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Girl Scout Camp Miriam HoustoniBy JUNE DEAI MERIt was in 1925 that the first Oirl Scouts of McDowell county gathered together for an outing at Camp Miriam Houston and since that time thousands of young campers have enjoyed the hospitality of the camp site, situated in McDowell county high on the side of a mountain about three miles from Kimball,Wednesday marked the day of homecoming for all alumnae ofthe camp for it was visitors’ day. as well as the day preceding the closing of the camp for the summer. All afternoon cars streamed dow'n the narrow mountain road into the camp and its occupants were immediately placed into the group they were in the last, timethey attended the camp Some of the youngsters had grown into mothers and college girls, andseveral were even grandmothers, but they still were placed in the individual groups, a few of them back to the Brownies, w’hich arecampers between the ages of 7and 9.Homecoming was a day of reunion for many of the former campers, and it was a day of races and games, stories and ceremony for the young girls who had been camping there during the month!The regular camp program had been carried out that morning writh the usual group sing Just before the noon meal, but after lunch and the rest hour swimraces were held between the various 25 huts of the camp, contestsheld, and toward evening, each of the four groups — Mountaineers. Frontiers, Ranchers and Brownies, set sail on the waters of the pool, small boats carrying lighted candles, which made a stirringsight in the darkness of the evening.The history of the camp goes back more than 25 years ago when Mrs. Miriam Houston of Kimball founded and built Camp MiriamHouston for Girl Scouts of McDowell county. It takes In several hundred acres of land and on itstpods a old log house, now more than 100 years old. and is still in its original state with an open kitchen fireplace and log trimmings. Thi* house is now the administration building and headquarters as well as the sleeping quarters for Mrs Margaret Ballard ** ',oy, who is camp director.The value of camping and scouting in development of the individual was evident as one *'hed camp chores performedriailv by each camp unit, andagain when each group proudlyd’s?ayed their homes or unit headquarters and their accomplishments in art and handcraft.The practice of being neat was brought forth when the differenth its *•’ for the banner—Best Appearing Unit which was’ ee*’* week.Oirls from several counties, both in Virginia and West Virginia, had been campers this sum mer during July. All girl scouts get first choice, but after that girls can send i annlications for the camp, and after recommendations and physical check-ups have been made, all girls who apply and are accepted, are allowed to attend as long as room Is available.Mrs. T. Max Dawson of Kimball is Girl Scout commissioner.The Girl Scout camping time was increased this year to a month from the three weeks of last year but the camp directors and counselors hope to make it a three month camp, to be open the entire summer. They see an urgent need for summer recreation programs for the young girls of the small towns throughout that section, especially in the smallmining and farming towns, wherethere are no swimming pools, playgrounds or similar facilities for enjoyment and outdoor sports.Visiting camp brings a great surprise, for as you drive into the open area, which U centered by the headquarters in the heart of the camp, there are either no girls or a large group in sight. If it is about mid-day then the girls are all centered for the sing, and the sound of their voices makes the surrounding hills ring with a glad resounding.. Any other time they are busy elsewhere.Dramatics, arts, archery and a hobby hour are all in a day’s schedule, with hours for swimming under expert supervision, take up a great part of the camper’s awaking hours The youngsters get up at 7 o'clock and after a full day are fh oed at 9 30. with exception for the Brownies, and then taps are sounded at 8:45.Besides Mrs. McCoy and Mrs. Dawson, they have counselors in charge of each unit, with Miss Jesse Witt in charge of the kitchen. with two full-time cooks, four qualified life savers at the water front and Miss Betty Henthorn as counselor at large, who fills In whenever she might be needed
Newspaper Details
Bluefield Daily Telegraph
Bluefield, West Virginia, US
Fri, Aug 01, 1947
Page 7
Full Page
Clipped by
Boyd C.
KY, USA 07 Mar 2023
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