Gold Award Spotlight: Healthy Living

Chesapeake Girl Scout Jennifer recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest honor and achievement in Girl Scouting. For her project, Jennifer addressed the issue of the lack of physical activity among youth today, who tend to stay inside and play video games, rather than go outdoors to play outside. Jennifer created a fitness curriculum that she implemented during the YMCA after school programs at Cedar Road Elementary School and Greenbrier Intermediate School in Chesapeake.

During the lessons that she created, Jennifer led a healthy living craft or activity, such as creating a fitness log or a water bottle holder, and taught the kids a fun game that encouraged them to stay active. She also talked to the children about a variety of health and fitness topics, from understanding the importance of having a healthy heart to choosing healthy foods and drinks. Jennifer also created a guide book to go with her program, so that it can continue to be used in the after school program for years to come.

“I believe that my project gave children the knowledge they need to choose fitness over technology when they want to have fun,” Jennifer said.

Jennifer also shared activities from her project with children and families at the Bells Mill Park Health Fair last summer.

The Gold Award requires girls to identify an issue in their 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 Jennifer to an elite group of female leaders across the country with the honor.