Mountaindale A-Z
The following is a camp glossary of the different terms, acronyms, camp geography, and general Mountaindale lingo that we use at camp.
ADIRONDACKS
The campsite located halfway up the hill, where the PAITs unit is located.
BIFFY
An outhouse. The acronym "BIFFY" stands for Bathroom In the Forest For You. There are several BIFFYs for campers to use throughout the camp. Each camper unit is assigned the responsibility of maintaining (and decorating) a BIFFY. At the end of each day, the Supplies PAs give out a "Spiffy Biffy" award to the unit with the cleanest/best decorated BIFFY.
CAMP NAME
This is a name that campers, PAs, and adults choose to be called by during the week of camp.
CAMPSITE
Small clearings in the woods along the trails. Each unit is assigned to a specific campsite to use as their "home base" for the week.
CHALLENGE HILL
The name of the hill (and trail) that loops up one side of the mountain (by Nature and Archery) and down the other (by Adirondacks).
CORE STAFF
Team of adult volunteers who plan and manage the camp program.
COUNCIL FIRE
The site past Rafters with a fire pit, a stage, and a seating area. This is where we host the storyteller and skits during the Thursday sleepover.
FIRST AID STATION / HEALTH ADVISORS
Located outside Marilyn's by the stairs, this area is set up for receiving first aid by the health advisors.
FLAG
Program at the beginning and end of the camp day. Includes a flag ceremony, skits, and songs led by the PAs. Also refers to the seating area and stage near the flag pole (as in, "Let's meet at flag.")
FLAG CEREMONY
Ceremony performed by a camp unit to raise the flag (flag up - am) and retire the flag (flag down - pm).
GAGA BALL PIT
Round, fenced pit outside Marilyn's where the Widgets unit is located.
GOLDEN PA
A Program Aide (usually a rising high school senior) who is in her final year at camp as a camper.
GIMP
Plastic lacing used to make keychains, dongles and lanyards. A popular craft at camp. Gimp stations are located outside Marilyn's and at Supplies.
KAPER CHART
A list of chores to be performed by individuals or a unit. The chores themselves are called kapers.
MAILBOXES
Hanging pockets inside Marilyn's where units receive paperwork, attendance sheet, etc.
MARILYN'S
The main log cabin in the meadow. Also location of indoor restrooms—to be used by adults and Widgets (preschoolers) ONLY.
MEADOW
Large grassy area in front of Marilyn's. The only place in camp where running is allowed.
MUGWUMP
Sock creatures that play hide and seek in the units during the daytime. If you are the lucky unit with one of them at the end of the day, you get to sing "Squirrely" at flag down.
PA (Program Aide)
Oldest campers in charge of planning and leading unit activities.
PAIT'S
Program Aides in Training. Girls entering the 7th grade and higher who are in the unit that is training them to be PA's.
PAVY'S
The enclosed building behind Flag.
QUIET SIGN
The Girl Scout three-finger sign that signals everyone to stop talking.
RAFTERS
Three sided building (near supplies) where Arts & Crafts and outdoor cooking are located.
RANGER
Person hired by GSOSW to maintain the camp property.
SIT-UPONS
Waterproof or water-resistant pad to sit on. Can be made from a variety of materials.
SUPPLY SHED
Most camp supplies are stored here. Examples of items: shovels, brooms, housekeeping items, unit support items (knifes, compasses, etc.)
"SQUIRRELY"
Song that camper units sing at flag down if they are left with a Mugwump at the end of the camp day.
S.W.A.P.S.
Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Handcrafted charms on a safety pin made to exchange with other campers, PAs and volunteers.
UNITS
Group of campers, adult unit leaders and program aides, divided by camper level and badgework.
UNIT LEADERS
The adult volunteers in charge of each unit.
WALKIE
Two-way radio (or walkie-talkie) that PAs and adults use to communicate throughout the camp.
WASH STATION
Water jug, pail, critter stick and soap kit placed outside of each BIFFY.
WIDGETS
Preschool unit ages of three to five (volunteer children only). Located near the Gaga Ball pit.
ADIRONDACKS
The campsite located halfway up the hill, where the PAITs unit is located.
BIFFY
An outhouse. The acronym "BIFFY" stands for Bathroom In the Forest For You. There are several BIFFYs for campers to use throughout the camp. Each camper unit is assigned the responsibility of maintaining (and decorating) a BIFFY. At the end of each day, the Supplies PAs give out a "Spiffy Biffy" award to the unit with the cleanest/best decorated BIFFY.
CAMP NAME
This is a name that campers, PAs, and adults choose to be called by during the week of camp.
CAMPSITE
Small clearings in the woods along the trails. Each unit is assigned to a specific campsite to use as their "home base" for the week.
CHALLENGE HILL
The name of the hill (and trail) that loops up one side of the mountain (by Nature and Archery) and down the other (by Adirondacks).
CORE STAFF
Team of adult volunteers who plan and manage the camp program.
COUNCIL FIRE
The site past Rafters with a fire pit, a stage, and a seating area. This is where we host the storyteller and skits during the Thursday sleepover.
FIRST AID STATION / HEALTH ADVISORS
Located outside Marilyn's by the stairs, this area is set up for receiving first aid by the health advisors.
FLAG
Program at the beginning and end of the camp day. Includes a flag ceremony, skits, and songs led by the PAs. Also refers to the seating area and stage near the flag pole (as in, "Let's meet at flag.")
FLAG CEREMONY
Ceremony performed by a camp unit to raise the flag (flag up - am) and retire the flag (flag down - pm).
GAGA BALL PIT
Round, fenced pit outside Marilyn's where the Widgets unit is located.
GOLDEN PA
A Program Aide (usually a rising high school senior) who is in her final year at camp as a camper.
GIMP
Plastic lacing used to make keychains, dongles and lanyards. A popular craft at camp. Gimp stations are located outside Marilyn's and at Supplies.
KAPER CHART
A list of chores to be performed by individuals or a unit. The chores themselves are called kapers.
MAILBOXES
Hanging pockets inside Marilyn's where units receive paperwork, attendance sheet, etc.
MARILYN'S
The main log cabin in the meadow. Also location of indoor restrooms—to be used by adults and Widgets (preschoolers) ONLY.
MEADOW
Large grassy area in front of Marilyn's. The only place in camp where running is allowed.
MUGWUMP
Sock creatures that play hide and seek in the units during the daytime. If you are the lucky unit with one of them at the end of the day, you get to sing "Squirrely" at flag down.
PA (Program Aide)
Oldest campers in charge of planning and leading unit activities.
PAIT'S
Program Aides in Training. Girls entering the 7th grade and higher who are in the unit that is training them to be PA's.
PAVY'S
The enclosed building behind Flag.
QUIET SIGN
The Girl Scout three-finger sign that signals everyone to stop talking.
RAFTERS
Three sided building (near supplies) where Arts & Crafts and outdoor cooking are located.
RANGER
Person hired by GSOSW to maintain the camp property.
SIT-UPONS
Waterproof or water-resistant pad to sit on. Can be made from a variety of materials.
SUPPLY SHED
Most camp supplies are stored here. Examples of items: shovels, brooms, housekeeping items, unit support items (knifes, compasses, etc.)
"SQUIRRELY"
Song that camper units sing at flag down if they are left with a Mugwump at the end of the camp day.
S.W.A.P.S.
Special Whatchamacallit Affectionately Pinned Somewhere. Handcrafted charms on a safety pin made to exchange with other campers, PAs and volunteers.
UNITS
Group of campers, adult unit leaders and program aides, divided by camper level and badgework.
UNIT LEADERS
The adult volunteers in charge of each unit.
WALKIE
Two-way radio (or walkie-talkie) that PAs and adults use to communicate throughout the camp.
WASH STATION
Water jug, pail, critter stick and soap kit placed outside of each BIFFY.
WIDGETS
Preschool unit ages of three to five (volunteer children only). Located near the Gaga Ball pit.