An annual spring tradition that my daughter and I participate in is the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Girls Go the Distance 2-mile Walk-a-thon at Old Bethpage Village Restoration. This event is more than a walk-a-thon. Each girl who participates receives a lovely patch designed by a fellow girl scout along with a t-shirt. Tables manned by various groups offer fun crafts and activities. There are even a few shops offering girl scout items for sale. Lunch and lots of water are also provided.
The best part of the walk-a-thon is walking as a team or as individuals through the lovely grounds of Old Bethpage Village Restoration, an historical tourist attraction with period buildings and farms from the 19th century. Guides who volunteer here wear old-fashioned costumes and are always happy to give impromptu tours, demonstrations, and history lessons.
Every year we’ve participated, luck along with the sun, has shined on this event. This year, April 17th, was no exception. The weather was perfect with bright sunshine and temperatures in the mid to high 60’s. My daughter, a Cadette, had invited a non-girl scout friend to join us. Her friend was considered a tagalong which is a term girl scouts use for siblings and friends of girl scouts who attend an event along with the girl scout. Both young ladies were excited about a new addition to the walk-a-thon this year — a scavenger hunt throughout the village.
The day began with an opening address at 10 a.m. after we checked in that included some music and dancing to get everyone in an active mood. All proceeds from the event go toward supporting the Girl Scouts of Nassau County’s Healthy Living Initiatives.
The walk-a-thon and scavenger hunt began at 10:30. We joined the crowd following a map we’d received showing where each building was located that contained information to help solve the quote on the back page of the Scavenger Hunt Guide. The clues involved letters, some of which had to be decoded using a key found in the guide. When all the buildings were visited and the letters placed in the proper spots, the quote was revealed. The final part of the hunt was to use modern technology to find out who had used the quote first. My daughter Googled the answer with my cell phone, and she and her friend both earned the prize patch for solving the scavenger hunt.
Afterwards, we spent some time at the activity fair stands where local organizations provided information on their services and offerings and there were a variety of arts and crafts tables. There was face painting at the Garvies Point Museum stand that also had a nice flyer for spring break events. The three of us took the smelly challenge at the Old Westbury Gardens table trying to sniff out the identity of the three plants located there. I guessed two of them, but my daughter and her friend guessed all three. We all received “I’m so Nosey” temporary tattoos.
We wrapped up the day by having lunch with the healthy food provided and served by volunteers. My daughter and her friend ate their salads, bread sticks, and fruit under a tree like a picnic, and I sat on a nearby bench with my peanut butter and jelly sandwich and banana.
We were all a little tired when the event ended but had enjoyed the beautiful day and the fun activities. We are looking forward to attending again next year
Ruff Drafts 