Local Girl Scout writes, sells book to fund camp scholarships

Last summer, Laila Peterson, a rising 8th grader at Ellicott Mills Middle School and a Girl Scout Cadette, got to work on her girl scout silver award. She wanted to find a way to provide financial support for girls who wanted to experience sleepaway summer camp - but whose families might not be able to afford the hefty price tag that usually accompanied it. Having been to several away camps, including Girl Scout summer camp, Laila knew that camp provides an opportunity to get out of your comfort zone, try new things, build resilience, grow as a person, and meet new friends. She also knew that going to camp not knowing anyone can be tough, and result in loneliness and homesickness. So, she wrote a story - a story about a diverse group of animals all at a summer camp together trying new food and activities and meeting new people. One camper in particular, Sammie Squirrel, who ends up at camp alone after her friend gets sick, learns what it takes to confront fear about trying new things and to reach out to encourage other people who need some support.

Laila has published her story Samme Squirrel Goes to Summer Camp as a digital book available for download on Amazon for $5. All proceeds from her book will be donated to a camp fund for girls between the ages of 5 and 12.