All-Female Scout Troop Helps Build Oasis in Puerto Rico Food Desert
Aug 2, 2025
SIMSBURY, CT — Scouts from Troop 1175 in Simsbury, an all-female troop in Scouting America (formerly Boy Scouts of America), spent the later part of their summer vacations in Puerto Rico volunteering to tackle food insecurity head-on. Partnering with LEVO International, the Scouts dedicated more than 200 collective hours of service—roughly 30 hours each—to transforming an abandoned school building in Yabucoa into a future research center and community hydroponic farm.
The project site, nestled in the island’s mountains, was left vacant after Hurricane Maria devastated the region in 2017. The storm destroyed much of the island’s farmland, and years later many fields remain abandoned, leaving families with limited access to fresh, affordable produce.
LEVO International, founded by Simsbury Eagle Scout Christian Heiden, works to combat poverty by empowering communities to develop their own solutions. Heiden’s philosophy is that sustainable change starts locally, with food security as the essential first step. Mr. Heiden emphasized the value of partnering with volunteer groups such as the Scouts, calling it a “true win-win” for everyone involved. “The community benefits from a much-needed resource,” he said, “and the Scouts have fun while enjoying an enriching experience.”
In addition to their service work, the Scouts also immersed themselves in Puerto Rican culture. Each afternoon, after hours of hands-on labor, Troop 1175 Scouts took part in activities that combined fun with education—delving into the island’s history, taking in its natural beauty, and building connections with the community they came to serve.
“It was hard work, but also rewarding to know I was contributing to a good cause,” said 12-year-old Scout Lauren Fraysier. “It was fun to learn about hydroponics, and I really enjoyed exploring Puerto Rico’s beaches and waterfalls with my friends.”
Another Scout, 16-year-old Keeva Bazyk, described the trip as unforgettable. “My favorite parts were swimming in a bioluminescent bay at night, visiting the historic fort in Old San Juan, and helping to bring a sustainable supply of fresh vegetables back to the region,” she said.
Troop 1175 hopes their work will serve as more than just a one-time contribution. Their efforts are meant to blaze a trail for future Eagle Scout projects, service groups, and volunteer organizations looking to partner with LEVO and continue building momentum in Yabucoa and beyond.
Known for their adventurous spirit and strong commitment to service, the Scouts of Troop 1175 once again lived up to their reputation—combining hard work, cultural exploration, and leadership development in a trip that will leave a lasting mark on the community they served, the path ahead for others to follow, and on the Scouts themselves.
“This is what Scouting is all about – fun with a purpose! We give young people a safe place where they are exposed to experiences that challenge them, develop their leadership skills, and help them learn about themselves. And we do it all while having a good time, so the kids don’t even realize the personal growth that’s taking place.” — Scoutmaster Todd Hollister
Troop 1175 is open to all girls ages 11–17 and the new scout year is just starting up. If you are interested in joining or learning more about Troop 1175 and the opportunities it provides, visit simsburytroop1175.org or contact Scoutmaster Todd Hollister at ToddHollister@gmail.com.Troop 1175 has an equally adventurous “brother troop” in Simsbury, Troop 175, for boys ages 11–17; for information on Troop 175, visit simsburytroop175.org or contact Scoutmaster Brad Mead at bradmead@deltanow.com.
If you are interested in learning more about LEVO International’s mission and how you can donate or get involved through volunteer opportunities here in Connecticut and elsewhere, visit https://levointernational.org/.