Tag Archives: Girl Scout Bronze Award

Girl Scouts earn award for providing clothing and food supplies to those in need

by Jessica Miano

Francesca L. and Zoey B., members of Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida Troop 47 in Bradenton, have successfully completed their Girl Scout Bronze Award project by focusing on serving women in need within their community. The centerpiece of their initiative was the creation and distribution of “blessing bags,” containing gently used clothing, snacks, and drinks, aimed at supporting individuals during holidays and after hurricanes.

The project, which spanned 10 months, required dedicated effort and approximately 20 hours of work from each participant. Despite challenges such as organizing donations and logistics for packing the bags, Francesca and Zoey remained committed to their goal, driven by a desire to make a tangible difference in the lives of community members facing adversity.

The girls were motivated to help their community after witnessing neighbors struggling in the aftermath of recent hurricanes Troop Leader Laurie Leclercq said, “Our girls know that everyone has tough times sometimes and they need help. Especially if a storm or hurricane comes and destroys all your belongings.”

Earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award!

Central to the success of their endeavor was collaboration with local organizations including Umbrella Women, a nonprofit serving homeless in Manatee and Sarasota counties, and Kim’s Crew, a food pantry that services Manatee county families and individuals in emergency situations. These partnerships enabled Francesca and Zoey to extend their impact across Manatee and Sarasota Counties, ensuring that their efforts reached those most in need.

Looking ahead, the troop plans to establish their project as an annual event. They are also considering the potential for expansion to involve other troops or community organizations. This commitment to sustainability reflects the core values of the Girl Scout Bronze Award, which encourages girls to develop leadership skills, build connections within their community, and foster a sense of empowerment.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve. It  emphasizes the importance of community service and personal development. Through projects like Francesca and Zoey’s, participants gain valuable life skills and experiences that prepare them for future challenges and opportunities.

A group of Junior Scouts and volunteers standing on a white bridge together A group of Junior Scouts and volunteers standing on a white bridge together

Girls work with a team to make positive change in their communities and earn the Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest award a Girl Scout Junior can earn. (Photo: GSUSA)

Girl Scouts Build Little Free Library and Earn Bronze Award

by Jessica Miano

The Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida are developing young women leaders passionate about giving back to their community. Recently, Girl Scouts Alivia B., Rylee H., and Samantha M. from Troop 617 in Englewood earned the Bronze Award, the highest honor for a Girl Scout Junior, by creating a Little Free Library in their community. Under the guidance of leaders Pam Cataloni and Crystal Burritt, these dedicated girls, committed to Girl Scouting for six years, have completed a significant community project.

The Girl Scout Bronze Award, designed for Girl Scout Juniors in grades 4-5, requires a team project that makes a lasting impact on the community. It emphasizes leadership, community involvement, and essential skills development. Earning this award signifies that a Girl Scout has made a substantial difference by addressing a community need or issue.

Troop 617 collaborated with the Kiwanis Club of Englewood-Cape Haze and a local food pantry to address childhood literacy. They placed the book box at the St. David’s Jubilee Center of Englewood, Florida, recognizing it as a wonderful opportunity to support their local community. The project’s success was a collaborative effort, with valuable support from the Kiwanis Club and The Book Worm, a beloved used bookstore.

According to Burritt, the girls honed several important skills throughout the project. They learned to work as a cohesive team, delegating tasks such as painting and constructing different parts of the book box. They also developed research skills, narrowing down their favorite Dr. Seuss quotes to find the perfect one: “The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you’ll go.” Additionally, they gained confidence in soliciting donations and working with local businesses.

The book box is located at 401 S. Broadway, Englewood, FL 34224. Community members are encouraged to donate books and take one they haven’t read yet, supporting the spirit of sharing and literacy.

The girls stocked the Little Free Library with donations from local nonprofits.

The girls’ favorite part of the project was the hands-on experience of constructing the box, particularly using hand tools, making cement, and the camaraderie they shared, including a memorable dance party in the parking lot. Despite challenges like digging a deep hole in hard ground and assembling the box, the girls persevered and successfully completed their project.

Alivia B. shared her excitement about being a Girl Scout, saying, “It is like an afterschool club. We get to be with some of our best friends, doing fun things like helping our community and going on lots of adventures!”