Delaney Keeler
Colorado Springs
The Vanguard School
The Pet Pal Program
What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I created a volunteer and education program for kids who are not old enough to volunteer at the Humane Society to complete.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
I myself wanted to volunteer with the Humane Society but was not old enough. When I started working with a younger Girl Scout troop, they wanted to do a service project at the Humane Society. Plus, my family fosters puppies until they are old enough to be adopted, so I am well aware of the problem of unwanted pets.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
Now kids can volunteer with the Humane Society with the help of their parents or another adult. Kids will not only learn how responsible pet care, how to choose some of the best options available on the pet supplies market today (pet monitors, etc), but can make a difference as well. As soon as kids become a Pet Pal then they can be contacted by the Humane Society for other volunteer programs.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
I learned leadership and communication skills as well time management and flexibility.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
What I will remember most about my Gold Award is not only the hours and the hard work, but, in the end, the smiles on the girls’ faces of the Girl Scout troop I work with as we completed the requirements of this program together.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
It made me more aware of the variety of types of communication that are necessary when working with many individuals. It has definitely made me more confident. If I can complete a project such as this and not give up, it makes my dreams seem much more possible.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
I have been a Girl Scout in three states. I have camped as a Girl Scout in four countries. I have been to Our Chalet. Plus, I am a 4th generation Girl Scout, but the first in my family to earn the Gold Award. As I become an adult, this is the best possible way to transition my role as a Girl Scout to one day being a leader just like my mom, grandma, aunt and great-grandmother.