Rivers Edge Service Unit Hosts Camp Clean-Up
On the crisp morning of May 17, the Rivers Edge Service Unit gathered for their annual Wall Lake Girl Scout Camp clean-up. This much-anticipated event brought together girls and families from multiple Service Units, all eager to care for and celebrate this beloved outdoor space.
The day began with a spirited stick-gathering competition. Girl Scouts and volunteers were divided into two teams and challenged to collect as many sticks as possible. In the end, both teams claimed victory—one for their impressively large branches and the other for a densely packed collection. The fun, friendly rivalry kept spirits high despite the chilly weather.
Throughout the day, girls shared their thoughts on what camp means to them, reminiscing about past experiences and dreaming up ideas for future adventures. These conversations sparked creative energy and offered valuable input for upcoming programming.
One of the event’s highlights was the dedication of five newly named patrol areas: Da Moose, Firefly Fjords, Whispering Pines, Da Floof, and Tree Dinos. Each patrol name reflected the girls’ creativity and sense of fun, marking a historic moment for the camp. The dedications were met with excitement, setting the stage for more meaningful connections to these spaces in future visits.
As part of the ceremony, Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons also took time to proudly recognize their valued community partners. Sammons Financial Group generously supported the remodeling of the camp bathrooms and the purchase of brand-new kayaks. First PREMIER Bank/PREMIER Bankcard also contributed to the kayak purchase. These generous investments ensure that campers have a more comfortable and exciting outdoor experience for years to come.
Girls had plenty to say about the experience:
Girl Scout Greta (Junior) shared, “It was cold out till we got moving. Technically, we won the stick pile! We definitely had an advantage being shorter than the other group and being closer to the sticks. I would come back and do this again.”
Kaylee (Junior) remarked, “It was fun. We got to socialize while getting ready for camping. Patrol names are fun and unique.”
Girl Scout Echo (Cadette) added, “The cold sucked, but getting to see the new kayaks was really cool. I can’t wait to take them out on the water this summer. I got to help hang up the life vests so they’re not all stuffed in the canoes. I like that we will know what patrol we are talking about now.”
As the day wrapped up, it was clear that even small improvements—like naming patrols or organizing gear—make a big impact.
