Photo contributed by Kathy Morley.
Madeleine Gertsen, Features Editor
@mgertsencourant
For senior Abby Morley, becoming a Girl Scout was yet another activity her mother signed her up for in kindergarten. However, after dedicating many years to the Girl Scouts program, Abby now assumes a leadership position within the program. As a leader, Abby regularly camps and runs workshops for younger girls and through her dedication she earned the highest award in Girl Scouting, the Gold Award.
In 1916, the Gold Award was founded to recognize the hard work of Girl Scouts in their efforts to change their communities and the world, marking the start of a long tradition that is continued today.
Abby completed 80 hours of work in her project at Silver Hill Hospital through which she developed a nature therapy program for the patients by creating nature-based activities that incorporate Dialectical Behavioral Therapy. “There was a study that five minutes in nature can boost mental health,” she said. “I decided to use that to help relieve anxiety and depression in patients at the hospital.”
As a Gold Award recipient, Abby is one of the only six percent of Girl Scouts who earn the award. “Girls should definitely take the initiative to get their Gold Award because it can really be a great experience,” she said. “I personally got a lot out of completing my project because the Gold Award inspired me to explore my passions and change the world.”
Before a Girl Scout can earn her Gold Award, she must earn her Silver Award and one journey. “Six of the girls in our troop earned their Silver Award, which is a project that takes 50 hours or more,” New Canaan Girl Scouts co-leader Kathy Morley said.
In addition to learning how to draft plans for their awards and journeys, the Girl Scouts are tested in their execution of the plans. “If these girls can see a need and want to complete a project to earn an award, we always encourage them to do so,” New Canaan Girl Scouts troop leader Naida Leslie said. “The girls ‘change the world’ by seeing this need and working toward fulfilling it within the community.”
Silver and Bronze Awards are offered to Girl Scouts, however, the Gold Award is the most prestigious due to its required 80 hours of work toward a particular independent project. “The Gold Award is an entirely independent project, whereas my whole troop received Bronze for a project we did together and Silver Awards can be done with much more involvement from leaders and other Girl Scouts,” Girl Scout senior Emma Patch said. “The process of earning badges essentially requires you to get involved and complete the task at hand.”
The Gold Award is often compared to the Eagle Scout for Boy Scouts of America because of the necessitated commitment to a cause. “To earn the Gold Award is a labor of love and perseverance,” Mrs. Morley said. “I think looking at local issues and trying to create solutions helps chip away at the bigger issues.”
Past Girl Scouts from NCHS have made lasting impacts on the community and have served as examples for the girls hoping to earn their own Gold Awards this year. “Graduate Janelle Girardi collected fresh produce from local gardeners and the Farmer’s Market to donate to the New Canaan Food Pantry. She collected 2,156 pounds of fresh produce,” Ms. Morley said. “Her efforts give clients healthier food choices and prevents food from going to waste. I think that is amazing.”
Girl Scouts are challenged to step out of their comfort zones to make a difference, whether or not they want to earn their Gold. “I would recommend that other girls become Girl Scouts because you can get a lot out of it,” Abby said. “There are a lot of leadership opportunities, awards, and activities that you can do that you wouldn’t normally try.”
The various trips available to Girl Scouts, such as camping, skiing, and curling, also spark the interests of young girls who think about joining. “The benefits of being a Girl Scout are different for everyone, but generally speaking Girl Scouts is a great way to explore new passions and meet new people,” Emma said. “I also loved the outdoors and exploring places, so Girl Scouting and all of the camping appealed to the younger me.”
The dedicated students and parents involved in New Canaan’s Girl Scout chapter believe that the program provides lifelong benefits. “Sometimes life gets in the way, such as college preparation, and girls can’t always find the time to complete their Gold,” Mrs. Leslie said. “But just to complete 12 or 13 years in Girl Scouting is a great accomplishment.”
