For some Girl Scouts from Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Twilight is more than a movie to obsess over. To them, it is the Wapato Twilight camp, named as such because it is held between the hours of 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. Twilight camps, open to girls in 1st through 7th grades, are part of the Girl Scouts' Community Camps program and are held at various parks throughout Western Washington. The weeklong session is planned and run entirely by volunteers, including older Girl Scouts (8th-graders and up) who serve as program aides.

"One week here changes your life," said Caroline Clarke, age 11. She and her 9-year-old sister, Emily, are first timers at Twilight this year. They moved to JBLM from Fort Riley two years ago.

"I've made new friends, and I really like the leaders," said Emily. "They always help you!"

The leaders helped with science activities, such as making animal tracks in plaster of paris, and lessons about camping skills, such as fire safety. The girls learned about nature, first aid and campfire cooking. But best of all, the campers also were treated to a midweek visit from Scott Petersen, better known as the Reptile Man, who brought all sorts of lizards, frogs, turtles, and snakes to show.

Twilight camps are surprisingly affordable. On average, the fee is $70 for an existing Girl Scout and a little more for non-Scouts. Financial assistance is available, and the girls also can use the credits, or Cookie Dough, they earned during the annual sale hawking thin mints to cover their camp costs.

"I never knew I could have so much fun in the wild!" said Luna Lengele, age 10. The fun she had included learning new songs, taking hikes and making necklaces during arts and crafts. Lengele's father is deployed and set to return home in September.

"I like it here because it makes the time go quicker," Lengele said. "I feel like they all care about me."