HOLDEN — When Megan Rokicki started in the new Scouts BSA Girls Troop 7180, she learned many skills that helped her progress to Eagle Scout rank.
Expanding the Scouts BSA inclusion efforts, Girls Troop 7180 was founded in 2019 to enable girls to gain experience in a variety of outdoor activities including camping, canoeing, hiking, biking, and other activities.
“I started in 2019 when I was about to turn 18 … and luckily I got an extension,” Megan said.
During her four years of Scouting, “My favorite aspect of Scouting was how the program taught us practical life skills. In Boy Scouts I learned how to cook, budget money, time management, and much more. I am really glad I stuck with the program and completed my Eagle Scout requirements,” Megan said.
She said her favorite memories of Scouting were doing the turkey shoot (no turkeys were harmed), going on campouts at Scoutland, Scout Sunday at church, and the Klondike Derby at Treasure Valley.
Her efforts naturally progressed to a pinnacle project in Scouting: the Eagle Scout project.
“When I was first starting to think about some ideas for my Eagle Scout project, I went to Pastor John (Barber) at First Congregational Church of Holden (FCCH) and asked him if there were any projects I could do at the church,” Megan said.
“After Bible study one morning, while talking with Pastor John he had mentioned doing the lounge (a meeting room within the church), since the furniture and the paint color were outdated,” Megan said.
The project took many steps to pull together, including getting the necessary approvals from the BSA council and troop committee, working out when the work could be done, promoting the project and getting volunteer help, getting the necessary donations, and coordinating with volunteers.
She recruited volunteers, including from BSA troops 7180 and 180, church members, EJ’s Painting, and Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society students.
Then the physical work began.
“Stripping and washing walls/windows, moving furniture, putting drop cloths on the ground, replacing light fixtures and plugs, doing two coats of primer and paint color, and taking doors on and off. The hardest part about this project was having to go to several church committee meetings due to questions about leadership with this project,” Megan said.
“The project went well. Everything is done, they have new furniture, and the walls are a baby blue color with tan trim. I have heard many positive things from people, and the pastors are very happy about the new change,” she said.
“We are really pleased with the lounge,” Pastor John Barber confirmed. “Megan worked with the Property Resource Team and the congregation in organizing and planning the project. She also coordinated with EJ’s Painting. Megan organized Scouts and adults from the church to prepare and paint the room, while EJ’s helped to paint some of the more difficult spots.
“People are very happy, as the lounge is brighter, cleaner, and more cheerful. Megan went beyond the scope of this project, raising $5,000 to replace the furniture through GoFundMe and the church. I am proud that Megan overcame challenges and obstacles through the course of the project to finish it in such a great way,” Barber said.
“I would like to congratulate Megan on earning her Eagle Scout award,” Scoutmaster Deb McMillen said.
“As the first Eagle Scout from our troop, her dedication to Scouting over the past four years has set her apart as an outstanding individual. The countless hours she spent camping and participating in other activities undoubtedly shaped her into a capable and resourceful Scout.
“Her Eagle Scout project at the First Congregational Church in Holden was a testament to her commitment to making a positive impact on her community. Her leadership and hard work have left a lasting legacy to the troop,” McMillen said.
“I’m very thankful for everyone that helped me accomplish becoming an Eagle Scout. In addition, I am honored to have gotten the Eagle Scout rank,” Megan said.
Girls Troop 7180 is now one of the largest female troops in the Council (Heart of New England Council, which spans Central MA from New Hampshire to Connecticut).
The troop started with five girls and adult founders that included McMillen and Christine Hallet (current assistant Scoutmaster). Over time, the troop grew as new Scouts joined from Holden and adjacent towns.
While Girls Troop 7180 is an independent Scout BSA troop, it is co-localized with Boys Troop 180 at FCCH. The initial growth of the troop was helped by the fact that FCCH has chartered Scouts BSA for 82 years.
The troop meets weekly during the school year. During these meetings, Scouts learn leadership skills, life skills (personal management) and how to be a good citizen in community, nation and world. Visitors to these meetings teach Scouts a variety of skills such as how to prepare food, taught by Eric Marvin, head chef at The Barn. Activities range from Scouting trips and summer camps to participating in the Holden Memorial Day parade.
