Monday, September 14, 2015

Gold Award Spotlight: Healthy Habits

Girl Scout Ambassador McKenna from Chesapeake has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor and achievement in Girl Scouting.

For her project, McKenna addressed the issue of sedentary behaviors of children and teenagers. She began her project by researching the issue, and was alarmed at the statistics she found about childhood obesity. She decided to develop a curriculum to teach children and teenagers about healthy eating and exercise, which she presented to Boy Scout Troop 215, guests at the YMCA’s Healthy Kids Day and other community groups.

McKenna also organized a fitness health expo at Chesapeake Arboretum. At the event, over 70 people participated in the 1.1 mile run/walk and learned tips for staying healthy and fit.

“I chose this project because nutrition is something I am passionate about,” McKenna said. “I hoped to impact and inspire people my age to adopt a healthier lifestyle.”

McKenna donated the resources that she developed to the Greenbrier Family YMCA’s Leader Club, which will be able to host the event again in the future.

The Gold Award requires girls to identify an issue in the community and carry out a Take Action Project to address the matter through leadership work. Nationwide, less than 6 percent of eligible Girl Scouts earn the Gold Award, which adds McKenna to an elite group of females across the country with honor.