Girl Scouts return to Camp Is-Sho-Da in East Greenbush after year apart

EAST GREENBUSH – After more than a year, the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York are back for summer camp fun at Camp Is-Sho-Da.

For 13-year-old Mackenzie, it isn’t the activities like archery or swimming that make camp Is-Sho-Da special.

"All the activities are fun by themselves, but it is even better when you are all together and doing them together," Mackenzie Kelly explained.

After a tough year apart, she’s thrilled to reunite with friends.

"It felt like the world was kind of ending," she said. "It was sad because I missed everyone."

However, camp will look different this year. There won’t be overnights, masks will be required when social distancing isn’t an option and there will be fewer girls.

"On the forefront of our minds is girl safety and girl experience," said Brenda Episcopo, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York.

The campers don’t seem to mind the changes.

"I am just excited to be here, mask or not," Mackenzie said.

The staff members say they are dedicated to making it a summer to remember.

"I think last year we were all going a little crazy over the summer, I know I was. I think it’s just important to show that we are getting back in the swing of things," said Maddie Cloutier, camp director at Camp Is-Sho-Da. "I think it is so important for them to see each other and have that camp experience where they have that bond."