Saturday, October 3, 2010 will be a day to remember. Camp Greenwood located here in St. Michael, Minnesota, was the home to 85 years of Girl Scout camping experience. It began when the land was donared to the Girls Scouts in 1925 by the Minneapolis Sunshine Society. (Great name or what?) The following year it was ready for scouts.
They had a Robin Hood theme and the dining hall was named Sherwood. In the early 30s, it expanded by added a new lodge and boat house that featured dressing rooms and cold (brrrrrr) showers. In the 40s, all camp unites were equipped with latrines and watering cans for handwashing (how quaint and can you imagine the uproar of today with ultra disinfectants?)
Electricity was added in 1946....probably by returning GIs from WW2.....and then in the 50s, they got two winterized buildings and infirmary......sick campers are frequent.....trust me.
Camp Greenwood added land in the 60s and got telephone lines (so the sick and homesick campers could call home.)
The 80s, a new dining hall, lodge and boardwalk were added. And, that is the extent of the remodeling, additions, temodeling, etc.
The closing ceremony featured shared memories, favorite songs and wish sticks tossed into the campfire that ended with the American flag, respectfully being consumed by flame by the Girl Scout Honor Guard.
I never attended Camp Greenwood, but I know many who have and have come away with great memories, great respect for their country, their families and their communities.
It was a very sad day for many, and I am among them. This is an end of an era not only for St. Michael, Minnesota, but for the days gone by when girls were tough and could take a week in the woods without cell phones, Ipods, WII, and video games.
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