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1970s Camp Memories: Lifelong Friendships and Skills
Happy birthday, Camp Alice Chester! We’re celebrating Camp Alice Chester’s 100th birthday by looking back at Girl Scout camp history and the Girl Scouts who shaped it. Do you want to share your favorite camp stories? Fill out this form to share your story with GSWISE today.
Camp is home to many of our favorite memories.
Girl Scout alum and lifetime member Mary McCormick fondly remembers spending time at Camp Alice Chester in the early 1970s. Her favorite activities took place on the beloved waterfront.
“I learned how to canoe that week of camp. My love for water continued from that moment,” said Mary. “I still canoe and kayak to this day in my 60s.”
Mary also remembers bonding with her fellow Girl Scouts as they braved their first night in a platform tent.
“It was my first time camping – it was all our first times camping! We were in a platform tent, so we were all a little scared. We heard noises on the top of tent in the night and didn’t know what it was. Of course, we all thought it was a bear! We screamed out to the counselors. One of the counselors, Shorty, came out to check on us. After checking, she assured us it was just acorns hitting the top of the tent! Of course, we all laughed about it,” said Mary.
Moments like laughing over acorns on a tent – and discovering the courage and independence to camp overnight and learn new skills like canoeing – create lasting friendships.
“It was the best time I ever had. My time at camp is why I continued in Girl Scouting for life,” said Mary. “Some of my lifelong friends are because of Girl Scouts.”
P.S.: Save the date for October 5, 2024. We’re hosting a can’t-miss Camporee at Camp Alice Chester so you can enjoy your favorite camp activities with the whole family! More details coming soon.
