Highland Girl Scout Day Camp celebrates 20 years, seeks to continue under new leader

Highland Girl Scout Day Camp, which originated as a Silver Award project proposed by several Girl Scouts in Hinckley’s Troop 341, is in its 20th year.

The troop saw a need for programming for older Scouts in the area, so they decided to create a day camp to satisfy their requirement for the Silver Award. Under the guidance of troop leader Beth Herman, the camp was officially founded in July 1999.

Most years, the Highland Day Camp served 125 registered Girl Scouts and had about 30 adult helpers and 30 program aides, made up of sixth- through 12th-graders. The aides plan the camp months in advance then run stations the week of the camp. Mostly offered in July, the camp runs for five days from 3-8 p.m. in the Hinckley Reservation

Herman, the day camp director from 1999-2013, and her program aides hosted the first themed day camp, Arabian Nights. In her tenure, Herman did themes such as Mad Scientist, Amazing Amazon Adventures, Jukebox Jamboree, Mall Madness, Lady Liberty and Broadway Bound. She created songbooks, handmade theme-related name tags and led the aides in creating station ideas.

A highlight of day camp is roll call at each opening and closing, when each group of Girl Scouts creates a chant or song linked to their camp nickname or day camp theme. The girls also present the colors and recite the Girl Scout Promise. During the closing ceremony, the American flag is retired for the evening, and the girls sing inspirational songs that support the theme, closing with Taps.

Most years, Herman sewed costumes for the girls to play in or to perform a skit on the last day. Herman’s love of theater inspired many themes, which made the event one of the more popular in the region. Her leadership created the foundation of the camp, which is still in place today.

After 14 years as camp director, Herman passed the role to Jenny Austin, who has been the director for the past six years. Austin brought enthusiasm to the role, continuing the traditions created by Herman. She introduced the girls to archery and kayaking and tried to get the girls to be more adventurous outside. Some highlights include hiking Warden Ledges, paddling with Voyageur Canoes’ living history program and pontoon boat rides.

Under Austin’s direction, the 2018 and 2019 day camps were offered to Scouts for two weeks, one at Redwing Cabin and one at the Richfield Heritage Preserve (formerly Girl Scout Camp Julia Crowell-Hilaka.)  

This year marks the last year that Austin will be the director of Highland Day Camp. Although the future of the camp hinges on a new volunteer taking over as director, many older Girl Scouts and adult leaders are dedicated to making sure the traditions started by Herman continue.

Featured image photo caption: Girl Scouts retire the colors at the end of the day at a 2012 day camp.