Photo courtesy of Troop 223
By CHRISTIAN MONTERROSA | Reporter
In a rare display of young interest for the outdoors, eighth and ninth grade girls in Pacific Palisades have been putting away their phones and taking up backpacks as they prepare for two weeks in the Alaskan backcountry.
The founding members of Girl Scouts Troop 223’s scouting program will spend one week in summer kayaking and camping alone along the waters of the Prince William Sound, according to a press release, and another week backpacking through the scenic mountains of Alaska.
Prior to their expedition, the scouts have been trained in first aid, leadership skills, trail etiquette and how to properly pack a backpack.
The two week trip will be their third, having taken prior trips through Bear Creek in Azusa, El Montañon on Santa Cruz Island and Golden Trout Wilderness in the Sequoias.
“I’ve really been loving Scouts. I honestly feel extremely prepared for Alaska,” said eighth grader Ruby Rose in the press release. “And it will be even better with more days and more time. I’m so excited for the rest of Scouts and especially for this upcoming summer!”
Because the program is youth led, it allows all scouts to do all of their own packing, navigating, cooking and cleaning.
“Youth leadership is a primary objective of the program, and the girls have risen to the challenge,” said the statement.
Troop 223 is a sister troop to Boy Scout Troop 223. “Both troops share the vision of young people leading skillfully, making good choices and serving others—and they sure do deliver,” said the group.
Girls in fifth through eighth grades who are interested in joining Troop 223 can find them at their weekly meeting at Saint Matthew’s Episcopal Church on Monday’s from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m.
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