I just got back a few days ago from taking four girls in my troop to Camp Scherman. For those of you not in Girl Scouts; Camp Scherman is a 700 acre camp in the San Jacinto Mountains owned over 40 years by Girl Scouts of Orange County, and loved by Girl Scouts all over. I have met women who say that Camp Scherman gave them some of the best memories of their lives. Some even said it changed their lives in such positive ways that it made them better people. This weekend was no exception, we all had a great time. At camp there is a song that I love. It's called simply "The Scherman Song". I would give writing credit if it was in the song book that I have, but sadly it is not. So I apologize quoting it here without giving credit to the songwriter. This line sums up the feeling you get at camp;
"You can feel the joy of living everyday.
The peacefulness and solitude
and the memories that we share,
give us strength to face the time
when it's goodbye we'll have to say"
I got up early every morning just to see the sun rise and hear the wind whispering in the trees. Yes, when it is silent you can hear the wind in the trees and it does sound like whispering. It's very cool. (And no I'm not hearing voices in my head!) I heard little animals (I hoped) rustle in the trees, saw deer running across the hills, and got that elusive feeling that I was part of something special. The girls felt it too. Getting ready to leave I always hear at least one girl say they don't want to go, that they love Camp Scherman.
"Where the cactus meet the mountains
and the mountains touch the sky
and the sky's the bluest blue that it can be"
Camp Scherman is in the mountains but we are in a desert too, so there are lots of cactus and yucca amongst the oaks and pines. The rocky terrain is perfect for the rock climbers. Red rock is beautiful. The girls had a fun time "rock scrambling" with Salamander.(All the leaders have camp names- I'm Stitch) Camp is high enough not to have smog so the sky was clear and beautiful. "Where the pine trees smell like Butterscotch"; There is a type of pine tree there and the bark smells like butterscotch or vanilla. I was excited just like a little kid the first time I found that tree. Each time a girl goes to camp it is different, so it never gets old. There is something for everyone.
Camp Scherman is a wonderful place for girls of all ages to safely test their limits, grow in confidence, make new friends, learn leadership skills and have a new experience every time they go. Camp Scherman, unfortunately, is facing the same financial problems as everyone else in this economy. All the camps were not filled last year so they cannot afford to put on a full camp schedule this summer. There was talk of closing, but I am glad to see that is not happening; yet. Leaders, parents- please send your girls to camp. I know money is hard for everyone, but this camp is too important for girls everywhere to lose. Support Camp Scherman. My troop is doing it's best. Don't miss out on this special place. I will end my rant with the chorus of my favorite song.
"Where the road's a little dusty
and the trees a trifle few
But the beauty's there
and the fresh clear air
and the friendships that you knew
The freedom of the forest
lets your soul breathe deep and long
And a part of me will always be here
Singing Scherman songs"
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