Tag Archive for: Girl Scouts

Camp Pondicherry and Camp Natarswi open registration for summer 2025 campers

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Ready for limitless fun, friends, and new experiences? Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) is excited to announce the official opening of online registration for Summer 2025 overnight camp sessions, which began Wednesday, January 15. Prospective campers of all ages can register by visiting the camp page on our website ­– no Girl Scout experience necessary!

The upcoming season ushers in a wave of first-time and returnee campers ready to explore outdoor programs and new hands-on activities this summer. Beginning sessions in July, a wide variety of single and multi-week camp opportunities are offered at both Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton, and Camp Natarswi in Baxter State Park. Each camp provides unique, unforgettable experiences amongst some of Maine’s most scenic natural settings.

Nestled on over 600 acres in the foothills of the White Mountains, Camp Pondicherry has a private waterfront on Adams Pond and miles of untouched woodlands, fields, hills, and trails to explore. In addition to classic GSME summer camp offerings such as archery, hatchet-throwing, swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, hiking, and fire safety, other Pondicherry-specific activities include horseback riding, theater, and more!

All of camp programs are designed to build lifelong skills and foster independence. The two-week Ultimate Camp Experience gives girls an opportunity to enjoy both of GSME summer camps.

Check out the 2025 GSME Summer Camp Guide for more information on pricing, specific camp sessions, themed weeks, programs, activities, and important dates. Whether you’re interested in classic camp adventures or specialized programs, there’s something for every camper with GSME.

China Girl Scouts raise funds for humane society

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China Area girl scouts are, front row, from left to right, Brownies and Daisies Riley Libby, Camille Rines, Colette Cobb, Anahlise Raymond, Lyrah Raymond, Ayla Garnett, and Elyse Martin. Back row, Juniors Willow Sullivan, Carden Cobb, Madi Pomelo, and Cora Sullivan. (contributed photo)

In October of 2023 China Area Girl Scout Troop #1496 voted on areas of interest to explore as a year project. Animals won the vote. The scouts learned about the in-progress building of the new Kennebec Valley Humane Society facility. After reaching out to the Director Hillary Roberts, the troop decided a group to bring supplies needed to stock the shelves of the new facility which was set to open in early 2024.

The troop read through the wishlist of the Humane Society found on Amazon. The girls were promised an in-depth tour of the facility at the time they dropped off the supplies.

The troop made up of 11 girls ages six to 12 decided together to make individual crafts with their own families to earn money to buy supplies for the humane society. The troop reached out to Meg Randazza, organizer of the 44th annual China Maine Craft Fair. Meg provided the girls with a booth space to set out their handmade crafts which included jewelry, Christmas ornaments and decorations, beaded key chains, primitive decor, weaved decorations, and candle centerpieces.

Without putting a price on the crafts made, and having customers choose the price for each sale, the girls earned $674 for the humane society.

The girls then individually chose items they wanted to order for the animal in need in our area. These items included kitten formula, dog and cat food, blankets, laundry soap, puppy and kitten feeding bottlers, leashes, small animal chew toys, a cat stuffed animal with a heart beat for orphan kittens.

Before delivering the supplies the girls hand sewed over 20 cat nip filled baby socks to donate as well.

They were given a tour by Volunteer Manager Allie McCarthy this spring and were able to see over 40 cats, 20 dogs, two chinchillas, and two rats that will benefit from these supplies, and also six orphan kittens being fostered who need more kitten formula.