From Camper to Day Camp Director: Forty Years and Counting at Girl Scout Camp
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.
Whether a camper, a volunteer, or director, Girl Scout camp is home to special memories. Lakeland Day Camp Co-Director Nicki “MaMa” Antonneau shares her favorite camp memories from the last 43 years.
I started going to Lakeland Day Camp in 1981. I came as a completely shy, introverted girl with no friends. Now, I’m a confident woman with a large Girl Scout Day Camp family! Camp shaped me into the person I am today.
Growing up, my favorite camp activities were jackknife safety, cooking over the fire, singing camp songs everywhere, making and trading SWAPS, and getting to sleep over when I got older. I loved the tip test in the canoe too. We had to go underneath the canoe in the bubble of air and sing a song. Then, we flipped it over, got in, and paddled back with our hands.
After high school, I continued to volunteer at Lakeland Day Camp because I couldn’t imagine my life without day camp! I served in the United States Air Force after high school – and even took leave to volunteer at camp.
I had always wanted to someday become a director. As I got into my early 20s, I learned more about what directors did from Turtle (who was the director for most of my childhood), and it seemed too overwhelming. I was happy helping in various areas during the day and mentoring the PAs at night. But, after Snoopy and Bird (who took over in 2012) were getting ready to move on after their time as directors, Snoopy talked me into it! She introduced me to Squirt so I wouldn’t have to do the job solo, and we hit it off. We started working together in 2017, and we were co-directors until this year. Two years ago, we added Ernie as another director too. Now, Ernie and I are starting a new chapter this year with our core crew of volunteers who help plan and execute camp. I am very happy I took the position. I love working with our crew of volunteers to plan such an amazing week for our campers. A lot of our crew are former campers!
As a director, my favorite part is watching the Girl Scouts grow throughout the years and stay with us until graduation. I love watching their self-confidence build and having them act as role models for the younger campers and build relationships with them. I was once that shy camper that needed a little extra push at times. I also love hanging with my friends that I met at camp. I get to act like a camper again – being silly and laughing until I pee!
While years have gone by, Lakeland Day Camp has some pretty strong traditions that we honor. We have a strawberry shortcake contest, where we race to see who can finish first. But…you can’t use your hands (so no utensils), so only your face! Ninth graders traditionally work together to build and maintain a floating fire. We also have a pranking tradition! My favorites as a PA were decorating the director’s golf cart, freezing some vital daily essentials, sewing sleeping bags shut, or stapling sleeping bags to the roof of the pavilion!
I wouldn’t be who I am without Girl Scout camp.
Celebrate all things Girl Scout camping with us on Saturday, October 5. Our special 100th Anniversary Celebration will be packed with your all-time favorite camp activities, friends, and family! Register today and choose your own adventure.
