Silver Award Spotlight: "Emergency Period Supply Bags"

Girl Scout Aliya of Troop 273, a recently bridged Girl Scout Senior, was pinned with the Girl Scout Silver Award by Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast VP of Membership Engagement Terri Washington at A Place for Girls in Chesapeake on October 17, 2022! Aliya received recognition for completing a service project which she titled, “Emergency Period Supply Bags,” which she implemented during the 2022 summer camp season. The Girl Scout created discreet kits for preteens and teens that contain a reusable pad and a care card to help address period poverty in her community. To implement the program, Aliya hung laminated flyers in the bathrooms at A Place for Girls with instructions for other Girl Scouts about how to discreetly make a make-shift pad or how to get in touch with a staff member or camp counselor for one of the free supply kits.

Aliya and GSCCC VP Terri Washington

Since becoming a Girl Scout, Aliya has had a passion for making a difference and leaving a positive mark in her community. 

Check out an article here about a food drive Aliya lead as well as a recycling project she hosted as a Girl Scout Junior to earn her Bronze Award! 

Watch a YouTube video here from Aliya as she describes her Silver Award project in more detail-

Gold Award Spotlight: “The Ability Garden”

Girl Scout Ambassador Morgan of Troop 13 recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award by completing a project she titled, “The Ability Garden,” where she created indoor and outdoor learning features, themed around gardening, for the residents of St. Mary’s Home. St. Mary’s Home, which is located in Norfolk, Virginia, provides a place for children and young adults, newborn through 21 years of age, to live, play, and go to school while also receiving complex, professional, around-the-clock care from medical staff. Morgan wanted to provide a creative and accessible learning experience for the residents of St. Mary’s Home, so she incorporated her love of gardening with a mission of serving others! 

She tackled this issue by building, painting and planting four ADA approved raised garden beds and a sensory play box for mobile residents to explore and learn new skills on the grounds of St. Mary’s Home. The Girl Scout also created an indoor succulent garden, built on a rolling cart, for residents who cannot get outdoors to also experience the joys of a garden. 

“Gardening typically requires fine motor skills, the ability to get down on the ground and knowledge of plants,  herbs, and tools,” Morgan said. “Often, people with special needs are excluded from participating in certain experiences. I wanted to specifically address the issue of gardening and how adapting to the residents’ needs can improve their physical, social, and mental well-being. From being involved in groups and community activities, to an opportunity to learn about healthy foods, gardening is about improving the enjoyment of life.”

Congratulations, Morgan, and thank you for making your community, and the world, a better place!

Gold Award Spotlight: "Fun in the Outdoors"

Girl Scout Ambassador Katie in Troop 4161 recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a project she completed titled, “Fun in the Outdoors.” To earn this award, Katie shared her love of geocaching with her community. Geocaching uses a geocaching app or GPS device to find hidden containers called geocaches. The word combines the prefix geo, meaning earth, with cache, which means hiding place, and today, there are more than 3 million caches worldwide. Geocaching has grown in popularity over the past few years, since it is held outdoors and is an inexpensive activity.

Katie placed geocaches at Chesapeake locations that included: Northwest River Park, Indian River Park, Centerville Park, and Oak Grove Lake Parks. She then invited the community to discover geocaching by placing flyers in the parks with step-by-step instructions about how to set up a free geocaching app and how new users could get started having fun with this new hobby.

 

Katie’s caches included small trinkets inside a case which listed their GPS coordinates online. In all, Katie created 20 caches over the four sites.

 

“There are few outdoor activities that don’t cost money and that are easily accessible to families. It is important for people, especially kids, to get out and move because obesity rates are on the rise. Geocaching creates opportunities for people to get out and move while having fun. We also made some of the geocaches accessible by placing them near the roadway or sidewalk for those who use mobility aids.” 

Congratulations, Katie!

Girl Scout Ambassador Victoria in Troop 52 recently earned the Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest achievement and honor in Girl Scouting, by completing a Gold Award project she titled, “Mustang’s ‘FUN’damental Library.” Victoria became aware of the effects of the pandemic on literacy rates in her North Carolina community and took action to make reading more accessible for the students of Shawboro Elementary School in Shawboro, North Carolina. 

 

Victoria said, “In my county 5 of the 6 elementary schools classify as Title I Schools. To be a Title I school, your school must have a poverty rate of 40% or higher. Often, parents cannot buy extras like storybooks. Even though the schools and staff try very hard to make sure students have what they need to reach the next grade level, lots of kids fall behind.”

 

To begin addressing this issue, she took a look at the bigger picture and determined the major challenges families are facing when trying to access reading materials and came up with a simple yet practical solution. 

 

“I noticed during Covid that kids had no way to get their hands on storybooks. All of our schools were closed and so were the school libraries. Our county libraries were closed, as well. With no way to practice basic reading skills at home, children fell behind and they couldn't meet the expectations for their grade level. Roughly 35,000 third graders in North Carolina were ultimately ‘retained,’ which means they took another year of third grade or were advanced to fourth grade but put in a transitional class or classified as retained for reading." 

 

Victoria took action by creating a literacy box outside of Shawboro Elementary School, which is accessible by students and the community, at any time. The literacy box is an outdoor structure that encourages visitors to give and take books. The box is stocked with books for school-aged children and contains over 100 titles at any given time. Book donations came in from the community, along with Victoria’s friends and family, and will continue to be fulfilled by future book drives at the school. Along with book donations, this project was supported by proceeds Victoria earned from participating in the Girl Scout Cookie Program, a monetary donation from the Moyock Women’s Club, as well as a donation of all materials needed to build the structure by Advanced Waterproofing & Restoration of Virginia Beach.

Congratulations, Victoria! 

Bronze Award Spotlight: Recycle Garden

Girl Scout Juniors Alice, Ava, Alexis, Brooke and McKenna of Troop 1041 recently earned their Bronze Awards by completing a project they titled, “Recycle Garden.” Using recycled materials, like tires and old planters, the Girl Scouts created a garden bed and picnic area for guests to enjoy while visiting Bluebird Gap Farm in Hampton. To get started, the Girl Scouts consulted with Bluebird Gap Farm to determine their needs and were then provided a large ground area to execute their project. The girls coordinated a team of volunteers to help with the process and received donations from friends and family to support their project. Throughout the process of creating the garden, the girls did weeding, mulching and more to improve the landscape. The girls also took additional steps to redo flower beds and refurbish picnic tables at the site for guests to enjoy.

 Troop leader Conny Osborne said, “The project was intended to bring fun and light to the community visiting Bluebird Gap Farm. The girls spent over 20 hours over a year long process, renovating, gardening, and adding color and fun for the community. The girls learned the importance of nature and how to see and appreciate nature through their nature journey. They also learned how much they can give back and appreciate the outdoors and how to show others to appreciate nature and what values from your surroundings one has."

 

Congratulations, Troop 1041 of SU 120 and thanks for making your community a better place!

A Year in the Life of Juliette Patch Program OCTOBER: GIRL SCOUTS GO PINK

On October 15, 2022, Girl Scouts of all grade levels gathered at A Place for Girls in Chesapeake to kick of the “A Year in the Life of Juliette Low” patch program, a 12 month series themed around the life and accomplishments of Juliette Gordon Low, the founder of Girl Scouts of the USA. October’s patch, “Girl Scouts Go Pink,” was designed to promote breast health and cancer prevention. At the event, girls were encouraged to learn about the importance of breast health by participating in games, crafts, research and other fun activities.

 Juliette Gordon Low died in 1927 at the age of 66 from breast cancer. At the time of her death, the words "breast" and "cancer" were not spoken in "polite company," and it wasn't until 1996 that it was disclosed to Girl Scouts around the world that Juliette Low had died from breast cancer.  As our organization is moving into our next 100 years, girls can be more involved in raising awareness about breast cancer. By raising awareness, girls can make a difference in the lives of women and can help family members to cope with the impact that breast cancer can have. Many Girl Scout girls and adults have had the experience of having a mother or another family member suffer with breast cancer. And, like so many other serious illnesses, breast cancer affects not only the patient, but the patient's family, as well. In fact, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers and accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year, according to the American Cancer Society.

 Patches are only available by attending the in-person events. Find and sign up for remaining sessions like “Including All Friends” and “Fabulous Fashion” here.

Meet Dawn Brotherton: Author, Publisher, and GSCCC Board Member

Meet Dawn Brotherton, a talented author, owner of Blue Dragon Publishing, and a member of GSCCC’s Board of Directors. Blue Dragon Publishing, located in Williamsburg, recently became a sponsor of the 2023 Cookie Classic Run, and we give many thanks for their support of our highly anticipated event which is coming up on January 14, 2023! Dawn is an award-winning author and has been a featured speaker at writing and publishing seminars. Last weekend, she brought her literary talents to Camp Skimino in Williamsburg through a Girl Scout workshop for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors titled, “The Author in You.” During the workshop, Dawn helped Girl Scouts in kindergarten through fifth grade discover their abilities as storytellers and illustrators. At the event, the group was inspired by a reading of one of Dawn's own books, "If I Look Like You," a tale about the value of individuality and friendship. At the end, each girl took home a book signed uniquely for them!

When it comes to being an exceptional writer, Dawn said she draws from her experience as a retired US Air Force Colonel, a softball coach and Girl Scout leader. Along with “If I Look Like You” for younger kids and a few adult titles, she has also written four middle school level books, “Trish’s Team,” “Margie Makes a Difference,” “Nicole’s New Friend,” and “Tammy Tries Baseball.” The four books are all parts of the “Lady Tigers” series, a series about a girls’ fastpitch softball team with messages that encourage young female athletes to reach for the stars in the games they love.  As a mother of two female athletes and former Girl Scouts, Dawn is intent on “playing like a girl,” which, to her, means playing with determination, teamwork, sportsmanship and most of all, a love for what you do.

Register for the 2023 Cookie Classic Run at www.gsccc.org/cookieclassic. Learn more about Blue Dragon Publishing here.

Bronze Award Spotlight: "Saving Native Wildlife"

Girl Scout Juniors Aubrey, Anna, Caeleigh, Sophia, and Karly of Troop 522 recently earned their Bronze Awards by completing a service project they titled, "Saving Native Wildlife." These Girl Scouts coordinated with Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge to make a difference for the species they help to conserve. For over 25 years, Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge, located in Suffolk, VA, has been providing shelter and rehabilitation services to orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife in the Hampton Roads area and they rely on support from the community and their donors, like these Girl Scouts.

The girls began by speaking with Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge and receiving their wishlist of what was needed for the upcoming baby season. During their research, the girls learned more about rescuing animals and got to name a baby raccoon, who was rescued, and named him Striper. The girls then coordinated a successful supply drive and had a collection box at A Place for Girls in Chesapeake, VA, featured previously on the GSCCC blog. In addition to collecting supplies, the troop worked together to build 12 den boxes to be used as animal habitats. They also taught younger Girl Scouts in Troop 382 how to make tie blankets and all together created 24 blankets for donation.

   
The girls wrapped their project up by presenting at the September 13, 2022 SU340 Leader Meeting to explain their full project and to present their project's website. Dawn Muscolino, troop leader, said, "The girls learned how to organize and time manage to bring a project together. They also learned about native animals through Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge and what to do to help keep animals safe in nature."

Troop 522, now Girl Scout Juniors, have been together since they were second year Brownies. Last year, they doubled their 2022 Girl Scout Cookie goals, and used funds earned from their participation in the Girl Scout Cookie Program to benefit their Bronze Award project as well as to enjoy a troop overnight visit to Great Wolf Lodge in Williamsburg, VA.

Along with their most recent service project with Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge, Troop 522 has also previously packed meals for children who cannot afford lunches through a local church program.

Congratulations to Troop 522 on a job well done! 

Bronze Award Spotlight: "Helping Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge"

Girl Scout Juniors Avery, Bess, Julia, Kendall, Madeline, and Maya of Troop 671 recently earned their Bronze Awards for taking action to help preserve wildlife and completed a service project they titled, "Helping Evelyn's Wildlife." For over 25 years, Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge, located in Suffolk, VA, has been providing shelter and rehabilitation services to orphaned, sick, and injured wildlife in the Hampton Roads area and they rely solely on support from the community and their donors. Girl Scouts from our Council have supported Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge through service projects and donation drives, in the past, and Troop 671 recently took the lead to make a difference for the organization and the wildlife they serve. 

Troop leaders of Troop 671, Kacey Farrell and Stephanie Cook, helped to provide support to the Girl Scouts throughout the process, which took the troop roughly 6 months to plan and execute. Kacey said, "the girls met in February to decide on a Bronze Award project and quickly narrowed down their field of interest to helping animals. We got in touch with a rehabber from Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge and set up a tour of her property to learn about Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge does and what kind of help they need. The girls also met and named a newborn raccoon." 

The Girl Scouts were inspired to tackle a big project, so they decided to build a large outdoor enclosure for the baby raccoons who are fostered and rehabilitated by Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge. The troop held a large scale yard sale to fundraise and then purchased an outdoor enclosure to install at Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge. 

Kacey continued, "They assembled the entire piece with minimal help from adults- we were so proud of them- and used the remaining funds to make no sew blankets for animal bedding, as requested by Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge and purchased more items from Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge wish list. They also spent time individually doing a beach and park clean up, nearby, to protect wildlife. They learned to work together as a team and support each other. They learned they are capable of putting together a large scale project and figuring out the hiccups and bumps along the way, that they could run a successful fundraising event, and they learned about how to help and protect wildlife."

Donations provided by Troop 671!

The troop meets a baby raccoon at Evelyn's Wildlife Refuge in Suffolk, VA.

Gold Award Spotlight: "Cait's Lacrosse Clinic"

Girl Scout Ambassador Caitlyn in Troop 1659 recently earned the Gold Award by completing a Gold Award project she titled, “Cait’s Lacrosse Clinic.” This Girl Scout has a passion for lacrosse and wanted to create opportunities for exposure of the sport to kids in her community. She worked with Margaret Senecal, director of youth sports and fitness, at Langley Air Force Base (LAFB) in Hampton, VA, to organize and host several lacrosse clinics for military youth K-8.

During the clinics, Caitlyn worked alongside youth to practice basics like how to hold a lacrosse stick and how to catch a ball and later advanced to games and relay races. After each session, students were given feedback about their performance and were able to track their skills and progress from one clinic session to the next. 

“Most military children have not been exposed to lacrosse because of the curriculum structure, the public perception, and military families’ frequent moves,” Caitlyn said. “The children who participate in the clinics will have a healthy outlet while learning new skills, forging new friendships, and hopefully will develop a passion for lacrosse. Studies have shown that participating in organized, well-structured youth sports and ongoing physical activities play an important role in a young person’s life including teaching teamwork and problem-solving skills.”

Along with the in-person clinics, she also created a YouTube video series where viewers can follow along as she teaches the basic rules and functions of the game. She organized a relationship between April Loquist, lacrosse coach of Tabb High School in Yorktown, VA  and Margaret Senecal of LAFB where high school lacrosse players will volunteer to sustain the annual clinics beyond her involvement.

Girl Scouts Explore the Outdoors During Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend at Jockey's Ridge and Machicomoco State Parks

Every year, Girl Scouts explore the natural wonders found across the country during the annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend. During this time, Girl Scouts nationwide, along with their troops, friends, and family, come together to celebrate a shared love of the outdoors! This year marks the fourth celebration of Girl Scouts Love State Parks Weekend and Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast gathered at Jockey's Ridge State Park in Nags Head, NC on Saturday, September 10 and Machicomoco State Park in Hayes, VA on Saturday, September 17, 2022 (rain date from Sunday, September 11) to celebrate. 

During daylight hours at Jockey's Ridge, guests spent time on the sand dunes of the park to see kites fly overhead and to learn about North Carolina's coastal wildlife and geography with park rangers. Girl Scouts also enjoyed a canoe adventure on the Roanoke Sound. Throughout the event, girls had the chance to complete activities towards earning their Jockey’s Ridge Jr. Ranger patch. In the evening, guests gathered to watch the sunset from the tallest dune in the Outer Banks. Following, they enjoyed s’mores, ghost stories, and a special program by Jockey’s Ridge park ranger Austin Paul by the fire. A very limited number of Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors stayed for an overnight camp out, a special treat, as Jockey's Ridge does not offer overnight camping to the general public.

At Machicomoco State Park, Girl Scouts and their families were invited to participate in activity stations with park rangers which included learning about soil identification techniques, learning about and helping to construct a Native American dugout canoe, observing wildlife from the boardwalk, bird watching, touring the historic house on the property and creating a mural. 

The legacy of Girl Scouts and the outdoors is profound. Studies show that 71 percent of girl members ages 8–14 tried their first outdoor activity through the organization, and half would not have had access to outdoor activities and programming if not for Girl Scouts. Girl Scouts’ environmental conservation, camping, and STEM programming is rooted in a passion for adventure and healthy risk-taking. By taking action to protect the environment, Girl Scouts make change for present and future generations! 

Alum Spotlight: Kimberly Frazier

Most of us start each day with a long to-do list. In a world that is overflowing with options and obligations, we find ourselves struggling to create a balanced life at home, at work and yes, at play. We are pulled in so many different directions that it feels like we’ll never get through the list.

Having a well-balanced life was the topic guest speaker Kimberly Frazier covered at the 2022 GSCCC Volunteer Kickoff. Originally from Morehead City, North Carolina, she is a local life coach and professional speaker who works with leaders from companies such as Dominion, TowneBank, Verizon, Sentara Healthcare and Dollar Tree. She’s also a Girl Scout alum who raised four children—two sets of twins! The girls, now young women with careers and families of their own, were also Girl Scouts.

Kimberly shared a few tips on getting to a well-balanced life starting with the ability to set priorities and say no. “No one benefits if we say yes all the time,” she said. “As women, we put on our superhero cape each day and try to do it all. It just doesn’t work. We start walking through life—or running—half full. When we start to set priorities and one being self-care, we can start experiencing fullness and satisfaction.”

Kimberly knows how stressful life can become. As the mother of two sets of twins by the time she was 24, she says life was a struggle. It forced her to reexamine her life and she found she was merely responding, not actively making decisions on how to experience life. That was more than 20 years ago; for the past six years, she has been teaching others how to develop more well-balanced lives.

You will have times during your life when things are stressful—you have a newborn baby, elderly parents to care for, illness, or struggles at work. Maybe you are going through a hard time right now and you are craving balance.

Kimberly says, “A balanced life is about knowing what your priorities are and how to say no and remove anything that is not a priority that is taking up time you need to be your best. Just like when you are on board a plane and are told that in an emergency you pull the mask on your face first before you help others, that’s what you need to do in your everyday life. You need to take care of yourself before you can take care of others. Learn to say no to anything that isn’t a priority and yes to your top priorities. And, this is a big one, schedule me time each and every day.”

Kimberly advises us to set priorities in marriage and relationships, at home with family and at work. Be authentic at all times, let people know your priorities and what you can and cannot do, and be open to making changes in your priorities as you move through life.

“Volunteering with Girl Scouts makes us happy and is a priority. We can say yes to something that is important to us like mentoring girls and making a difference, we just need to add it to or priorities and make adjustments for a well-balanced life. But when we expect life to be perfect, life can become really stressful. We have to realize life is always going to be full of unexpected events, so start prioritizing so you can navigate the bumps.” 

Get in touch with Kimberly Frazier, Leadership Expert, at 757-615-5562 or www.Enjoyinglifecoaching.com.

Follow the link here to a TikTok short of highlights from Kimberly Frazier's presentation at the GSCCC Volunteer Kickoff. 

Kimberly Frazier presents at the 2022 Volunteer Kickoff at A Place for Girls in Chesapeake, VA.

Troop 396 of Norfolk Travels to Washington DC!

The Fall Product program is here! Participating in the Fall Product Program can help your troop earn funds towards awesome trips like Troop 396 of Norfolk had last month! Girls from Troop 396 in Norfolk, led by Dr. Nicole Nelson and Melanie Greene, used proceeds from fall product sales and cookie sales to travel together to Washington DC last month! The trip was originally planned for 2020 and delayed due to Covid-19, but now that some restrictions have been lifted, the troop was able to enjoy their well-deserved trip!

While there, the troop worked to complete the Discover the Nations Capital patch offered by Girl Scouts Nation's Capital by visiting many museums and monuments.

Troop leader Melanie said, "We found the Darth Vader gargoyle at the National Cathedral, saw the documents that started our national history at the National Archives, took a "Monuments by Midnight" trolley tour, gazed at amazing treasures in the National Natural History Museum, learned about the struggles girls have experienced at the National History Museum's special exhibit, and saw the Discover space shuttle up close after doing flight simulators at the Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum facility. It was a great experience funded by the hard work of our troop and the support of our parents and the Ghent community. The girls in Troop 396 are already looking forward to more travel adventures."

Way to go, Troop 396. We can't wait to see all the places where Girl Scouts go this coming Girl Scout year! Ready to participate in the Fall Product Program? Go BRIGHT ahead! More information here.

Camp Burkes Mill Pond Anniversary Exhibit Now Open in Gloucester Museum of History

On September 10th, 2022, the Camp Burke's Mill Pond anniversary exhibit officially opened at the Gloucester Museum of History! Many thanks to the museum’s director, Robert Kelly, for taking the lead in creating the exhibit. The exhibit, which will be available through 2023, tells the story of the camp as it celebrates 50 years of operation. It showcases 12 objects, including camp wear and official Girl Scout items from the 1970s. The exhibit also includes photographs and archival documents allowing guests to make connections with the thousands of Girl Scouts who have attended the camp over the past 50 years. 

“Girl Scouts of Colonial Coast is excited to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond in partnership with the Gloucester Museum of History,” Council CEO Tracy Keller said. “The exhibit will certainly bring back memories for many, while offering some history of Girl Scouting in the area for all.” 

Camp Burke’s Mill Pond was established in 1972 near the site of an old flour mill. The mill pond had become a popular place for fishing and swimming and the site was quickly transformed into a Girl Scout camp. During the first years of Camp Burke’s Mill Pond, a small log cabin was constructed, and swimming, canoeing, and horseback riding were the main attractions. Other activities included crafts, camping, hiking, local history lectures, fishing, cooking, and an introduction to wildlife. Through the 1970s and 1980s, the camp grew with new activities and increased visitation from local and regional troops. 

Among the guests at the opening was Ingrid Peterson, the granddaughter of Lorna Wass - the key volunteer in originally securing the property for Girl Scouts. Lorna, who was known for her dedication to Girl Scouting, died in 2018; however, her Girl Scout story and how the camp came to be were captured on video in 2012 and can be seen here  https://bit.ly/3d5FeP1. The event was also an opportunity for many Girl Scout alum to share their memories with today’s Girl Scouts. Kelly Hasty Kale, who helped develop the camp as a Girl Scout Senior and is now a pharmacist in Williamsburg, shared her story with a Girl Scouts currently working on refurbishing the Treakle Cabin as their Girl Scout Bronze and Silver Award projects. 

The exhibit will be on view until next fall, so plan to visit. The Botetourt Building, now the Gloucester Museum of History, was built in the year 1770. This 251-year-old historic building was once a tavern used by travelers as they made their way to do business at Gloucester Courthouse. Today, the Museum of History is home to over 3,000 objects, ranging from archival documents and photographs to large antique agricultural tools. It is open Monday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.  – closed on Sundays.  

The museum will also be listed in the upcoming Explore Gloucester patch program that is being developed by volunteer Jennie Hawkins and her troop! 

Robert Kelly, back and center, of the Gloucester History Museum on opening day. 

Kelly Hasty Kale, Girl Scout alum.

Ingrid Peterson, granddaughter of Lorna Wass. 

Gold Award Spotlight: “Steps Towards a Healthy Heart and a Healthy Lifestyle”

Did you know that, according to research by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, 9 in 10 kids eat more than their recommended daily allotment of sodium? Doing so increases kids’ risk for high blood pressure now and can lead to an increased risk of heart issues down the road. Along with providing opportunities for regular exercise and offering a range of healthy choices at meal-time, education is invaluable when giving kids the tools they need to be motivated to make healthy and sustainable choices for themselves.

Girl Scout Ambassador Natalie of Troop 1659 recently earned the Gold Award by completing a project she titled, “Steps Towards a Healthy Heart and a Healthy Lifestyle.” To earn this award, Natalie wanted to educate youth in her community about the risks of living an unhealthy lifestyle and ways to lead a heart-healthy life. To accomplish this, she developed a curriculum geared towards 4th-8th graders which details MyPlate, an FDA-approved, balanced eating guide, and created fun, follow-along exercise videos. She also designed and developed her own Girl Scout patch program, named Heart Health Awareness, to go along with the activity booklets as an indication of completion. 

 

As part of the project, Natalie presented the curriculum to 4th-8th grade campers at Victory Family YMCA’s summer camp program in Yorktown, VA. She delivered the program over two sessions and guided the students through her Heart Health Awareness patch program and the follow-along videos. 

 

“I have a heart condition that encourages me to pursue a healthy lifestyle and share my knowledge,” Natalie said. “Starting young is ideal for building solid, foundational habits and decreasing future chances of CVD (cardiovascular disease).” 

 

Along with the summer programming at Victory Family YMCA, she also delivered her curriculum packets to three other area childcare facilities where the program was presented by their staff. In all, 100 kids completed her program over the summer. The Heart Health Awareness patch program is currently available through GSCCC, and all Girl Scouts are encouraged to check it out!