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Scouts on the Move

 

Recently, the girls of Troop 303 explored the city dump. Before going, we made a list of what we thought it would be like. “Smelly,” “dirty,” “scary,” and “dangerous” were among the many preconceived ideas the girls had.

 

We arrived in the morning and were surprised by what we actually saw. First, the manager and her assistant greeted us at the gate and escorted us into the office. Many girls commented on the lack of smell. The manager laughed and said that there is a “garbage” odor, but with proper ventilation and landfill techniques, odor can be controlled.

 

The girls also found the city dump was almost a small city in itself. Paved streets led to landfills, aluminum, glass, metal, and plastic recycling centers, and mulching operations. The manager explained that the city made money on all of these services, but especially on the mulch -- as residents can come and buy some for their home or garden.

 

Next, she showed them how closed, or filled, landfill pits were being turned into a new city park complete with a toboggan run and dirt bike course. All of this created from trash! Troop 303 now has a new outlook on what can be done with garbage.

 

 

Keep Working on Those Badges

 

We’re very proud of the girls of Troop 303. So many have earned new badges! Lisa, Kheanna, and Nancy have earned swimming and hiking badges, and Donna and Mindy have received badges for campfire safety knowledge. All received environmental badges for their reports on our recent visit to the city dump.

 

Remember, these badges are not a contest to see who can get the most, but a way to show new skills acquired or ideas learned. So please keep your daughters on track with their scout books and paths.