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!