Sophia Boardman has earned Girl Scout’s prestigious Gold Award for creating geocaching trail activities within the South Kingstown Land Trust (SKLT) properties. The Gold Award is the highest achievement award a Scout can earn recognizing those individuals who have completed extraordinary community service and made a lasting change in the world. Award winners serve as inspirational leaders to others by embodying the core values of Girl Scouts, exhibiting leadership and being a role model for young women everywhere.
Geocaching is an international, outdoor treasure hunting game that involves unraveling mysteries, deciphering clues and tracking down hidden treasure. Players try to locate hidden containers, called geocaches, using GPS-enabled devices and then share their experiences online.
On the 18th of June, 2021, Sophia created and installed multiple geocaches along three (3) historical themed trails within South Kingstown Land Trust properties. From this experience, Sophia learned hands-on project management skills. Sophia hopes that her project will inspire people of all ages to enjoy the great outdoors by traveling the SKLT trails and learn the fun activity of geocaching. Geocachers will find Sophia’s SKLT geocaches on Geocaching.com at sboardman21.
Caches are hidden on the popular SKLT Weeden, Thewlis, and Tefft trails within South Kingstown. The Weeden trailhead is located at 17 Matunuck Beach Road. Thewlis trailhead is located on the east side of Pine Hill Road. And the Tefft trailhead is located at the end of Berry Hill Lane.
“It’s a fantastic sport and confidence building activity for Girl Scouts,” said Ambassador Boardman. “It combines orienteering, problem-solving and outdoor adventure for people of all ages!”
Sophia would like to thank her project mentors, SKLT Executive Director Julia Landstreet and SKLT Land Management Director Tyler Maikath. She also thanks her dedicated Troop 269 Leader, Becky Kelly, and GSSNE leader Carolyn Dyer.
