Tag Archives: Allenspark

Girl Scout Troops can Now Book a Hike at Meadow Mountain Ranch

Meadow Mountain Ranch is now open for Girl Scout troops to book for a day hike on the Nature Trail or the other trails on the property! The Nature Tail  is a 1.25 mile one-way trail with 21 stops along the way. The trail winds through aspen grove forests and along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks! Trail-goers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science while following along with activity guides with unique lessons or games specific to each stop on the trail. There are four activities guides and accompanying patches for each season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

The Nature Trail at MMR is available for Girl Scout troops, groups, and families to reserve for a day-only hike between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Up to two groups can book per day. All members of the group must have either a current Girl Scout membership or additional insurance for the non-members in the group must be purchased for the day by emailing insurnace@gscoloraod.org.

In accordance with COVID-19 guidelines from the Colorado Department of Health and Environment, GSCO can allow for troops to use the Nature Trail under the Outdoor Recreation sector guidelines. As long as Boulder County is in Level Yellow, groups need to be 10 people or fewer. A troop larger than 10 can still rent the Nature Trail and then divide into multiple smaller groups of 10 or fewer and have different starting times for their hike. If Boulder County moves to Level Blue, group sizes can be up to 25. Read more about GSCO COVID – 19 guidelines for in person activities.

Ready to book? Read all about the Nature Trail Patch Program and how to reserve here:  https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/MMR%20Nature%20Trail%20Flyer.pdf

Questions? Contact property.reservations@gscolorado.org.

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

2021 Women’s Week and MMR Reunion: Registration NOW Open

Submitted by Penny Roberts

Northern & Northeastern CO

Allenspark

Registration is open now for Women’s Week 2021 and the 60th Anniversary Meadow Mountain Ranch Reunion.  The dates are July 22 – 26, and the reunion’s special events will take place on Saturday, July 24.

Women’s Week has been running for several years now, with the exception, of course, of 2020, and those previous participants have been anxiously awaiting the return of the event.  As a result, Women’s Week will be sponsoring the reunion event, and activities will be integrated and coordinated throughout the weekend.

The theme for the combined event is “I Am Camp,” and many of you will remember the beloved poem which starts out “I am Camp; I am sunlight, a sheen on the water, a mist on the mountains, and stars.”  Our MMR staff alum, and artist in residence for many years, Deb Heidebrecht (“Pepper”) has created a themed graphic logo, which you will see on the flier and registration form below.  This logo will be featured on all materials as well as items for purchase during the events.

Women’s Week is open to all women ages 18 and up, and the reunion on Saturday is open to all MMR alums, families, GSCO staff, Board members, former campers, and friends.  For Women’s Week, you don’t have to be a registered Girl Scout or ever even been to camp before.  It’s a great chance to go to the high country in Colorado and have fun in the out-of-doors as a camper yourself.  The program plans itself, while all the usual activities are built in.  Hiking, singing, cooking, crafts, nature activities, tours of the area – – – the sky’s the limit.  If you have a special program to offer, please bring your materials and ideas and we will see there is a time for it.

Of course, the cuisine is one of the big attractions.  We love to cook outside over an open fire if conditions allow.  We are quite adventurous in our menu selections, while accommodating any special dietary needs.  If you remember doing Dutch oven cooking, bean hole cooking, stick cooking, or other outdoor cooking techniques, we’ll probably have it for you.  A chili cook-off or a pineapple upside down cake Dutch oven competition have been big hits in past years.

We are hoping to fill our event, while being aware during our planning that changes or restrictions might apply.  Keep your fingers crossed and register early if numbers are limited. Please contact Penny Roberts, very informal camp director, at (970) 586-1775 or email probertscolo@gmail.com if you have any questions.

2021 Women’s Week and MMR Reunion

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She was at the can send in her story here.

Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail and Patch Program: NOW OPEN for Family Reservations

The Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail is now open for Girl Scout families to book for a day hike on the nature trail or the other trails on the property!

The Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch is a 1.25 mile one-way trail with 21 stops along the way. The trail winds through aspen grove forests and along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks. Trail-goers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science while following along with activity guides with unique lessons or games specific to each stop on the trail. There are four activities guides and accompanying patches for each season: fall, winter, spring, and summer. You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

The Nature Trail at MMR is currently only available to book on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays for a day only hike between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Up to two groups can book per day. All members of the group must have either a current Girl Scout membership or additional insurance for the non-members in the group must be purchased for the day by emailing insurance@gscolorado.org.

Currently due to Colorado Department of Health limits on personal gatherings, these reservations are only available to families or no more than two households. Read more about GSCO COVID–19 guidelines for in-person activities here: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/about-girl-scouts/who-we-are/working-together-to-keep-our-community-healthy.html

Ready to book? Read all about the Nature Trail patch program and how to reserve here: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/content/dam/girlscoutsofcolorado/documents/MMR%20Nature%20Trail%20Flyer.pdf

Questions? Email property.reservations@gscolorado.org.

We want to hear how your girl is using her Girl Scout skills by taking initiative, caring for the community, and Girl Scouting at home. She can send in her story here.

The Beauty of the seasons at Meadow Mountain Ranch

Submitted by Barbara Light

Metro Denver

Aurora

It’s a new season. A perfect opportunity to do something new, something bold, something beautiful. Over the past year, in the striking backdrop of the Rocky Mountains, Cadette Troop 71 has been trekking up to Meadow Mountain Ranch and hiking the Nature Trail on the property. We completed all four seasons this past weekend and earned the connecting patch.

We stayed on the property and used the time to bond together and learn different outdoor skills. We learned a lot going through the guidebooks and gathered more information when we found ourselves curious about our learnings. We saw the beauty and struggles that each season presented on the same path. We grew closer as a team and in our own abilities. We laughed so hard we cried and helped each other when things got tricky. We have had experiences that will stay with us forever. We highly recommend if you have the chance to go, that you take it; because our biggest learning is that, just like the seasons, with change, comes growth.

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.

Celebrate Father’s Day with Girl Scouts of Colorado

Bring the whole family to Meadow Mountain Ranch on Sunday, June 16, 2019 to celebrate Father’s Day AND World Environment Day!

In partnership with the Colorado State Forest Service, Girl Scouts of Colorado is excited to offer Girl Scouts, along with their family and friends, a way to focus on and celebrate the environment. World Environment Day is a global occasion to highlight and discus the importance of environmental awareness and action. By celebrating World Environment Day, Girl Scouts honor Juliette Gordon Low’s legacy, by promoting respect and love of the great outdoors far and wide. Through Girl Scouts, girls see the Earth as their home. Whether they’re learning about endangered wildlife, developing creative recycling projects, or working toward a grade-level award, girls focus on care, conservation, and responsibility. They make sure the beauty and wonder of our planet endure for future generations to enjoy.

From 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., girls, along with their friends and family, will have the opportunity to participate in several activities across the camp property. The event is open-house style and you’re welcome to come for the whole event, or part of it, and participate in whichever activities interest you. Activities include:

  • Activities from the Global Action Days Toolkit
  •  A hands-on activity from our awesome partner, the Colorado State Forest Service
  • A chance to meet with a Girl Scout alum about her career in forestry/environmental science and experiences as a wildland firefighter
  • Conservation related service projects on the property
  • Walk the MMR Nature Trail and earn your patch (patches for sale via GSCO Retail Shop)
  • S’mores station
  • Displays from the GSCO Global Action Committee & History Committee

You are welcome to bring a sack lunch and/or snacks for the day.

You can also pick up your FREE Global Action Days patch at this event. You have earned the Global Action Days patch by celebrating three of the Global Action Days during the year by completing at least one activity from the toolkit for each day. Because World Thinking Day has its own award, it cannot be used to earn the Global Action Days patch. You may use this World Environment day toward the patch requirements.

RSVP online by June 11: https://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/en/events-repository/2019/world_environment_da.html The RSVP will also ask how many Global Action Days patches you’ll be picking up that day. If you do not RSVP in advance, we cannot guarantee a patch for you that day.

This is not a drop off event. All girls must attend with a parent, guardian, or troop leader. Adult-to-girl ratios must be met. Girls attending with a troop leader should bring a completed parent permission form for a Girl Scout activity, which her troop leader should retain in case of emergency.

Questions? Email aimee.artzer@gscolorado.org

40963104_2019_world_environment_day

Meadow Mountain Ranch Nature Trail: Now open for troops without property reservation

You asked, and we listened! The nature trail at Meadow Mountain Ranch will now be available for troops to use without a property reservation, and troops will be able to go to Meadow Mountain Ranch for the day and hike the trail.

Troops will be able to request a date or dates that they would like to hike the trail up to six months in advance by going to https://gscolorado.formstack.com/forms/mmr_nature_trail_request. Requests will be considered based on the availability of the property and if any other requests have been received. Requests are not guaranteed, and will be considered on a first come, first-served basis.

If a request is approved, troops will be charged $10 for use of the trail, which will go to the upkeep of Meadow Mountain Ranch and the Nature Trail.

If a troop or service unit has reserved the full property, they will have full access to the nature trail without an additional charge.

What is the Nature Tail at Meadow Mountain Ranch?

It’s a one-way 21-stop guided journey along the north lateral moraine up to the top of Vista Spur with its nearly circular panoramas of high mountain peaks.  Trailgoers experience history, geology, biology, math, and science, along a seasonal journey.  You will learn about plants, flowers, animals, rocks, trees – all with a view!

What’s the best way to enjoy the Nature Trail?

Plan on two – four hours for maximum immersion and to accommodate all experience levels. Pick up a seasonal guide book and reference materials from Homestead House. Start the trail at the wooden kiosk on the right side of the main road west of the Lodge across from Nature Nook and end the trail at the C.I.T. House to the east of main camp.  Plan for uphill and flat sections.  The goal is to complete as many activities as possible. Use a guide book for each season and stop at each numbered post for information and activities.

Helpful hints:

  • Groups of eight-ten are ideal, so everyone can see and hear at each station.
  • Wear comfortable, camp-appropriate shoes.
  • Bring water and snacks and day pack to hold your stuff.
  • There are benches to sit on about half way up and at the top of Vista Spur.
  • A walking stick is helpful and winter boots or snowshoes are needed in winter.
  • Watch for sudden weather changes; think you’ll need a raincoat?  Maybe!

What about the patches?

The complete patch set is a five-segment, 4” square colorful seasonal collection.  Anyone can purchase the central circle patch to show your pride in MMR, but you must complete a seasonal series of activities to earn any of the other four segments. You’ll need to hike the trail and complete that season’s activities from the guide books.  Each segment costs $1.50 and patches are available for purchase in the GSCO Retail Shop.

Meadow Mountain Ranch self-guided tour and patch program

Submitted by Penny Roberts

Northern & Northeastern CO

Estes Park

Meadow Mountain Ranch (MMR) near Allenspark is launching a new patch program to be used in connection with the Self-Guided Nature Trail. A one-way, 21-stop trail through the high country Girl Scout camp gives individuals and groups a chance to explore the natural world and earn beautiful new patches to be placed in a colorful four-season display.

Here’s how it works. There is a guidebook for each season of the year.  Plan on spending at least two hours or more to complete the program on the trail. Right now, we are rapidly approaching the fall season, so pick up that fall pamphlet. Then, go down the main road to the west of the main camp area to the wooden kiosk on the right side of the road near the Nature Nook/Lyra Activity Shelter. Groups must have a property reservation to use the nature trail, and nature trail booklets are available on-site when groups check in for their reservation.

The trail takes you up the hill and through the aspen groves and pines up to a level stretch, and then a cut-off takes you up to Vista Spur at the top of the ridge on the north boundary of the camp property.  Stop at each numbered wooden post and read in the book to see what the focus of that stop is. There are things to see, smell, study closely, and generally immerse yourself in the natural world. The more time you have to experience everything the Nature Trail has to offer, the more you will come to learn about the history, biology, geology, math, and science of all kinds at the camp. Animals and plants, trees and flowers, rocks and grass, mountains peaks and valleys, stories, and songs are all highlighted. There are even some recipes for great snacks to create!

So, once you’ve completed the trail, you will be eligible to purchase that season’s quarter patch which can surround the circle patch in the center of the group. Anyone can purchase the center circle patch, just because you love MMR and like the whole idea of the Self-Guided Nature Trail. Patch pieces cost $1.50 each, for a total cost of $7.50 per complete set, and are available for purchase at the GSCO Retail Shop.

The idea is to come to MMR, walk the trail in all four seasons of the year, and expand your horizons with every experience. Time required runs from two to four hours and it’s recommended that groups of 10-12 or less would be optimum for all participants to enjoy each stop. Be prepared with a water bottle, season-appropriate clothing such as raincoat in the summer and warm jackets in the winter. Snowshoes might be needed in deep winter in those heavy drifts. Good shoes or boots are highly recommended and walking sticks might be good too. A snack is also a good idea so you don’t run out of energy before you finish the trail.

For further information, contact Penny Roberts or other trail creators or David and Julie Fischer, property managers at MMR.  Come join the fun!

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.

Rocky Mountain Horse Expo: Youth horse experience

Submitted by Julie Fischer

Northern & Northeastern CO

Allenspark

Are you interested in learning about horses, new to horses, never ridden or have ridden some, earning a new badge, or just love horses? Join us for hands-on horse activities, learning stations, a scavenger hunt, and horseback riding at the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo (RMHE).

Girl Scout Juniors can also complete requirements towards the Horseback Riding badge. Take home a fun, fact filled horse workbook plus handouts and giveaways from the Rocky Mountain Horse Expo.

Explore the many other activities at the Expo (www.rockymountainhorseexpo.com) including the “Mane Event”
There is also a special session for Girl Scouts who have never ridden before. Please contact us for more information.

Date: Saturday, March 10, 2018 from 9 a.m.-noon and 1-4:30 p.m.

Location: National Western Event Center

Costs and Registration:

□ Registration: $40 for the Youth Horse Experience, admission into RMHE for 1 girl and 1 adult, and 2 tickets to the Mane Event.

□ Extra tickets for Expo and Mane Event are $10 with combo pricing.

Registration: https://www.coloradohorsecouncil.com/rmhe/

Other activities and Events
Horse breeds scavenger hunt – this scavenger hunt will take you around the Expo to learn about famous breeds of horses from around the world as well as horse feed and nutrition.
Equine Art in the Park -Gallery – tour the art gallery to view top horse and cowboy artists from across the United States.
Other riding disciplines to learn about could include Vaulting, PoloCross, outfitting/packing, etc. Other industry professionals to learn about could include veterinarian, farrier, etc.
The “Mane Event”: Finish the Day with a magical evening performance with nearly 100 horses dancing, spinning, leaping and showing us what remarkable creatures they are, along with many more family friendly activities.

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments, too.

Girl Scouts learn camping skills at MMR Core Camps

Submitted by Penny Roberts

Northern & Northeastern CO

Allenspark

Volunteer-run core camps at Meadow Mountain Ranch this past summer enticed almost 200 girls to the Colorado high country to hike, cook out, sing, do crafts, archery, kapers, and generally, get a really broad sampling of what Girl Scout Camp is all about.  The two-night Core Camp (CC for short) gave less experienced troops a quick overview of a variety of program offerings and expert volunteers were there to take the lead in making that program a success.  Leaders did not need to worry about planning or scheduling, organizing or executing parts of camp program they might not be quite as knowledgeable about.  Most of the volunteer staff had been camp counselors or camp directors before, even as far back as the 1960s.  They were truly excited to share their favorite things of camp to new girls and leaders.  Included in the short time at camp were archery, outdoor skills, crafts, hiking, cookouts, campfires, nature activities, kapers (camp chores), ceremonies, etc.  Add into organized sessions was plenty of free time to hang out with troop friends (“me time”), make new friends, sleep in the tabins in the units, and enjoy the beauty and mountain environment of one of the most beautiful Girl Scouts camps anywhere.

Core Camp 2, a three-night camp, offered more time for more fun.  This year a pilot program of beginning backpacking skills was offered, and a good group of girls had a mini-trip to the back meadow with packs to see what great adventures might await when we get away from main camp.  Extended craft sessions, a little more time for organizing and preparing for the cookout, and night-time activities were offered.  The same volunteer staff members were on tap to help girls and leaders have even more fun, and certainly the goal is to have more girls come for three nights next year.

Highlights of Core Camps included “Art in the Park,” a nature immersion session, where girls and leaders were able to draw or paint out in the woods their personal interpretations of the beauty of nature and then display their works in a fresh-air art gallery where they shared with the visitors the spirit behind their masterpieces. Of course, they get to take their art works home with them.  The “Partner Scavenger Hunt” allowed pairs of girls and adults an extended time outdoors finding things, writing poetry, creating musical instruments from things in nature and also sharing their favorite experiences with the whole group.

Crafts in the Paint Pot activity shelter included various selected offerings such as beadwork, memory boxes, dream catchers and more.

The outdoor skills program offerings allowed girls experiences with knot tying, fire building, lashing, orienteering, plant identification and more.  A lot was crammed into these sessions, but the very experienced volunteers sparked a lot of interest and enthusiasm.

There was a “Meadow Meander” which allowed a couple of groups a special opportunity to immerse themselves in the tall, tall grass in the middle meadow and take a closer look at the flowers, bugs, leaves, trees and just lie quietly and take it all in.  “What’s that?” “What kind of flower is that?” “Why does this look like thisl?” “Where did that come from?” Exploration and satisfaction abounded, and allowed for some fabulous photo ops, too, to allow us to share the moment and make memories to last a lifetime.

The archery area was busy all day with rotations of all the girls and leaders, led by experienced staff members who gave instructions and made sure that what might be a new activity for some would prove to be a complete success for everyone, adults included!

The dates are already set for our volunteer-run Core Camps for summer, 2018.  See the listings in the camp brochure, and save the dates as follows: 

CC1:  July 20 – 22 (two nights)

CC2:  July 27 – 30 (three nights)

For information or to make registrations contact Linda Robinson, registrar, at meadowmountaincorecamp@gmail.com.

Unforgettable Mountain Meadow Ranch

Submitted by Claire J. and Anna L.

Northern & Northeastern CO

Longmont

We spent two days and one night at Mountain Meadow Ranch in July 2017 for “Core Camp I.” Our troop had 19 Girl Scout Brownies and Juniors, plus many moms to sleep overnight in the tabins. We used a portion of our cookie profits to help pay for this camp, and it was just a short one-hour’s drive to Allenspark, which borders Rocky Mountain National Park.

“We did archery, hiking, chores, and arts and crafts. I liked that we did a lot of hiking. One hike was to Hercules, the tree that used to be the biggest one in RMNP. The other hike was to the top of the hill that MMR is on. It was at 6:15 in the morning! This is one activity I enjoyed at MMR camp!”

“I liked it all but, my favorite was arts and crafts. We made necklaces, weaved baskets and painted. I loved MMR camp!”

This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too.