Friends of Tinnerman /
Tinnerman Guide Association

Boys vs. Girls

by Joanie Lis

Top 5 Differences

  1. Girls brush their teeth both day and night. They use it as a social time to stand by the water and say good night. Boys... well they kind of don't brush their teeth. My proof of this is by day three the "fruit" juice stains their teeth after lunch.
  2. Girls forget to look in front of them as they paddle because they are listening attentively to their friends in other canoes. They often run into the shore and each other. Boys watch where they are paddling but they run into land and other canoes because it is just easier and more fun then steering.
  3. Girls read the cooking instructions top to bottom, begin measuring water, then wonder who will make the fire. Boys collect wood, fight over who will light it, make the fire as big as possible, then wonder who will cook the dinner.
  4. If a fellow girl crew member falls, girls cry "ahhh, are you ok?" with true sympathy. They even help her up. If a fellow boy crew member falls, boys cry with laughter and if it is possible splash him, too.
  5. Girls bring their own fold-up chair for the bathroom with a handy carrying case and they can't pee with out it. Boys, with great pride, make their own toilets at each camp site out of a crack in the rocks or logs.

Top 5 Similarities

  1. All crews find it absolutely necessary to set up their tents before they can do anything else, no matter how close to dark it may be.
  2. All crews have that one kid who doesn't mind doing the dishes, while all the others avoid it at all costs. I have heard people offering money to who ever will; it's serious business.
  3. After reading the directions to the meals, most crews want to know how to turn the fire to simmer.
  4. All crews try to convince me that portaging is not really necessary. We sit down to look at the map, they run their fingers all around trying to find that hidden water way that will get them there without having to unload and carry a canoe. A long time after, when each crew member has seen for himself or herself, we unload. I laugh. They grumble. What a good time!
  5. All crews by the end of the week are surprised at the adventure they have accomplished. I think every individual has learned how strong he or she is, that they aren't breakable, and that hard work can be rewarding, except when it's portaging, of course.