Girl Scout Troop Camp

Kyrie's s'more face

We had a scheduling adventure on our way to troop camp this year. We were supposed to do a single overnight in May, but didn't get in because it was too full. So, we booked two nights for late-June, only to have the event cancelled because it wasn't full enough. Then, our determined leader decided that we would just rent the space on our own and plan our own activities. With about a week to prep, we pulled together a plan for the weekend. It has been a rainy June, so we opted to rent a lodge rather than tents, which was the best choice. All the girls could be together, and we had a dry space for sleeping, activities and cooking (including electricity & appliances, which was great since everything was soaked). Four girls were able to come out the first night and were joined the next day by four other troop members.

Playing games

Working on lanyards. This activity was a big hit (just like it was when I was at camp), and the girls worked on them all weekend long!

Breakfast prep

The girls all helped with meal prep, learned new crafts, played games, hiked, learned & practiced camping skills (eg. knots, emergency shelters, etc.) and helped with clean-up. The first night the girls were up late talking & giggling and up early the next morning. A full day of activities didn't get them to bed any earlier the second night, but they did sleep in the next morning! It was a really great weekend! 

Morning hike. Behind them is supposed to be a creek, but weeks of rain made it look more like a river. 

Creeking

Working on crafts while we wait to head home.

VBS 2015: Ocean Commotion

Lessons

Vacation Bible School is a summertime, kid-favorite! This year's theme was Ocean Commotion, which studied the story of Noah's Ark. I was with Degen's group again this year. I have been volunteering with VBS since Degen was 2, and I am comfortable with the program. It was great to see some of the same kids that I had either the year before or in previous years. VBS is a week of early (& long mornings) filled with Bible lessons, crafts, songs, snacks and fun! We had a great week! 

Game time

Building an ark during exploration time

Waiting for assembly to start on Group Pride day!

Craft time

Exploration time

Piano Recital 2015

The kids practiced their piano pieces for several month before performing at the end of June. Degen played, "My Darling, Clementine," and Kyrie performed "Snow Castle." Both kids did a great job, and the entire show was wonderfully performed! 

This year's show had a James Bond theme.

The kids post-performance

Father's Day Gift 2015

For Father's Day this year, the kids made first aid pouches. The used duct tape to make their pouches, and then we filled them with band-aids, alcohol wipes, Advil and Tums. The kids worked hard to complete these pouches while attending classes, camps and preparing for recitals. They were sent with love to grandfathers, uncles and godfathers. 

Kyrie's Dance Recital: "The Castle on Blue Hill"

This was Kyrie's second year on the big stage, and this year she performed two dances in two shows (both "The Castle on Blue Hill"). Her first dance was a ballet dance to "L-O-V-E." 

Our Love Bug!

Kyrie's second dance was a hip-hop routine to "All-Star." Kyrie had a long weekend with an evening of dress rehearsals and a half-day of performance. She did a great job dancing this year, and we look forward to seeing what she does in dance in the coming year!

Hip-hop final pose

Kyrie with her friend who danced in a separate dance in the same show

Our Little All-Star!

Degen's Dance Recital: "The Enchanted Garden"

Less than two full days after our return from California, Degen had his dance recital. This year, he performed two dances in the same mini-show, "The Enchanted Garden." His first dance was a ballet number to "Singing in the Rain." Degen loves dance and had a great year of skill-building this year! 

Pre-show wait with his class

The cast of "The Enchanted Garden"

Degen's class pose, "Singing in the Rain"

 Degen's second performance was a hip-hop routine to "Rockin' Robin," which closed the show. This class had only 3 kids, and they totally rocked that stage. They got lots of applause and just did an amazing job. As the only boy in this dance, he got lots of compliments from many in the audience after the show. 

Both of these kids were in two dances together

As a parent, this is what makes any activity mean the most! 

Degen & his friend both danced ballet/tap together this year!