Theme weeks keep campers busy
Girl Scouts of Jersey Shore running a summer camp at Georgian Court University
BY LAUREN CIRAULO Staff Writer
It is a rainy afternoon in July and 90 girls from the "Girls Are Great" day camp are sprawled out on the floor of the Casino at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, doing yoga.

Arts and crafts is one of the activities girls can enjoy as they participate in a summer program sponsored by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore at Georgian Court University, Lakewood. Above (l-r), Kiara Diaz, Vanessa Puebla and Gissel Regalado create their own special projects.

"Yoga is a big part of our program," camp director Michelle Masarik said. "They need to get out their energy in sports and games, but then focus it back in. It helps them to be calm and attentive."

Yoga is one of many progressive activities scheduled daily at "Girls Are Great," a summer program run by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore that builds leadership skills, confidence and character in addition to providing recreation.

Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves youngsters in Monmouth and Ocean counties.

"We try to think on a higher level when it comes to recreation activities," said Masarik. "Each week has a theme and a purpose."

The themes dictate the activities for the week. The theme of week one was New Jersey, in which the campers learned about the Pine Barrens and New Jersey legends; week two was Feathered Friends, which included an urban bird count in conjunction with Cornell University; week three was Eco-Adventures, where the girls performed activities relating to recycling and architecture; week four was H2-Oh!, which included lessons about water; week five is Let's Celebrate, in which the girls celebrate people and have an unbirthday party; and week six is Let Your Stars Shine, which includes a talent show and lessons about space exploration.

Each day, the campers have time allotted for theme work in addition to arts and crafts, nature and science, sports and games, and an activity called girl's choice, which allows campers to choose their own constructive activity. The campers swim three times a week and start off every day with the Pledge of Allegiance, the Girl Scout Promise and camp songs.

"There is so much satisfaction in seeing the girls doing something they like and interacting with each other. They are really finding out who they are," said Masarik. "All of these girls have great character."

Masarik, who single-handedly designed all the activities at the camp, said the program is predicated on Girl Scout law, which encourages girls to be honest, responsible and to use their resources wisely, among other things.

"It's a great basis for almost anything," she said. "Whenever the girls encounter a problem, I always ask them, 'Were you respecting the law?' "

The existence of "Girls Are Great" is based upon Girl Scout law as well. The camp is an outreach program funded partly by Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore's satellite camps, Camp Sacajawea and Camp Amity Acres. The tuition for the program is $75 per week, but Masarik said she asks parents to pay what they can.

"We try to find groups that are underserved and accommodate them," Masarik said. "That's what the Girl Scouts do — create opportunities."

Five instructors run the camp in addition to Masarik, who deemed the aides crucial to the program.

"It's hectic, because there are a lot of kids," said instructor Kimberly Reihinj. "They're very active and hyper — I really admire their energy. They're sweethearts."

But the instructors do have a little more help than usual — this is the first year that girls who will enter eighth grade had an opportunity to participate in a leadership program for the first two weeks of the program and help the younger girls as program aides for the remainder of the summer.

Diamond Bowen, 14, who works as a program aide in the leadership program, likes the camp so much that she plans to be a counselor next year.

"I like to help the kids and meet new people. All the children are fun — they have so much energy," Diamond said. "I'm definitely coming back here next year to be a counselor for college credit."

Diamond, who will be entering ninth grade in September, also plans to come back to the Georgian Court College campus as a student after she graduates from high school.

Masarik said the leadership training is a way to further personal development and helps young people understand what it is like to have a job. However, the girls are rewarded during the last week of camp with a trip to Camp Sacajawea.

"It's a viable summer job and they're working, but we need to give them play time, too," she said.

"Girls Are Great" began July 6 and was open to all girls in Lakewood entering grades K-8, whether or not they belong to the Girl Scouts. The program runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day, rain or shine. Free transportation is available as is financial aid to those who qualify.

Contact Lauren Ciraulo at howell@gmnews.com.