Girl Scout carnival kicks off registration

CARTHAGE— While most girls don't become a Girl Scout until at least age 5, Coreena L. Wareham, 15, Carthage, joined practically at birth.

"When she was only 4 or 5 months old, she was in a backpack on my back at Girl Scout camp," said Coreena's grandmother, Patricia J. O'Neil, former Girl Scout and troop leader, during the Girl Scout registration day carnival Sunday.

While volunteering at the festival, Coreena painted faces and talked to young girls who just joined. The senior scout said she loves what the organization taught her.

"It's very character building," she said. "It's fun, and you get to meet new people."

Her favorite parts are the camping trips and helping the younger girls.

"It's is also good for college," Coreena said. "They can see all the community service you did, and it shows you're a good person."

For Coreena, being a scout was never a choice, it was a part of her life. She followed in the footsteps of her mother and grandmother.

"I've been in the scouts for about 42 years," said Mrs. O'Neil, who began as a Brownie and is now the leader of Coreena's troop. "I enjoyed it as a girl, and when my daughter was old enough, I volunteered as a leader and I just never left."

Mrs. O'Neil said growing up as a scout helped her develop better social skills and taught her how to be a leader. She is looking forward to another year, taking her troop backpacking, camping and kayaking, and working with other troops in the area.

"That's what it's all about," Mrs. O'Neil said. "That's what makes it fun."

Kris L. Faunce, neighborhood chairwoman for troops in Carthage, West Carthage, Copenhagen, Natural Bridge, Black River and Fort Drum, said Sunday's carnival is the annual registration kickoff.

"Girls for all levels, Daisy's through ambassadors, sign up here," she said.

Each troop leader was asked to run a carnival booth event. Activities included a bounce house, ring toss, fishing for magnets, golfing and other games. Girls and their families purchased tickets to play the games after signing up for the new season.

"Girl Scouts teaches girls to be independent, to work as a team," Mrs. Faunce said. "It's an opportunity to do new things, like camping."

The neighborhood chairwoman said she is expecting about 175 girls to join this year. Any girl, ages 5 to 18, who was not able to attend but would like to join can contact the Watertown Girl Scout office at 782-1890. For more information, visit the scout's Web site, www.girlscouts.org.