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Making Waves: Champion Waterskier Coaches Girls at Camp Tallchief
June 19, 2025
This week, Camp Tallchief didn’t just make waves — it made history.
On June 17 and 18, campers in the Advanced Waterbugs group at Girl Scouts of Eastern Oklahoma’s Ski Camp had the rare chance to learn from April Coble Eller, a former World Champion and USA Water Ski Hall of Fame inductee. With decades of experience as both an elite athlete and a coach, April brought national-level expertise — and unforgettable inspiration — to the shores of Skiatook Lake.
“This is like going to tennis camp and having Serena Williams show up to coach,” said Susan Crenshaw, a longtime volunteer and ski instructor at Camp Tallchief. “It’s that level of incredible.”
April spent two days with the girls, offering personalized coaching, technique advice, and stories from her time at the top of the sport. But beyond the coaching, her presence showed campers what’s possible when skill, dedication, and confidence come together — both on and off the water.
Ski Camp at Camp Tallchief is the only Girl Scout program of its kind in the country, offering girls a chance to master water skiing in a supportive environment that centers courage, connection, and fun. For many of the girls, meeting a world champion wasn’t just exciting — it was empowering.
“It’s not every day you get coached by someone who’s been the best in the world,” said one camper between runs. “She made me feel like I could really improve — and maybe go farther than I thought.”
April’s visit was a high point in a summer already full of learning and growth. From Daisies paddling canoes to Cadettes working toward leadership awards, Girl Scouts across eastern Oklahoma are stepping into challenges, supporting each other, and showing what happens when girls are given space to shine.
We’re deeply grateful to April Coble Eller for sharing her time, her talent, and her heart with the next generation of adventurous girls.
