Among the local Scouts BSA troops seeking new members is Troop 543G, which is open to girls in sixth grade through age 17. This summer, troop members will work on merit badges, attend summer camp and take part in a five-day horseback trek.

The group will hold its last official troop meeting of the year on Sunday, May 21, from 3:45 to 5:30 p.m. at Robeson Evangelical Lutheran Church, 3520 Plow Road, Mohnton. "We are wrapping up meetings for the year, but the girls' activities will continue throughout the summer," said troop leader Ginny Thorpe. "It's a year-round program."

Other local Scouts BSA troops can be found by entering a ZIP code at http://www.BeAScout.org. Local troops include Troop 37, which is sponsored by Colonel Jacob Morgan American Legion Post 537; Troop 9, which is sponsored by the Honey Brook Lions Club; and Troop 529, which is sponsored by St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church of Gibraltar.

Troop 543G is part of Scouting Unit 543, which consists of three groups: Pack 543, for boys and girls in kindergarten through grade five; Troop 543, for boys in sixth grade through age 17; and Troop 543G.

Troop 543G started three years ago with five girls and has grown to include 21 members. "We are very active, and we do cool stuff, and the girls are great. These girls are kind and thoughtful and work together really well," Thorpe said.

She noted that Scouting may be known for camping and other related activities, but it also is intended to build character and leadership skills among its members. For example, in Troop 543G, the older girls provide instruction to the younger Scouts when completing activities such as learning to build a fire or open-fire cooking. "They use the EDGE method, which is explain, demonstrate, guide and enable. The girls explain and guide the new girls through the process," Thorpe shared. "What they are really learning is how to teach and lead other people through the guise of outdoor activities."

Thorpe said that concepts taught to the Scoutmasters through their training are passed on to the Scouts. "Training can be applied to all aspects of life," she explained. "(It covers) conflict resolution, setting goals, having a vision and interpersonal relationship skills. It leads to greater awareness and self-reflection. We ask (the Scouts) their goals. It helps them think about things beyond the moment."

Thorpe highly recommends the program to all youths. "I think Scouts BSA is the most well-designed youth program in our nation," she stated. "I would love to see more youth get involved."

For more information about Scouting, visit the previously mentioned website. Those interested in joining Troop 543G may contact Thorpe at 610-858-3010.