Over the weekend of June 8-10, Camp Little Cloud in Epworth, Iowa, became a hub of outdoor excitement as 31 Girl Scouts gathered for the annual S’mores Outdoors event. Hailing from troops associated with the MLK Center in Rock Island, Davenport Community Schools, Rock Island Milan School District, Moline Coal Valley School District, and Waterloo Community Schools, these scouts immersed themselves in a variety of outdoor activities.
S’mores Outdoors aims to provide all Girl Scouts, regardless of financial constraints, the chance to explore and learn in a natural setting. Camping can be expensive. Equipment costs, site rentals, and lack of outdoor experience often create barriers for troops and families,” explains Robin Summers, Director of Community Outreach. Thanks to the generous support of donors such as R.J. McElroy Trust, Quad City Bank & Trust, and Kiwanis Club of Rock Island, this program has returned for its third consecutive year, impacting more girls than ever before without imposing any financial burden on participants.
Throughout the weekend, campers engaged in classic summer camp activities, including swimming, outdoor cooking, hiking, and even crafting birdhouses. For many of these girls, it was their first camping experience, which they shared with newfound friends from different cities. “The girls are always so excited to make new friends from other cities,” Summers remarked. “It’s amazing to witness the personal growth of each camper. For instance, one girl was homesick, but her friends rallied around her, inviting her to join activities and helping her have a memorable experience.”
S’mores Outdoors not only introduces girls to the joys of camping and outdoor adventures but also fosters a sense of camaraderie and resilience among participants. As Summers concludes, “Seeing these girls embrace the outdoors and support one another is truly inspiring. We’re grateful to our sponsors for making such transformative experiences possible.”