What did you do for your Gold Award project?
I saw that softball players and parents at my charter high school were struggling with the 15-minute drive to and from practice every day, so I built a softball practice field for my Gold Award. I reached out to several people and was eventually able to find a company willing to level the field, and install the bases and chalk lines so players can practice. The project took a long time to complete, but the company was able to donate the dirt and machinery, a project that would have cost the school $25,000. The field will be maintained by the maintenance crew and players. They will drag the dirt with a rake to keep the field level and maintain the chalk lines.
How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?
Through talking to the players and coaches of the team, I was able to see a great impact as they are excited to now have somewhere to go on campus, as well as something to build upon in the future. The school CEO, Jonathan Berg, is already planning on proposing a bid to the school board to finish off the field and make it game official. I am excited to see it already being built upon, and will soon be able to be used so much more — maybe even help the school raise money through renting it out!
How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?
The players will be able to use the field for years to come, and luckily, those who used to have to drive to practice will be able to save money while using less gas. In that way, I will be able to have a sustainable project that the players can use, and once the school is ready to expand upon it, it will become so much more in the years to come. The players and maintenance crew will also be raking the field regularly and making sure the chalk lines are in place.
What is your project’s global and/or national connection?
My project, by talking about it on the news, not only raised awareness for how charter schools rely on the community for funding and can’t afford much, but it also serves as an example for softball players worldwide who can relate and perhaps be inspired to grow their program and help their community build a field as well.
What did you learn about yourself?
Being able to communicate with people and talk to adults wasn’t something I knew how to do very well before this experience. From this project, I also learned that, as someone who is very quick to respond, I can’t sit back and wait for a response from someone. Calling, or getting out there and talking person to person helps people realize how important the project is to me and my school.
How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?
Having completed my Gold Award, I now feel like no project is too big or too small. I am eager to get involved on my college campus and lead others to accomplish great things. I can also look back and feel a sense of accomplishment whenever I see the field being put to use by the players.
Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?
Being in Girl Scouts since I was a Daisy, I have always grown up in the culture of Girl Scouts. I have always loved doing projects- and as the projects got more complex, I enjoyed doing them even more. Being a leader and able to plan a project are two skills that being a Girl Scout has taught me.
**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