Saying Thanks With Water Skis —

Girl Scout Volunteers Enjoy A Picnic On The Lake

By Kendra Bobowick

Water shot outward from Lexi Badick’s skis as she found her balance on Lake Zoar July 14. She and a handful of friends and fellow girl scouts from Troop 50888 enjoyed an afternoon of waterskiing and a picnic at Leaps of Faith President Joel Zeisler’s house in Sandy Hook as thanks for their recent volunteer participation in the Wounded Warriors Project. The Leaps of Faith volunteers were among those hosting a late June afternoon of waterskiing, kayaking, fishing, and more for disabled war veterans.

Scout leader Kathryn Wolf said the Wounded Warrior Project “was amazing. The girls got so much out of it.” Volunteer Trina Bayles recalls the weekend they spent with the wounded and disabled veterans. “It was an exceptional evening and you admire that the veterans give so much to us. I wish we could do more,” she said.

In return for their help, the girls had an “excellent day” of waterskiing with Mr Zeisler. Volunteer Linda Tang said the girls were “all fantastic” at learning to ski. Making endless return trips to his dock to pick up or drop off skiers, Mr Zeisler looped his boat back and forth across the water pulling the scouts on skis and tubes.

Whether in the boat, boarding a jet ski, or just jumping off the dock for fun, the girls wore life vests, colorful bathing suits, and smiles as they took turns at the water sports. Both Lexi and Brittany Kowalski pulled themselves onto the dock and joined a group that counted to three and leapt back in. Joining hands for a jump were Elizabeth Wolf, Alexia Badick, and Carolyn Wolf.

Walking to the end of his dock, Mr Zeisler indicated the inflated tube tied behind his boat. “Do you want to go alone or in doubles?” he asked.

“Doubles!” shouted the girls. Alexia and Elizabeth settled in for the first ride.