From Sunny Trails to STEM careers

Sunny Trails Day Camp co-director Emily’s journey with Girl Scout camp started in second grade when she attended camp. Throughout the years, she returned to camp every summer – as a camper, then as a lifeguard (both at Sunny Trails and Camp Alice Chester), a Program Aide, an overnight health supervisor, a unit leader, Camp Alice Chester’s fi rst-ever STEM specialist, Sunny Trail’s STEM program coordinator, and now co-director.

“Camp has always been a huge part of my life. It’s a place where I feel supported and empowered to try new things and be exactly who I am. It’s a great community for learning and growth,” said Emily. Emily’s camp experience extends beyond the walls of her tent. After discovering she loved educating Girl Scouts and witnessing teamwork and growth, she transitioned into a STEM educator career, where she works with youth and teachers in grades K-12. “I’m using lesson and curriculum planning skills in my job that I learned at Girl Scouts. I’ve gained so many leadership skills at camp that I now use,” said Emily.

One of Emily’s favorite STEM experiences at camp while she was a STEM specialist at Camp Alice Chester was helping guide Cadettes through a classic egg drop experiment where one group created an egg zipline! “The Girl Scouts learned through trial and error. They refused to give up and showed so much resilience and collaboration,” said Emily. Whether it’s STEM or outdoors related, Emily loves returning to Sunny Trails Day Camp.

“It’s a special community of all ages, and I’m excited I can give back to the camp that has invested in me and made me who I am,” said Emily. When you support Girl Scouts, you help create safe spaces for Girl Scouts to identify their passions and create lifelong friendships.

Find more stories like Emily's in the spring issue of Discover magazine.