What's a Buddy Line?

In a Buddy Line, people line up two by two. You stand at least arms-length away from the person in front of or in back of you and next to your Buddy.  Why arms-length away? In case you trip you won't fall onto the person in front of you.
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What if there's an odd number of Buddies?

If there's an odd number of people, make a Truddy of three at the end of the line.
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Who is in a Buddy Line? 

Who is in a Buddy Line depends on what you are doing.

Are you going from one place to another? Are you hiking on a wide trail? If so, then the girls/campers line up two by two with a Buddy. An adult/leader will be in the front and another adult/leader will follow at the end.

Are you lining up for an outdoor flag ceremony? Everyone, girls/campers and adults/leaders, line up two by two in the line. The first Buddies will lead the line into the ceremony. When the Buddy Line splits, one Buddy leads to the left, the other to the right. The lines go around the posts with the first Buddies meeting again on the far side of the circle. When the ceremony is completed, the first two Buddies will lead the line out of the circle. In theory all Buddies will meet back up but it's okay if you don't and meet a new Buddy.

TIPS

Starting off you'll need to say 'start a buddy line right here' and motion which direction they should line up. 

Buddies for an Overnight or Hike on long trails should remain the same two campers throughout. Buddies in a Buddy Line should switch each time you walk from here to there. You can make it fun by saying things like: Find a buddy you haven't been buddies with yet; Everyone on the left take one step forward and ask the girl in the front to be buddies with the girl in the back -or- the girl in the back to come to the front. 

Campfires - Tradition or Relic

The Case for Killing the Campfire

Outdoor tradition or dangerous, polluting, wasteful relic of the past?

The article discussed the dangers of potential forest fires, pollution, health problems, litter, tree damage, introduction of invasive species to new areas, and injuries. Many states have laws about transporting firewood and require permits for a campfire if allowed at all. Check local regulations. (from getpocket.com)

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas, Austin is a botanic garden dedicated to conservation of native plants in natural and designed landscapes. It has public gardens, natural areas, education and outreach programs, research projects, and does consulting work throughout Texas and surrounding region.

What to Say Instead

Stop Telling Kids to "Be Careful" and What to Say Instead (from Backwoods Mama Feb 2018)

Why and What To Do and Say Instead

• Stop
• Breathe
• Reflect
• Respond

Fostering Awareness
Try saying:

• Notice how… these rocks are slippery, the log is rotten, that branch is strong.
• Do you see… the poison ivy, your friends nearby?
• Try moving… your feet slowly, carefully, quickly, strongly.
• Try using your… hands, feet, arms, legs.
• Can you hear… the rushing water, the singing birds, the wind?
• Do you feel… stable on that rock, the heat from the fire?
• Are you feeling… scared, excited, tired, safe?

Encourage Problem Solving
Help them out by asking:

• What’s your plan… if you climb that boulder, cross that log?
• What can you use… to get across, for your adventure?
• Where will you… put that rock, climb that tree, dig that hole?
• How will you…. get down, go up, get across?
• Who will… be with you, go with you, help you if?

National Marine Sanctuaries

National Marine Sanctuaries

Our national marine sanctuaries are located in four regions: West Coast; Pacific Islands ; Northeast and Great Lakes; and Southeast. The NOAA website even includes Virtual Dives so you can explore under the sea without getting wet! There is also a Library that includes educational resources for students and teachers, games and activities, scholarships, programs and lots more.

Trees Have Social Networks too

There is an article in The New York Times - Europe, 
"German Forest Ranger finds that Trees have Social Networks too"

If you have a subscription you can find and read it.

How Camp Transforms Kids

The Science of the Magic of Camp: The Neuroscience of How Camp Transforms Kids

Child development and parenting expert, Dr. Tina Payne Bryson, shares how summers of s’mores and sunshine benefit your camper’s brain.