FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. – Thursday's game will be "Scouts' Night" for the Northern Arizona women's basketball game against Weber State in the Walkup Skydome. One particular Lumberjack has a close relationship with the Girl Scouts of America. Freshman guard Amy Patton recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award and has been involved with the group for eight years.

Patton received the Girl Scout Gold Award which is the most prestigious honor a Girl Scout can earn and is reserved for the 14 to 18 age group.

In order to earn the award, a scout must complete a seven-step guide which includes extensive volunteer and community service hours, earning three separate award charms, and completing the gold award final project.

“I was in the scouts since I was 10 years old and it was a great experience,” Patton said of her time in the scout's and time spent on achieving the Gold Award. “It was a big time commitment. I had to learn how to balance schoolwork, basketball, and my work for the Girl Scouts. There were a lot of late nights. I worked on it every day for three months after school, but I am glad I did it.”

Patton, from Tempe, Ariz., leads the Big Sky Conference in scoring and rebounding as a freshman and credits her time with the Girl Scouts and completion of the Gold Award as being important to her development as a student, athlete, and person.

“It taught me if you work hard and put your mind to something you can achieve anything,” Patton said. “It gave me time management skills and taught me how to prioritize my schedule. I was put into leadership roles and had to delegate responsibility. This award is important and even something I can put on my resume someday.”

Patton and the NAU women's basketball team will play Weber State on Thursday at 6:35 p.m. in the Walkup Skydome. Scouts who attend the game in uniform will receive free admission.