A Chat with Abigail Haresign, Director of Camp Trefoil
By Amani D., Cadette, Corning, N.Y.
Meet Abigail Haresign, our council’s new Camp Director at Trefoil! I was so excited to get insight into her experience with Girl Scouts, especially with camp season quickly approaching! Let’s hear what she has to say!
What’s your favorite aspect of Trefoil?
I haven’t seen Camp Trefoil in the summertime yet so I may have a different answer after summer but so far, my favorite thing is how much opportunity it has. I like that it has a lot of possibilities for people to learn and grow, all while being in a place that has beautiful trees and nature.
What makes Trefoil different from our other camps? Trefoil is small and tucked away in the woods. It feels like you are nestled into a secret Girl Scout world. How cool is that?
What’s your favorite camp activity?
I like singing songs, learning about leadership development and playing sports.
What’s one thing you 100% need to bring to camp?
My sleeping bag, I’ve been using the same sleeping bag for over 20 years!
Any advice for new campers?
Don’t be afraid to talk to someone you don’t know. Also, don’t forget to wear sunscreen!
What’s your favorite meal at camp?
I enjoy walking tacos over the campfire.
What’s your favorite part of Girl Scouts?
I love the global experience of Girl Scouts. I love getting to travel to other countries to meet other Girl Scouts. I also love that other Girl Scouts get to travel here to the United States.
Have you held any other positions within the Girl Scout organization?
I have volunteered for Girl Scouts of the USA. I worked at a lot of different camps as a counselor, unit leader and lifeguard. I have directed Girl Scout camps in New Jersey and Vermont. I’m also a facilitator for the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts (WAGGGS) program Free Being Me. There are over 153 WAGGGS member organizations—which is about 11 million girls around the world!
Were you a Girl Scout when you were a kid?
I have been a Girl Scout since I was a Brownie, which was almost 25 years ago.
What was your Girl Scout experience like?
It was really cool. One of my earliest experiences was visiting the home of Alice Paul, one of the women who helped write the Equal Rights Amendment. She participated in protests outside the White House advocating for the right for women to vote. On the 90th anniversary, I got to learn about her and go to her house. It was cool to learn how Girl Scouts can use their voices to change the world.
It was amazing hearing from Abigail, I hope this gets others excited for the upcoming camp season! Who wouldn’t want to visit a secret Girl Scout world? Plus, it’s so cool that there are so many girls involved in this program around the world! I learned that Girl Scouts are called Girl Guides in other countries. I hope you can learn something from Abigail, too!
Movie Review
Movie Review: Disney’s “Snow White”
By Amani D., Cadette, Corning, N.Y.
During spring break, I watched Disney’s “Snow White” with my mom and two brothers. This movie tells the story of Snow White as she escapes the clutches of the Evil Queen. Snow White’s parents (the king and queen) taught her to always be kind, fair, brave and true. Snow White and her parents established good relationships with the villagers by hosting feasts, sharing their food with them and understanding that the community was better when they all worked together.
My favorite character is the Evil Queen because I love her character traits and her costumes. The songs in this movie are catchy and fun to listen to. My favorite song is “The Good Things Grow,” which talks about the importance of community and working together.
In conclusion, Disney’s “Snow White” is a compelling and suspenseful story that blends the original fairytale with new elements of community and standing up for what you believe in. I hope you consider watching Disney’s “Snow White” and love the movie as much as I did!
Alum Interview
A Reflection with Girl Scout Alum Claudia Bachner
By Allie R., Brownie, McLean, N.Y.
Claudia Bachner, who was a Girl Scout Ambassador when I joined as a Daisy, has helped me and my troop in so many ways. She has encouraged us to earn badges and taught us about how to run a good cookie booth. Because of the influence she has had on me, I wanted to talk about and share her Girl Scout experience with you.
How old were you when you joined Girl Scouts? I was five years old when I joined Girl Scouts.
How many years were you a Girl Scout?
Well, I’m still a Girl Scout! I’ve been a Girl Scout for 15 years. [Claudia is now a Lifetime Girl Scout]
What advice would you give current Girl Scouts? I would tell them to try all the super fun things.
What is your favorite campfire song?
“Hermie the Worm” is my favorite campfire song.
What was your favorite outdoor activity as a Girl Scout?
That would definitely be Gaga Ball.
What was your favorite trip that you took as a Girl Scout and why? I think my favorite was going to the Rocking Horse Ranch. That’s because we got to go on the banana boats and ride horses.
If you had to choose one Girl Scout value that means the most to you, which would it be?
Maybe being respectful.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Girl Scout? It would be getting to help other people.
Is there any other advice you want to share? My advice would be if you get the chance to be a Girl Scout leader, you should do it.
I’m thankful to have Girl Scout connections that will last a lifetime, thank you to Claudia for sharing her Girl Scout experience with me and our readers!
Claudia helping Allie’s troop get ready for Dryden’s Dairy Day Parade last year.
Our GSNYPENN Media Team
A big shoutout to our incredible Media Team writers! Their articles share the value of Girl Scouting and how the sisterhood of this program can last a lifetime. We’re so grateful for their dedication and talent in making this issue!
Questions about our team? Contact Media Team Advisor Amanda Coyle at acoyle@gsnypenn.org
