Jeff and Steph are active in their kids’ scouting experiences on Okinawa. The four walked in the Veterans Day parade, Kadena Air Base in November. (Steph Pawelski)
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts were both founded in the early 20th century with the aim of providing youth opportunities for outdoor activities, learning leadership skills, and contributing to the community. The movement quickly expanded worldwide to many countries including Japan.
Even though the Boy Scouts of America is now simply called Scouting America, not much has changed in its mission of building young leaders. The organization is co-ed, and both boys and girls can participate in the same programs and activities. Girl Scouts of the USA provides programs for young girls and women to share in an all-girl environment. Girl Scouts is also inclusive and welcomes individuals who identify as girls, regardless of their assigned sex at birth.
Scouting can be a source of support for military kids due to the unique challenges they often face like moving frequently, adjusting to new locations and different schools, leaving behind friends and deployed parents.
A Brownie troop toured Camp Hansen Chow Hall to experience a day in the life of a Marine chef! (Steph Pawelski)
Madeline Embler, Cara Wilson, and Hannah Pawelski (Brownie troop, Girl Scouts of the USA) proudly march in the Veterans’ Day parade at Kadena Air Base, honoring those who served. (Steph Pawelski)
Badges earned by Scouts teach skills like financial literacy, outdoor cooking, camping, and technology. Activities like the Girl Scout Cookie Program, held annually from early February through late March on Okinawa, teach Girl Scouts responsibility, money budgeting, and other valuable life skills while also helping to fund activities and programs throughout the year.
My daughter, Hannah, a ninth grader at Kubasaki High School, has been in Girl Scouts for 10 years. She is currently a member of Camp Foster Senior Troop 83302. My son William, a seventh grader at Lester Middle School, has been in Scouts for eight years and is an active member with Camp Lester Scouting Troop 101.
Both have had enriching experiences with scouting.
Hannah is on her way to earning a Girl Scouts’ Gold Award and in 2023, worked on a cyber safety project with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service (NCIS). This project included a video interview with a special agent which aired during the morning announcements at Lester Middle School in early 2024.
William said his favorite event with Scouting America is World Scout Jamboree Day in Okinawa. During the event, he got to meet members of the Japanese Scouting Association and tour Peace Memorial Park in Itoman. Part of the day included polishing the granite slabs displaying the names of those who perished during the Battle of Okinawa.
Scouting is a volunteer-driven organization, relying on adults who give their time to help young people grow, learn, and develop new talents and skills. Volunteers are always needed to support and provide experiences that help shape tomorrow’s leaders. Joining as a leader is not just about giving back to the community— it’s about helping today’s children reach their fullest potential.
Scouting in the 60s
(Courtesy photo)
On Okinawa, the spread of scouting was influenced by the Americans after the U.S. took control of the island following World War II. Harley Montelongo, 71, was a member of Troop 103 as a young boy living on Naha Air Base. Montelongo said the Navy-sponsored troop met in a Quonset metal building, for meetings. According to Montelongo, scouts were active on all the bases where families were stationed including Kadena Air Base, Camp Sukiran, Fort Buckner, Machinato Service Area, Camp Hansen, Camp Courtney, and Camp Schwab and had their scout jamborees at Kadena and Naha. Montelongo is from Jacksonville, Fl.
If you are interested in learning more about Girl Scouts on Okinawa:
Kadena Air Base Girl Scouts: Kadenagirlscouts@usagso.org
Camp Foster / Lester Girl Scouts: Fostergirlscouts@usagso.org
Camp Courtney Girl Scouts: Courtneygirlscouts@usagso.org
Kinser Girl Scouts: Kinsergirlscouts83119@gmail.com
USA Girl Scouts Overseas: overseascustomercare@girlscouts.org or http://www.usagso.org
Scouting America: (Far East Council): www.fareastcouncil.org
