Girl Scouts bid farewell to Camp Wind-a-Mere
June 11, 2024
Girl Scouts, young and old, shared fond memories of Camp Wind-a-Mere during its recent closing ceremony. Despite rainy weather, more than 50 people, including council volunteers and staff, showed up to bid farewell and mark the end of a place where thousands of girls had fun adventures for five decades.
During the June 1 event, participants sang a song led by Gail Rankin, Mary Rose Smith, and Patti Stefek. All three were council facilitators who led training at Camp Wind-a-Mere. They then recited the Pledge of Allegiance and the Girl Scout Promise led by Girl Scouts Katherine and Adele Marchand.
Mary Vitek, GSSJC CEO, and Betsy Kamin, president and chair of the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council Board of Directors, gave opening remarks.
“As we gather at Camp Wind-a-Mere one final time, I am filled with a nostalgic feeling. I know this camp holds countless memories, laughter, and growth for many. It's been the background where girls forged friendships, overcame challenges, and had their confidence nurtured,” Kamin said.
She continued, thanking the dedicated volunteers for their unwavering support and tireless dedication, which, she said, has been the heart and soul of the camp. And to the girls, she encouraged them to “always carry the spirit of Camp Wind-a-Mere and Girl Scouts in your hearts, empowering you to make the world a better place.”
A candle-lighting ceremony followed. Each participant lit a Juliette Gordon Low candle to carry forth the spirit of Girl Scouts. When Low established Girl Scouting in 1912, the candle-lighting ceremonies were part of various activities. Through the early years, she passed the light and spirit of Girl Scouting through investitures and campfires. Low asked the girls to take their candles home and use them in candle lighting ceremonies to pass the flame onto others. Over the years, the light and spirit of Girl Scouting have taken many different paths.
Each participant shared a cherished memory after lighting their candle. Alicia Webster said she attended camper certification training at the campsite. The experience sparked a new interest in camping and the outdoors for her. She has shared her love of the outdoors with her troop and her daughter, Solana.
When the rain stopped, participants walked the campsite grounds. They took photos one last time and reminisced about the good times they experienced at the campsite.
Wind-a-Mere closed on April 28 as the campsite faced insurmountable external challenges, making continued investments unwise. Based on feedback from a volunteer task force and input from girls, parents, volunteers, and external advisors, the council determined that significant investments would be needed to maintain the campsite's desired level of operations and use.
