2025-2026 Inspire Discovery

Girl Scout Life-Size Chess Set

Issue: A 2013 study found

Root Cause: The lack of access for young girls to learn the game of chess.

Sustainability: Emily created a website with her design plans to help others build similar chess boards.

that young girls often believe the stereotype that good chess players are usually boys.

Project Details: Inspired by her interests in camping and STEM, Emily designed, built and installed a giant chess board at Camp Cedarledge, a GSEM camp property located in Pevely, MO. The giant chess board provided her fellow Girl Scouts with an opportunity to learn the challenging and strategic game of chess in a peaceful outdoor setting. Emily also partnered with the St. Louis Chess Club to organize a grand opening event to showcase the new space and teach the game to younger Girl Scouts.

Gold Award Girl Scout: Emily, Girl Scout Ambassador Lutheran South High School

Emily is GSEM’s 2025 recipient of the $5,000 GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship for post-secondary education. Congratulations, Emily!

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