GSEM Silver Award Project Catalog

Recycled Sleep Mats for the Homeless

Silver Award Team: Troop 120

Issue: There is an abundance of waste, along with many individuals experiencing homelessness and lacking winter gear. Root Cause: Improper waste disposal contributes to environmental pollution, while low income is a major factor leading to homelessness.

Project Details: After learning about a way to create an alternate sewing material from plastic bags to create plarn (plastic yarn), Cadettes from Troop 120 decided to use their new skill to provide for those in need to earn their Girl Scout Silver Award. The Girl Scouts collected old plastic bags and cut them into strips to turn it into plarn. They then wove the strips into mats with a giant loom they constructed themselves. The mats were donated to local organizations to share with homeless individuals. Along with the sewing project, they created educational videos teaching others how to turn plastic waste into plarn.

Target Audience: Homeless individuals.

Sustainability: Those who watch the educational videos can make plarn mats for those who are homeless in their specific communities.

Dental and Feminine Hygiene Kit

Issue: Essential care items are needed to support young women experiencing emergency situations. Root Cause: Many of the clients served by youth-in-need shelters are homeless or runaways and as such they often do not have access to necessary hygiene items. Target Audience: Young women who have started their periods and were in need of supplies. Sustainability: The pouches are very durable and can stay with the women for as long as they need.

Silver Award Team: Brianna R. of Troop 3734

Project Details: Utilizing her sewing skills, Brianna decided to support young women by creating feminine hygiene pouches to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award. Brianna noticed that many young girls living in homeless shelters did not have access to proper care items so she created these kits. These pouches are able to fit feminine hygiene items, such as pads and tampons, and offer an easy way to carry bulky items discretely. Brianna donated the pouches and feminine care products to local homeless shelters. In addition to the pouches, she also donated dental hygiene products for those in the shelter.