What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I made and organized others to make pillowcase dresses and collected underwear for girls living in tent cities in Haiti. I made directions for people to sew dresses, collected materials, and organized sewing parties.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
I pursued this Gold Award project because I wanted to help people in Haiti. I started brainstorming when my Dad was planning on going to a mission trip to Haiti. I asked the coordinator of the mission team if there was anything I could do to help the Haitians, and he suggested making pillowcase dresses. I liked this idea because I enjoy sewing.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
578 dresses have been made and 664 pairs of underwear have been collected for my Gold Award project.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
• Sewing—I learned to sew dresses in order to make dresses and teach others how to make the dresses.
• Communication—I emailed, talked, and made Facebook posts in order to communicate with people.
• Knowledge about spreadsheets—I made my plan, kept track of the time I spent on my project, made a list of volunteers and people who donated, and kept track of my progress in spreadsheets, which helped me stay more organized.
How did you make your project sustainable?
Beyond my direct involvement, my project will be sustained through continued dressmaking. I donated the leftover materials from my project to Spiritual Threads, a sewing group that makes pillowcase dresses for Haiti. Also, I taught a lady going on a mission trip to Haiti how to make a pillowcase dress so that she could teach three girls at an orphanage to make dresses so that they can clothe themselves.
What was your connection to the national or global community?
The dresses were made for girls in Haiti.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I will most remember making dresses.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
Because I did my Gold Award, I learned about management and the steps it takes to complete a big project.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
The Gold Award is the most prestigious award a Girl Scout can earn, so earning the Gold Award is the biggest project I’ve ever done as a Girl Scout.
***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