Helping Out!

It’s a big weekend at Boxwell this weekend.  Round Tuit and Beaver Days are both happening this weekend, which means there will be a lot of hands on deck to help get Boxwell ready for summer camp.

Our Junior Ranger is ready to help too!  Gertie has been collecting downed branches, limbs, and all sorts of wooden debris.  She’s been making a big burn pile behind the compound.  Junior Ranger Gertie is going to make sure camp is ready to go!

Gertie’s burn pile behind the compound, April 2026.

A Little Hide-and-Seek

Here’s something you may not know: Gertie has a playful streak.  She enjoys games and can be a little devilish sometimes with the things she gets into.  More than once, our Junior Ranger was involved in some pranks. She likes to play!

Here, Gertie is playing a game of hide-and-seek at Duck Head on a spring afternoon.  She thinks she has a good hiding spot.  What you do you think?

Gertie hiding on Duck Head, April 2026.

Meeting the People

One of the most important jobs of a ranger is meeting with the people.  This is a part of the job that Gertie absolutely loves.  She enjoys meeting with all types of Scouts and leaders.  From Cubs to Scouts BSA to Explorers to leaders of all stripes, Gertie is thrilled to pause whatever she is doing and hang out for a few minutes.

Here Gertie stops to meet and strike a pose with some Cub Scouts and their leaders camping at the Percy Dempsey Camporee area.  With the sun starting to set, this is a great way for our girl to end the day!

Gertie with Cubs at Dempsey, March 2026. Photo by Justin Duke.

Visiting Home

When Gertie worked on staff in the late 80s and 1990s, Craig and Parnell were her home.  But Parnell has changed a bit since the last time Gertie travelled these loops!

We see our Junior Ranger cautiously checking out Parnell dining hall and assembly area. Where are the stacks of mattresses?  Why are there computers in there?

Gertie at Parnell Dining Hall

Roaming… or Helping?

The problem with Junior Rangers is that you’re never really sure what they’re doing!  Here’s Gertie in the lower field below Stahlman and the OA Lodge, but what is she doing?  Is she just rollicking or is she helping to lead out that other truck?

Regardless, she is clearly having a good time at Boxwell!

Gertie in the field below Stahlman and the OA lodge