by GSSJC Facilities Director
Bob Spaeth

Girl Scout Camps
Agnes Arnold, Aranna,
Camwood, Casa Mare,
Misty Meadows, Robinwood,
Silver Springs, Whispering Pines

Readers can contact the Facilities Department by calling Director Bob Spaeth at 713-292-0208 or
e-mail bspaeth@sjgs.org.

Grandpa Bob’s Brain Teasers

What causes the different shapes of clouds? In 1803, a pharmacist and amateur weather-watcher from England named Luke Howard created categories for clouds based on their shapes. Billowy clouds were named “CUMULUS,” from the Latin word for “heap.” Flatter clouds that layered like blankets were named “STRATUS” (layer). High, icy, curlicue clouds were named “CIRRUS” (tendril).
Cumulus clouds grow when a parcel of warm, moist air rises into higher, colder air, and the cooling water vapor gloms on to dust or smoke particles forming visible drops: a cloud. Rising moisture evaporates at the top of the cloud while new cloud forms at the bottom, creating round, cauliflower-shaped blossoms. Wind makes cumulus clouds billow up, tilts them to one side, and pushes them together into long lines across the sky.
Above the mountains, saucer-shaped clouds sometimes form. Water-heavy air is blown up mountain sides and encounters wind waves where air is passing over the peaks. The hilly shape of the airflow sculpts a saucer cloud.

Here’s another question for you: Why are rain clouds gray or black in color?

Leave time to hike the nature trail at Camp Agnes Arnold

     If you are camping at Camp Agnes Arnold in the future leave a couple of hours (that’s how long it takes) to hike on the now completed Nature Trail. The trail completely encircles Shadow Lake making it possible to hike without having to backtrack in order to get back to your starting point.
When you check in look for a sign-up sheet to participate in a guided hike lead by the Council’s Forester Henry Steitz. Group size is limited so you will want to get on the list promptly. Henry usually schedules two hikes a weekend.
     The trail is the culmination of the work of many people and groups, both staff, volunteers, and the United Way Day of Caring companies, primarily United Parcel Service employees over a period of three years. Patience and perseverance have paid off and we have a Nature Trail of which we can be justly proud. Did you know that all the wood it took to build the bridges came from our own property and forest management practices? We can all be proud of that fact alone.
Come walk the trail, whether you take the guided tour or go it alone. You’ll love it!

Troop camping is about to begin

     Troop camping in underway again so it’s a good time to pass on a few reminders.
     Outdoor kitchen unit cabinets will be locked unless leaders have requested access to the kitchen cooking equipment on their registration form. Each year a greater number of groups have been opting to use paper and plastic products while at camp or even bringing meals that may or may not require cooking or heating. In Girl Scouting, if you use it – you clean it – and in this case, inventory it as well, because of the substantial investment cooking equipment represents. So if you want to use the equipment in the outdoor kitchen unit you must request it ahead of time.
      Groups may fish at any of the camps but girls must bring their fishing gear from home. Fishing rods and equipment are not provided at camp. Also, GSSJC practices a catch and release policy unless you know how to cook your catch and intend to have it for dinner.
     Be prepared! Some of the most memorable times at camp have been those when either the program or the weather did not cooperate, but the group was prepared and survived! If it is chilly or cold, layer your clothing. If you are staying in an unheated cabin or tent bring a wool hat to wear to bed. Most heat loss is through the top of your head so if you cover up you will stay warmer.
     You are required to have trained leaders/adults with you when you come to camp. Sometimes there may be a last minute conflict and the certified person(s) cannot make the camp date, but the troop comes anyway. This is a bad move. Leaders are trained in order to ensure that someone is familiar with the rules and regulations and to ensure a good time is had by all. You’d be surprised how often a troop thinks it’s no big deal to come to camp and then runs into a situation and does not know where to turn for help or advice.
     Remember that your unit is yours for the weekend and your responsibility to leave clean for the next group of Girl Scouts. Everyone cleans when they set up their campsite and that’s simply because it has been empty for a week. Wind, weather, and the native creatures that live there when you are not in camp return after you leave. Leaving your campsite clean is a courtesy to fellow Girl Scouts. If you think you have walked into a site that was not properly cleaned then let me know and I’ll take it from there. But, if you leave it cleaner than you found it all our sites will always be clean.
     Enjoy the outdoors and the animals that live there. Remember, they are the permanent residents so take care of the woods, lakes, trails, etc. Try and leave camp so it looks like you were never even there. This is called low impact camping and is good for you and those who come after you leave.
     Fill out those evaluations! We care about your stay and want to know if the camps met your expectations. Sorry, we still do not put mints on pillows at night but we do want everything to be as reasonably accommodating as possible. Whether you have a good time or not will depend a great deal on how well you have prepared beforehand.