What did you do for your Gold Award project?
For my project, I created a reading-friendly environment in the Partner’s in Housing Colorado House. I redesigned a room to better suit the space for a children’s reading space, in addition to initiating a regular reading days with the children.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
Children’s illiteracy is something I am extremely passionate about. Literacy is a basic skill that is not adequately fostered by parents, especially in impoverished homes.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
My Gold Award project continues to bring access to appropriate literature to the children of Partner’s in Housing, as well as, a fun space to enjoy reading in.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
Through my Gold Award, I learned how to advocate for myself and others. I was forced to make phone calls to strangers and sell my idea to people. Also, I learned how to recruit helpers of all backgrounds.
How did you make your project sustainable?
Aside from the room itself being sustainable, I ensured that the organization continued hosting literacy days for the resident children.
What was your connection to the national or global community?
I created a guide about how to complete a service project, using my own as an example. The blog post can be found at anotherquest.blogspot.com (Press the Start Button). The blog post also contains pictures of my project.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I remember the long hours I put into designing and executing my plans in the room. Although spending ten hours each day bending over a paint can is painful, seeing the transformation I created was inexplicably rewarding.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
I will now attack my future with the tenacity with which I attack my Gold Award. I know that I am capable of doing a project so large and truly making a different in my community, and I will carry that knowledge forever.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
The Gold Award allowed me to use all of the skills I collected over the years from completing my various patches. It forced me to utilize and exhibit every line of the Girl Scout Law, and was an amazing apex to my scouting career.
***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