Girl Scouts from across the Quad Cities region came together earlier this month at Camp Little Cloud in Epworth, Iowa, for S’mores Outdoors.
The June 8-10 weekend adventure included 31 Girl Scouts. They were from Illinois troops at the MLK Center in Rock Island, Rock Island Milan School District, Moline Coal Valley School District and Davenport Community Schools and Waterloo Community Schools in Iowa.
The campers enjoyed summer camp activities such as swimming, outdoor cooking, and hiking. For many Girl Scouts, this was their first time camping.
“The girls are always so excited to make new friends from other cities,” said Robin Summers, director of community outreach for the Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois. “It’s amazing to see the growth of each camper! One of our girls was homesick but her friends rallied around her and invited her to join the activities. They helped her to feel much better and have an amazing experience!”
The S’mores Outdoors program was developed to provide all Girl Scouts with an opportunity to learn and grow outdoors at no cost to their families.
“Camping can be expensive. Equipment costs, site rentals, and lack of experience in the outdoors can all be barriers for troops and families,” Ms. Summers said. “Because of generous donations from R.J. McElroy Trust, Quad City Bank & Trust, and Kiwanis Club of Rock Island, we have brought S’mores Outdoors back for the third year, with more girls impacted, at no cost to the participants.”
Camp Little Cloud’s wooded 154 acres provide a beautiful and safe setting for troop camping and outdoor programs. Hundreds of girls, volunteers and families visit the property annually to develop their outdoor skills and experience nature.
Learn more about outdoor programs for Girl Scouts and get involved at www.GirlScoutsToday.org.
