Ashley Pagnotta

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 Experience1997: PTC - Los Jovenes1998: PTC - Los Jovenes1999 - Kanik with Venturing Crew1999: PTC  - Mountain Trek2000: PTC - Mountain Trek2000: Venturing Leadership Trek2002: PTC Participant - Mountain TrekStaff Experience2003: PC - Baldy Town2004: PC - Rich Cabins2005: CD - Fish Camp2006: CD - Rich Cabins2007: CD - French Henry2009: Backcountry Interpretive training week assistant2015:  PTC youth STEM program LeaderNotable Mentions:Crystal WilsonCindy Link ThomasRanger LizzyNick MullinsDoug & Betty PalmerJackie ClarkHeather Harvie Patty DavisCory YountsTennessee BoysSupport the show