usvi-on-line
my camping trip
That sounds like SUCH a nightmare! I am glad everyone is OK.
I am sure the parents are not mad at you--you did everything you could in the circumstances. You certainly sound like a better troop leader than my Girl Scout leader. One time we were on an overnight camping trip and got caught in a torrential rain/thunderstorm. Tons of water started leaking into the tents (they were on platforms), and the leaders would not even help secure the tents! They just moved into the dry middle area and told us to go outside and practice our knot skills. GRR.
I hope your "do over" is a lot of fun.
I am sure the parents are not mad at you--you did everything you could in the circumstances. You certainly sound like a better troop leader than my Girl Scout leader. One time we were on an overnight camping trip and got caught in a torrential rain/thunderstorm. Tons of water started leaking into the tents (they were on platforms), and the leaders would not even help secure the tents! They just moved into the dry middle area and told us to go outside and practice our knot skills. GRR.
I hope your "do over" is a lot of fun.
It's like looking in your soup and finding a whole different alphabet.
Holy Moly.
It just shows your determination,and the resiliency of a bunch of brave young girls.
In time you'll hopefully all laugh about it.
Don't beat yourself up, by any means. You can't always compensate for others' short comings (the guide,etc...), and depending on the weather is like rolling the dice. Hell, if I had children, I'd be thrilled they had a mentor the likes of you.
Bravo; no harm, no foul,noone was hurt,...and everyone has a story to tell.
Smiles-
MJ
It just shows your determination,and the resiliency of a bunch of brave young girls.
In time you'll hopefully all laugh about it.
Don't beat yourself up, by any means. You can't always compensate for others' short comings (the guide,etc...), and depending on the weather is like rolling the dice. Hell, if I had children, I'd be thrilled they had a mentor the likes of you.
Bravo; no harm, no foul,noone was hurt,...and everyone has a story to tell.
Smiles-
MJ
Thanks guys-
The outfitter could have done better, but I have to say the storm wasn't their fault. But they had done some things during the trip that sort of eroded my trust in them. So when the storm came, I wasn't sure if they were handling it the best way or the "cheapest" way.
I wanted them to get a boat to come get us or call the Coast Guard (I swear the girls were that scared-I don't know when you consider a life in danger-soaking rain, some hail and lightning crashing when you have no shelter...for 1 1/2 hours?)? girls whose lips were turning blue...and numb fingers? Probably some hyperventilation plus early hypothermia...
It was like a borderline situation. And because they had done some other dumb stuff, when all hell broke loose, I just didn't trust them. If I had trusted them I wouldn't have been so scared for the girls.
I got a $300 refund, which helps now, since our troop is totally broke. I really let them have it. My evaluation was 5 pages long.
It is over. I do feel better about it. The photos are gorgeous (of the fun part). The girls are all fine I think and hopefully no lasting trauma. Dana hopefully will not get pneumonia (although I wouldn't be shocked if I am not coming down with it!)
Ya'll are right- we for sure will remember this one. And I hope and pray all future trips will be boring in comparison!
One last note....I did actually get the Outstanding Leader Award this week. So that was pretty cool. Parents have to write nominations, so it is pretty hard to get it since it takes coordination and effort-it meant a lot.
The outfitter could have done better, but I have to say the storm wasn't their fault. But they had done some things during the trip that sort of eroded my trust in them. So when the storm came, I wasn't sure if they were handling it the best way or the "cheapest" way.
I wanted them to get a boat to come get us or call the Coast Guard (I swear the girls were that scared-I don't know when you consider a life in danger-soaking rain, some hail and lightning crashing when you have no shelter...for 1 1/2 hours?)? girls whose lips were turning blue...and numb fingers? Probably some hyperventilation plus early hypothermia...
It was like a borderline situation. And because they had done some other dumb stuff, when all hell broke loose, I just didn't trust them. If I had trusted them I wouldn't have been so scared for the girls.
I got a $300 refund, which helps now, since our troop is totally broke. I really let them have it. My evaluation was 5 pages long.
It is over. I do feel better about it. The photos are gorgeous (of the fun part). The girls are all fine I think and hopefully no lasting trauma. Dana hopefully will not get pneumonia (although I wouldn't be shocked if I am not coming down with it!)
Ya'll are right- we for sure will remember this one. And I hope and pray all future trips will be boring in comparison!
One last note....I did actually get the Outstanding Leader Award this week. So that was pretty cool. Parents have to write nominations, so it is pretty hard to get it since it takes coordination and effort-it meant a lot.
"Sponges grow in the ocean...I wonder how much deeper it would be if that didn't happen."
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cypressgirl
- Posts: 2178
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djmom....I'm so glad you got that award. I'm sure the girls told their parents the whole horrible story and they were glad it was you and not them. All I have to say is you are one tough gal!! I am totally NOT a camper, so you get my total admiration. It sounds like a horrible movie that came to life. I'd have nightmares forever. 
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mindehankins
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You sure earned that reward the hard way! I actually think that although it was horrible at the time, it is [/i]good for the girls to have encountered what to them was a real emergency, to have to deal with it bravely, and responsibly, and act as a team. First, it will give them more confidence when they have to live through some other event that they feel will kill them, and second because kids don't recognize their vulnerability. Those moments of fear might keep them from doing something really stupid...remind them of their fragility.
Probably not, but maybe.
You did a spectacular job. Shame on the outfitters.
Probably not, but maybe.You did a spectacular job. Shame on the outfitters.
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hoosierdaddy
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