Radnor's Trailblazing Girls' BSA Troop Readies For Scouting Year

RADNOR, PA — Radnor BSA Troop 284 Trailblazers heads into a new season as girls blaze a trail toward being Eagle Scouts.

One of the first female BSA scouting troops in the country, Radnor's Trailblazer troop has been in operation for 18 months. Under the sponsorship of Wayne Presbyterian Church, Troop 284 formed after Boy Scouts of America opened enrollment to everyone in February 2019.

Troop Master Sara Connolly had two sons who made Eagle Scout before heading to college. When BSA in Radnor area decided to found a troop for girls, Connolly was identified as a natural to lead it, and stepped up.

The 15 girls who now make up the Trailblazers are in grades 6-11, though membership is open through 12th grade. They come from several school districts, both public and private schools, in Delaware County.

Girl Scouts has the "Gold Award" that is considered equivalent to the BSA Eagle Scout Award. Troop 284 Trailblazers can become Eagle Scouts.

"We anticipate a couple of our girls will achieve Eagle Scout in next 18 months to 2 years," said Connolly. She added, "Our partner BSA Troop 284 has supported us. They've been around for about 100 years. We're both under same committee."

"The Trailblazer title we chose to differentiate ours from the boys' group," said Connolly. "It was to remind us we should be trailblazers in other aspects of our lives, to encourage leadership in other areas," said Connolly.

The troop master said when she brings in speakers or demonstrators, she looks for women who are leaders in areas of life.

Scouting is not brand new to most Trailblazer 284 members. Some had been in Wayne Elementary Cub Scouts with boys, some had brothers who'd been scouts, said Connolly.

"I think the girls like having their own troop," she said. She added that some do both BSA Scouting and Girls Scouts.

One difference between being in Girls Scouts and BSA scouting is that BSA has more emphasis on outdoor activities, like hiking, biking, white water rafter, and a 1-mile swim, Connolly explained.

Members are working on getting miles toward a cycling merit badge. Some have done two 25-mile rides already. To earn the badge, the scout must ride 50 miles in a one-day ride, and learn bicycle maintenance, Connolly said. Over the summer the Trailblazers did a 25-mile ride in Great Allegheny passage.

Connolly said the troop will do a conservation service project in September, and camping in late in the month.

This season's first gathering is a kickoff on Saturday, Sept. 12. Scouts, their families, and prospective scouts are invited to the 8:30 a.m. gathering at 681 Darby Paoli Road. Information about Troop 284 Trailblazers and the meeting can be found here.