Capital Region Scrapbook: Girl Scout getaway

PHOTOGRAPHER: Jeff Wilkin

In the swim, in the rain and in the kitchen — Girl Scouts were easy to find at Hidden Lake Camp during the summer of 1946.

For girls like Virginia Reid, Francine Smith and Berkeley Ano, the southern Adirondacks near Lake George was the August place to be. They had woods and water for walking and wading. There were evening fires, favorite foods and bunches of other enchantments at the encampment.

The Scouts, assigned units according to programs and age, joined “Rock Ledges,” “Hemlock Hill,” “Sequoia,” “Pioneer,” “Harbor” “Pine Top” or “Tuscarora.” And they got plenty of exercise.

“Special unit activities included Rock Ledges’ hike up Rock Ledges Mountain to blaze a trail for other units to follow, and Hemlock Hill’s hike along the same trail to take pictures of Hidden Lake from the top of the mountain,” the Schenectady Gazette reported. “Pine Top campers have lashed mosquito poles, shoe racks and a wash stand, sketched wild flowers and ferns, held a Pine Top dramatic season ‘opening night’ to which Rock Ledges unit was invited.”

Girls from Tuscarora studied rabbit, beaver and deer tracks. And baked “doughboys” over hot coals. The crews from Sequoia and Pioneer climbed Prospect Mountain. They brought their sleeping bags and food, and stayed overnight.

“Pioneer also held a Christmas party Saturday night, complete with gifts whittled by campers, carols and a decorated Christmas tree,” wrote the Gazette’s Scout correspondent.

The girls also shared their good times, opening their wilderness retreat to friends and family on a visitors’ day.

Hidden Lake’s adventures and traditions continue. The Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York, which oversees Scouting activities for troops in 16 counties, opens the 400-acre camp every year. Swimming, canoeing, hiking, crafts, photography and dramatic arts remain on the summer schedule.