WILLIAMSBURG — U.S. Navy Sailors of PCU John F. Kennedy Chief’s Mess (CVN 79) recently lent their time to improve Camp Skimino in Williamsburg.
“Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) thanks military members for their continued volunteer support throughout the year. From unloading cases on Cookie Count n’ Go day to special projects around camp properties, our servicemen and women are always ready to give a helping hand,” GSCCC said in a press release.
Senior Chief Engineman Shawn Williamson has volunteered with Girl Scouts on an ongoing basis and helps to organize volunteer days between GSCCC and fellow service members.
“My association was looking for opportunities to contribute to making the community better through support,” Williamson said.
“In addition, we were planning an event and needed a place to host the event. We met with the campsite lead who allowed us to use Camp Skimino for a meeting,” Williamson said. “This sparked the beginning of a beautiful relationship between our association and giving back to the community.”
The sailors have spent hours at GSCCC camp properties updating and improving facilities for the next wave of campers. The team has completed numerous projects around different camps, including installing screen windows, cutting down trees, chopping firewood, painting cabins, installing new flooring and more.
“A volunteer’s time and talents are priceless, and GSCCC is thrilled to be considered when service members are looking to give back,” GSCCC said.
The unit has done service projects with Toys for Tots and the Virginia Peninsula Food Bank, but has found a special interest supporting female ambition and entrepreneurship.
“Community service, paying it forward and serving a cause greater than oneself have been rich parts of the tradition of our association for 129 years,” Williamson said.
“We can only pass these traits down, not by word, but by example, and our goal is to inspire the next generation to continue this tradition,” Williamson added. “Supporting the Girl Scouts created a lane for our association to be a role model for our next generation of leaders and many of our members in the association are huge fans of their various assortments of cookies.”
“This is just one example of how stewardship and commitment to service are universal goals amongst many great organizations and how helping others can truly make an impact,” GSCCC said.
“Girl Scouts is proud to serve military families across our country and the world. Each day, we’re inspired by the sisterhood of military-connected girls and volunteers who live and breathe our Girl Scout Promise to serve our country and continue to make a difference (and have fun!) while doing it. GSCCC thanks our military heroes for their service and we offer several Explore patches to help you discover the history and imagine the future of the US Armed Forces,” it added.
Learn more about military explore patches here.
GSCCC has volunteer opportunities available for those who are interested. Learn more here.
