[The post was submitted to us by Troop 30789. To submit your troop story, email communications@gswny.org]

This past weekend our Junior Troop, 30789, traveled to Victor, NY to attend the Ace Adventure 1 camp training at Camp Piperwood. We also decided to take advantage of the option to spend the night in one of the camp lodges so that we could explore the grounds of the camp at our own pace.

During the training the girls practiced reading a map, they learned how to care for and safely use sharps (including knives and saws), and they made hot cocoa using a camp stove and then practiced proper dish washing procedures. 

The girls also talked about the elements that are necessary to make a fire and then they were given the opportunity to work in teams to collect materials and safely build and light their own fire. The girls finished out the training by creating their own pocket-size first aid kits, and they practiced what to do in the event of various emergency situations.

Rebecca, one of our trainers, remained behind so that each of the girls could practice safe knife use while whittling their first piece of wood.

A shout out to Rebecca, Carla and Joelle who made this training not only an educational experience, but a fun, hands-on training that truly engaged the girls (and leaders) who participated. 

After the training and a brief break to haul in our overnight gear, our troop set out to explore the grounds of Camp Piperwood. We also used this opportunity to enjoy a 2 hour hike through the locally marked trails, while we searched for and located our first cache using a a geocaching app.

We cooked dinner inside, but later ventured out again to practice our fire building skills and to make s’mores. It was a night full of laughter and memories.

Troop 30789 closed out their training and overnight with a Friendship Circle!