A Quarterly Newsletter from Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania
SUMMER 2015 EDITION
Connections
O
SUMMERS WITH
ver the last three summers, Hope Griffin (Camp Name: Schmidty) boarded a plane in the booming metropolis of London to fly 3,500+ miles to settle into hundreds of Pennsylvania’s rural acres for only one reason—Girl Scout campers. “We have counselors from all over the world and every different person brings with them different traditions and different cultures,” Schmidty said. The international counselors come to America looking for a new experi-
Schmidty
ence only to leave with an unforgettable one. “At first I didn’t think that I would get as attached to the girls, but the last day all I could think was ‘Oh my goodness!’ It’s so hard to say good-bye,” reflected Schmidty who admits she shed some tears. Some campers cry on the last day too as they cross their fingers hoping their favorite counselor will return next summer. So why the tight bond between counselor and camper? International or not, the coun-
selors are a team of “wacky and crazy” role models who go above-and-beyond to show the Girl Scouts that it’s cool for them to be their unique-selves. “If the counselors aren’t afraid of making fun of themselves, then the Girl Scouts aren’t afraid to be themselves,” Schmidty laughed recalling all the talent shows, dress ups, and dances she’s performed just to see the girls smile. “As a counselor you have to put yourself second and make sure every girl is happy,” she said “We’re here for the girls.”