Songs and Swimming: Camp Alice Chester in 1946
February 22, 2024
We’re celebrating Camp Alice Chester’s 100th anniversary! As we look forward to 100 more years of Girl Scout camping in southeastern Wisconsin, we’re looking back at some of our favorite Girl Scout camp memories – including yours.
After attending Girl Scout Day Camp at Lincoln Park in 1945, Girl Scout alum Jessie Franz took the leap and attended Camp Alice Chester overnight camp in 1946. While Jessie didn’t know anyone walking into the two-week camp, she quickly made friends with the seven other Girl Scouts in her cabin.
“I learned that I could be away from home for two weeks! It was a growing experience,” said Jessie.
Jessie’s favorite activity during the two-week camp was singing. Before each meal, campers gathered around the Singing Circle and sang a handful of traditional camp songs before heading into the dining hall.
“I learned so many new songs! I could still sing them for you today,” said Jessie.
Just like campers today, Jessie also enjoyed swimming at Camp Alice Chester. In 1946, campers wore yellow, red, or green caps depending on their swim levels. Before camp, Jessie took swimming lessons so she could sport a higher-level cap and swim outside of the pier.
One current camp tradition Jessie didn’t get to partake in was s’mores!
“S’mores were always talked about, but we never had them. All the chocolate went to the soldiers. The war was over, but there was still a chocolate shortage,” said Jessie. “I was a Girl Scout Senior by the time I got to eat a s’more.”
Jessie shaped her passion for the outdoors and rustic camping at Camp Alice Chester – and she continued to make this a core part of her Girl Scout journey. When she was a Girl Scout Senior, Jessie went on another formative camping trip in northern Michigan with her troop. They dug their own latrines, practiced wood lashing, and went on a canoe trip where they slept out in the woods. More than 50 years later, Jessie keeps in touch with a few of the Girl Scout Seniors on this trip.
Jessie passed down the Girl Scout tradition to her own daughter, Nancy, who enjoyed a handful of summers at camp too.
“When my daughter Nancy was of age, there was no question she was going to be a Brownie. Girl Scouts has been a wonderful organization,” said Jessie. “I’m glad Girl Scouts are learning about saving the environment and respecting nature at camp still.”
Did Girl Scout camp impact your life – at Camp Alice Chester or another property? Do you have a favorite camp memory? Did you meet forever friends at camp? We want to hear from you! We’re sharing our members, alumni, staff, and supporters’ favorite camp memories all year to celebrate the legacy of Girl Scout camping – and how it is paving the path forward for a future of nature exploration, independence, resilience, and friendship.
Fill out this form to share your story with GSWISE today.
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.
