Charlotte County resident and Florida SouthWestern Collegiate High School graduate Anne LeVasseur has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Good Night, All.

Compelled to provide foster children with a sense of ownership and comfort, LeVasseur partnered with local churches, clubs, and businesses to organize and collect hundreds of pajamas to help foster children have a good night’s sleep. LeVasseur also hosted a tour of speaking engagements where she encouraged volunteers to consider representing foster children’s best interests in court through the Guardian ad Litem Program.

“It is important to me to help those in need and to work to make my community a better place. I know my project has made a difference in the lives of children,” explained LeVasseur.

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, Anne!

Manatee County resident and Manatee High School graduate Olivia Lake has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Passion through Fashion.

Concerned with societal pressures from the fashion and beauty industries on young women and girls, Lake hosted an educational workshop with three influential female speakers. She also organized an online pledge encouraging people to proclaim their self-love. Through Lake’s passion for fashion, she has inspired future generations to feel comfortable in their own skin.

“Because of this project, I discovered a stronger sense of self.” Lake realized. “I learned even more about my desire to help the young women of my generation.”

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, Olivia!

Collier County resident and Naples High School graduate Emily Hugan has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Sisters in STEM.

Passionate about STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), but disappointed in the lack of female representation in the field, Hugan was determined to encourage and educate younger girls about STEM opportunities. She hosted a workshop with interactive engineering, chemistry, and filmography stations. To reinforce her event, Hugan created a podcast targeted to girls that highlights influential female figures in STEM throughout history.

“I now know that the purpose of being a leader is not for the betterment of yourself, but the betterment of others,” shared Hugan.

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!

Sarasota County resident and Venice High School graduate Bekah Horsley earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Goals for Grenada.

Horsley has been playing soccer since age four. As she matured, she realized that not all kids have the opportunity to play. Horsley took her passion for the sport to the poorest community in Grenada and hosted a soccer camp for the local children. She brought balls, shin guards, socks, goals, and even custom shirts for 50 children. In spite of cultural differences, Horsley was able to connect with the children through their shared love for the international sport.

Horsley realized, “Because of this project, I learned what true joy is. Joy and happiness do not come from material items. Joy comes from community, human connection, and simplicity.”

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, Bekah!

Sarasota County resident and Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School student Faith Holliday earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Donte’s Den Agility Course.

Holliday, a canine enthusiast, understands how important it is for dogs to have daily exercise to be healthy. She teamed up with Donte’s Den, an organization that cares for dogs separated from their families, to construct an outdoor agility course. The course, built with donated supplies, includes a teeter-totter to cross, hurdles to jump, and poles to weave through. Holliday’s new furry friends are having a doggone good time!

“Because of this project, I discovered I can lead a group and make a work environment fun and positive,” Holliday said. “I was also able to improve my time management skills.”

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, Faith!

Sarasota County resident and Sarasota High School graduate Devon Chiodo has earned Girl Scouting’s highest honor – the Gold Award – with her project titled, Paws Matter.

As a volunteer at Cat Depot, Chiodo learned the organization is strongly against declawing. This sparked her interest to investigate the pros and cons of cat declawing and create a documentary with interviews from local veterinarians and cat owners. Chiodo wants to educate the public on why cat declawing is often dangerous to the cat’s health, mobility, and overall happiness. Since cats cannot speak up for themselves, Chiodo hopes her voice will be loud enough to make a difference.

Chiodo noted, “My Gold Award project helped me gain more confidence with public speaking and communicating to others directly.”

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, Devon!

Though it was more than 18 months ago, the last Giving Challenge is still fresh in our memories at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. Presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County with giving strengthened by The Patterson Foundation, the Giving Challenge is a 24-hour whirlwind of inspiring stories, themed events, and an outpouring of community financial support for nonprofits across the area. Special giving incentives and bonus prizes help fuel the fire. The next Giving Challenge will be from noon-noon May 1-2. Make a note on your calendar, and read on to learn more!

We are so proud of how our generous donors, both existing and new, came together in 2016 to show their support for girls in our communities. Between our nonprofit partnership, the fun events, increased community awareness, and winning extra prizes, we’re still celebrating! We were truly blessed to not only receive generous donations from so many individuals, but additional prize money in several categories, including Best Overall Campaign, Best Nonprofit Partnership, Manatee Millennial Challenge Campaign, and 2015 Giving Challenge Story. Funds raised through the 2016 Giving Challenge, pooled with donations and grants received throughout the year, supported the development and implementation of a variety of programs, as well as program scholarships for girls facing financial barriers.

But the Giving Challenge is about so much more than money. Our partnership with Healthy Start Coalition of Sarasota County resulted in a successful community diaper drive and special event (called “Be the One-sie”), bringing together Girl Scouts and Healthy Start client families for a fun evening of games, activities, food, music, and friendship. As a result, Girl Scouts of all ages learned how they can be the one who helps support healthy moms and babies. Many moms saw first-hand the powerful impact of Girl Scouting. We can’t wait for their “future Girl Scouts” to join when they enter kindergarten!

It will be hard for us to top the 2016 Giving Challenge, but we have some exciting ideas in the works. Through our 2018 partnership with the Library Foundation for Sarasota County, we will promote philanthropy and the joy of reading with a community-wide children’s book drive, to culminate with a free event, “Campfire Stories,” at Girl Scouts headquarters. What a perfect chance to illustrate how everyone from preschoolers to retirees can come together to celebrate giving, reading, and the importance of working together for the greater good! Anyone can be the one!

Throughout our Giving Challenge campaign, we will tell the story of how Girl Scouting unleashes the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, and Leader)^TM in every girl, and how a donation to Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is an investment in the future of our community, and the world. And with The Patterson Foundation’s 1:1 match for all unique donations, up to $100 per donor, your giving impact can be DOUBLED! This match is only valid if you give during the challenge, through the Giving Challenge website, givingpartnerchallenge.org.

Make a note on your calendar: from noon-noon May 1-2, the challenge is on. Be the one who supports the best leadership development program for girls in the world – Girl Scouts!

By Emma Arrigo, Troop 408

My name is Emma Arrigo, of Troop 408, and I am a Junior Sales Specialist (JSS). I’ve come a long way since I began the JSS Program three years ago. My first day as a JSS was scary. I was so shy; I wouldn’t even talk to my boss, Ms. Cathy. Being a part of the JSS Program has made me more confident about myself. For example, I applied to a school and joined a lacrosse team, even though I didn’t know anyone else!

I’ve learned so much from the program. Stocking floors, pricing items, helping customers, using the cash register, and training other new JSS members are all real-life skills I can put on my resume one day. Recently, I got to train Ms. Jessica, which is a big deal because she is the new Sales Coordinator for Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. On my first day on the job, I went to work at a traveling shop. Traveling shops are fun; it’s like packing up the whole store and going out of the city!

While the JSS Program is a job, you don’t get paid real money. Instead, you get paid with parties, pizza, donuts, prizes, other goodies, and retail job experience. My favorite party Ms. Cathy throws for us is the Christmas Party; it is all you could dream about!

Our busiest sale day of the year is Super Saturday, which is the last day to spend Cookie Dough. You can imagine why it gets so busy! Although it is busy, it is a very fun and rewarding day to work. I love working at the Girl Scout Shop as a Junior Sales Specialist and you would, too! You can apply today on the Girl Scout website: http://www.gsgcf.org/en/about-girl-scouts/our-council/shop/junior-sales-specialist.html.

This is what Emma’s mom, Amy Arrigo, has to say about Emma’s Junior Sales Specialist experience:

“I can’t say enough good about the JSS program. I watched a shy, self-doubting young girl turn into an outspoken, not-afraid-to-ask-questions, self-confident young woman. Emma’s math skills improved during her time working in the shop, and she is more prone to troubleshoot things, rather than give up or walk away. I would recommend the program to all girls, who truly want to learn new [skills], and how things work in the ‘real world.’ They are learning life skills that they will use the rest of their lives. This is such an amazing opportunity!”

Cathy Brown, Shop Manager, shared an anecdote about Emma’s willingness to take the reins when it came to training Ms. Jessica:

“Emma was working in the shop during Jessica’s first few days as a new staff member.  Emma came up and asked me if she could train Ms. Jessica on the register as she ‘wanted to ensure she was trained and knows everything I know.’ I agreed and the two worked together the entire shift. A week later, we were in the midst of inventory and Emma came in to assist us. We were creating teams so there was a counter and a verifier for each area that was inventoried. Emma, again, came to me and asked if she could be teamed up with Ms. Jessica as ‘I have helped with inventory before and I want to make sure Ms. Jessica learns what I know.’ Emma truly exemplifies what our organization is all about. Emma shows courage, confidence, and character, and truly makes the world (and our Girl Scout Shop) a better place!”

By Jaime Estes

Carrying everything they needed for the week (clothes, food, stoves, and sleeping bags) on their backs, ten Girl Scouts, one volunteer, and one Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida staff member boarded a plane to Baltimore. A week later they came back with stories, experiences, and new friendships they could have made no other way. Thank you to Outward Bound of Baltimore Chesapeake Bay for providing this platform for our girls to serve the Baltimore community, achieve their potential, and develop the leadership skills needed to care for the world around them.

Urban backpacking, by definition, if a form of travel focusing on flexibility and low cost, usually sleeping in hostels and other budget accommodations. Talk about expanding your comfort zone! From budgeting to mapping out directions, this was a true girl-led adventure. Jeanni C. of Troop 600 was the morning hair-braider. Not having access to showers meant the girls had to adapt their hygiene habits. Braided hair and extra socks were practically mandatory to stay comfortable.

The adventure began by enjoying a delicious outdoor lunch at Leakin Park. Meal-prep duty was rotated between the girls, each girl depending on one another. The crew’s first sleep site was at the Maryland Zoo; each night the girls slept in a different indoor community location. The girls would wake up to work on their first service project together. With shovels, pick axes, gloves, and lot of energy the girls set forth on removing a dead tree and replanting new, healthy trees and bushes at the zoo. Even stubborn tree roots couldn’t stop these girls.

The group was led by Joey and Becs, professional Outward Bound instructors. Throughout the trip they instructed team-building exercises and taught the girls urban survival skills, such as preparing food outdoors, cleaning their bowls without soap, navigating with a map and compass, and using public transportation. They also crafted a series of challenges for the girls to complete as they navigated Baltimore. Some of the challenges were finding places, like the Baltimore Museum of Art or hunting for an Old Bay Seasoning sign.

The third night the group settled in to sleep at the Clifton Park Mansion House. For a breathtaking view, the girls climbed 177 steps to the top of the tower to watch the sunrise. Each night the girls were responsible for redistributing supplies (based on weight) for the following day. Trekking miles and miles with a 40-pound pack is no easy task. Volunteer Kim Poinsett couldn’t have said it any better, “On to the next adventure…feet and hearts are the transportation.”

Determined to make the Baltimore community a better place, the girls tackled service project number two – renovating and beautifying Darley Park to make it a safe and welcoming place for local families. The girls built a tether ball court from the ground up, mowed the lawn, whacked weeds, watered the plants, and picked up trash. The final result was incredible. This service project was organized by the 6^th Branch, an organization of veterans whose focus is community service.

Journaling was an important part of the girls’ experience. Writing down thoughts, actions, and emotions each day is the act of reflection. While the girls can’t stay in Baltimore forever, they can keep their journals forever, which serves as a constant reminder of the leadership and compassion they showed on their journey. It always feels good to give back, something these girls hold near and dear to their hearts. At Our Daily Bread, a housing and homeless shelter, the girls prepared and served lunch to their patrons, and washed all the dishes, pots, and pans.

One of the group’s favorite resting spots was The Boathouse, overlooking the Middle Branch Patapsco River. The girls had the opportunity to canoe on the river, an activity Girl Scouts were born to do.

As if the girls hadn’t already had the experience of a lifetime, they also got to meet Mayor Catherine Pugh at Baltimore City Hall. Mayor Pugh went well over her allotted time to answer each of the girl’s questions about leadership and explained how each city has its own unique challenges and advantages. Mayor Pugh summed up the girls’ experience when asked her definition of leadership: “I am a servant to the citizens of Baltimore city and then to the state of Maryland. Leadership is serving others.” It was in that moment that everything clicked. Everything that the girls had done that week – planting trees at the zoo, improving a local park, and feeding the homeless – was serving others, the purest act of true leadership.

To top off the adventure, the girls faced a final challenge to plan a trip to Washington, D.C. The girls visited the Washington Monument, National Mall, Memorial Park, Jefferson Memorial, Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. But the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum was, by far, the most moving. The girls spoke openly about how with more female go-getters, innovators, risk-takers, and leaders, tragedies like the Holocaust could have been prevented.

It’s hard to believe all of these experiences, service projects, outdoor meals, team-bonding moments, visits to historical landmarks, activities, moments of realization, and laughter could all fit into one week. But if anyone could do it, of course, it would be our Girl Scouts.