Growing up in California, Donnie Meek spent a lot of time outdoors.

Some of Meek’s fondest memories are of camping with his mom in the world-renowned redwood forest, said the facilities associate for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.

When Meek started working for Girl Scouts more than five years ago, he realized immediately that Pennsylvania has its own unique outdoor environment that deserves as many accolades as the West Coast national park.

“Camp Archbald is a beautiful camp,” he said. “I like everything about it – the atmosphere, the environment. You’re out in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by trees. There’s a beautiful lake on the property. The seasons are phenomenal. Seeing everything covered in snow is beautiful.”

Meek’s job responsibilities include anything that helps to maintain the property and keep the camp running smoothly, from landscape work to plumbing. He said he especially appreciates that his “office” is a rustic, natural site.

“Camp Archbald is the second-oldest Girl Scout camp in the United States, so there’s a lot of history here,” he said.

When he started working with Girl Scouts, Meek didn’t know much about the organization, but he said he’s learned how important the program is for girls, and he’s seen firsthand both the passion that volunteers bring to their roles and the life-changing moments girls experience at camp.

“It’s really neat to see kids who are shy and quiet and reserved when they arrive at camp, but as their time here progresses, they are vocalizing more, singing songs, yelling and laughing,” he said. “It’s nice to see them develop out of their comfort zone, and I see that year after year.”

The father of two young children, Meek hopes one day his daughter will be a Girl Scout when she’s old enough to join the program, and he added that his wife is looking forward to volunteering.

He plans to provide the same kind of camping memories for his own family that he experienced as a child, and he believes camp plays a pivotal role in child development.

“Girl Scout camps are more important now than ever,” he said. “As we see more and more technology advances, we see kids having less interest in the camping experience. Girl Scout camp gives kids a chance to get away from reality, to be more in touch and at peace with nature, and to create bonds and friendships that will last a lifetime.”

Written by Cathy Molitoris, Marketing Coordinator for Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania.