The Boy Scouts of America Troop 7071 is not a traditional scouting troop. The Kiwanis Club in uptown Athens is home to a group of adventurous young scouts who enjoy thrilling hikes, camping and getting their hands dirty.
Consisting of girls ages 11 to 17, with the exception of 10-year-olds who have or are about to finish fifth grade, it is the first all-girls BSA troop in Athens County.
The idea to form an all-girl troop was discussed after parents, potential scout leaders and girls showed interest in July 2022. After the first official meeting in August 2022, Troop 7071 was underway and eventually chartered by the Athens County Kiwanis Club in February 2023.
Through service projects and outdoor adventures, Troop 7071 strives to make a difference one day at a time through neighborhood service projects. Clayton Healy, the troop’s scoutmaster, said he rediscovered his passion for scouting after his children joined the troops and he enjoys watching the girls participate in projects or activities with confidence.
“It is kind of cool to watch them realize that they can do these things,” Healy said. “Watching their journey from sitting (and) listening to the other scouts to becoming part of the discussion … all of a sudden they are like the leader of the group.”
The troop’s Monday night meetings, held at The First United Methodist Church on 2 S. College St. from 7 to 8:30 p.m., are nothing short of exhilarating and engaging. Despite the age gap between scouts, each member is encouraged to share their ideas during group discussions, plan upcoming events and work their way to becoming Eagle Scouts.
Cecilia Love, one of the troop's five founders, is a freshman in high school and the quartermaster and troop guide. Her roles include gathering supplies and equipment for campouts and working with younger scouts to increase their troop ranks.
Love said she is grateful for the unforgettable experiences she and other scouts have made possible.
“I got to work with a bunch of amazing cubbies for a whole week and I got to teach them the scouting skills I knew and help them with my partner,” Love said. “It was just really fun to kind of help them grow … it is little bits of magic that we are able to make.”
Adventuring outdoors, kayaking, mentoring young scouts and STEM activities are just some of the ways Troop 7071 is involved in Athens. The troop’s mission also includes performing acts of service, such as trash pick up, environmental conservation and gathering food for the hungry.
“I watched them clean stadiums or … they have this giant scout camp in the summer (and) they will go out and chop wood,” Calista Bruce, assistant scoutmaster, said. “They are willing to jump in and do anything.”
Bruce said it is bittersweet watching each scout mature and become a leader, as it reminds her of when she first started the job.
In the fall and spring months, the troop also attends a Conservation Camp Out at a public or state park. Love said the campouts include sodding the land and saving invasive species.
“It is really rewarding to go back to that camp because we are always like, ‘Hey, we helped do that; this is our work, and it is paying off,’” Love said.
If a young scout shares a passion for serving and finds joy in adventure, Troop 7071 welcomes new members with open arms. Kensey Love, a parent volunteer, said she is forever grateful her daughter expressed interest in scouting as she has learned positive skills that will stay with her.
“(Scouting) teaches them a sense of independence,” Love said. “They learn not only interaction with people skills but a lot of things that we're doing, camping and hiking … they can take those soft skills and apply them to the rest of their lives.”
Those interested are encouraged to attend meetings or check the troop website for upcoming “invite a friend” activities.
