“Of course,” added Kathleen heartily, “Scouts aren’t softies.”
“I knew you’d feel that way about it,” Miss Ward said, pleased by the willingness of the girls to accept inconvenience. “Miss Lubell is taking me in with her, so that will make only six for the tent.”
After registration had been completed, the girls were shown to their temporary quarters. They stowed their dunnage, spread their blankets and changed into informal camp clothes. Carefully reading the rules posted on a bulletin board, they learned that they would have only a half hour until the evening meal would be served.
“Let’s see the beach at least,” Virginia proposed. “We have a few minutes free time.”
A walk led down a gentle slope to Morning Glory Lake, a deep bowl of deep blue, edged with a ruffle of green forest. The beach had been cleared of stones and sticks, extending for a long distance. There was a roped off area for safe swimming, as well as a dock to which were tied a sailboat and two rowboats.
Judy bent down to test the water with her finger. “Cold,” she reported with a laugh. “It’s just as well, I guess, because otherwise, I’d be tempted to leap in, clothes and all!”
The girls of Beaver Patrol met the waterfront director, their unit leader and several counselors. Members of other patrols and troops came by to chat and to provide scraps of information relative to camp routine.
Several of the Beaver Patrol girls were inspecting the outdoor ovens when the unit leader approached the group.
“I’m looking for Judy Grant,” she said.
“Here I am,” Judy said, separating herself from the other girls. She could not guess why she had been singled out for attention.