A group of dedicated and compassionate Girl Scouts from Troop #348 in Sarasota County have undertaken a significant community initiative as part of their Bronze Award Project. Olivia, Violet, Kinsley, Ariel, Autumn, and Sam have collaborated to install “Buddy Benches” at various playgrounds in the county, with the aim of creating comfortable spaces for friends to gather and connect.

The Bronze Award is a prestigious honor within the Girl Scouts, recognizing significant community service projects undertaken by Scouts in their pursuit of making a positive impact. Last year, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida enabled 78 Girl Scouts to earn their Bronze Award, showcasing the dedication and commitment of these young leaders.

The idea for the project emerged when the girls noticed the positive impact of a single bench at a local playground where people regularly gathered. Inspired by the sense of community it fostered, the girls resolved to extend this camaraderie by installing more benches throughout Sarasota County.

This venture marks the Girl Scouts’ first major construction project. Olivia, one of the project leaders, expressed her enthusiasm for the learning experience, stating that she learned a lot about construction and enjoyed learning how to use a power drill.

The Buddy Benches, still in the drying phase, will be meticulously painted by the girls at the end of this month. Once completed, these benches will find their new homes at prominent locations including LaMarque Elementary in North Port, Cranberry Elementary in North Port, Atwater Elementary in North Port, and Faith Preparatory School in Lake Suzy.

A particularly touching aspect of this initiative is the dedication of one of the benches at Atwater Elementary School in North Port to the memory of six-year-old Daylan Guillen, a beloved student who recently passed away. This memorial bench will serve as a lasting tribute to Daylan’s spirit and will be the only one of its kind among the Buddy Benches.

The successful execution of this heartwarming project was made possible through generous contributions from the local community. Home Depot of North Port donated essential materials such as wood, screws, and paint rollers. Additionally, a kind-hearted local real estate agent provided funding for the paint, and the director of Faith Preparatory School showed support by sending a gift card to Lowe’s, enabling the purchase of necessary protective gear like eyewear and gloves. Under the careful supervision of adults, the girls constructed the benches entirely by themselves, showcasing their dedication and teamwork.

The Buddy Benches not only provide a comfortable space for friends to gather but also stand as a testament to the Girl Scouts’ commitment to making a positive impact in their community. Their initiative, determination, and compassion serve as an inspiration to us all.