Madeline McWhorter Colorado Springs Pine Creek High School Golden Paths to Great Meals
What did you do for your Gold Award project?
For my project, I created a cookbook for Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank, using ingredients that are primarily donated to food banks. My cookbook contains 60 original recipes, menu ideas (for holidays, too), high altitude baking instructions, and helpful cooking tips. I also made tri-folds containing different holiday menus for Care and Share Food Bank, Mercy’s Gate Food Bank, and Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank.
Why did you pursue this Gold Award project?
I pursued this project because I have a passion for cooking. Meals with my family are so incredibly important to me, and I wanted to give other people the resources and skills they needed to do the same, no matter how much money they make.
How did your Gold Award project make a difference?
My project gave people the skills and resources they need to put creative and healthy meals on the table for their families. People that receive food from food banks will feel more confident when cooking for their families and friends, even during the holidays.
What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award?
I gained the skills it took to talk to people I didn’t know. I had to call, email, and meet with a lot of people that I didn’t know. At first, it made me very uncomfortable, but soon, I grew more confident in my ability to speak to people I didn’t know.
How did you make your project sustainable?
I gave Tri-Lakes Cares Food Bank the rights to reproduce my cookbook for their clients. Also, Mercy’s Gate and Care and Share will reproduce the holiday meals tri-folds for their clients.
What was your connection to the national or global community?
There is a huge increase, nationwide, in the number of people relying on food banks, especially because of the recent wildfires in Colorado, California, and Oregon. There is also a huge national push towards making sure children have healthy meals, no matter what their families’ financial situation may be. My project connected to those two national issues, and I hope it will make a difference in my community.
What will you most remember about your Gold Award project?
I will most remember the feeling of completing the project. I was overwhelmed with happiness, relief, and pride when I completed my cookbook. I hope it will touch many lives, and I will never forget the amazing feeling of completing a task of this size.
How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future?
Earning my Gold Award has increased my confidence in ways I never thought possible. The project also taught me time management, which I will definitely be able to use in college and in life. I also hope that potential employers will see that I have completed this award, and they will know that I am hard-working, dedicated, and passionate.
Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
The Gold Award is the culmination of my 13 years of being a Girl Scout. The award gives you a huge sense of pride and accomplishment. It is important because it gives you the confidence to know you can take on any challenge that is thrown your way.
***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
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