What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I organized and ran a large clothing event at Warren Village, a transitional housing organization in Denver. At this event, the child residents could use tickets to “buy” clothing while in a store atmosphere.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
I have always had a interest in clothing. I love the feeling of confidence I receive when I put on an outfit I feel comfortable in, and I wanted to provide that opportunity to others that might have a harder time accessing it.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
It impacted the child residents through providing them with clothing, but it also gave the feeling of accomplishment to the parents, when they were able to provide their children with a sometimes overlooked need.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
While earning my Gold Award, I completely grew in my leadership skills. I learned a lot about how to organize and lead a large project, and I developed my time management skills through learning how to juggle my other senior year activities with the Gold Award.
How did you make your project sustainable?
In order to make my project more sustainable, I educated my church community and local troop leaders about my project, the issue I focused on, and Warren Village. I also created a guide that described how to complete my event in detail. I distributed this guide to local troop leaders, Warren Village, and several National Honor Societies in my school district.
What was your connection to the national or global community?
Homelessness was the global and national link to my project. Although most of the residents at Warren Village weren’t homeless before, the amount of income the parents make annually is similar to those who are.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I will most remember my clothing event at Warren Village. It was such a large event, and it truly looked- and felt- like it was a clothing store. The event itself affected so many of the residents, and for that I cannot help but be proud of it.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
Earning my Gold Award gave me invaluable experience in being involved and leading a large project. This experience has prepared me so much for what to expect at college and whatever else I’m involved in in the future.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I have been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, and I have noticed that while earning my Gold Award, I was constantly using the skills that I learned and developed while being a Girl Scout these past 13 years.
***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