Many hands make light work — how one Trailblazer troop gives back by cleaning tents and more

For the past 2 years, the members of Girl Scout Trailblazer troop 4389 have come to WTA’s Seattle gear library to spend half a day ensuring that the gear is clean, in good working condition and ready to lend out to other youth programs. From deep cleaning and conditioning 263 pairs of hiking boots to inspecting tents and stoves, these volunteers do so much. 

• How Troop 4389 has helped 
• Volunteer hours – 127
• Boots cleaned – 387
• Sleeping pads cleaned – 106
• Backpacks inspected – 91
• Tents inspected – 83
• Tents washed and treated with water proofing – 32
• Bear cans sanitized – 23
• Stoves cleaned – 17

When the troop helps out, what would be an arduous task for the gear library manager is completed with ease and care in mere hours. They are a great example of how teamwork makes the dream work. Their dedication helps ensure that more than 3,100 pieces of gear in the Seattle gear library are regularly maintained and ready for use.

Trailblazer Troop 4389 cleans and waterproofing boots for the Seattle gear library. Photo by Sarah Williams.

The Trailblazer program provides teen Girl Scouts an opportunity to engage deeply in high-adventure outdoor activities. Trailblazers develop skills in orienteering, survival camping, trail hiking, sports, and environmental stewardship. The program values taking action for the outdoors.  The partnership started when troop leader Lisa Lai reached out to ask if we could use help.  We certainly did. Since then, the troop has provided over 127 volunteer hours.

“Our Girl Scout troop is enthusiastically in support of this amazing resource and hopes to broaden its community impact as it empowers youth to explore and discover nature by removing barriers to outdoor access,” Lisa said.

Trailblazer Troop 4389 geared up and ready, including with gear from WTA's gear library, for their backpacking trip to Thunder Creek. Photo by Lisa Lai.

Scouts pose behind all the sleeping pads they cleaned. Photo by Lisa Lai. 

The youth have also learned hands-on skills and valuable knowledge. Troop 4389 is a part of our Outdoor Leadership Training community and uses the gear library for their outdoor experiences as well. Over the last 4 years, demand for our gear to support community partner outings has increased about 20 percent each year. With that increasing demand, it’s even more essential to have clean, properly working and maintained gear for groups. The troop’s partnership with the gear library allows both the gear library and the Girl Scouts to flourish. 

"WTA is grateful to have a community that gives back,” said OLT Coordinator Sarah Williams. “These dedicated volunteers are part of the reason why the OLT program has been able to support more than 4,500 outdoor experiences from the Seattle gear library so far this year."  

If you or your group are interested in volunteering at either the Seattle or Pierce County gear libraries, please send an email to swilliams@wta.org.