Marketa’s Trail: An Interactive Trail of Discovery
In April 2025, a 1.2-mile path at Camp Ockanickon in Medford Lakes was transformed into a tribute to Marketa. As a Girl Scout who earned the Gold Award, Marketa loved exploring the outdoors and motivated others to care for it. Read more about Marketa.
Joellie Giquinto, an Ambassador Girl Scout from Troop 24403 and a friend of Marketa’s, created Marketa’s Trail for her Gold Award project. The trail honors Marketa’s love for the environment and passion for helping others.
A Path That Teaches
Winding through the woods, the trail features permanent signposts with QR codes. When hikers scan a QR code, they’ll visit a web page with information about the Pine Barrens ecosystem and tips for caring for it. Because the content is online, it can be updated seasonally and as the ecosystem changes.
The trail is both a classroom and a quiet place for hikers of all ages. And every step reflects Marketa’s belief that we’re responsible for the world in which we live.
A Community Effort
Joellie did not do this alone. Jana McCabe, Marketa’s mother, helped shape the project. The YMCA, the Medford Rotary Club, and many volunteers cleared the trail, built the signs, and helped Joellie make her vision a reality.
The trail officially opened on April 5, 2025, just before Marketa’s Journey’s Fourth Annual Memorial Walk. A local 6ABC News team was there to report on the occasion.
Marketa’s Journey has provided day passes so visitors can use the trail. When visiting, please sign in at the Camp Ockanickon front office and request use of the Marketa’s Journey Girl Scout day pass.
Joellie was the only one in her troop to earn the Gold Award, just like Marketa was in hers. The trail links two young women who chose to serve, lead, and make a positive imprint in the community.
How You Can Help
Marketa’s Trail demonstrates how one person’s vision can impact many others. Likewise, Marketa’s Journey honors Marketa’s legacy by awarding scholarships to young women from diverse backgrounds pursuing STEM and environmental studies.
Your donation makes this work possible.
Donate to our scholarship fund
