MEMORIES: MALLORY WHITTEN (2003 - 2006)

I stayed at Hilaka three different times as a Girl Scout from the ages of 9 to about 12. My mother was a troop leader along with another Girl Scout's mom. I remember my mother being very good at starting fires for us to make s'mores in behind the Coach House. We did a high ropes course, horseback riding, kayaking, swimming and tie dying all within a few days here. At the time, even as a kid, I knew this was a special place and I was so lucky to be a Girl Scout. I remember for World Friendship Day one year, all the troops staying at Hilaka came up with performances to share with each other behind the Amity House. I remember this was my first experience camping with all women and how exciting it was to make so many friends. I also camped here with my younger sister's troop to help. We stayed in the platform structures, and one of the girl's in mine started crying because a raccoon was under ours. She ended up having to leave in the middle of the night and I felt scared after but had to play it cool! I also remember one of my troop-mates sneaking out of the coach house to use the emergency phone to call her boyfriend at 10 years old! I vaguely remember stumbling upon a cemetery plot near one of our houses that we stayed in and we all thought it was spooky!

Troop 968
I stayed here with my troop twice and my little sister's troop once. Each time, the nature and friendship made me feel expansive and hopeful, giddy and alive.

I miss that these memories are so innocent and so ridden with uncontrollable laughter, but I also miss these things and hope for more of them. I miss being around so many women who want to learn, relate, and share in nature!

I have a sentimental spot in my heart for this place, as it was my favorite part of my childhood. The water is beautiful, and today while visiting a butterfly landed on my hand.

Memory #1
World Friendship Day Performances

Memory #2
Horseback Riding

Memory #3
High Ropes Course

Word #1
Friendship

Word #2
Laughing

Word #3
Expansive