Blog: GSAs Journey to the North Pole

What a fabulous time a bunch of us had when we made our Journey to the North Pole. This year had a new twist to it.  Elves Kathryn, Sue1 & Sue2 were enjoying the drive up to Lincoln to volunteer for the Journey to the North Pole when an urgent phone call quickly charged their plans. “Could three of our elves become Chefs aboard the train instead? Well, um, sure we can!!” 

~Sue2…
After many years of acting our parts as Elves, being a Chef gave us a completely different perspective on the whole experience. When we got to the Lincoln rail station, we were met by Sheri. We were given an orientation to our new duties, a quick tour of the 6 passenger cars, (we chose 2 each) and changed into our chef apparel.

Our duties were simple. Check off the families as they boarded, direct them to their car, and pass out letters to Santa for the kids (and some adults!) to fill out. Later on we passed out chocolate candy. The families were very excited, and the best part about being a chef was getting to interact with them as we walked up and down the aisles. As we pulled in to the station, the families were thrilled to spot the elves waiting outside for them!

After they disembarked for the show, we had some free time to relax.

On our return trip to the station, we first passed out coloring books and crayons, followed by the bells. The kids loved this and were so polite with their thanks. The families were very pleased with their experiences. Sheri kept frequent tabs on us to make sure everything was running smoothly. The train staff were also very friendly and helpful, often opening the car doors for us as we walked between cars. Being a Chef was a very different experience from being an elf, but it was a lot of fun too. The after-party back in our motel room for all GSAs who were available, is always a special part of this experience!

~Pat…
Meanwhile twelve GSAs AKA elves gathered at the North Pole waiting for the train. We had mostly folks new to the experience. It was a balmy eleven degrees, so it was a good thing for most of us that there was plenty of room under our elf costumes to layer up. After getting dressed, our roles were explained and soon, we headed out to wait for the train.

As the train pulled in it was such a delight to see the little faces peering out the foggy windows in anticipation. One boy asked if I knew his family’s scout elf, Harley. At first I was bewildered and tried to cover it up with a so many elves story and then….I remembered the Elf on The Shelf and I was able to add to the fantasy by saying yes I did remember Harley because he reported to Santa every night. 

After everyone was in the auditorium, we elves sang our way up to the stage. Both kids and adults were so excited. After “The Night Before Christmas”, and some toy making, Santa finally arrived. Santa spoke for a few moments and then went out so families could have photos taken while the elves entertained with a sing along. Fortunately there is a sound system…no one wants to hear me sing!

Between trains we were treated to pizza and had time to socialize and try to learn the words to All I Want for Christmas Is a Hippopotamus. The second show got very lively with everyone dancing and singing in the audience. As we elves followed the families to the train one young man said to his parents “look they freed the elves”. Such a good time! One of the elves proclaimed that he was going to be an elf every year until he couldn’t walk.

Later some of us adjourned to the chef’s room at the Indian Head Resort to socialize and share our stories from an enchanting evening.

~ Kathryn…
Being a chef allowed me an opportunity to be closer to the families and children and answer their questions. Everyone from grandparents to small breathless child were radiating joy and excitement as they prepared to meet Santa. The awe in their faces as they watched Santa wave to them as we departed the North Pole melts your heart. A most uplifting experience!

~Sue1…
Definitely a different experience being on the train looking out at the elves, but it was fantastic. I got to be a ‘Sue’ Chef! I particularly enjoyed all the families in matching pajamas and of course those cute faces full of wonder. Great way to get into the Christmas spirit. I did miss being with my fellow elves but was able to catch up with a lot of them at the Indian Head afterwards. The party was in full swing when we finally got there. So much fun!!

~Norma…
I was walking back to the train and asked an older girl (probably middle school) if she had a good time on the train. She enthusiastically replied that she was having the best time ever!!!  I thought she might be too old to enjoy the experience like the little ones, but I was wrong.

I was impressed that they had a wheelchair lift.  There was a young boy in a wheelchair in the first group.  The second group had a grandmother who needed the golf cart.  I didn’t know there was one until her daughter asked me about it.  The grandmother was in the cart by the time I got back to the train to check things out. They were very grateful for this service. I was happy to see how inclusive the experience was.

Mailing the letters to Santa at the Post Office was a big hit and a major photo opportunity.

 

The Journey to the North Pole is a major fundraiser for the Believe in Books Literacy Foundation. It runs until Christmas so if you can volunteer, they would be most appreciative.  https://www.journeytothenorthpole.org

It is a great cause, and we are happy that the Granite State Ambassadors can support their efforts. The fact that it is so much fun is a wonderful bonus!

Check out all our fabulous pictures in our ALBUM.