Scouts BSA Girl Troop 199
It’s one thing to hear about change, it’s another thing to be a Change Leader!! And we have such a group of Leaders – both Adult and Youth – in Aquia District.
With the recent change to Scouting BSA, Aquia District started its first Troop for girls on February 4, 2019 – officially, Troop 199G in Stafford County, VA. The Scouters who helped organize this pioneering effort include Scoutmaster – Sharon Patrick, Committee Chair – Amanda Tyler, and COR – Brian Freeman.
The Troop started with only five Scouts – these pioneers are: Rose Armstrong, Brenna Futrell, Sylvia Robles, Emily Surette, and Kaitlyn Tyler – and in just a few short months Troop 199G has grown over 100% to 13 Scouts (and counting) – Abby Deputy, Bella Hammond, Kate Marcinkevicius, Katie Ramos, Becca Reynolds, Marley Schneider, Micaela Walker, and Paige Walser. The Troop is led by Senior Patrol Leader, Rose Armstrong.
Getting off to a fast start, the Scouts enjoyed their first outdoor experience during a New Scout Campout on March 29-31, 2019 at Ferry Farms, Scouts worked on earning their Totin’ Chip and Fireman Chit and practiced basic knot-tying skills. A fun time and adventure was had by all, especially those Scouts who had never been camping before this event.
The Patrol Leader Council (PLC) planned the Troop’s next campout which was held April 26-28, 2019 in Devil’s Marbleyard in Natural Bridge, VA. Scouts rose to the challenge of their first 5-mile hike – socks, boots, backpacks, food and water all organized so the Scouts would Be Prepared – it’s not just a motto, it’s a way of life! Along the way, the Scouts worked on map and compass skills to meet BSA advancement and merit badge requirements.
Along with other normal Troop activities, the Scouts will be working with a Merit Badge Counselor on the Weather Merit Badge in May and participating in the 2019 Fredericksburg National Cemetery Luminaria on May 25th, an annual service project that local Stafford and Fredericksburg Scouts participate in to honor Civil War soldiers who died so that our Nation could live. A lot of work by many Scouts’ hands and a very impressive sight, if you get a chance to visit at dusk when thousands of candles, each in its individually prepared paper sack, are all aglow among the headstones marking the graves of these heroes of yesteryear.
In June the Troop will continue with outdoor activities, including going to Lake Arrowhead in Luray, VA to have fun camping, hiking, working on Merit Badge requirements and just sitting around a campfire enjoying an early summer evening and each other’s company.
And it’s going to continue being a terrific summer with six Scouts from Troop 199G attending summer camp at Camp Enon in July. Summer camp adventures, fun and creating life-long memories are always extra special at Summer Camp.
Everything these Scouts do as a Troop is a first and especially in this very first year of existence! What a great adventure and what a great group of pioneers making Scouting even bigger and better than it ever was – reaching more Youth and more families than ever before in BSA history. The Scouts are excited to be part of the Scouting program and are looking forward to even more outings and activities as the year progresses.
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Phil is excited to begin his 17th summer working on staff at Goshen Scout Reservation. It will also be his fourth year as the Director of Operations. Beforehand, he worked 10 summers at Camp Bowman, with the last three as the Camp Director. He has served in various positions including Ecology Instructor, First Year Camper Director, and Camp Commissioner. With his promotion, he now serves as NCAC’s Director of Camping with oversight over Goshen, Camp Snyder, Camp Airy, and Camp Wall.
This will be Carl’s 18th summer as a Goshen staff member, and 13th summer at Camp Bowman. Carl has a lot of experience in many different areas of camp, from a variety of program areas to Bowman Program Director, Lenhok’sin Camp Director, and even an NCAC District Executive. When not at Goshen, Carl lives in Australia, works as a high school teacher/administrator/outdoor educator, and runs a successful watersports business at the beach in Australia. Carl is excited to return to Bowman as Camp Director, and hopes to help maintain the many traditions which have made Camp Bowman such a powerful and positive influence on so many young people, while also thoughtfully navigating the many new challenges and changes which come with each summer at camp.
This will be Lauren’s 12th summer at Goshen and 2nd as the Marriott Camp Director. She spent 10 summers at Camp Olmsted as Ecology Instructor, Ecology Director, Trailshead Director, Program Director, and, most recently, Camp Director. She is known for her endless enthusiasm through the summer, and is incredibly excited to get this summer rolling. When not at Marriott, Lauren is the Assistant Program Director at Mountain Trail Outdoor School in Western North Carolina, which means she can change young lives throughout all 12 months – what a dream!
Allan is joining us for his 9th summer at Goshen and his 2nd summer as Camp Director. He has previously worked in facilities and Shooting Sports.
This will be Ian’s 10th summer at Goshen and 1st summer as PMI Camp Director. He comes to us from Camp Ross, where he has worked in a plethora of areas and positions, most recently as Camp Director. He is a very exciting and outgoing individual and especially loves working closely with the Scouts. He will bring much experience and joy to the camp and ensure Camp PMI maintains its positive growth and excellence for years to come. When Ian is not a Camp Director, he teaches 8th Grade English in the Shenandoah Valley.
Taylor as a Scout attended and worked at Goshen Camps and is excited to return this year to Camp Ross. He is a very exciting and outgoing individual and especially loves working closely with the Scouts. He will bring much experience and joy to the camp and ensure Camp Ross maintains its positive growth and excellence for years to come. Taylor recently earned his MA in English from James Madison University and is excited that Camp Director is his first career step after graduate school.
This will be Griff’s 2nd year at Lenhok’sin. He has worked at BSA camps of all sorts since he was 13 years old. He has specifically worked at a lot of trek based camps and interpretive camps in leadership roles. Outside of camp, Griff is a middle school science teacher. He is currently working on his PhD for Educational Administration. He is looking forward to working hard with the staff and providing a quality program this summer.