WESTERN MASS.-Brienne and Nathalie Senez of Southwick love being one with nature.
Jacqueline Senez and her daughters, Brienne and Nathalie look over summer camp options offered by Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts. A research study affirms the overwhelming benefits of outdoor experiences for girls.
The sisters are also active members of the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts, Brienne, 12, as a member of Troop 11220, and Nathalie, 7, of Troop 64555, they are eager for summer camp to begin at Camp Bonnie Brae in East Otis.
The girls enthusiasm for being outdoors and enjoying adventurous activities falls in line with a research study from the Girl Scout Research Institute titled “More Than S’mores: Successes and Surprises in Girl Scouts’ Outdoor Experiences.”
“In this study, we expected to see that girls were having fun in the outdoors,” said Dr. Kallen Tsikalas, lead researcher on the study. “However, we were surprised by just how important it was for them and how much they appreciated having opportunities to take on challenges and build skills in a socially supportive environment. Girls really want to feel like they are accomplishing something and growing as a person, and the outdoors is a perfect place for them to do this.”
The research report spotlighted six key findings about girls and the outdoors in Girl Scouts, including: Girl Scouts help girls get outdoors; girls enjoy outdoor activities in Girl Scouts; monthly exposure, high adventure, and repeat camp attendance are key drivers of girls’ leadership development and satisfaction; different groups of girls report different outdoor experiences and outcomes; Girl Scouts helps girls connect with and care for the environment, and camping experiences create memories and build leadership.
Dana Carnegie, community relations manager for the regional Girl Scouts organization, echoed those sentiments.
“Girl Scouting has a long, storied, and successful history of getting girls outdoors and one that can claim responsibility for much more than popularizing the delightful campfire treat called the s’more,” said Carnegie. “In a world filled with digital-at-your-fingertips-everything, everyone needs an opportunity to unplug.”
For Jacqueline Senez, she sees summer camp for her girls as an opportunity to make lifelong friends and learn important leadership skills.
“Girl Scout camp offers the girls a lot of great educational programs, an opportunity to make new friends, and a chance to meet wonderful counselors,” said Senez.
Brienne is entering her sixth year of attending camp and relishes every waking moment of her weeklong stay.
“I like everything about summer camp,” she said. “Making friends is the best part and many of them return each year. There are also a lot of counselors who return which is nice since I already know them and they know me.”
Brienne notes she has a lot of hobbies and interests, ranging from swimming, archery and making camp fires to kayaking and canoeing.
“Counselors teach us how to work together, to learn new skills and job responsibilities, and how to cook our own food,” said Brienne. “They also make sure we have very balanced, healthy meals and good desserts.”
Brienne has also been preparing Nathalie on what to expect on her first weeklong stay coming up in a few weeks. Nathalie is currently in the Daisy program.
“Nathalie likes to swim so she will enjoy the lake,” said Brienne. “I’ve also told her about the polar bear swim at sunrise, the minute-to-win-it games, and the clubs including cheerleading and arts and crafts.”
To ensure that Nathalie has a great first experience away from home, Brienne will also be staying at camp the same week. Before that week arrives, Nathalie will be among many girls who will have one overnight to test the waters. Nathalie hopes her best friend Laney will be her “buddy” for the first overnight experience.
“When we’re at camp, I’ll meet Nathalie at mealtime but I told her she will be doing her own thing with girls her age during the day,” said Brienne.
Nathalie had the biggest smile on her face as she listened to Brienne talk about summer camp.
“I want to meet counselors and make new friends and learn how to kayak and canoe,” said Nathalie. “I’m looking forward to making camp fires and having s’mores.”
Jacqueline Senez is confident that both girls will excel during their weeklong stay at camp because of their zest for life and living each moment to the fullest.
“I believe in promoting summer camp to parents because it builds character and it teaches girls how to lead projects,” said Senez.
Carnegie concurred.
“Summer camp is a community unlike any other,” said Carnegie. “Together in an unfamiliar setting, girls find the courage within themselves to meet new people, make friends, and bond. As they make choices and direct projects, girls learn to work well with others, become self-reliant, and develop their leadership skills.”
Carnegie added that overnight camp at Camp Bonnie Brae is available to all girls entering grades 2-12 and a girl does not need prior Girl Scout experience to attend camp. Overnight sessions are offered from July 10 to Aug. 12.
“For many girls, camp is their first experience away from parents, away from home, and away from familiarity,” said Carnegie. “Camp thus has unlimited potential to unlock or boost a girl’s confidence.”
The regional Girl Scout organization also offers Camp Lewis Perkins in South Hadley, a weekly day camp, from July 11 through Aug. 5. Bussing is available from many valley locations.
For more information on summer camp options, visit www.gscwm.org or call (413) 584-2602 or email [email protected].
“Where else can girls paddle in the sun after breakfast, shoot arrows before lunch, sing countless songs, eat a family style meal in the dining hall, and sleep under the stars, all in a girl-only environment?” added Carnegie.
As both sisters start working on their checklist for packing, they also encourage other girls to consider summer camp.
“You can make lifelong friends and choose your own adventures,” said Brienne, noting the endless choices girls have with programs offered.
For Nathalie, she is eager for her first trip after hearing about her sister’s experiences for years.
“I saw the treehouses that we will sleep in and the lake and I know it will be fun,” said Nathalie.
