Thursday, October 1, 2026
Second graders in Brownie Troop 2170 spent an afternoon turning lessons in environmental stewardship into hands-on action at Masone Beach.
On March 27, the troop gathered at the waterfront park for its second annual cleanup and beach awareness event, an initiative that combined education, service and creativity. The effort helped the girls earn their Beach Awareness badge while reinforcing the importance of protecting local shorelines.
The program began with a talk from a local lifeguard, who spoke to the troop about beach safety and environmental responsibility. The girls then set out across the sand and nearby playground areas, collecting litter and debris.
“The beach was dirty,” said Angelina Plant, 8. “The cleanup takes probably an hour or two.”
Other scouts described the conditions as mixed, depending on the area.
“I had a lot in my bag, but overall the kids didn’t have much,” Madilyn Porcelli, 8, said of the garbage scattered across the beach.
Luna Rodriguez, 7, said she encountered more significant waste.
“It was pretty dirty, and I cleaned up a baby’s diaper,” she said.
Lucy Fitzgerald, 7, added that even small amounts of debris can pose a risk.
“The stuff might get in the water,” she said.
Despite varying conditions, the scouts agreed the effort made a noticeable difference and highlighted the impact of litter on the environment.
“Animals can choke on stuff or die from the garbage,” Plant said of why the cleanup is important. “It’s good for the environment and Earth.”
Porcelli echoed that concern, noting that trash left behind can harm marine life, while Rodriguez emphasized the broader local impact.
“I want to make the Earth clean with no litter,” she said. “If we clean all those little bits, there will be more ocean, and the animals won’t get sick.”
After the cleanup, the troop took part in a creative activity, decorating shells with positive messages. The shells, provided by the Long Beach Cleanup organization, were later scattered around the beach to spread encouragement and raise awareness among visitors.
Beyond the cleanup, the scouts also shared ideas for improving their community. Several suggested installing more signs to discourage littering, while others proposed additional ways to help.
“Maybe put up signs that say no littering — but a lot of signs,” Plant said.
Rodriguez said she would like to expand efforts beyond the beach. “I want the town to be safe, so I would help people do their chores if they need help and plant more trees for more oxygen,” she said.
The Masone Beach cleanup is part of a broader commitment to service by Troop 2170. So far this year, the group has volunteered at the Long Beach Soup Kitchen, explored nature trails and marine life in Oceanside and packaged gifts for a local children’s hospital with the St. Nick Foundation at the Inn.
For many of the girls, the beach cleanup has quickly become a favorite tradition.
“It’s fun looking for garbage and cleaning up stuff, and there are more chances to see turtles on the beach,” Plant said.
Fitzgerald agreed, adding that the effort benefits everyone.
“It helps our community,” she said. “And I love Masone Beach.”
Rodriguez hopes the tradition continues for years to come.
“If we keep doing it, it will get cleaner and cleaner as we go,” she said.
