GIRL SCOUTS DISCOVER THE ARTS

Deep in the woods of Camp Sacajewea, 120 girls sit around learning to play the cello, violin and bass. This isn't your ordinary Girl Scout camp; this camp is the "Festival of the Arts."

The Cape Girardeau girls, who are between the ages of 4 and 14, are participating in the Otahki Girl Scout Council's Day Camp. During the camp they sing, dance, and learn to make crafts, including puppets and marionettes. Their week will end with a talent show, in which they display the arts they have learned.

"This year the camp is more creative," said Kirsten Werne, 17, who is trying to earn her Gold Award by directing the camp. "Most camps involve the basic stuff like hiking and cooking, but we wanted to give the girls something more. They still do the traditional camp things, but this makes it more special."

The day begins with a formal flag ceremony. And throughout the day each individual unit, lead by volunteer mothers, is on its own until 3 p.m., when the girls perform the closing flag ceremony.

The younger girls, the Daisies and Brownies, participated in the camp from Monday to Thursday. The Junior Girl Scouts camped overnight Thursday and will finish their camp today. The Cadets are on their own for most of the week, training to be camp leaders.

"The girls always look forward to being a junior so they can spend the night," said Pat Werne, who is directing the camp with her daughter. "They pitch tents, make a bonfire and pop popcorn. This is the highlight of the week for them."

During the camp some of the girls are earning badges for their work, but they are also having a lot of fun.

"I've met pretty many new friends," said Ashley Steck, a Brownie. "It's been a lot of fun, especially cooking spaghetti on the fire."

But along with the fun comes hard work. The girls have to take turns during the week cleaning the latrine. "That's the worst part of it all," said Jennifer Morris, a Brownie.

On Wednesday rain fell upon Camp Sacajewea, but it didn't dampen their spirits. Some of the girls even said that trying to cook in the downpour was the most fun they had all week.

In spite of the rain, the girls and the directors had fun and learned a lot from each other.

"It's been great getting in touch with the younger girls," said Kirsten Werne. "It shows you how much you don't really know. But this has been a great experience, and I think everyone, including me, had a lot of fun."