My name is Lizzie Kalafut. I have been going to all sorts of Girl Scout activities since I was 2, when I was a tag-along with my older sister’s troop. I even went to a week of day camp when I was only 3 and again when I was 4 and 5. When I was 6, I was one of only two Girl Scout Daisies, girls in kindergarten and first grade, who went to day camp. When I was 8, I went to my first overnight camp at Camp Dean in Big Rock.
One on my favorite things about Girl Scouts is the independence and leadership I get to experience on camping trips. I have camped at four of Girl Scouts of Northern Illinois’ campgrounds, plus I took a trip to Blue Springs Caverns, Ind., where I slept in a cave. I also went to Camp Benson in Mt. Carroll, where I got to go down a zip line and rock climb!
My most memorable time by far was a recent trip to Chapman Hills, my favorite campsite, in East Troy, Wis. I’ve gone there a few times; my first time when I was a Girl Scout Daisy and my troop learned about Germany for World Thinking Day. I have adored going there every time I have had the chance.
When I was there last summer, I went with the group of girls working on the Marian Medal, a Catholic religious award. As soon as we unpacked our gear, we went on a hike. The paths there are beautiful! There is a sledding hill in the winter and a volleyball net for the summer. On the hike, we caught over 70 toads! That night we made pizza dough and decorated our pizzas with all sorts of toppings. My friends and I worked on our Marian workbook and made etched glass candle holders before saying the rosary by candlelight. It was the most memorable and empowering Girl Scouts activity I have ever faced.
Lizzie Kalafut, 13
Girl Scout cadette
Lake Zurich