Envision a young girl battling anxiety, a teenager navigating life after a traumatic brain injury, a police officer coping with PTSD, or a mom facing the weight of depression. What binds them together? The potential for healing, thanks to the dedicated individuals committed to bettering our world and nurturing the growth of courage, confidence, and character.

Through the 2022 Giving Challenge, donors to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida made a difference by enabling the Girl Scout Leadership Experience for all girls, including those facing unique mental and physical challenges.

Two years ago, the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida embarked on a quest to find a nonprofit partner that shared our passion for making a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of others. Enter the transformative collaboration between the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida and Prospect Riding Center during the 2022 Giving Challenge – a partnership poised to make a difference in the lives of those facing unique challenges.

Our partnership with the Prospect Riding Center developed organically, and quickly grew into a collaborative and prosperous relationship that we are still bragging about to this day.

Prospect Riding Center, nestled on 10 acres of farmland in the picturesque Myakka City, offered therapeutic and recreational horseback riding but also championed a mission to assist individuals with special needs through equine-assisted therapy. Their dedication to overcoming physical, developmental, and psychological challenges aligned seamlessly with the Girl Scouts’ commitment to making the world a better place, guided by the core value of courage.

The highlight of our partnership was undoubtedly the “Hootenanny at Honi,” a spectacular community event that unfolded at the Girl Scout Camp Honi Hanta on April 26, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. This event wasn’t just a gathering; it was a celebration of unity, compassion, and the collective strength that arises when individuals come together for a shared cause.

Our ambitious goal for the evening was to “stuff the boot” with supplies and gift cards for Prospect Riding Center’s therapeutic riding program. And let me tell you, the community responded with overwhelming generosity. The event transformed the camp into a vibrant haven of live music, delectable bites, yard games, stick horse races, and a donation station buzzing with the spirit of giving.

The atmosphere was electric, drawing in not only our steadfast supporters but also new donors eager to contribute to the cause. Laughter echoed through the air as children engaged in stick horse races, families enjoyed the live music by the 301 Travelers, and everyone reveled in the joy of giving back.

The impact of the “Hootenanny at Honi” extended far beyond the bounds of the event itself. On that remarkable day, the Prospect Riding Center described the collaboration with Girl Scouts as extremely successful. With funding from the 2022 Giving Challenge, both organizations could hardly wait to start dreaming up plans for future collaborations.

Our relationship didn’t fade away after the Giving Challenge; instead, it flourished into a lasting commitment. Prospect Riding Center became an integral part of the Girl Scout Cadette Leadership Program, bringing horses to teach girls about the role of large animals in therapeutic care and leadership.

Troops eagerly scheduled days to travel to the farm, gaining hands-on experience in animal care and exploring their interests with horses.

With educational sessions and recreational riding days, the impact of our partnership extended beyond just helping those with disabilities – also educating the public about the role of large animals in therapeutic care.

Additionally, Girl Scouts performed acts of service at the farm. The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast sent troops to Prospect Riding Center to revamp their sensory riding trail, ensuring it remains in top shape for therapeutic riding.

This collaborative spirit not only embodied the #BeTheOne theme but also reflected the Girl Scouts’ commitment to giving back to the community. Our mission to #BeTheOne to uplift those struggling did not end with the 2022 Giving Challenge; it evolved into a way of life.  The dollars raised that weekend continued to enable educational programming for girls throughout our council, well beyond the Hootenanny and into the next Membership Year. Our participation in the Giving Challenge enabled us to connect with new donors and community partners, some of whom we are partnering with for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

As we fast-forward to 2024, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is staying true to our mission of empowering girls to make the world a better place. This time, we are collaborating with the non-profit National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Sarasota Manatee Counties and our for-profit business partner, Children’s World, for the 2024 Giving Challenge.

Our collaboration with NAMI has already commenced. Through this partnership, girls will have the chance to earn GSUSA’s new Mental Health Badges at HCA Florida Sarasota Doctors Hospital in March. Licensed facilitators will guide the girls through activities designed to help them earn the Junior Knowing My Emotions Badge, Cadette Finding My Voice Badge, and Senior and Ambassador Showing Up For Me and You Badge. The badge curriculum, developed by GSUSA in collaboration with NAMI, aims to foster mental health awareness and increased well-being.

A Self Care Fair, sponsored by the GSGCF Board of Directors, is planned at Camp Honi Hanta on April 6, 2024, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. This free family event promises an afternoon filled with arts & crafts, games, yoga, and other mental wellness activities. Attendees will learn to identify and journal their feelings, relax with yoga and meditation, and gain insights into valuable community resources. The event will be open to youth throughout community, and Girl Scouts will receive a 2024 Giving Challenge Patch for attending.

In June, a third collaborative event is planned with NAMI. At our annual Volunteer Celebration at the Plantation Golf & Country Club in Venice for their volunteer leaders. During the event, NAMI Sarasota and Manatee Counties will facilitate a 30-minute wellness-based training activity that the Girl Scout leaders can then present to their troops.

You too can join the movement to #BeTheOne to #KnowYourWorth, as the Girl Scouts continue to support girls’ mental health and empower them be unique, united, and unstoppable.

“Through our partnership with NAMI Sarasota Manatee Counties, we are not just fostering mental health; we are igniting a flame of resilience, courage, and strength. At Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, we believe in being the one to make a difference,” said Mary Anne Servian, Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO. “By standing shoulder to shoulder with NAMI, we are amplifying our commitment to inspire courage, build confidence, and shape the character of the young girls we serve. Together, we are not only breaking down stigmas but also creating a community where each individual can recognize their worth and celebrate their uniqueness. This partnership is a testament to the enduring power of unity, compassion, and the belief that, collectively, we can #BeTheOne to uplift and empower every girl, fostering a world where mental wellness is a shared journey towards strength and resilience.”

Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of this transformative experience. Register soon, as attendance is limited. Let’s come together and #BeTheOne to make a difference! Register for the Self Care Fair today on Eventbrite.