Charlotte County resident and Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School – Charlotte Campus graduate Megan Keating earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Charlotte Connection.

Eager to uncover what her hometown has to offer, Megan designed a website to showcase the careers and opportunities available in Charlotte County. She coordinated interviews with community members, including the mayor, sheriff, police chief, and librarian, to get insight on their day-to-day work. Megan’s goal is to excite and retain young talent who would be entering the job force soon and bring a sense of connection back to the Charlotte area.

“My Gold Award has skyrocketed me into success and determination. I’ve learned that I’m capable of so much, even in a short amount of time.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Megan!

Girl Scouts of Troop 226 led the way for OneTree’s inaugural tree planting at Lakes Park in Fort Myers on Friday, May 31. Using hard-earned cookie program proceeds, local troops purchased native trees at $17 a pop, flowering Florida-friendly trees for $25 each, and heirloom trees at $140 a piece for their community project, and were on site planting, digging, mulching, and watering.

Sixty-seven native and flowering trees, including African Tulips and Queens Crape Myrtle, can now be seen near the botanical gardens at Lakes Park. Twenty years from now, guests who walk this path will see a gorgeous horizon of flowering trees. Girls even painted and tucked away rocks in the mulch to surprise park-goers.

Special shout-out to Troops 226, 746, 292, 195, 709, 153, 673, 245, 463, 462, 468, 768, 124, and 654 for sponsoring and planting trees at this special event. All the trees have been tagged with the tree’s scientific and common name, and sponsoring troop number. Each girl will receive a certificate and the GPS coordinates of their tree so they can come back years from now and always know which tree is theirs.

“Planting trees made me feel happy because I knew I was giving back to my community and the planet.” Haley V., Age 7, Fort Myers

“I feel happy that girls can have a big idea about helping the earth, but don’t have to wait until they get big to do it.”  Audrey R., Age 7,  Fort Myers

Alongside OneTree, these girls are truly leaving a legacy for future generations and creating a healthier planet for everyone. In an effort to fight deforestation and urban sprawl, OneTree has made it their mission to try and replace as many trees as humanly possible. This is a perfect match because Girl Scouts have made it their mission to make the world a better place.

Check out OneTree reporting live before and after the event.

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Sarasota County resident and Suncoast Polytechnical High School graduate Emily Cruce earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Tranquil Hands and Paws.

When Emily heard that the Autism House in Sarasota didn’t have the time or funds for a much-needed landscaping makeover, she went above and beyond their expectations. Her team completely overhauled the dangerous backyard and transformed it into a safe and peaceful space for autistic children and their families. Emily also provided leashes, collars, toys, bowls, and treats for the support dogs in their program. Complete with a life-size Zen garden, benches, and dog topiaries—this is paradise.

“I discovered a strong sense of self because I am now confident in my ability to start and finish something when my heart is in it.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Emily!

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Manatee County resident and Saint Stephen’s Episcopal School student Emma Craig earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Balloons Don’t Go to Heaven.

Balloon releases are common for remembering lost loved ones or celebrating special occasions, but are extremely harmful to the environment and wildlife. Emma created a documentary, including interviews with local experts, to inform her community about balloon releases, their negative impact, and alternative solutions. Emma went on a tour of speaking engagements and even landed the opportunity to present at the international Water is Life Conference in 2020.

“A leader does not give up. Even when things did not go my way or I felt frustrated, I never gave up.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Emma!

Charlotte County resident and Lemon Bay High School graduate Bailey Chamberlain earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Let’s Talk About It.

Bailey wanted to give a voice to children of all ages who have experienced sexual assault and educate the school system about the signs of sexual assault, safety tips, and where to get help. She passed a proclamation through the Charlotte County Board of Commissioners stating that one week each school year will be devoted to educating students and staff about sexual violence, which Bailey has arranged to be delivered by the Center For Abuse & Rape Emergencies.

“You have to speak up and give others the courage to speak up as well. I want to be a leader that will do something and make the world a better place.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Bailey!

Written by: Victoria M., Guest Blogger

I joined Girl Scouts as a Cadette while in 7th grade. I went to a recruiting event and the one thing that stood out to me the most was a line from our Girl Scout Law, “Make the world a better place.” I wanted to join Girl Scouts to help improve my community while having fun and making new friends. I was excited yet nervous when my mother told me I would be attending my first Girl Scout meeting. It took me a while to open up but I was very happy when it happened. 

As a Girl Scout I’ve had some amazing opportunities to do things that otherwise I might not have been able to do. I went on an urban backpacking trip to Baltimore where we did service projects to help the community. We did things like plant trees, help rebuild a park, serve food at a soup kitchen, meet the mayor of Baltimore, and even tour Washington D.C., which included visits to the Holocaust Museum, Lincoln Memorial, and Washington Monument.

 As a Media Marvel, I learned how media affects our everyday lives and the ins and outs of the media world. Additionally, I’ve had the opportunity to meet and work with some of our women veterans; take part in various media opportunities, like making a video and being a photographer; and attend special events like Little Black Dress and Women in Business’s SMARTgirl.

I am a Counselor in Training (CIT). Through CIT weekend, I’ve acquired leadership skills to help mentor younger Girls Scouts and run programs while at camp. All of the CITs, myself included, are First Aid, CPR, and AED-certified. I am also a certified lifeguard thanks to Girl Scouts. I love not only attending camp, but also helping as a CIT whenever possible.

I am also part of the Junior Sales Specialist team. We help run the shop in Sarasota and traveling shops. We open and close the store, put out merchandise, restock, recover, set up and break down the traveling shops, assist customers and work the register, all while having fun and learning at the same time.

The Girl Scout Cookie Program has taught me, and others like me, how to be more confident, hone my people skills, practice business ethics, manage money, and set goals. In addition to helping me have more confidence and treat the world with kindness, Girl Scouting has given me many other invaluable skills and experiences that I will take with me into adulthood.

I have made great friendships that will last a lifetime but most importantly, I have gained a second family.

I have loved every minute of being a Girl Scout. I want to thank all of my troop leaders, council members, and the Girl Scout Movement for helping me become who I am today. I look forward to what the future holds.

Sarasota County resident and Pine View School graduate Bianca Carey earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled PeaceJam.

PeaceJam is an international organization empowering youth to create positive change in their communities. Compelled by their mission, Bianca decided to establish a PeaceJam club at Sarasota Suncoast Academy, a local middle school. She designs and delivers the curriculum at their meetings. Her club has celebrated UN Human Rights Day, started a random-acts-of-kindness initiative, collected donations that Bianca hand delivered to Panama, and planned a Day Without Hate event.

“Thanks to my Gold Award, I am happy to say that I, along with the students, have mastered the art of brainstorming and developing an action plan.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Bianca!

Now, as hurricane season approaches, you can turn to your local Girl Scout for advice, proper protocol, and of course, a friendly hand. This is all thanks to Hurricane Heroes, a program developed and executed by two incredible Girl Scout volunteers—Erika Rolando and Nicole Knapp.

On Saturday, June 1, which just so happens to be the first day of hurricane season, over 150 Girl Scouts convened at Camp Honi Hanta to participate in activities like sandbagging, mock window boarding, creating an emergency kit for their families, learning basic pet first aid, and witnessing a virtual hurricane.

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Guest speakers from the Sarasota Bradenton International Airport, Manatee County Emergency Management, Manatee County Emergency Medical Services, and Manatee County Public Works led the discussion about evacuating versus staying during a storm threat.

With their new skills and knowledge, these girls can help prepare for storm season, while being an educated part of the conversation when their family discusses their options.

Erika Rolando said it best, “During a natural disaster, you’re trying to help your neighbors and you’re trying to help other people, so the more hands the better. It’s a community effort—the more you know, the more you grow and the more people you can help.”

See the full album of pictures here.

Read the news article from Herald-Tribune here.

We would like to show our appreciation to the following:

• Manatee County Emergency Management
• Manatee County Emergency Medical Services
• Manatee County Public Works
• Sarasota Bradenton International Airport
• Pittsburgh Pirates/Bradenton Marauders
• Mission BBQ
• Bayshore Animal Hospital
• Manatee Memorial Hospital
• Lowe’s
• Publix
• Women of the Moose
• Manatee Apparel

Sarasota County resident and Venice High School student Madison Campbell earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor—the Gold Award—with her project titled Bee Aware.

For her Gold Award, Madison focused on the topic of bee endangerment and how people can make changes in their everyday lives to help the pollination crisis. She interviewed apiarists and plant experts, toured nurseries and hives, and presented her findings at the downtown Venice farmers market. Madison collected signatures of people who pledge to be a bee advocate, sold honey in benefit of a local beekeeper, and passed out kits to children so they can become honey bee gardeners at home.

“I learned how to be more confident in what I have to say, schedule my time better, and be more willing to ask for help.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, open to high school Girl Scouts, recognizes girls who demonstrate extraordinary leadership through take-action projects with sustainable impact in their communities. The Gold Award is so prestigious that some universities and colleges offer scholarships unique to Gold Award Girl Scouts, and girls who enlist in the U.S. Armed Forces may receive advanced rank in recognition of their achievements.

Congratulations, Madison!

Did you notice girls zooming around Young Women of Distinction in lime green shirts? If so, you spotted a Media Marvel! What are Media Marvels, you ask?

Media Marvels is a program series offered to Girl Scout Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors who have an interest in broadcast, print, or digital media and want hands-on learning experiences. Media Marvels have exclusive access to external media opportunities, such as appearances on television and radio, magazine photoshoots, and interviews with newspaper journalists as well as workshops to learn what it’s like to be behind the camera, write news stories, and capture professional photos.

On Sunday, May 19, Media Marvels were deployed to interview their sister Girl Scouts at two prime locations. One interview station featured Media Marvels Allison C. on the microphone and Faith H. behind the camera. They brought girls and volunteers on stage to answer questions about their Girl Scout experiences in front of a massive Media Marvels backdrop.

The second interview station, called the Gold Award Meet & Greet, highlighted the hard work and incredible projects of our 2019 Gold Award Girl Scouts. Here you could find Media Marvels Brittanie W. videotaping, and talk-show host Pepper R. asking thought-provoking questions.

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Some other Media Marvels featured on stage were Gabriella S., one of our three emcees, and two of our Gold Award Girl Scouts, Madison C. and Emily M.

Interested in being a part of the Media Marvels program? We always look forward to growing the program and now is the best time to join! We have two events coming up that are exclusive to current Media Marvels and those interested in joining the program. Girls must agree to a minimum one-year participation commitment. For questions, please email mediamarvels@gsgcf.org.

Media Marvels Safari Photography Workshop: Thursday, June 20 @ Camp Caloosa from 1:00-4:00 p.m.

Media Marvels Portrait and Object Photography Workshop: Friday, July 19 @ Gulfcoast Event and Conference Center from 1:00-4:00 p.m.