Volksmarch in Leesburg?

Have I told you I love being a Girl Scout Leader?  It's true.

Implied in the word "Leader" is a thought that I might be leading or teaching my girls.... but I think it's really the other way around.  I learn so much; and as a troop we're introduced to experiences that I would never have on my own.  It's really very rewarding.

Recently, my troop participated in the "Volksmarch Girl Scout Walk Together".  Volksmarch is a German custom, and means "People's March". Volksmarch events are organized, non competitive walking events.  I have a friend (and fellow GS Leader) who used to live in Germany and she has many metals from participating in them.  The tradition has been re-created here in America and the American Volkssport Association organizes walking events and walking clubs all over the country.  Their goal is to promote "Fun, Fitness, and Friendship". 

Locally, the AVA organizes (among other things)  "Walk Together" events for Girl Scouts; and the girls can participate individually or with their troop....and this year, my Daisies participated.  It was GREAT fun.

In addition to learning about the German heritage of this tradition, and about the organization, the event was held at a park rather close to my home that I had never explored... and I can't believe it.  It's only MORE than 700 acres!  I am ashamed to call myself a "local" and not to have even known where Banchee Reeks Park was!  Well, I do now.

And, I must say, it's glorious!  The November day of our event was particularly beautiful, and we were blessed with a sunny, 70 degree day. Sadly, I left my camera in the car during the walk, so we have only one picture to share with you from the walk - and it was taken from a camera phone.  I tried to get a few photos from our picnic site near the starting point of the trails, but these photos simply don't do the place justice.  It's a place you need to explore - several times - before you even get a true lay of the land.  I know my family and I will be back to further investigate the offerings of this park and the other trails. 

It was an awesome experience.  It was so awesome in fact, that I hope at some point my schedule with the kiddos will be less crazy and perhaps I can join in on some of the other walking events with the AVA or the Loudoun Walking Club.  Walking allows you to see even your every day surroundings differently... it's a different perspective. 

In my opinion, walking clubs are about committing yourself to "take time to smell the roses".  Being a Girl Scout Leader is about committing yourself to help a Daisy bloom, and become all she truly can be.  For now, I am content watching blossoming Daisies... but a point will come in my life when I have not only the desire, but the time, to smell the roses.

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Learn more about life here in Loudoun County by exploring this blog and by stopping back by to read about new experiences.  If you have ideas on things you'd like to see in the blog, please contact me privately, I do want to be your resource for all things Loudoun!

For real estate information, visit http://www.therealestatewhisperer.blogspot.com/ and/or http://www.vickychrisner.com/

Daisies in the Animal Park

In Loudoun, we have a few petting zoos including two that are rather popular. Since I live in Leesburg, my family frequents the one here just outside of town, Leesburg Animal Park. It’s about 10 minutes from my home.

There, the you can see monkeys, huge tortoises, goats, emus, a camel, donkeys, bison and a other exotic creatures. Last year, they were temporarily

housing white tigers for the national zoo, drawing a lot of press.

My family frequently visits at Easter, and nearly all locals attend “Fort Pumpkin” (a Halloween themed event) in the fall; we’ve even had my daughter’s birthday party there. Our most recent visit was with our Daisy troop; a group of 5-7 year old girls;

who were spending through their “cookie money” (funds earned by selling Girl Scout cookies this year), and throwing themselves an end of year bash.

The girls got to see, feed, hold and pet an assortment of strange and exotic animals, picnic, play on the playground, and go on a wagon ride. For the girls, the highlights of our visits were the lorikeet encounter and the pony rides. Every little girl loves a pony ride.

We visited during low attendance days on purpose and kept our party brief, but weekends often feature special events like the fishing derby; and camel rides are offered Fridays-Sundays. Leesburg Animal Park does offer birthday party packages on site, and group rates, as well as "Zoo to You" and "Learning Safari" programs, where they will bring the animals to your event or school. For more information, visit: http://www.leesburganimalpark.com/

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This animal park used to be much larger and was located in Reston, but due to disputes with the landowner, they were forced to downsize and move. A couple decades ago, I worked at that parkfor a summer. I have wonderfully entertaining stories about the jealous elephant who cried REAL tears, and tried to attack me for dating her trainer; the time I was attacked by the white handed gibbon (a small ape), who was ironically named Fannie Mae (ironic to me now since I am a real estate agent, and in some ways I feel like Fannie Mae has attacked me recently, too!); the time I helped to amputate a fallow deer’s leg to free her from rocks; the times we had to bottle feed a lion cub, who greatly enjoyed snuggling just like any domestic cat; and the list goes on….Tough, dirty, exhausting job. Great stories. If we end up getting to know each other well, ask me about them. I love having unique experiences to share; and I am so glad I worked there that summer.