Fall 2019 Inspire Discovery

The Silver Lining Shea, Katie, Eva, Isabella, Natalie and Ellie from Troops 4314 and 3089 decided they wanted to have an impact on the environment and help those less fortunate than themselves when determining their Girl Scout Silver Award project. To earn their Silver Award, the most prestigious community service award for a Girl Scout Cadette, they collected more than 5,000 plastic bags, cut them into plarn (plastic yarn) and then crocheted 10 mats. These G . I . R . L .s learned that the mats can serve as sleeping mats for individuals forced to live outdoors as the plastic material acts as a barrier against the harsh elements. It took several months for the Girl Scouts to create the plarn and crochet all 10 mats but before donating them, the girls wanted to understand what it meant to live without personal hygiene products, clean clothes and shelter. The six girls spent a weekend at Camp Tuckaho with just their mats, a tent and plastic garbage bags. Although the girls missed having a hairbrush or a clean set of clothes, the plastic mat kept them warm in the evenings. Thanks to the hard work of these young change-makers, they generated a positive change in the community.

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette, grades 6-8, can achieve! Going for the Silver Award gives girls the chance to show that they are a leader who is organized, determined and dedicated to improving their community. This award recognizes girls who identified issues they care about and put their plan into motion, creating a lasting impact. Whether a girl decides to go solo or builds a team— significant changes are being met to solve an issue in their communities. Learn more about the Girl Scout Silver Award at girlscoutsem.org/highestawards .

32 Inspire Discovery Fall 2019