By Robyn Ratcliff, Outdoor Program Specialist
Girl Scouts of NE Kansas & NW Missouri
Last weekend, we were delighted to host a 1-hour Score-O meet at Girl Scout Camp Prairie Schooner in cooperation with Possum Trot Orienteering Club. 29 Girl Scouts and Girl Scout volunteers participated in a clinic prior to the event. Dick Neuburger organized this event and worked with Girl Scout staff to plan the day.
During the clinic, girls and leaders were introduced to orienteering, learned how to read and orient a map, and had time to practice each new skill. Dick Neuburger, Reta Roe and Dick Luckerman each coached small groups of girls throughout the session. Dick’s Power Point Presentation including a video of a young orienteer-er really prepared the girls for the challenge of the afternoon event.
After a quick sack lunch, Possum Trotters began to arrive. Girl Scouts had the opportunity to interact with serious sportsmen and women. Girl Scout staff decided to only allow Girl Scout participants to try for the first 18 controls of the 24 control course. Several of the higher point controls were on bluff lines or near the Little Blue River.
A total of about 50 people participated in the race. Girl Scouts were astonished at how quickly some of the more experienced participants (Michael Eglinski) finished with all 24 controls. Two Girl Scout teams, the Tinkerbells and the Flying Mongooses, got all 18 of the allowed controls within the time limit. Both teams were made up of girls ages 11-15.
A brief downpour made the finish line a little chaotic as all of the teams were coming in. An awards ceremony followed for Girl Scout participants and members of the Tinkerbells received compasses for their future orienteering use.
Thanks to Dick Neuburger, Reta Roe and Dick Luckerman for all of their help and to everyone who helped set up the course and retrieve the controls. This was an excellent experience for Girl Scouts and one we look forward to offering again in the spring.