

Hailey has been a Girl Scout since she was 5. The step to put her into such an activity was not an easy one for me. It is quite a commitment since the girls must attend meetings and attend many activities.

I have to admit I am not by any means a camping kind of gal. Up until the time Hailey joined Girl Scouts, I'd never even been in a tent. The thought of no air conditioning and no bathroom really didn't appeal to me. I'd heard others rave about enjoying nature, I seriously had my doubts that that was my kind of thing. But I'd heard about Girl Scouts and I wanted to give Hailey the opportunity to meet and interact with other girls her age plus give her the foundation to grow into a strong and determined woman.

I have to admit it has been the best decision I ever made for my child. Hailey used to be a shy little girl. I could see in her the shy little girl I always was, being a follower instead of a leader. Often letting others influence me instead of doing what I thought was best for myself. I certainly didn't want my child to be as I had been.

Once she grew to know her Girl Scout friends, I noticed a great change in her. She is no longer a follower, she is a leader. I can see her determination. I now see a little girl that is able to fend for herself, shows concern and caring for others and does what she feels is best instead of what others TELL her is best.

We've only been to a few camping trips in the past 3 years. Mostly the girls just participate in lots of events together. They help out in the community and just have plain old fun together.

Last weekend we had our first camping trip of the year. We went up to Camp Wasumkee in the Keys. It was by far the best trip we've ever had. The camp is out on the beach. We slept in Chiki huts which actually had built in fans. Since the camp is by the water, the breeze at night was quite nice.

The girls made their own kites and flew them. I had my doubts that they'd actually fly but they did, oh so high!!! They made Easter buckets, since it was Easter weekend. We had a huge egg hunt. Hailey found the silver egg and won a prize. We had a campfire and of course had smores. The girls had a water balloon fight and played with the water hose. They walked on the shore and collected sea shells. They even went fishing. I was astonished at Hailey actually baiting a hook. At first she said, "Eww" but as the fish bit her bait, she became really excited and took the initiative to bait the hook. Even I have to admit it really was all a lot of fun!!!! So hooray to nature and the great outdoors!!! Here are some photos!!!