Girl Scouts gain construction skills as part of summer camp program
Vermont Business Magazine Was there any doubt 12 young girls could construct an entire cabin and bunk beds? Not among the girls at a special two-week summer camp session at Camp Farnsworth.
The girls, all Junior- and Cadette-level Girl Scouts entering grades 4-8, chose this special session of Girl Scout camp, prepared to spend part of their time building the new cabin for future campers to use. Plus, they still got to bond with good friends and enjoy all the usual summer camp activities.
“They swam in the pool and lake, canoed, and tried paddleboard yoga, said Farnsworth Camp Director Jazmin Averbuck. “They sampled both archery and Airsoft on the target range and practiced team-building skills before heading to the climbing tower. Like every specialty program at Camp Farnsworth, the specialty is only part of the fun! Campers enjoy cookouts, campfires, all camp contests and events, and all the program areas, as well as their specialty.”
“I learned ‘Teamwork makes the dream work’," said camper Imogen “Idgy" Lamarche, 11, of Bow, New Hampshire. “I learned how to use power tools, how to shingle a roof, and safely use scaffolding. I learned all about safety on a job site. And I learned hard hats aren't terrible - they can save your life!”
Building an entire cabin in two weeks was something that gave her a feeling of accomplishment.
Photo: A unit of 12 Girl Scouts spent two weeks building a cabin at Camp Farnsworth with staff and a local master carpenter. They framed, roofed, and everything in between. (GSGWM photo)
“It was something I never thought I would do and I was so excited when I saw the end result. And I got to enjoy the fact that other campers would get to sleep in the (cabin)!”
Taking on challenges and learning new skills is what Girl Scouting is all about, and 10-year-old Olivia Murphy of Brooklyn, New York, who chose the session because her dad is a carpenter, is definitely proud of her accomplishments on the team.
“When the project was finished, I felt really proud,” she said. “At first I didn’t think we were going to finish it, and when we did I really was proud. I think that building a cabin as a 10-year-old is impressive!”
The girls in the Cabin Crew camp session spent three hours each morning with a master carpenter to frame and put up the walls, add siding, and build bunk beds. A volunteer roofer taught the girls how to install architectural shingles on the roof. It’s now ready for use, and can sleep eight.
Averbuck said it’s not unusual for Girl Scouts of all ages to take on this type of challenge. They stick to safety guidelines and use hammers and drill drivers. While working the roof, the girls were anchored with harnesses to prevent falls, and climbed staging rather than ladders.
“They also gained skills watching the roofer work,” she said. “They were amazed at how she could hammer roofing nails in two taps, or plywood sheet with three hammer strikes. Over the two weeks, the girls gained skills in measuring, leveling, conserving materials, and confidence working on job sites and with their individual skills.”
Photo: The nearly finished cabin. (GSGWM photo)
Not only did they gain skills and confidence, the older girls earned a Girl Scout Service Bar for completing more than 20 hours of service to the council. They put in close to 35 hours on the project. Whether at summer camp, in a standard troop or as an individual member, Girl Scouts love to lead the way and be hands-on.
“The fact that it really did only take two weeks to make” made Idgy proud. “I was always impressed by the other girls in our group. They were the perfect group to build this.”
Girls are welcome to join Girl Scouts any time of the year, and at any age. Participate by joining an existing troop, forming a new troop, or even as an individual member. Regular membership is just $40, with financial aid available.
Girl Scouts is here for girls through it all. Cheering them on, lifting them up, and celebrating their strengths. Today, tomorrow, together—we’re on their team. See more at www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a one-of-a-kind leadership development program for girls, with proven results. It is based on time-tested methods and research-backed programming that helps girls take the lead—in their own lives and in the world. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.