Summer Badge Camp introduces young women to local leaders

Weeklong camp organized & led by Scouts from Carmel High School

Girl Scout Troop 1887 from Carmel High School welcomed girls from across Hamilton County to its second annual Summer Badge Camp at the Carmel Lions Club, where campers spent a week earning badges, making new friends, and learning from community leaders and professionals.

Throughout the week, campers earned five Girl Scout badges in Animals, First Aid, Arts & Crafts, Healthy Living, and Entrepreneurship through hands-on activities designed and led by members of Troop 1887. The camp was open to all girls, regardless of whether they were enrolled in Girl Scouts.

While the camp serves as a fundraiser for the troop’s Gold Award projects – the highest achievement in Girl Scouting – it also fills an important need by providing an affordable, local camp experience for families who may not be able to attend a traditional Girl Scout resident camp outside the immediate area.

Carmel Firefighter Bruce Frost teaches the girls how to perform CPR. (Photo provided)

“Our older girls gain invaluable leadership experience by planning and running every aspect of the camp,” said Troop Leader Tammy Sander. “At the same time, we’re able to introduce younger girls to everything that makes Girl Scouting so special. It’s rewarding to see friendships form, confidence grow, and campers discover new interests throughout the week.”

Campers had the opportunity to learn from several special guests. They met two K-9 teams from the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, visited with Hamilton County 911 dispatchers, toured the Carmel Fire Department’s Safety House, and met both a Paralympian and a professional ballerina.

Campers, counselors, and Carmel Firefighters at the S.A.F.E. House. (Photo provided)

“One of the best parts of camp is bringing in people from our community who inspire the girls to dream big,” said Senior Girl Scout Emily Kennedy. “Every visitor showed them a different way they can serve others, work hard, and make a difference.”

Plans are already underway for next year’s Summer Badge Camp, which will be held July 12-16, 2027, at the Carmel Lions Club. Registration will open in January.

Girl Scout Troop 1887 comprises (standing, from left) Charlotte McCool, Emily Kennedy, Roxy Stock, Rivee Eilenberg, and Troop Leader Tammy Sander; (seated, from left) Maren Sander and Adreena Jabel. (Photo provided)