Trailblazers host Girl Scout 'boot camp'

  • Published
  • By Spc. Tamika Dillard
  • 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade PAO
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade hosted its first Trailblazer Boot Camp for more than 300 Girl Scouts from the Anchorage Area, Oct. 29, at Joint Base Elmendorf Richardson.

The Scouts ranged in age from 5 to 18 years old.

The event aimed to give the Girl Scouts an opportunity to build an enduring relationship between Girl Scouts, female Soldiers and high school JROTC cadets, said 3rd MEB Brigade Command Sgt. Maj. Charlie Lane.

The Girl Scouts had an opportunity to work together as teams, learn about Army life and receive mentorship from civil officials and military servicemembers.

Guest speaker for the Girl Scout event was Alaska State Sen. Bettye Davis.

"The goal was to make this an unforgettable event for the Girl Scouts," said Sgt. 1st Class Viola Smith, Boot Camp Noncommissioned Officer in Charge.

"I wish I would have had an opportunity like this when I was growing up said," Pfc. Jessica Butler, a 3rd Maneuver Enhancement Brigade medic.

The Girl Scouts received first aid training, firefighter training, took in a robotics demonstration and experienced a ride in a Humvee rollover training simulator.

"My favorite one was when I had to put out the fire," said Girl Scout Haley Ackeman, of Daisies Troop 703. "I had so much fun today. Thank you Trailblazers."