Skinned knees

In my Brownie scouting group, we're working towards their Outdoor Skills patch-level 1. 

Yesterday morning it was raining hard but right as our meeting began at the public library, the skies parted. We hiked over to the far nooks of Near Island and found a soft mossy spot with lots of cozy tree roots to snuggle into. After each girl had a handful of almonds and blueberries, we worked on outdoor skills.

First the girls practiced basic knife handling skills-How to hold and pass a knife. I showed them some real camping knives, but we practiced with a plastic butter knife. Then the girls had a chance to show their medical selfs, as they took care of eachothers skinned knees. They role played the steps of how to treat skinned knees and (as you can see from the pictures below) there was lots of laughter and role playing involved! 

As the sun was dipping behind the mountains, we walked back along the bridge. Girls naturally paired up and talked as we hiked back. I can see new friendships forming over the course of the past 2 months. Girls from different schools, grades, experiences. 

As the girls left with their families, several said some sincere "Thank you for taking us hiking Ms. Zoya". They had such an appreciative sparkle in their eyes. 

Zoya