Learn Our History

1950s - Leaders receive training in outdoor programming under the guidance of Mrs. William De Witt.

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1960s - St John the Apostle Church sponsored troops 497, 906, and 321. The troops were part of Sunnyfield Neighborhood, District 3, Washington Rock Girl Scout Council. 

- Girl Scouts participated in activities such as trips to our Nation's Capital, camping, and earning the Marion Medal.

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1970s - SJA was the home of one Junior and two Cadette troops.

- One troop consisted of several grade levels.

- SJA was a part of Washington Rock Council.

- Girl Scouts regularly wore their uniforms to school.

- Jane Kiernan was a beloved Cadette leader who took her troops on trips to Cheesequake State Park, Disney World, and even cross-country road trips.

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1980s - Girl Scouts flourished at SJA in the 80s with mixed grade troops at each scouting level.

- Scouts took part in the annual Christmas Sleepover in the gym, a trip to Mystic Seaport, CT, and visit to Washington, DC where they slept in Army barracks, and camped at Camp Hoover.

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1990s - The first Daisy troop is created at SJA by Karen Lukenda & Jackie Petrone.

- LeeAnn Durner was one of the influential leaders at                 this time.

- Investiture took place on a fall morning and was followed by a communion breakfast in the gym for scouts and their families.

- Court of Awards took place at night & a candle ceremony was included.

- "Fall Fun Fests" were a lively tradition.

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2000s - Washington Rock Council was dissolved and SJA became a part of the new Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey.

- Troop 1413 led by Stephanie Chrobak completed their Bronze award on storm drain labeling to protect waterways.

- Troop 508 led by Donna Dedinsky led scouts in activities such as screen printing, NASA programs, horseback riding, and a cultural event consisting of a formal tea party & hat show.

- SJA Girl Scouts started making meatloaves for the local homeless shelter on a regular basis.

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2010s - Many Girl Scouts were successful in achieving religious awards given out by the Archdiocese of                       Newark.

- Girl Scouts wore their uniforms to school on meeting dates, which raised awareness & popularity through the school community. There was a troop for each grade level. 

- Father Phil Latronico guided the Girl Scouts & Boy Scouts as the SJA chaplain.

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2020s - The Covid pandemic forced troop meetings to go virtual. The 2020, 2021, & 2022 Court of Awards went to an online format in an effort to keep everyone safe. 

- In the aftermath of the pandemic, there was a decline in the number of registered Girl Scouts. Leaders combined grades to create multi-level troops. 

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