Girl Scouts clean up Lake Cooper

Mar. 20, Olney’s Girl Scout Troop 8504 (along with Olney FFA and other volunteers) met at Lake Cooper to get to work on the task of cleaning up the lake.

The Brownies of Troop 8504 wanted to clean up Lake Cooper because they were seeking a way to obtain their “take action merit badge” in a way that would also help the community. Part of earning the badge includes planning a project and then putting the plan into action. Troop Leader Mindi Kimbro said the troop had been meeting at Lake Cooper to hike, as well as other activities, when the Brownies started noticing a great deal of trash and junk everywhere. “The girls were shocked that people had let the lake get like this,” said Kimbro in reference to the trash, junk (and even clothing) littering the lake.

After a few meetings to plan how the event would take place it was set into motion. Troop 8504 supplied gloves, trash bags, snacks, water and even Girl Scout cookies to all the volunteers who met at the lake for the scheduled clean up.

Troop 8504 invited several other groups to join in on the project, including Olney FFA, National Honor’s Society, local members of the Olney Community and even Mayor Rogers joined in to help. Kimbro added, “We were hoping to get the lake cleaned up and make it a little safer out here.” Troop 8504, along with the volunteers, picked up 32 bags of trash that filled up an entire dumpster, a half dumpster, and several pick-up beds. Some of the junk picked up included tires, roofing materials, clothing and other large items. Troop Leader Kimbro says there may be more community projects in the future and the Troop really appreciated the support of the community. If you would like more info on teaming up with the Girl Scouts on future projects contact Mindi Kimbro by email at: MindiKimbro@hotmail.com or call 940-564-6020.