CH Memories - Alicia S. Naab

I spent many long summer weekends at Camp Crowell Hilaka (as it was known when I went). I remember looking forward to them for weeks in advance and planning and preparing for the trip with my girl scout troop. I have very vivid memories of packing my things and driving to the camp with my father. I recall working hard and learning how to camp with my troop leader. Most of all I remember sharing special games, songs and adventures with my fellow campers.

I believe that these camp experiences helped form my personality and adult life in more ways than I can express. I enjoy camping to this day. I am now a Librarian in Cleveland and I appreciate turn of the century architecture to a great extent. I own a century home and am working to restore it.   When I visit any park or public space now, I ALWAYS pick up a piece of trash, move a stick from a pathway, make sure there is tissue in the bathroom, etc because I learned to do this in Girl Scouts. We were given a lot of rules (but also had a lot of fun) when we camped and one of the major ones was to always leave the area in better condition than when you arrived.

That will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Special Memories
Bouncing around in the dance all with my friends, as a special treat. Learning about the history of the building and grounds as the Kirby family estate.

Learning about Julia Crowell and how she helped the Girl Scouts.

Hearing stories from my friends who had also visited Camp Margaret Bates.

Earning patches for my Girl Scout uniform.

Cleaning the bathrooms in Kirby Hall.

Wandering around the grounds with my friends in a safe and naturally beautiful environment.

Sleeping in the tall platform tents after spending time around the fire