Casey Shanklin — camp name “Kix” — has been Camp Director at Camp Tanasi for our summer overnight camp since 2021. She played a major part in reviving camp after the pandemic and continues to bring the camp magic to all girls that attend summer programs there. A lot of fun changes have been implemented since she took over. As her fifth summer as director begins, Casey and her team are excited to share what they have planned for all the Girl Scouts that will attend this season.

A lot of preparation and care goes into planning each and every summer. The staff spends time considering the different types of programs offered and how girls can get the most out of the activities. All the heart and energy that goes into preparing Camp Tanasi, making it the most impactful for all girls stems from Casey’s experience as a Girl Scout herself. From starting as a Daisy, through earning her Gold Award, Casey has countless memories of her summers at Tanasi and appreciates the role the organization played in building who she is today. She embraces the mission of Girl Scouting and wholeheartedly believes in its impact.

Casey attending summer overnight camp at Tanasi.

Each summer, she recalls that she rotated around different favorite activities at camp. Most of them were traditional like dock, archery, and hiking, but she especially took an interest in the rock-climbing tower. She loved the opportunity to challenge herself and test her strength with climbing. Camp Tanasi was a big part of her journey as a girl and so she was thrilled when the opportunity to lead the next generation of girls through the same experience came along. Casey then became a counselor and program facilitator, leading the rock-climbing tower for 14 years before taking on the role of Camp Director. She is still trained and certified in tower of course! Prior to Camp Tanasi, she also helped with our summer day camps in Farragut.

As she led the tower, Casey began to see the benefits it gave to Girl Scouts that participated in the activity. It provides girls with immediate problem-solving skills — starting with just getting harnesses on! The process is explained, but then they have to figure out how to get it all on and secure it to their person. Then when on the wall, strategizing each step to climb to the top. It also teaches teamwork. Girls play games to learn each other’s names and learn manners. They then spot each other, and they cheer on their friends as they reach their goal. Goalsetting is vital because each Girl Scout can set her own and challenge herself to accomplish and even exceed that goal. After they come back down, they can stand back and see the empowerment that this activity gave them. Though tower is Casey’s favorite activity, she can see the same benefits in being at summer camp as a whole; always empowering and encouraging girls to be the best they can be.

Casey leading the tower activity as director.

With all the preparation the staff does prior to the season, they build crews/teams that represent the different kinds of campers. Girl Scouts are sorted into creators, adventurers, challengers, or igniters. This makes unique experiences for the girls and empowers them to thrive in areas that they are passionate about. “As director, my favorite part is implementing camp magic for kids.” Seeing each week of campers come through and have their own moments to shine and be their best selves is why Casey does what she does. The interest of the girls is truly taken to heart.

As a schoolteacher at Dogwood Elementary, Casey sees students on a day-to-day basis and knows the current struggles for kids and how hard it can be for some in today’s world. Casey shares, “I wish all students can go to summer camp. Empowerment, problem solving, responsibility, and active choice-making are so important. Sometimes kids in the classroom have a hard time doing things on their own or deciding things on their own. At Tanasi, they’re given food choices and are encouraged to try new things. They learn how to do some chores from cleaning the dining hall and units. It teaches responsibility, as they are in charge of their items and need to keep up with it.”

From keeping up with personal belongings, to cleaning the dining hall, camp can really help teach kids these skills and give them the confidence to do so. Summer camp also is a wonderful place to meet new people and make new friends. Casey’s school friends didn’t want to attend summer camp, so each summer she got to meet new friends and that was beneficial to her and her confidence.

Casey (5th from the left) with her troop at Deer Point as campers.

Speaking of today’s world, it is understandable that sending children to sleepaway camp can be scary for some caregivers. Casey believes that Camp Tanasi is not just beneficial to Girl Scouts as an experience, but it one of the safest places for your girl to go to summer camp. “Worry is normal, but the staff spends so long and so much time training. They know how to get down on a kid’s level, talk them through something if they are feeling homesick, or anxious. They know how to have fun with them, play games, include them, and really listen to them.”

Camp Tanasi is also one of the leading camps in safety protocols. They have set the tone for safety and there is a plan for everything from storms to a misplaced camper. Hours of training and upholding safety protocols are a daily standard at Camp Tanasi. All of our camps throughout the council are certified by the American Camp Association (ACA).

Once a Girl Scout gets experience as a younger camper, they have an opportunity to be a Counselor-in-Training (CIT). After creating memories, themselves and looking up to their counselors, they have the chance to create that same experience for the next generation of younger girls. Casey absolutely adores watching these CITs owning this role. They get to lead activities, lead songs, lead units, and of course, pick their camp name! This program focuses on leadership skills, learning the good qualities of a leader, and how to communicate with the kids. “Especially how to look out for someone else, which is important to teach in our world today. Being caring and kind to others. It’s one of the best things going on here”, Casey adds.

Summers at Camp Tanasi have been a part of many childhoods for decades. Each and every Girl Scout can give their own testimony on their favorite parts, favorite memories, favorite counselors and more. One thing in common is the benefit of the mission of the organization and how it helped them to have courage, confidence, and character. Casey has walked in this experience and advocates for all girls to be a part of the magic.

Whether it is getting over a fear of heights climbing the tower, or being nervous to meet new friends, summer camp can be a place of empowerment, adventure, and just plain ole fun.

For more information on our Girl Scout Camps, visit our website!