Dutch Oven Cooking At Matthew Curtiss House, Sunday

Newtown Historical Society’s next open house and living history demonstration will be Sunday, May 16, from 1 to 4 pm. The afternoon will feature five Senior Girl Scouts preparing food in Dutch ovens in the kitchen fireplace at the Matthew Curtiss House, 44 Main Street in Newtown.

Alyssa Scalora, Christina Koloniaris, Floren Schertzer, Sarah Kaechele and Sasha Mastrocinque have been involved in Scouting together since kindergarten. They are currently Senior Girl Scouts in Newtown Troop 382 and have enjoyed honing their outdoor skills since their first Scout campout in third grade.

Of particular interest to these practiced Girl Scouts is the art of Dutch oven cooking over an outdoor wood fire. They have had the opportunity to share this interest with their Scouting peers in past years by running a Dutch oven cooking station during a local camporee. They shared two of their favorite recipes with younger Scouts by instructing them on how to first build a campfire and then cooking a breakfast favorite consisting of scrambled eggs, hash brown potatoes, bacon, and cheese and a dessert favorite — dump cake. Instructions always include campfire safety.  

Alyssa, Christina, Floren, Sarah and Sasha have hosted neighborhood events for their fellow Scouts — Daisy Scouts, Brownies, Junior and Cadette Scouts — that include badge earning activities, camping skills, and a dance party to celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Girl Scouts as well as volunteering to assist in many community activities over the years.

These five young women are also active at Newtown High School in various clubs including swim team, marching band, orchestra, drama club, winter guard, and tech club.

Floren and Sarah also hold dual membership in both Boy and Girl Scouting as they are active members of Venture Crew 100, whose focus is high adventure/exploring the out of doors. Venturing is a co-ed Boy Scout program for youths age 14-20. Venture Crew 100 is sponsored by the United Fire Co. of Botsford.

These Senior Scouts have acquired skills during their Scouting career that have assisted them in demonstrating leadership, sharing ideas in a positive way, contributing to the “team”, and following through with commitments.

Costumed docents will be available for guided tours of the circa 1750 Matthew Curtiss House house. The event is free and open to the public. Call the Newtown Historical Society at 426-5937 for additional information.