Girls feel power of Scouting with own strength

The Girl Scouts who assembled for indoor rock climbing at Southeast Missouri State University's recreation center Saturday found strength in numbers, and at least one got a boost up the 30-foot wall from the thought of lunch.

"I sometimes get scared when I'm getting toward the top of the wall, but I wouldn't even think of coming down," said Cayleigh Bolton of Cape Girardeau. "My friends cheer me on saying 'pizza, pizza' because that's what's next when we finish here."

Finishing the climb also held the reward of ringing the top bell, causing hoots and cheers from fellow Girls Scouts, moms and leaders.

It was a part of "Girl Power," an event sponsored by the Girl Scouts Otahki Council that taught gymnastics, self-defense and rock climbing. Ninety-six Scouts participated, and 33 mothers attended. Troops from Jackson, Cape Girardeau, Leopold, Benton, Scott City, Williamsville, Mo., and Anna, Ill., were represented -- 28 in all.

It was a powerful first effort.

"We had to turn away probably 40 girls who wanted to rock climb due to lack of time," said Sara Scheper, a Girls Scout council staff member. "It's the first time we collaborated with the university, and it was so successful we will probably hold it again next year."

Help from the university included use of the facilities, instruction from university gymnastics team coaches and athletes and recreation center staff and Climbing Club members. Girl Scouts later watched the gymnastic team perform in a meet on campus.

Besides rope climbing, the girls balanced on a beam at two heights, tuck-jumped, straddle jumped and made full turns before landing in a foam block pit. They moved across parallel bars and swung on rings.

Doug Johnson taught self-defense at the event. He has been a women's self-defense instructor for 25 years. Johnson focused on escape, counterattack and delay attack methods.

Jackson resident Leesa Eddy, who had come to "Girl Power" with her daughter, learned a few moves just by watching.

"One thing he emphasized when you're defending yourself was do it like you mean it," Eddy said. "Counterattacks should be delivered with confidence, without fear of hurting the attacker."

Cindy Lowes, leader of Troop 253 in Cape Girardeau, said the lessons are timely.

"We're more aware today that self-defense is needed," she said. "Things were hushed up when I was a girl. People didn't talk about certain things. One thing I believe is that Girl Scouting teaches them to be more confident."

cpagano@semissourian.com

335-6611, extension 133