Friendship, Growth, and Empowerment: Velma’s 16 Years of Unforgettable Memories and Lessons
We’re celebrating Camp Alice Chester’s 100th birthday by looking back at Girl Scout camp history and the Girl Scouts who shaped it.
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For campers, counselors, volunteers, and directors alike, summer camp holds a special place in their hearts. Today, we’re sitting down with Andrea “Velma” Yanacheck, a former Camp Alice Chester and Day Camp Director, to hear about her favorite memories and the lessons she learned throughout 16 years of leading Girl Scout summer camps in southeast Wisconsin during the 2000s.
Andrea’s journey with Girl Scouts began as a Brownie. While she didn’t attend summer camp, she fondly remembers troop camping experiences. She even has a treasured photo of herself as a child outside the Camp Alice Chester Welcome Center, which would later become her office.
Her path to leadership started as a day camp counselor, an experience that left a profound impact on her.
“Those three or four years were so fun – kids got to be outdoors and gain confidence. They had so many opportunities to try new things – horseback riding, canoeing, swimming in the lake,” said Andrea.
When the full-time director role opened, Andrea knew she had to apply.
"I loved Girl Scout camp, and I wanted to play a part in empowering girls. The idea of working with young adults who wanted to be outside and help kids develop cool outdoor skills that build confidence and leadership without even trying…I wanted to be a part of that so badly!" recalls Andrea.
As director, Andrea witnessed camp’s transformative power day after day.
“During the first night, so many kids are scared. By Friday, they don’t want to leave! I love that confidence builder. Kids are resilient,” said Andrea.
“There’s something so powerful when you have female leaders and new female friends while you do tough things. Girls could carry their canoe, hook up the canoe to the trailer, or get to the top of the rock wall after saying they couldn’t. Everyone is so encouraging,” continued Andrea.
Counselors and volunteers blossomed at camp too.
"Teens would be quiet during their first activity of the day or not know how to do their activities in the most kid-friendly way. By the end of the day, they were confident, funny, and loud! They learn so many things about presentation skills, first impressions, and advocating as CITS, PAs, and counselors. They are given the opportunity to be role models for younger Girl Scouts," said Andrea.
During her decade as the camp director at Camp Alice Chester, Andrea learned invaluable lessons too from those around her.
"I learned that girls can do anything! Whether it’s camp staff, camp counselors, or campers – girls can truly do anything,” said Andrea.
"People are just so creative too! It’s easy to go the easy way – but counselors and staff always were willing and wanted to stay up late to perfect programming and make it extra special. People were dedicated to making camp the best it could be. For example, the first summer, counselors and staff had a great idea to do a take on Survivor. Thanks to Heather Rudolf, we still have the bean bag lawn chairs! Leslie Cripe, who oversaw property, always had new ideas too. She supported so much programming with fun, creative ideas. That’s without mentioning the counselors who would come up with such creative skits to explain rules during the first opening night of residents’ camp," said Andrea.
Some of Andrea’s favorite memories include Camp Alice Chester traditions. She loved the CIT serenades, the final evening Scouts’ Own ceremony, the creative skits during Alice Chester Week, and of course, singing camp songs at the Singing Steps.
Outside of traditions, one of Andrea’s most cherished camp memories was meeting Marion Chester Read, daughter of Camp Alice Chester’s namesake.
"She’s such a beautiful, incredible woman! She was a pilot, a mountain climber – she did things before women ever did! We can’t celebrate Alice Chester without celebrating her daughter Marion Chester Read," said Andrea.
After a fulfilling tenure as camp director, Andrea transitioned to overseeing volunteer-led day camps by community. She was inspired by the volunteer directors who built a unique sense of community.
"They do it for fun! I don’t know how they do it with full-time jobs, but they are so committed to creating connections and providing leadership training. It’s a really cool program where teens lead the younger girls and eventually teens become the adults who lead," said Andrea.
When she looks back at camp, Andrea emphasizes camp’s importance for children.
"Not all families can take a family trip to go rock climbing or kayaking. Girl Scout camp can provide that for a girl. We could take her on a vacation where she could make new friends and do new things," said Andrea.
“Plus, camp offers a fresh start for kids. Kids would come without friends or just a single friend. They had a chance to make so many new friends. They didn’t have to fit the assumptions or expectations they had in school. They had a camp ‘me’ that could be the true them,” continued Andrea.
While she no longer serves as camp director, Andrea is still connected to camp alum who come together for an annual workday.
"When you go through hard times – when it’s 2 a.m. and there’s a crying camper or a storm and you’re tired from not sleeping – you build a bond with the people that stick through hard times. You all share a vision. It’s exhausting – there are a lot of late nights where you’re crying or laughing hysterically. It keeps you coming together. There’s so much support with people at camp,” concluded Andrea.
Celebrate all things Girl Scout camping with us on Saturday, October 5, 2024. Our special, family-friendly 100th Anniversary Celebration will be packed with your all-time favorite camp activities and friends – new and old! Current members can register here today. Alum and community members can register here.
