GSEM Gold Award Project Catalog

Megan’s Totes for Teens

Gold Award Girl Scout: Megan R., Troop 4818

Issue: Teens who have a sibling undergoing cancer treatment may suffer poor mental health. Root Cause: Health conditions such as cancer have a significant impact on all members of a family. Measurability: A survey was included in each tote bag for the recipient to complete. Sustainability: The Project Advisor, Mary Quirk, will continue making more tote bags for teens.

Project Details: To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Megan partnered with Friends of Kids with Cancer, who helped identify the lack of resources available for siblings of kids with cancer. So, Megan created Megan’s Totes for Teens. Megan focused on including items that will help the teens relax and can easily be taken to where their siblings are receiving treatment. Megan filled each tote with stress balls, journals, puzzles and coloring books. She also included an informational card she created with additional resources for the teens. Megan’s totes will be distributed through Friends of Kids with Cancer and the hospitals they work with.

Fidgets for Kids

Issue: Fidgets are not easily accessible for kids in places like schools where kids need them to be productive. Root Cause: People believe that fidgets only cause distraction and do not help anyone. Measurability: After the presentation Grace used surveys to see the effectiveness of her lesson. Sustainability: The project supervisor, Sharon, has access to the project materials and will continue to share them.

Gold Award Girl Scout: Grace F., Troop 4404

Project Details: Fidgets can help improve focus by providing a subtle, tactile outlet for restless energy, which can help individuals stay more engaged and on-task. To earn the Girl Scout Gold Award, Grace wanted to provide these useful tools to kids across our region and help educators learn more about their benefits. Grace created her own fidgets and chewlery, which is jewelry used by students with sensory processing needs to satisfy their urge to chew. She provided instructions and handmade fidgets to schools, so they have the option to create these items in the future. She also developed a presentation for schools to show that fidgets are not just toys, but vital to the success of students who need the additional stimulation in the classroom.