What did you do for your Gold Award project?
My Gold Award Project was to design, facilitate the creation of, and distribute 450 Medbugs. I tackled the emotional issues with children in the hospital and created a Medbug. It is a little bug friend to help a child feel better. It is the medicine to make them smile and feel a little less afraid.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
I spent five weeks in the hospital when I was 8. I remember the comfort of a stuffed friend to hold onto and cry into when I was scared. My brother also has been sick and at times a special treat has made all the difference in the world to him. He still has a stuffed bear he got at age 2. Kids should be able to be kids and if a friendly fleece friend helps ease the mind of one child, then I have had tremendous success.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
My target audience was children in the hospital. They are either sick or hurt. Another target audience is their siblings. Immediately, I hoped these Medbugs made children smile. A smile of joy and hope is so very important when you are sick or hurt. I have been in the shoes of the ill and the shoes of the siblings. I know these friends brought joy. In the future, I hope that these children and their parents gained knowledge of caring and kind people in their community. I would hope that when they grow up they will have gained an attitude that service and helping others is important.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
I spoke to several groups about my project and how they could help me on my journey. Also, with my mom’s help and guidance, I managed a Facebook page chronicling my journey of my Gold Award Project. On this page, people all over the world can see my progress and be inspired to do good works in their areas. I think if I inspire one to do service, no matter what that service may be, my project has been a success. I was amazed at how many different people committed their time to my project. I have had girls and boys, men and women, and the young and the mature help me. I did not think I would have such a fantastic team surround me and make me successful. I am proud of the people who helped me and I am proud of what we accomplished.
How did you make your project sustainable?
I created an incredible resource book! I am so proud of the fact that others can take this book and easily recreate this project in their own communities. I already have groups in Missouri, Colorado, and California duplicating this project.
What was your connection to the national or global community?
There are children sick and hurt all over the world. My Facebook page went viral when I was named a Channel 7 Everyday Hero. Woman’s World Magazine is writing a story about my project and my hobby of community service. I have been contacted by many people inquiring about how they can get started in making a difference in their communities. I provided an opportunity for others to learn how to sew. I also inspired several groups to recreate my project. As a leader I have made myself available to them in the event of any questions. I will continue to serve my world. It is my duty as a citizen of the world.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I had never really looked at my total hours of service until I needed to log them for this project. In realizing that I had served over 4,500 hours in my lifetime. This made me realize that service is one of my hobbies. I realized that I am a good seamstress. I will now not be afraid of volunteering for other sewing based service opportunities. I spoke to several groups about my project and how they could help me on my journey. Also, with my mom’s help and guidance, I managed a Facebook page the chronicling my journey of my Gold Award Project. On this page, people all over the world can see my progress and be inspired to do good works in their areas. I think if I inspire one to do service, no matter what that service may be, my project has been a success. I was amazed at how many different people committed their time to my project. I have had girls and boys, men and women, and the young and the mature help me. I did not think I would have such a fantastic team surround me and make me successful. I am proud of the people who helped me and I am proud of what we accomplished.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
As a leader, I learned to plan and execute a service project. This will help me with future projects. I also learned to communicate in front of large groups. I have made a lifelong friend in Melissa Mangan. If I had not gone in and asked for her help, this project would not have been as successful. This skill of asking for help will make me a better leader. I felt a positive connection to my community. I have lived in three states and for the first time I felt at home.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
It’s all about service! This project more than any other makes a young woman think outside themselves. It requires a deeper journey into who she will become. I am a better human being because of Girl Scouts and all I have experienced and learned.
***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