Flocks Of Flamingos Migrate In Park Hill

Photo and story by Kristin Coulter

Leader, Girl Scout Troop 3573

The first two weeks of October looked pretty pink around Park Hill as Girl Scout Troop 3573 stealthily helped plastic, pink, yard flamingos migrate around the neighborhood.

For a donation, the girls, and their chauffeurs, took Park Hillers requests to send small (12 for $10), medium (24 for $20) or large (36 for $30) flocks to friends and family. The flocks remained in their landing spot for 24 hours before they flew off to a new post.

This fundraiser not only flew, it soared and sold out. The Park Hill troop of 7th and 8th graders raised enough money to pay for a two-day wilderness First Aid course from the Colorado Mountain Club so they can work on their outdoor skills.

Things were not all smooth. A small flock of birds was stolen in the middle of the fundraiser. A generous Park Hiller, and former Girl Scout, learned of the theft and even though she knew no one in the troop, paid to have the birds replaced. Even after selling out we continued to get donations and were able to add to the fleet.  This is the kind of neighborhood we live in.

The flamingos will return in the spring and will likely fly into surrounding neighborhoods too. To get on the waitlist, email troop3573@yahoo.com.