Eagle Scouts (l-r) Carolina Franklin, Ava Phelps, Reagan Millman, Cameron Caulk, and Madelyn Ridley are among the first females in the nation to achieve the highest honor in the Boy Scouts of America.
Ava Phelps, founding member of the Scouts BSA Troop 2870 in Columbia, made history October 1 when she became one of the first in the nation to earn the Eagle Scout Award in the Boy Scouts of America.
Her trail to Eagle began promptly on February 1, 2019, along with the historic launch of females, ages 11-17, into Scouts BSA, previously known as Boy Scouts of America.
“I was drawn to the outdoor and leadership skills of Scouting, and when I was informed that females were eligible to join Scouts BSA, I immediately desired to become a scout. I have been taught to always follow through, and my goal in the program has always been to earn the rank of Eagle Scout. I really like how the program promotes moral values and teaches youth how to be upstanding members of the community.”
Phelps chose to complete her Eagle Scout Project to benefit Camp Discovery, a non-profit organization that provides nature-based education to youth groups, families, and to the local community. Phelps attended Camp Discovery’s Earth Keepers summer program for many years before becoming a camp counselor herself last summer. Even before she began her Eagle Project, Phelps dedicated countless volunteer hours through her role as a counselor, performing trail maintenance across the 116-acre property and participating in outreach events within the community.
Ava Phelps
Phelps says, “ The goal of my Eagle Scout Service Project was to create a sustainable pollinator garden for Camp Discovery. In addition to supporting the wildlife at Camp Discovery, this garden will serve as an outdoor classroom and a way for children in our community to learn about some of the many wonders of the natural world. Many years ago, the camp had a pollinator garden that, in recent years, became extremely overgrown. In order to reimagine the space, the field was cleared, a split-rail fence and rope border installed, over 275 plants planted, and hardwood mulch spread throughout the garden. These various components will hopefully ensure lasting benefits to Camp Discovery.”
Over 240 hours of service were logged by Phelps and her team of dedicated volunteers during the development and completion of her Eagle Scout Project, “Reimagining the ‘Pollinator Garden’ at Camp Discovery.” She says, “Family, friends, and community members were extremely generous and willing to support the cause. The Scouts and other volunteers were very helpful and committed. I’m truly thankful for everyone’s support.”
Amy Ellisor, Camp Discovery executive director, said, “Ava Phelps’s Eagle Project provided a complete transformation of the space at Camp Discovery. Ava planned and managed her project with careful details, keen creativity, and motivation to all involved. The result is a beautiful habitat where plants, animals, and insects are already thriving in a beautiful, treasured space. Phelps’s outstanding work will allow students and families to explore paths throughout the garden, learning about and enjoying the bounty that pollinators provide.”
Phelps is an active member of Troop 2870 where she serves as Troop Guide and actively mentors new scouts. In addition to her busy scouting activities with her troop, Phelps has maintained a focus on her academics and is now a Freshmen in Spring Valley High School’s Discovery magnet program. Phelps is a member of Shandon United Methodist Church, enjoys soccer, plays the violin, and is a member of the Spring Valley varsity cross country team.
When asked about her future plans in Scouts BSA and beyond, Phelps states, “It is my intention to stay active in my Troop and to serve other Scouts, just as so many have done for me. No matter what path I take, I will lead my life with the values and standards promoted through Scouts BSA.”
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