Girl Scouts learn how to handle a zombie attack at Bradenton camp

Chalk one up for the Girl Scouts over the zombies.

In a Jan. 28 showdown at Bradenton's Camp Honi Hanta, area Girl Scouts learned survival tips in a strange, but fun and effective environment.

“It’s a fun twist on survival training,” said Michelle Cramer, the leader of Troops 17 and 21, about the zombie apocalypse theme.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office even sent out personnel to help the girls learn survival techniques.

Sgt. Rebecca Sehorne said a day dedicated toward learning survival skills is important.

“I think it stimulates a discussion with them,” she said. “A lot of times, we don't want to talk about it with our kids."

The day's theme also included a contagion spreading throughout the camp and a "zombie chase."

Lakewood Ranch’s 13-year-old Isabella Brown said she, indeed, learned new skills. 

“It’s great — I learned a lot about surviving in the wild, and what to do if you are injured, and that sort of thing," Brown said. "I’ve been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten. You learn something new every day.”

Brown said some of the new skills she learned included self-defense and how to wrap an injured arm in a tourniquet. 

Troop 361 Leader Tammy Peters said other lessons included tracking, navigation in the wilderness, and first aid.