WILLIAMSBURG– Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast (GSCCC) held a dedication ceremony on Mar. 12 at Camp Skimino in Williamsburg to recognize the donation and installation of a pond aeration system at the camp, made possible by an effort spearheaded by GSCCC volunteer Amanda Benner of Girl Scout Williamsburg Service Unit 140.
According to reports, the Williamsburg Service Unit’s gift of nearly $4,000 will ensure the pond is clear of invasive algae. In addition to the funds donated by the service unit, a fountain that is part of the aeration system was funded by GSCCC Board Vice Chair Carolyn Pittman. The fountain is named “Claire’s Dancing Waters,” after Pittman’s daughter, Gold Award Girl Scout Claire Pittman, who loves ballet.
The approximately 90-acre camp serves girls throughout the year, offering them overnight accommodations and outdoor adventure experiences such as archery, wall climbing, and canoeing. The new aeration system that was made possible by Service Unit 140 and the Pittman family will add oxygen to the water, preventing algae growth and protecting the pond and the life that thrives there.
“Our thanks go out to the Pittman family and the Williamsburg Service Unit who contributed the funds to install the aeration system and fountain,” said GSCCC CEO Tracy Keller upon opening the dedication. “Pond aeration is a natural way to minimize pond algae. It increases oxygen in the water and buffers the negative effects of algae decay. Clearer water will encourage additional water activities and will give many more girls the confidence to get out on the water for the very first time.”
In addition to the pond dedication developments, Service Unit 140 hosted a celebration in honor of Girl Scouts’ 111th birthday at the property following the ceremony. Girls participated in activities such as cake cutting, a petting zoo, crafts, and a birthday card service project to benefit children in local hospitals.
The dedication was also used to launch a new fundraising campaign for Camp Skimino to meet an urgent need. After property review, the Enmeier Center, the dining hall and program center for the camp, was found to be in need of repairs and will be at the center of the fundraising campaign’s efforts.
For more information about GSCCC please visit the official website.
