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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