In 1956, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. called the Girl Scouts “a force for desegregation” as volunteers continued to press for adopting policies that would ensure equal treatment for all.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day is more than just a day off from school; it’s an opportunity for reflection, service, and learning. For Girl Scouts, this day holds particular significance as it aligns with the values of community engagement, empathy, and equality that the organization strives to instill in its members. In this blog post, we’ll explore creative ways for Girl Scouts to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day through a combination of service projects and educational activities.
Service Projects:
Community Clean-Up: Gather the troop and organize a community clean-up event. Identify a local park, neighborhood, or public space that could use some care. Not only does this contribute to the community’s well-being, but it also teaches the girls about the importance of collective responsibility.
Food Drive: Partner with a local food bank or organize a food drive within your community. Encourage the girls to learn about food insecurity and its impact on families. This hands-on experience will help them understand the value of compassion and giving back.
Supporting Seniors: Reach out to local senior living centers and nursing homes. Plan a visit (virtually or in person, depending on circumstances) where the girls can engage in activities or share stories with the elderly. It’s a wonderful way to bridge generational gaps and spread joy.
Learning Activities:
Martin Luther King Jr. History Lesson: Design a session or host a movie screening where the girls can learn about the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Discuss his contributions to the Civil Rights Movement, his famous speeches, and the values he stood for. Incorporate multimedia elements like videos or documentaries for a more immersive experience.
Diversity and Inclusion Workshop: Foster a sense of inclusivity within the troop by organizing a workshop on diversity. Encourage open discussions about different cultures, backgrounds, and perspectives. This activity will promote empathy and understanding among the girls.
c. Creative Arts Expression: Provide the girls with a platform to express their thoughts and feelings through creative arts. This could include writing poems, creating artwork, or putting together a short play that reflects the principles of unity, equality, and justice.
Reflection and Discussion:
Troop Reflection Session: Set aside time for the girls to reflect on their service projects and learning activities. Discuss the impact they believe they’ve made on the community and the importance of continuing these efforts beyond Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
Guest Speaker: If possible, invite a guest speaker who can share personal experiences related to civil rights, activism, or community service. Hearing real-life stories can be a powerful way for the girls to connect with the principles they’ve been learning about.
Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr. Day with a combination of service and learning activities provides Girl Scouts with a unique opportunity to embody the values of leadership, community engagement, and equality. By actively participating in meaningful projects and deepening their understanding of historical figures like Martin Luther King Jr., these young girls can contribute to building a more compassionate and just society. As they embark on this journey, they not only honor the legacy of a great leader but also take important steps towards becoming empowered agents of positive change in their communities.
Girl Scout Cookie Season isn’t just about satisfying your sweet tooth; it’s an opportunity for young scouts to embark on a journey of skill development, personal growth, and empowerment. As they set up booths and engage with their communities, Girl Scouts acquire a range of skills that extend far beyond the world of cookies.
Goal Setting and Decision Making: Setting and achieving cookie sales goals is a fundamental aspect of the Girl Scout Cookie Program. Scouts learn to articulate their goals, make strategic decisions, and create a plan to accomplish them. This early exposure to goal-setting builds a foundation for effective decision-making in various aspects of their lives.
Customer Interaction and Communication: From approaching potential customers to confidently discussing their cookie offerings, scouts hone their communication skills during cookie sales. They learn the art of persuasion, how to handle rejection gracefully, and the importance of a friendly demeanor. These communication skills serve them well in future personal and professional endeavors.
Financial Literacy: Managing cookie sales involves handling money, keeping track of inventory, and understanding basic financial concepts. Scouts gain practical experience in budgeting, financial responsibility, and the importance of saving—a valuable introduction to financial literacy that prepares them for future financial independence.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Many hands make light work, and this holds true for cookie sales. Scouts often work in teams, learning to collaborate, delegate tasks, and appreciate the strengths of each team member. These teamwork skills are transferable to group projects in school, extracurricular activities, and future professional settings.
Problem Solving: Not every cookie sale goes smoothly. Whether dealing with inventory issues, unexpected challenges, or addressing customer concerns, scouts develop problem-solving skills. Learning to think on their feet and find creative solutions contributes to their ability to tackle challenges confidently in various situations.
Entrepreneurial Spirit: Through cookie sales, Girl Scouts get a taste of entrepreneurship. From marketing their products to managing logistics, scouts learn to be innovative and resourceful. This entrepreneurial spirit nurtures a mindset of creativity and adaptability that can be applied to any future endeavor.
Conclusion: Girl Scouts selling cookies isn’t just a seasonal tradition—it’s a transformative experience that equips young girls with essential life skills. As they engage with their communities, set and achieve goals, and overcome challenges, these scouts are not just selling cookies; they are building the foundation for a future of success and leadership. So, the next time you enjoy a box of Girl Scout Cookies, remember that you are supporting the development of skills that will last a lifetime.
GSGCF employee Connie Martin accepted the check from The Community Foundation on behalf of the Girl Scouts on Dec. 13, 2023.
Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida (GSGCF) is excited to announce that it has been awarded a generous grant of $5,000 from The Community Foundation. This significant contribution will empower GSGCF to further deliver the Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE) to girls in Lee and Hendry County, fostering their growth as leaders and contributing members of their communities.
The grant was officially presented to GSGCF at a ceremony where Connie Martin, a dedicated employee of Girl Scouts, accepted the check on behalf of the organization. This funding will enable GSGCF to expand its reach and impact, providing the GSLE to even more girls in Cape Coral and surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County.
The Girl Scout Leadership Experience is a transformative program that encourages girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make the world a better place. Guided by supportive adults and peers, Girl Scouts engage in age-appropriate activities that are girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on. Participating in the GSLE helps girls develop crucial leadership skills needed for success in adulthood.
“Girls who engage in the GSLE are more likely to enjoy and attribute their leadership skills to Girl Scouts,” said Mary Anne Servian, CEO at GSGCF. “The GSLE delivers ‘fun with purpose’ by helping girls gain valuable life skills and amazing new experiences while having fun and building friendships!”
GSGCF currently serves more than 95 troops and over 1,000 Girl Scouts in Cape Coral and other surrounding communities in Lee and Hendry County. With the support of The Community Foundation’s grant, GSGCF can continue its mission of empowering girls to become confident leaders, compassionate individuals, and responsible citizens.
“We are proud and thankful to receive this grant from The Community Foundation,” expressed Mary Anne Servian. “It will significantly contribute to the positive impact Girl Scouts is making on the lives of young girls in our community.”
This partnership between Girl Scouts of Gulf Coast Florida and The Community Foundation exemplifies the shared commitment to fostering leadership skills, personal growth, and community engagement among girls. The grant will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, positively shaping the lives of countless young girls in Lee and Hendry County.
Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation to Enhance Camp Honi Hanta Amenities
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida is delighted to announce the generous grant of $5,000 awarded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation (MCF). This grant will be instrumental in providing essential air conditioning units for Camp Honi Hanta, ensuring a comfortable and conducive environment for year-round activities.
Camp Honi Hanta, a cherished retreat nestled in the heart of our community, serves as a crucial space for Girl Scouts to embark on their Girl Scout Leadership Experience (GSLE). The GSLE empowers girls to discover themselves, connect with others, and take action to make a positive impact on the world. With this grant, Girl Scouts will now have the opportunity to engage in these transformative experiences throughout the entire year.
The air conditioning units funded by the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation will not only enhance the overall experience for the Girl Scouts but also enable them to participate in age-appropriate, girl-led, cooperative, and hands-on activities. Guided by supportive adults and peers, the GSLE fosters the development of important leadership skills that are crucial for the girls’ future success.
Mary Anne Servian, CEO at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, expressed her gratitude, saying, “We are incredibly thankful to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund of the Manatee Community Foundation for their generous grant. This support will make a significant difference in the lives of our Girl Scouts, providing them with a comfortable and enriching environment to learn, grow, and build lifelong friendships.”
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are excited about the positive impact this grant will have on the girls’ experiences at Camp Honi Hanta and extends its heartfelt thanks to the Bishop Parker Foundation Fund and the Manatee Community Foundation for their commitment to supporting the development of our future leaders.
Hello, Girl Scout family! As we step into a brand new year, we’re filled with excitement and determination to make it extraordinary. This year, our resolutions are not just personal goals but shared commitments that unite us as a vibrant and spirited community. Join us as we embark on a journey of growth, kindness, and exploration!
1. Be a courageous leader every day
This year, our Girl Scout resolution is to lead with courage! Together, let’s embrace new challenges, stand up for what’s right, and be friends to all.
Our first resolution invites every Girl Scout to channel their inner leader fearlessly. We’re setting the stage for a year of empowerment, where courage becomes our guiding force. Let’s support one another on this path of boldness and resilience!
Hone your leadership skills by participating in the Girl Scouts’ Becoming Me Program Series, inspired by former First Lady of the United States Michelle Obama’s book Becoming: Adapted for Young Readers. As a participant in this unique experience, you can explore the truth of your own story and the power of your voice while hanging out with friends!
You can:
Earn three specially-selected Girl Scout badges
Get the Becoming Me patch
Participate in a national service project to honor members of your community. Learn more today!
2. Kindness Challenge
Let’s make kindness our daily mission! Our resolution is to spread love and joy through daily acts of kindness. Join us in making the world a better place, one small act at a time.
Kindness is a universal language, and this year, we’re making it a Girl Scout signature. From smiles to helping hands, let’s create a ripple effect of positivity. Together, we can make a world of difference through simple acts of kindness.
Becoming a Girl Scout means tapping into a supportive group of people who uplift you every step of the way. When it comes to caring for your mental wellness, the new Girl Scouts Mental Wellness patch program reminds you that you’re never alone in facing challenges and further invites you to dive into and understand your emotions. You can do this by participating in activities, such as making art or writing poetry, that foster resilience and help you to better understand your world. No matter the season, never doubt your ability to rise up, and remember—you got this.
3. Embark on outdoor adventures
Calling all nature enthusiasts! This year, our resolution is to embark on more outdoor adventures with our Girl Scout troop. Hiking, camping, and exploring the wonders of nature. Who’s ready for the journey?
Nature is our playground, and this resolution is an invitation to experience its wonders together. Get ready for exciting outdoor escapades, where you’ll learn, bond, and create lasting memories surrounded by the beauty of the great outdoors.
Put yourself out there with us and participate in our Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge. Spending at least 120 minutes a week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing, even if you spend that time becoming a rockstar at rock climbing or making a splash in the puddles around your neighborhood. Download our free activity sheet to see what’s possible right outside your own front door today, and earn a cool patch in the process!
4. Explore the world of STEM
Unlock the wonders of STEM with us! Our resolution is to dive into science, technology, engineering, and math activities. Join our journey of curiosity and innovation!
Let’s be explorers of the future! This resolution is all about embracing the fascinating world of STEM. From coding to experiments, we’re diving headfirst into a sea of knowledge and discovery. Who says learning can’t be an adventure?
Interested in science? Explore rocketry with your troop to build STEM skills and discover aerospace engineering with this FREE Rocketry for Girl Scouts activity. Rocketry is the design and creation of rockets. They’re often built by aerospace engineers—but you don’t have to be an aerospace engineer to build one! Why do rocketry? You get to develop important skills like teamwork, problem solving, and leadership while working with other Girl Scouts to design, create, and launch rockets.
5. Be a global citizen
Embrace diversity, build bridges, and make a global impact! Our resolution is to celebrate different cultures and create a world of understanding. Join us on this journey.
As Girl Scouts, we’re citizens of the world. Let’s celebrate our rich tapestry of cultures and foster understanding across borders. Together, we can make the world a more harmonious and connected place.
You can tackle global challenges and earn the Global Action Award in the process. Help heal our world and make a better future for everyone. The United Nations—where nations come together to solve problems that affect humanity—might not seem to have much of an impact on your life, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. From climate action to gender equality, they’re working on the same issues that are close to your heart—and you can help! There are 17 important global problems they’ve chosen to work on (they call them the sustainable development goals, or SDGs). By learning more about them, connecting with others who care, and then taking action in your community and beyond, you can play an important role in healing our world and creating a better tomorrow for all of us. Plus? When you’ve completed all the steps, you’ll earn a special award. Learn more about this opportunity on the GSUSA website!
6. Live a healthy lifestyle
Prioritize well-being with us! Our resolution is to make smart choices for our minds and bodies. Let’s inspire each other to lead healthy, happy lives.
Healthy living is the key to a thriving community. This resolution is a commitment to nourishing our minds and bodies, supporting one another on our individual wellness journeys, and cultivating a culture of vitality.
Life isn’t always easy, but dealing with tricky emotions doesn’t have to be so hard. Try activities from the Girl Scouts: Resilient. Ready. Strong. program to unlock a patch and strengthen your mental wellness. Nobody can snap their fingers and make the world all sunshine and lollipops, but you can take steps to be ready when things get tough. Go get ‘em, Girl Scout!
7. Read more books!
Embark on a reading adventure with us! Our resolution is to discover new worlds through books. Share your favorite reads and inspire a love for literature.
The magic of books awaits! Let’s turn the pages together and share the joy of reading. Our reading challenge is a quest for knowledge, imagination, and the pleasure of getting lost in a good story.
Start a book club with your troop, or write a story together! The possibilities are endless!
8. Become an environmental steward
Green living starts with us! Our resolution is to reduce waste and live more sustainably. Let’s take care of our planet together.
As stewards of the environment, let’s make choices that leave a positive impact. This resolution is a pledge to reduce our ecological footprint and cherish the Earth, our shared home.
As climate change affects our planet, it’s up to us to do what we can to protect our Earth. When you participate in the Girl Scout Climate Challenge, you’ll get outdoors to learn about climate science, connect with your community to understand how it is impacted by climate change and spread awareness of the issue to make a difference. Whether you learn about the effects of greenhouse gases, talk to local climate experts, or lead a sustainability project, your knowledge and involvement will help you be a climate advocate. Download your free activity guide and resources for grades K-5 or 6-12 to get out and get involved in taking climate action!
In the spirit of Girl Scouts, these resolutions are more than goals; they are promises we make to ourselves and each other. Together, let’s make 2024 a year of growth, friendship, and endless possibilities. Cheers to the adventures ahead!
Stay connected with us on social media, and share your journey with the world. Here’s to a fantastic year of being bold, kind, and adventurous—just like Girl Scouts do best!
Calling all makers! Did you know that anybody can be a maker? It’s true! All it takes are the right tools, a little bit of inspiration, and a whole lot of creativity. Of course, it never hurts to have a little help. That’s why Girl Scouts is excited to introduce our Art and Design, Create and Innovate, and Craft and Tinker badges for Daisies, Brownies, and Juniors made possible by Stanley Black & Decker. Each maker badge introduces different concepts and ways to bring ideas to life. Whether your Girl Scout is interested in woodwork, crafting a birdhouse out of milk cartons, welding, or brainstorming how to use solar energy to power a car, there’s an activity for every Girl Scout.
Art and Design
In this badge, Girl Scouts will learn about the basics of art and design. They’ll learn how to find inspiration in their world and see that anything can inspire! They’ll learn how to translate the images and ideas in their mind onto a blank page or mold a sculpture. Then they’ll discover the magic of sharing creative work with others. They’ll start learning how to share their pieces with others to spread joy.
Craft and Tinker
This badge teaches Girl Scouts how to craft new objects and improve their functionality. By tapping into their imagination, Girl Scouts will see that they can make crafts from almost anything, including recycled materials found around their house—such as turning milk cartons into paper, or using egg cartons as pots for plants. Through doing so, Girl Scouts will learn how to create with users in mind, then ask for feedback to further improve their creation.
Create and Innovate
Girl Scouts have big dreams and ideas they want to bring to life. With this badge, they’ll tap into their creativity and needed business skills, while learning more about how their big ideas could impact the world around them. Whether it’s diving into an at-home science project or making a creation to benefit the entire STEM community, Girl Scouts will get to unlock their inner innovator, learn the design thinking process, and how to share their innovations with the world.
Girl Scouts are good at so many things, from learning new skills to spreading joy and giving back to their communities. One thing that unites Girl Scouts is their desire to create positive change and help others. With their boundless curiosity, Girl Scouts have the power to make a difference in the world, not only in the lives of people, but also in the lives of every creature we share the planet with: animals!
Animals close to home can provide companionship and support, or make our lives easier. Animals far away can spark a new interest or teach us more about the world. But some animals face danger every day. Because they can’t speak up when they need help, it’s our job to protect them. When your Daisy, Junior, or Cadette starts earning one of the new Girl Scout Animal Badges, they’ll embark on a fun journey into the world of animals.
Girl Scouts are naturally curious and eager to explore their surroundings. With the new Animal Observer badge, Daisy Girl Scouts will hone in on their observation skills to discover more about animals, near and far. They’ll start by using their senses to identify animal sounds, prints, and behaviors and take notes like an animal scientist. Then they’ll play games to solidify their knowledge and have the chance to visit one of their favorite animals in real life!
Animals live in all types of homes—in trees, underground, underwater, and even on glaciers! With the Animal Habitats badge, Junior Girl Scouts can investigate different animal habitats at home and around the world. They’ll use their curiosity to explore animal homes and try their hand at building one. Then they’ll learn about endangered animals and the importance of protecting their habitats to benefit the planet.
The connection between humans and animals has always existed. Whether animals are serving to protect or provide comfort in difficult times, the animal-human connection is an essential part of human history. With the Animal Helpers badge, Cadette Girl Scouts will learn about this connection and its mutual benefits. They will learn to translate knowledge into action and become advocates for animals by actively participating in organizations dedicated to animal welfare.
The Girl Scout Animal badges not only teach Girl Scouts about their favorite animals, they also help them discover more about the world around them and how to use what they learn to create positive change.
We are always on the lookout for engaging and educational activities that inspire our Girl Scouts to dream big and develop essential life skills. This December, let’s embrace the entrepreneurial spirit by celebrating National Write a Business Plan Month with our troops!
This initiative is a fantastic opportunity to instill the principles of leadership, creativity, and strategic thinking in our girls. In this blog, we’ll explore age-appropriate ideas for different Girl Scout groups—Daisies, Brownies, Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors—ensuring a fun and educational experience for everyone.
For Our Youngest Entrepreneurs, Daisy Girl Scouts (K-1):
Mini Business Fair:
Encourage the girls to create a mini-business fair where they can showcase their talents and interests. Help them identify simple products or services they can offer, and guide them in creating colorful posters or signs to attract customers. This activity introduces basic entrepreneurial concepts and fosters teamwork.
Storytelling Adventure:
Foster creativity by encouraging the girls to come up with a short story about a magical business. Have them draw pictures or create a simple comic strip to illustrate their ideas. This not only introduces the concept of business planning but also enhances their storytelling skills.
Earn a Badge:
Follow GSUSA’s activity guide to earn the Daisy Toy Business Designer Badge! Come up with an idea for a toy and design it—just like an entrepreneur would.
For Brownie Girl Scouts (Grades 2-3):
Marketplace Challenge:
Divide the troop into small groups and challenge them to create a “mini-marketplace.” Each group can choose a product or service to “sell” to the rest of the troop using play money. This activity introduces budgeting, pricing, and marketing strategies.
Design Your Dream Business:
Provide the girls with supplies like craft materials, paper, and markers. Ask them to design their dream business, complete with a logo, slogan, and basic business plan. This hands-on approach makes business planning exciting and accessible for this age group.
Earn a Badge:
Follow GSUSA’s activity guide to earn the Brownie Budding Entrepreneur Badge! Come up with an idea that makes life better—just like entrepreneurs do.
For Junior Girl Scouts (Grades 4-6):
Business Simulation Game:
Introduce a business simulation game where girls take on different roles within a fictional company. This interactive activity helps them understand the complexities of decision-making in a business setting, from product development to marketing.
Interview a Local Entrepreneur:
Arrange a trip to a local farmers market where your girls can interview with a local entrepreneur. Girls can prepare questions about their entrepreneurial journey, challenges faced, and successes achieved. This real-world perspective adds depth to their understanding of business planning.
For Cadette, Senior, and Ambassador Girl Scouts (Grades 6-12):
Create a Business Plan Workshop:
Conduct a workshop on business plan creation. Guide the girls through the essential elements of a business plan, including executive summary, market analysis, financial projections, and more. This practical session prepares them for future entrepreneurial endeavors.
Pitch Competition:
Organize a friendly pitch competition where each girl presents a business idea to a panel of judges. Encourage them to use visual aids, articulate their value proposition, and demonstrate a solid understanding of their target market. This activity boosts public speaking skills and confidence.
Earn a Badge:
Follow GSUSA’s activity guide to earn the Cadette Business Creator Badge. Think like an entrepreneur as you come up with a technology solution.
Follow GSUSA’s activity guide to earn the Senior Business Startup Badge. Brainstorm with a team for an idea to develop into a business.
Follow GSUSA’s activity guide to earn the Ambassador Entrepreneur Accelerator Badge. Strengthen your entrepreneurial skills as you come up with an innovative business idea and create a prototype.
By celebrating National Write a Business Plan Month with our Girl Scouts, we not only empower them with essential life skills but also inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs. Tailoring activities to each age group ensures that the experience is both enjoyable and educational, laying the foundation for a future of innovation and leadership.
Let’s encourage our girls to dream big, think strategically, and embark on a journey of entrepreneurial discovery this December!
🌟 Attention Troop Leaders! 🌟
Troop leaders, share the entrepreneurial magic! If you decide to implement any of our National Write a Business Plan Month ideas, snap pics, and tag us on Facebook @GirlScoutsofGulfcoastFlorida. 📸✨ Your troop could be featured on our page or in future marketing materials! You can also email photos and stories to marketing@gsgcf.org. Let’s showcase the brilliance of our girls and inspire others!
The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida have once again demonstrated their commitment to community service and philanthropy as Troop 123, 225, and 250 set a new local record for food and monetary donations to Heartland Food Bank in Sebring. In a parallel effort, Troop 140, 21, and 715 supported Meals on Wheels by packing, wrapping, and sorting over 100 boxes of donations. Additionally, Troop 1080 utilized some of their cookie proceeds to create 125 bags of Thanksgiving meals for the needy.
Troop 123, 225, and 250 worked diligently in shifts from 11 am to 5 pm, collecting a remarkable 1,064 pounds of non-perishable items and raising an impressive $1,169 in monetary donations for Heartland Food Bank. Their dedication not only shattered the previous local record but also showcased the powerful impact of the Girl Scout movement on community well-being.
Meanwhile, Troop 140, 21, and 715 demonstrated their commitment to Meals on Wheels by contributing their time and effort to pack, wrap, and sort over 100 boxes of essential donations. This initiative reflects the diverse range of community projects undertaken by Girl Scout troops to address various needs within their communities.
Adding another layer to the Girl Scouts’ philanthropic endeavors, Troop 1080 utilized funds from their cookie sales to create 125 bags of Thanksgiving meals for the needy, spreading holiday cheer and providing essential sustenance to those in need during the festive season.
“We are incredibly proud of the multifaceted impact our Girl Scouts are making in the community, from breaking records to supporting Meals on Wheels and spreading Thanksgiving joy,” said Yvonne Bras, Director of Member Engagement at Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida. “These initiatives embody the Girl Scout spirit of kindness, generosity, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.”
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.
Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida, Inc. 