Thetford man presented with Torchbearer Award
THETFORD, VT | Jesse Pacht of Thetford was honored by Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains with the Torchbearer Award in a ceremony at Camp Farnsworth on Sept. 8.
Pacht is a lifetime member of Girl Scouts, and well known among the Girl Scout community, along with his wife, Tara, for his passionate dedication to Girl Scouts. He has been teaching outdoor cooking since 2013 at Farnsworth Weekend, educating Girl Scouts and volunteers on the fine points of pie irons, as well as other types of outdoor cooking methods. He and his wife have worked hard to make improvements to Camp Farnsworth, the Girl Scout residential camp in Thetford, doing plumbing repairs and erecting more than 20 canvas tents this past spring. He has volunteered during camp work weekends and whenever there is a need for help, parking cars and chopping wood for camp.
The Torchbearer Award honors leadership and service in many areas, in particular to recognize individuals who have had a significant impact on our girls’ outdoor experiences. The first Torchbearer ceremony was at Tamarack Notch Girl Scout Camp in Rutland, Vermont, on July 30, 1960. The tradition continues today at Camp Farnsworth, where Girl Scouts has welcomed new Torchbearers since 2009.
Pacht was given the white pine torch, which symbolizes someone who is creative, active, trustworthy, practical and patient. Both his wife, Tara, and daughter, Gabrielle, have been given the Torchbearer Award in earlier years.
To be eligible for this recognition, a person must be a registered and active Girl Scout adult member for at least five years, involved and committed to the ideals of Girl Scouting, and involved with the outdoor Girl Scout programming or Girl Scout training beyond the troop level for a minimum of three years.
Because of Jesse’s efforts, girls who attended Camp Farnsworth were able to cook outdoors, go hiking, learn to ride horseback, climb the alpine tower, gain archery skills, and more. The all-girl, girl-led environment at Girl Scout camp and in Girl Scout programs allows girls to try new things, develop a range of skills, and take on leadership roles. With 30 new badges and two new Journeys for all grade levels, girls are learning important life skills, such as environmental stewardship, cybersecurity, and mechanical engineering.
Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is proud to recognize Jesse Pacht for his contributions to creating G.I.R.L.s (Go-getters, Innovators, Risk-takers, Leaders)™, and for helping build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our innovative leadership programs help girls discover, connect, and take action as they develop strong values, a social conscience, and a deep sense of self and their potential. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving more than 10,000 girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
