Alumnae Encampment

You’re never too old for fun at Girl Scout camp! More than 30 local Girl Scout alumnae gathered at Camp Darden during the second weekend in July for Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast’s first-ever alumnae encampment. The weekend was an opportunity for women who grew up as Girl Scouts to reconnect with the organization, spend time with old friends, make some new friends and enjoy time in the outdoors.

Amy Godby, Laura Farmer, JoAn Berry, Mary Ellen Fentress

Friday night, campers arrived at Darden, which is located near Franklin, and set up their bunk beds. The evening included dinner and chatting around the campfire. The next morning, the alumnae separated into teams for an Amazing Race-style challenge. The alumnae tested their aim on the archery range, built teamwork skills on the low ropes course and paddled along the Camp Darden pond in canoes. Indoor activities were on the agenda as well for a break from the heat. They included designing a team flag, testing their first aid knowledge and completing a puzzle.

Eileen Livick and Melissa Burroughs

After a lunch of walking tacos, an on-the-go meal, alumnae headed back outdoors to take part in their favorite camp activities, which included revisiting archery, canoeing and the ropes course. They also had the chance to participate in a paint party and make friendship bracelets. Many alumnae ended the afternoon with a dip in the camp pool to cool off.

Frances Carr with her former
troop members: Rosemary, Susan and Dabney

Among the participants for the weekend were three women who were members of Suffolk Girl Scout Troop 435 in the 1970s. Their leader, Frances Carr, attended as well.

“This is the first time in quite a while that we have all been able to get together,” Dabney Carr, a member of the troop, said. “We camped at Darden many times with our troop. It’s always great to come back.”

The weekend ended with foil-pack dinners and s’mores, a traditional Girl Scout favorite. Alumnae also enjoyed songs around the campfire and an eternal candle ceremony, which was started by Girl Scout founder Juliette Gordon Low to encourage girls to pass on their metaphorical light everywhere they go.

Girl Scout alumnae are invited to attend the Girl Scout Famous Former Luncheon, an event to honor local alumnae who continue to exemplify the values of Girl Scouting in leadership roles in the community, on November 16 at the Norfolk Yacht and Country Club.