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Nautical jamboree to introduce teens to joys of sailing and scouting

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Peachtree City resident and recent McIntosh High School graduate Haley Carney is passionate about many things, including sailing and scouting. Her family shares those passions. In fact, all seven of her siblings have been involved in scouting and many of them particpate in sailing activites on Lake Lanier as part of the Carney Crew.

Later this month, as part of her project for the Girl Scout Gold Award, Carney will present the Lake Peachtree Jamboree at Picnic Park in Peachtree City. It is her hope that the teenage participants will have fun at the event and learn both about scouting and maritime activities.

Carney was part of the Girl Scout Ship 100 Mariner Girl Scout Troop in Illinois. Each year the troop would participate in events like Bay Jammer in Michigan, a week long event for scouts that had numerous contests and athletic competitions. After moving to Peachtree City nearly three years ago and seeing that there was no event like this in the area, Carney, the only member of Troop 68, decided to put on a smaller version of the event here.

Participants in the Swallowed in the Sea Jamboree will learn about code flags and decipher a message, race canoes, enjoy a ride on a sailboat and take part in numerous races and games throughout the day, including tug of war and volleyball. Lunch will be provided by Chick-fil-A and all participants will receive a t-shirt and a Nalgene water bottle as well. The event is open to teens ages 13-16 and Carney hopes that it will show them the things that Carney sees in scouting.

“I never worried that much about earning badges,” said Carney. “Scouting was just a way to have a lot of fun with a good group of friends.” In addition to planning this event, she also helps out with her sister’s troop.

This fall, Carney will be a freshman at Georgia Tech. She is following in the footsteps of many of her family members by majoring in mechanical engineering. She considers herself pretty handy, stating that she fixes a lot of things around the house. While she has quickly taken to sailing, she also enjoys cars, fondly remembering helping her grandfather fix up a ‘64 Mustang.

While college calls, Carney plans on being a Life Scout, meaning she will be a scout forever. Not only will she carry the memories of all the fun she has had but she also enjoys the community service aspect of the group.

“I love helping people,” said Carney, hoping that she can help some people find the same joy she has in scouting.

The fee to enter the event, which lasts from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on Saturday, June 30 is $6. For more informaton on the jamboree and to register, phone 770-632-1796 or visit www.swallowedintheseajamboree.com