The Girls in Green, Igniting Their Dreams: The GSP Overnight Camp Sparks Adventure and Empowerment

March 31 – April 1

By: Ms. Sharon Joie M. Notario

Pasay City South High School is buzzing with enthusiasm and camaraderie as it hosts the Girl Scout Council-wide overnight camping event with the theme “The Girls in Green, Igniting their Dreams.” Designed to give young women the opportunity to participate in outdoor activities and gain new skills, this unforgettable experience is leaving an enduring impression on all participants.

The event begins with registration and the eager ladies settling in. The opening program, conducted by Kalayaan National High School and participated in by schools from the Pasay division, is a demonstration of charm and zeal. Each school performs its own cheer, nurturing a sense of camaraderie and healthy competition among the participants.

Following the program, GSP Troop Leaders Ms. Jennifer S. Quidato and Mrs. Wendelyn Luder conduct an orientation session. The girls are briefed on the camp’s regulations, objectives, and the significance of teamwork and cooperation during this crucial meeting. The leaders emphasize camping dos and don’ts to prepare the ladies for the upcoming adventure.

Ms. Olivet Nepomuceno, a specialist in outdoor skills, appears in the camp development segment. She instructs the girls on how to set up tents for camping and provides them with essential advice for a fruitful camping experience. The participants learn how to set up tents, secure them, and organize their camping equipment, equipping them with the skills necessary for outdoor living.

As dusk descends, the girls gather for supper, their excited chatter filling the air. During the Campfire Activities, when each patrol group performs its own unique shouts and chants, the atmosphere becomes even livelier, as their talents and creativity are displayed. The girls sing GSP songs around a bonfire, further strengthening their sense of unity and pride in their shared voyage. The first day ends with the tapping, signifying the conclusion of an exciting day.

The second day of camping begins at 5:00 AM with Ms. Roselizaly Villamer and Ms. Arvie Sanchez leading the girls in Scouts Own, a reflective and motivational ceremony. This special ceremony provides the girls with a spiritual experience centered on the Girl Scout principles and program, encouraging introspection and personal development.

The girls and troop leaders engage in a Physical Fitness routine after Scouts Own, energizing their bodies and setting the stage for an active day. After the camp activities, a nourishing breakfast is served to replenish the campers’ energy. The activities, which are divided into six different challenges, seek to develop essential skills and foster teamwork.

Challenge 1 concentrates on Knot Tying Fundamentals, in which the girls learn how to tie various knots and their practical applications. The second challenge, titled Basic Bag Packing, provides valuable insight into the art of packing proficiently for camping. Challenge 3: Basic First Aid (Bandaging) teaches the girls essential first aid skills, such as bandaging and treating minor wounds. Challenge 4 focuses on the Girl Scout Flag Ceremony, instructing the girls on the appropriate behavior and respect required during flag ceremonies. Challenge 5, the Obstacle Course, evaluates their physical and mental strength and emphasizes the value of teamwork. The sixth and final challenge, Cook-out, requires the ladies to demonstrate their culinary creativity by preparing a meal with the provided ingredients.

After completing the camp activities successfully, the ladies enjoy a well-deserved lunch before packing up their camping gear. Mrs. Elma Amongol delivers motivational concluding remarks, emphasizing the transformative power of the camp experience, as the closing program begins. Throughout the event, participants are recognized for their active participation and notable accomplishments. The program concludes with a moving performance of the Girl Scout Hymn and the lowering of the Philippine flag. This flag represents the conclusion of this remarkable voyage.

The council-wide Girl Scout camping event is a tremendous triumph, leaving an indelible mark on all participants. It exemplifies the Girl Scouts’ dedication to empowering young women, nurturing leadership, and initiating positive change. By igniting these girls’ aspirations and providing them with invaluable skills and enduring memories, the camp sets them on the path to a brighter and more meaningful future. As the campfire flickers and dies, the girls return home prepared to embrace their potential, make a difference in their communities, and continue their extraordinary voyage of growth and empowerment.