“Auntie Em, Auntie Em!” On Saturday, April 25, forty three campers enthusiastically traveled to “The Wizard of Oz” at Cape Henlopen State Park where they participated in the 43^rd annual Younger Member Weekend.  Campers gathered at the Yellow Brick Road for registration.  Glennda the Good Witch, Kimberlyn Scott and Dorothy, Shannon Bradley greeed campers.  The Munchkins, Lions, Tin Men and Scarecrow people proceeded to dorms where they were greeted by Witches, Winkys and Flying Monkeys, group leaders for the weekend.  After orientation and ice breakers, groups rotated to four educational and fun classes.  Wizard of Oz themed mason jars and green emerald silly putty were the projects completed in Craft class;  Trivia/Nature Class included fun facts about the land of Oz along with a nature hike; Recreation Class included fun and interactive games;  Emerald City class taught campers about Council Circle, important songs, scouting reports, and each group created a song, skit and yell.  There was time for free recreation, relaxing and Emerald City Training (practice for the evening festivities).

After a delicious “Emerald City Cafe” dinner prepared by chaperones and leaders, the group headed to Council Circle and later the Dance/Party.  Campers enjoyed dancing and spending time with new friends, yummy snacks, and also solving the mystery of who swiped Dorothy’s ruby red slippers!  After reflections of the day, campers returned to the dorms and preparation for bed.

 

 

  Sunday, was a beautiful warm and sunny day.  Campers packed gear, cleaned the dorms and headed to breakfast.  Chaperones again had done a great job with the meal preparation.   Everyone enjoyed breakfast and morning reflections.  After the “Find your Talents” scavenger hunt, parents arrived to transport campers home.

 

Special thanks to:  Glennda the Good Witch:  Kimberlyn Scott and Dorothy (song leader):  Shannon Bradley, Group Leaders:    Munchkins – Amanda Kucharzyk & Jarrett Williams, Lions – Kaitlyn Willin & Colleen Anderson, Tin Men – Emma Rider & Jimmy Kucharzyk and Scarecrows – Holly Anderson & Shawn Mitchell.   Flying Monkeys – Craft Class: Rebecca Arpie & Taylor Messick; Recreation: Paige Vincent, Amberlie Rice & Jacob Hopkins; Trivia/Nature Class: Brittany Carpenter & Garrett Smith; Nurse:  Jacalyn Bradley, Chaperones:  Gina Anger, Neil Anger, Susan DeFord, Jodie Gravenor, Heather Smith, Heather Taylor, Bo Waller, Ernie Lopez, & Jill Jackson.

Everyone involved in the planning and implementation of this weekend should be proud of a job well done.  It was definitely an exciting weekend for all!  “There’s No Place Like Home!”