What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I addressed the issue of underdeveloped reading skills in the community involving children from low-resource families. I had hoped that by donating, working with a children’s center, and giving them books to read and keep that they would become more excited to read. In turn, the Loaves and Fishes Ministries of Fremont County benefited greatly by gaining a newly renovated lobby, including an area for children to play while their parents are in meetings or filling out paperwork.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
During the project my team and I came across many thanks and encouragement, which I feel made me even more motivated. I received many compliments from the staff, people using the facility, and the community. People who read the story and those who I personally came in contact with would spread the word about my project, and I would hear stories about people donating just to be able to see my work.
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
My project is being continued in a partnership between Loaves and Fishes Ministries of Fremont County and the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) of Canon City High School. The students of that group, who are being led by Mrs. Deb Crockett, will hold drives throughout the school to donate newer books, toys, or stuffed animals to the shelter, so the children may always have those items to enjoy.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
My main connection is through Loaves and Fishes’ newsletter that is sent out every quarter to people in the community and further. The newsletter contains before and after photos of my project, and information about what I accomplished. I have sent information about my project to various other shelters in the state encouraging them to do something similar to what I have accomplished. My hope is that shelters and businesses will create an area in their building similar to mine and help more people.
What did you learn about yourself?
I am not quite as shy, I am independent, and I can do whatever I desire! My project brought me out of my comfort zone and helped me learn new things I may have never learned otherwise! I know that sounds cheesy or cliché, but it’s true!
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
On a serious note, it has helped me develop a work ethic, positive attitude, critical thinking process, and many other things that will help me get through college now, and through jobs and life later down the road. It could also lead to scholarships, job opportunities, and many other things!
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I feel that it was important because I got to see a different side of Girl Scouts. Of course, I love going to camp, the activities like World Thinking Day, or Bridging ceremonies, but the Gold Award was different. It encourages girls to follow through to the end of scouting and to do an amazing project in their community, which is needed even though many people won’t ever know who filled that need. Girls can learn so many things from doing a project on this scale, and I really appreciate the opportunities is has given me.
**IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org
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