Ashley spent five summers growing and learning as a PTC participant and five summers working in the Philmont backcountry.  It was in 1998 at PTC that she learned of the newly-revamped Venturing Program and quickly joined a crew once she returned home. She was enthusiastic about the opportunity to be a part of this co-ed, youth-lead BSA leadership program. 

Recalling her formative experiences on staff, Ashley shares her love for knitting, reading the Philnews in the backcountry by candlelight, manning the radio during SARs on Baldy, and forming her own tradition of hiking with butterscotch chips and baking sweets for fellow staff. At Fish and Rich, she enjoyed the opportunity to learn about and portray the lives of historic individuals.  In 2006, descendants of the Rich family came to camp and had a meal with her and her staff.  She was also part of an uncommon, all female staff at Fish Camp in the summer of 2005.

Today Ashley teaches astronomy and physics at the College of Charleston, and studies exploding stars.  During our interview, she appropriately wore a Tooth of Time Traders t-shirt showcasing Ursa Major, Ursa Minor, and Ursa mini - the infamous Philmont mini-bear.  Ashley aspires to return to Philmont one day as a visiting astronomer at Ring Place.  

Participant Experience
1997: PTC - Los Jovenes
1998: PTC - Los Jovenes
1999 - Kanik with Venturing Crew
1999: PTC  - Mountain Trek
2000: PTC - Mountain Trek
2000: Venturing Leadership Trek
2002: PTC Participant - Mountain Trek

Staff Experience
2003: PC - Baldy Town
2004: PC - Rich Cabins
2005: CD - Fish Camp
2006: CD - Rich Cabins
2007: CD - French Henry
2009: Backcountry Interpretive training week assistant
2015:  PTC youth STEM program Leader

Notable Mentions:
Crystal Wilson
Cindy Link Thomas
Ranger Lizzy
Nick Mullins
Doug & Betty Palmer
Jackie Clark
Heather Harvie
Patty Davis
Cory Younts
Tennessee Boys

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