Sea Scout Ship Convergence - Wichita

08/27/2026

Our Boatswain, Lizzy Toepfer conducted a comprehensive PFAS ‘forever chemical’ screening study of surface waters in Sedgwick County. As her Eagle Project - She selected test locations, organized volunteers, collected 19 samples, sent them to a laboratory, and helped produce a final report. Incredible work Lizzy!

PFAS have become an increasing environmental concern across the country, but relatively little information has been available about what these chemicals look like in the waterways running through Sedgwick County. A recent community-led sampling project set out to change that.PFAS, short for per- and...

07/25/2026

Today, Sea Scout Ship Convergence proudly celebrated a remarkable milestone as Elizabeth Toepfer was recognized during her Eagle Scout Bridge of Honor.

Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is an extraordinary accomplishment in any Scouting program. Achieving it while also serving as a Sea Scout makes it even more unique. Elizabeth is among the rare few who have successfully charted both paths, demonstrating exceptional leadership, perseverance, and a commitment to serving others.

From tackling challenging adventures on the water to leading an Eagle Scout project that supports environmental stewardship along the Arkansas River, Elizabeth has consistently shown determination, courage, and a willingness to step forward when others hesitate.

We are incredibly proud to call her a member of Sea Ship Convergence. Her achievement reflects not only countless hours of hard work but also the values of Scouting, character, leadership, service, and adventure.

Congratulations, Eagle Scout Elizabeth Toepfer! Fair winds and following seas as you continue to make a difference in our community and beyond.

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04/02/2026

BIG NEWS! Congratulations to our Ship’s Boatswain Lizzy T. who passed her Eagle Scout board of review this evening! You heard that right! A Sea Scout Ship produced an Eagle Scout!This is the highest rank in Scouting.

Lizzy is the first Sea Scout in Convergence history and maybe Quivira Council history, to achieve Eagle through the Ship! We’re incredibly proud of her accomplishments.

Lizzy’s Eagle project involved developing and executing a plan to test for PFAS in various bodies of water in Sedgwick County. The data is set to be released this spring.

02/23/2026

First round of PFAS test results are in and it’s not the best news.

In late 2025, the Arkansas River Coalition completed two rounds of independent testing for PFAS, commonly known as “forever chemicals," at multiple locations along the Arkansas River in Sedgwick County. The results confirmed that PFAS are present in local surface water, with concentrations and che...

02/07/2026

Eagle Project with a Ship? That’s right! Today Ship 2001 Boatswain Lizzy T. (Along with 8 volunteers she recruited) accomplished Part 1 of her Eagle Project.

The project involved identifying water test locations and collecting water samples to test for PFAS in the waterways and bodies of water in Sedgwick county.

Part 2 will include analysis and interpretation of the test results. All test results will be posted on the arkrivercoaltion.org