Several weeks ago, Girl Scout Brownie Troop 526 went on a field trip to the Boothbay Lobster Wharf, sneaking in a dockside meeting before a cold fall rain. There they enjoyed a demonstration of lobstering by local lobsterman Christopher Hodgdon.

Hodgdon taught the girls about lobsters, the lobstering industry, and some of the threats the industry faces. Hodgdon, who is also the husband of one of the troop’s leaders, Krystle Hodgdon, showed the girls, including their daughter, Arabella, how traps are baited and hauled. Krystle Hodgdon said the girls had a chance to eat some lobster. “The girls really liked seeing the bait on the boat and picking up the lobsters and crabs,” she said. Co-leader Loretta Raburn praised the girls for their good questions and noted that the buoy project — Hodgdon put the girls’ initials into buoys that the girls then decorated — was a hit. The girls earned their Maine Lobster Patch, one of more than a dozen patches specially created by the Girl Scouts of Maine.

The troop would like to thank Christopher Hodgdon for the demonstration and lobster snack, and also the Boothbay Lobster Wharf, which provided the space for the meeting.

Girl Scouts of Maine provides services and support to over 12,000 girl and adult members statewide. There are currently three troops on the Boothbay peninsula, as well as several others nearby. Interested girls and their parents may call the Girl Scouts of Maine (888-922-4763) or visit its website to learn more about how to join or volunteer.