Kelli Leachman Larkspur Douglas County High School Perennial Garden What did you do for your Gold Award project? For my Gold Award project I created a perennial garden for the Douglas County Outdoor Education Center. The reason for the garden is to teach the students about different kinds of plants and what plants are able to grow in different regions. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I created the perennial garden because I have always loved the outdoors and going to Outdoor Ed was a great experience for me. I decided that when Douglas County opened the Outdoor Education Center that I wanted to help them so that other students could have a great experience just as I did. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? While working on my Gold Award I learned the skills of leadership and time management. In the future I can take the skills I acquired and use them to help me be successful. #Colorado #GirlScouts #GoldAward #Larkspur

Eliana Wackerman Colorado Springs Saint Mary’s High School Do It for the Kids! What did you do for your Gold Award project? My project addressed the issue of children feeling uncomfortable and frightened within hospitals. Young children decide how they feel about things in a moment’s notice. To help provide a better atmosphere, I created 32 separate murals on windows measuring 47” x 57 1/2” and activities on white board paper for the waiting room at the Pediatric Clinic in the U.S. Army’s Evans Community Hospital. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I selected this project for various reasons. First, I wanted to execute a project that included children because I am thinking of pursuing a career that deals with children. Second, I wanted to include the medical field within my project because I have a large interest in both science as well as medicine. Lastly, seeing as how both of my parents are retired U.S. Army, I have always felt a large connection with the military. With the combination of all of these things, working with the U.S. Army’s Evans Community Hospital’s Pediatric Clinic became the perfect opportunity. Working with Evans Community Hospital not only allowed me to obtain experience with children through the medical field, but it also allowed me to make an impact on children’s lives. I understand that hospitals can be a scary place to many children of all ages. That is why I want the children to feel as comfortable as possible as they are waiting for a consult with a doctor. A mural and activities for children to play with while they wait are only a small way that children can feel more comfortable, but I hope something as small as this can have a large impact on the children that observe the mural as well as play with the activities. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? My Gold Award project made a difference by not only letting the children feel more comfortable in the clinic, but also by having others want to help their community because they saw my project. I posted pictures of the progress of my project on social networking sites, and friends from all over the world commented and contacted me telling me how awesome an action I was completing. Each of these people have told me that seeing me take action in my community has made them want to take action in their community, What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I developed a stronger sense of self as I faced my fear of talking with high-ranking officials and adults, and realized that my confidence grew as I faced my fears and that I could easily communicate with my elders. I developed positive values as I realized the impact I could make on young children through such simple means of educational paintings. I gained practical life skills, especially in the area of time management. I discovered that I cannot expect things to be approved or executed in a snap of the fingers. I realized that I have to manage my time effectively because it is so precious. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? I will remember the reactions from parents, children and staff at the Fort Carson Hospital that I received as I completed my project. Children walking by as I was painting saying, “Look mommy! A sheep!” or ” That’s so cool!” always put a smile on my face. Parents and staff at the hospital even came up to me saying how much they liked the paintings and how they believed it was making a big impact on the children. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? The children who are patients at this hospital were scared of the hospital and the pediatric clinic. The colorful murals allow them to feel more comfortable in a now kid-friendly area. The fact that I was educating these children through an artistic viewpoint not only empowered me to be a creative thinker when it came to the scenes on these panels, but it also educated children as they asked their parents what different objects on the panels were. Creativity is something that can only enhance my future, and learning how to use it in a way that helps others will help me reach my goals in a unique way. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? One of the reasons I decided to work with the military for my Gold Award was because I thought that would be a perfect way to establish a global connection. With military personnel moving around as much as they do, I am hoping that they will see my project and implement something similar all over the world. Also since this project is focused at children, wherever these children go when they grow up, which could be anywhere in the world, I hope they give something back to their community and, thus, make an impact on the global society. As Girl Scouts, we want to help the world, and I think executing a project that makes global connections and makes a difference in the world fulfills the motto of the Girl Scouts and the reason I am a Girl Scout. #Colorado #ColoradoSprings #GirlScouts #GoldAward

Delaney Keeler Colorado Springs The Vanguard School The Pet Pal Program What did you do for your Gold Award project? I created a volunteer and education program for kids who are not old enough to volunteer at the Humane Society to complete. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I myself wanted to volunteer with the Humane Society but was not old enough. When I started working with a younger Girl Scout troop, they wanted to do a service project at the Humane Society.  Plus, my family fosters puppies until they are old enough to be adopted, so I am well aware of the problem of unwanted pets. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? Now kids can volunteer with the Humane Society with the help of their parents or another adult. Kids will not only learn how responsible pet care, how to choose some of the best options available on the pet supplies market today (pet monitors, etc), but can make a difference as well. As soon as kids become a Pet Pal then they can be contacted by the Humane Society for other volunteer programs. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I learned leadership and communication skills as well time management and flexibility. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? What I will remember most about my Gold Award is not only the hours and the hard work, but, in the end, the smiles on the girls’ faces of the Girl Scout troop I work with as we completed the requirements of this program together. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? It made me more aware of the variety of types of communication that are necessary when working with many individuals. It has definitely made me more confident. If I can complete a project such as this and not give up, it makes my dreams seem much more possible. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? I have been a Girl Scout in three states. I have camped as a Girl Scout in four countries. I have been to Our Chalet. Plus, I am a 4th generation Girl Scout, but the first in my family to earn the Gold Award. As I become an adult, this is the best possible way to transition my role as a Girl Scout to one day being a leader just like my mom, grandma, aunt and great-grandmother. #Colorado #ColoradoSprings #GirlScouts #GoldAward

Carly U-Ren Grand Junction Fruita Monument High School Memory Books for Dementia Patients What did you do for your Gold Award project? I made beautiful Memory Books for a dementia unit in my hometown. These books are used to help spark memories in the patients, and are used by staff, families and volunteers. I volunteered with the patients to keep them busy doing exercise groups, games and socializing. Why did you pursue this Gold Award project? I volunteered at a nursing home and saw how board the patients were and that they needed something to do. I did some research and found out about Memory Books and made them for the patients. I also volunteered, when possible, and worked with the patients doing different activities to keep them active and engaged. How did your Gold Award project make a difference? I provided five books and four baby dolls to a local center, and I got a local school to continue making these books for other dementia centers in my area. I also recruited other students from the area to volunteer at the dementia center so the patients would have more visitors to help keep them busy. What skills did you gain through earning your Gold Award? I learned about dementia. I learned to be assertive in asking for donations for my books and to keep my project going forward. I am now more comfortable talking in front of groups and to different business people. The project also taught me to budget my money. What will you most remember about your Gold Award project? I will remember working with the dementia patients the most. How will earning your Gold Award help you in your future? It will help me be more confident and to not give up when you are pursuing something important. Why do you feel the Gold Award is an important part of your Girl Scout experience? The Gold Award project teaches you to be independent and to pursue something you are passionate about. It teaches you to make a difference in the world. #Colorado #GirlScouts #GoldAward #GrandJunction

What’s “buzzing” at Tomahawk Ranch Camp this summer? We are excited to introduce a new bee apiary as part of our homesteading programs! What is homesteading? Homesteading is a lifestyle of self sufficiency. It is characterized by subsistence agriculture, home preservation of foodstuffs, and it may or may not also involve the small scale production of textiles, clothing, and craftwork for household use or sale. Our homesteading program will include: 1. The Small Animal Farm: campers will be able to connect with animals, learn about their care, and how to harvest eggs and other useful items from the animals 2. The Greenhouse & Gardens: campers will learn about planting and picking produce, how to protect it in a mountain environment from predators and so much more! When the garden produces, campers will enjoy farm to table meals! 3. The Bee Apiary: In our first year, campers will not be doing any hands-on beekeeping; our bees will need peace and quiet in order to get their colonies thriving into the future. The Bee Apiary will be set a distance from the greenhouse and gardens. We will have a separate non-active bee hive setup to show girls how it all works. This is an exciting new way to share about growth cycles and educate girls about how bees help keep everything alive. NOTE: We are very aware that there may be campers who have a bee sting allergy. Those campers will not be forced to go anywhere near the Bee Apiary. Our health staff will work with families to ensure Epi-Pens are in place for those who have a prescription. Girl safety is always at the utmost importance in this and all activities for our resident campers! Do you know anyone who loves to garden and wants to volunteer? If so, please have them contact Betsy Till, Outdoor Programs Director via email. Ready to send your girl to camp? Register here! #homesteading #garden #beeapiary #beehives #homesteadingcamps #TomahawkRanch #epipen #greenhouse #smallanimalfarm

Three-day camps are offered every week this summer at Magic Sky Ranch. They are a bundle of fun, and offer: Shorter camp weeks for girls as they grow and become more independent away from home Lower pricing – $265/week or $290/week after Early Bird pricing ends; all Wed-Fri camps have Early Bird pricing all summer long Register Now for any of these amazing resident camp opportunities! MS08 & MS09 Camping Stars Dates: 6/15-17 or 6/18-20 Description: At camp, you can see the stars, star in your own camp adventures! Come explore, play, learn and have fun at camp. Camping Stars will experience: climb wall, archery, songs, hikes, and other available camp activities. MS12 & MS13 Moosekateers Dates: 6/22-24 or 6/25-27 Description: Ever wonder what the moose at camp do? You’ll earn moose antlers while you sample the following Magic Sky Ranch activities: high ropes (4th grade and up only), archery, songs, hikes, and other available camp activities. MS14 Magic Sky Renaissance Carnival Dates: 6/29-7/1 Description: Enjoy a camp renaissance under the big sky with ring-side access to a variety of camp activities: archery, climb wall, high ropes (4th grade and up), hiking, singing, and an all camp jousting tournament! Bring your renaissance costumes for a costume parade! MS22 & MS23 Dreams Come True Dates: 7/6-7/8 or 7/9-7/11 Description: Dreams come true at camp! Bring your favorite dress up costume/stuff (or borrow some of ours) and live as your favorite character during your stay. Camp Dreamers will have time to experience other available camp activities too. MS28 Black Pearl Dates: 7/16-18 Description: Ahoy matey! Join us on our high seas adventure at camp! Learn to harpoon (archery), test the ropes and crow’s nest (low ropes, high ropes, climb wall) and go on treasure hunts. Create your own high seas ballad to sing with your mates. MS34 & MS35 Wild West Wonders Dates: 7/20-22 or 7/23-25 Description: Howdy! Are you ready for a week of the wild wild west? Learn about the barn and caring for small animals. Take a shot at rope handling on our high ropes course. Sleep out like the original pioneers did. There will be time for other camp activities MS42 & MS43 Muddy Madness Dates: 7/27-29 or 7/30-8/1 Description: Mud, mud, and more mud! Play at camp with all things messy, slimy, gloopy, mucky and fun! There will be time for other available camp adventures. FOR ALL CAMPS Where: Magic Sky Ranch Camp Ages: Brownies and Juniors, entering grades 2 – 5 in the fall Cost: $265 if you pay in full by 11:59pm on April 30, $290 if you pay balance in full May 1 and after; $265 all summer long for Wednesday-Friday camps #summercamp #overnightcamp #MagicSkyRanch #archery #browniecamp #westerntheme #hikes #wildwest #juniorcamps #juniorcamp #browniecamps #rockclimbing #pirate #climbwall

Submitted by Jenny Miles Estes Park Daisy/Brownie Troop 70455 brought 45 boxes of Hometown Hero cookies to our local Fire Department and Dive and Rescue. They had a wonderful time and even had a tour of the Fire Station too. This story was submitted via the Share Your Stories form. http://www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/share. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #EstesPark #EstesParkFireDepartmentandDiveandRescue #HometownHeroes

[slideshow] Fifteen of Girl Scouts of Colorado’s thirty eight 2014 Gold Awardees were presented on the floor at the opening of today’s House of Representative’s session at the Colorado State Capitol and lauded for their contributions and for being the leaders of tomorrow in our state. The girls celebrated today were Brianne Azuero of Aurora, Kaitlin Baker-Carr of Fort Collins, Ashley Brock of Fort Collins, Emily Calzone of Longmont, Dottie Deane of Littleton, Taylor Hale of Boulder, Ashely Jones of Parker, Delaney Keeler of Colorado Springs, Sarah Kriner of Falcon, Kelli Leachman of Larkspur, Ann Martens of Monument, Josie Natrasevschi of Fort Collins, Lindsey Romig of Littleton, Natalia Suarez of Fort Collins and Eliana K. Wackerman of Colorado Springs. The Gold Award is the highest award in Girl Scouting, and as Girl Scout Gold Award recipients, these girls’ accomplishments reflect extraordinary leadership and citizenship skills that mark them as valuable contributors to their communities and world. “Earning the Girl Scout Gold Award designation is truly a remarkable achievement, and these young women exemplify leadership in all its forms,” said Stephanie Foote, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Colorado. “They saw a need, took ownership to help develop a solution and took action to make it happen. Their extraordinary dedication, perseverance and leadership is making the world a better place.” The Gold Award culminates with a project led by one young woman between 9th and 12th grades who builds a purpose-based team to work with the larger community to meet a need. The focus of a Girl Scouts’ Gold Award project is identifying and researching a community issue she is passionate about, developing a plan to address it in cooperation with her team and community members, and providing sustainability for the project. Of the skills learned through Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards, leadership, organization and critical thinking are the fundamentals of the Girl Scout Leadership Experience. The Gold Award has been part of the Girl Scout program since 1916. Some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award recipients, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their Girl Scout achievement. The girls attending the event today enjoyed a historic tour of the Capitol and while on the floor, they heard the touching testimonies of House members in support of a bill to declare April 28 through May 4 as Holocaust Awareness Week in Colorado. It was fitting testimonial for the girls to hear, as the messages are so aligned with our Girl Scout organizational values of inclusion, respect and advocacy. One representative cited a quote from Elie Wiesel, “I swore never to be silent whenever and wherever human beings endure suffering and humiliation. We must always take sides. Neutrality helps the oppressor, never the victim.” See more photos https://www.flickr.com/photos/gscolorado/sets/72157643601466303/ #GoldAward #HighestAwards #Statewide #HouseofRepresentatives #Capitol

[slideshow] Submitted by Audrey Dubler Denver Bullying is a problem everywhere. To earn our Silver Award, my troop and I focused on stopping this worldwide problem. First we created our own video to help in a shortened Power Up presentation. The video featured a bullying scenario using all of us as actors. We later showed the video to the fifth graders at Global Village Academy. While teaching Power Up, we tried to hit the key points while including all of the required exercises. We had a shortened time period, but we did two separate classes so we could teach all of the fifth grade girls. The Power Up took the whole day, which we happened to have off, due to a teacher work day. After we taught the students, another member of my troop and I went back to explain to the teachers what we did. We learned that there was a change in how the fifth graders acted because of us. We also told the teachers how to deal with bullying in a classroom. We really believe that the Power Up program truly makes a difference in how people act, and helps eliminate bullying. This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form (www.girlscoutsofcolorado.org/share). You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #GlobalVillageAcademy #PowerUp #SilverAward

Submitted by Florence Muller Broomfield New 2nd grade Brownie Troop 60968 wanted to make a difference in their community by helping kids stay warm at night. The troop got permission from their principal (who was a former Brownie in her day) and held a pj drive through Aspen Creek K-8 School in Broomfield. The girls are proud to announce that we donated 79 NEW pairs of girls and boys sizes 3t-adult small pjs to the Department of Housing and Human Services of Boulder County. We were able to make this community donation as we partnered with the Pajama Program to help us find a local group with this need  (http://pajamaprogram.org/WordPress/). This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #pjdrive #communityservice #Broomfield #DepartmentofHousingandHumanServicesofBoulderCounty #AspenCreekK8

Submitted by Cricket Hawkins Edwards Eagle Valley Daisy Troop 10852 recently dropped off 60 boxes of cookies to their Hometown Hero, Jack’s Place at the Shaw Regional Cancer Center in Edwards. Jack’s Place is a Cancer Caring House that provides onsite day and overnight lodging for patients and their families and/or caregivers. Way to go girls! This story was submitted using the Share Your Stories form. You can share your Girl Scout moments too. #EagleValley #Edwards #HometownHeroes #JacksPlaceattheShawRegionalCancerCenter

“Join us for a five-day, off-site backpacking trip! Cook your own meals, sleep under the stars and get up-close and personal with nature. You’ll learn the skills needed on the trip and then set off, carrying your own backpack and food (provided by camp!) Campers must have some camping experience and be physically able to hike in mountain terrain at high altitude carrying a backpack of their belongings.” Register Now for this amazing resident camp opportunity this summer! When: 6/22/14-6/27/14 Where: Tomahawk Ranch Camp Ages: Seniors, entering grades 9 & 10 in the fall Cost: $500 if you pay in full by 11:59pm on April 30, $550 if you pay balance in full May 1 and after This is an amazing opportunity for Cadette Girl Scouts to challenge themselves in the outdoors while building lifelong bonds with other scouts! Cadettes who want to be physical in the outdoors will love this hands-on experience where they’ll learn skills for life. #summercamp #overnightcamp #backpackingcamp #backpacking #seniorcamps #cookout #backpack #TomahawkRanchCamp