Hearts Of Gold - Reflections from Gold Award Girl Scouts

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Emma shares about her portable race track made from recycled materials, the 2019 Rose Parade Tournament Troop, STEM, her Robotics team, and much more!

More about Emma

Emma Kessner is a high-school senior at Marlborough School in Los Angeles. She is a Girl Scout Ambassador who recently earned her Girl Scout Gold Award by working with the Culver City reDiscover Center, an organization that promotes using one's imagination to tinker with reused materials. In designing and building a portable racetrack and curriculum, she introduced younger children to STEM in a fun and engaging way, and her project will be utilized by as many as 300 students per year in 11 schools per semester around the Los Angeles area.

In addition to her 12-year Girl Scout career, she has been a part of her school's robotics team for five years, and is currently the Captain. In 2017, she accompanied her team as they competed and won an award at the FIRST World Championship in Houston, Texas. She has also founded a program dedicated to giving students real-world work experience in a familiar environment by working and doing inventory at the new campus Café, and is a member of the California Scholarship Federation. She plans to attend college in the fall, and hopes to continue being active in community service by mentoring future female leaders interested in STEM.

LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emma-kessner

reDiscover Center is rediscovercenter.org

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Audrey shares why she chose to create a walking club for special needs teens and adults and providing respite for their caregivers.

More about Audrey

Audrey Davis is a senior at Union Catholic High School in Scotch Plains, New Jersey. She has been a Girl Scout for 12 years and is a recent recipient of the Gold Award for her service project, the A.W.A.R.E. Club, a walking club for special needs teens and young adults . She is involved in many activities outside of Girl Scouts, including as the President of the Autism Awareness Club at her school, Captain of the Speech and Debate team, a member of her school's Performing Arts Company and the anchor for her school news program. She is the recent recipient of the National Catholic Education Association's Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award for her service to the Special Needs Community. She is currently undecided for her college plans, but in the future she hopes to Major in Political Science and minor in Inclusive Education so she can realize her goals of becoming a Special Education advocate and lobbyist and eventually, the United States Secretary of Education.

Website: aware.club.nj.weebly.com

Email: [email protected]

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2EBt5P1 or on your favorite podcast app.

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Elizabeth shares her experience building a trap shooting range to create more access to the activity in the area and provide education on safe shooting. She also shares what was required for her to be accepted at the Air Force Academy.

Link for Bear Creek Range

https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Organization/Bear-Creek-Rifle-Range-435242676560461/

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2EBt5P1 or on your favorite podcast app.

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Caleigh Dahn talks about her Girl Scout Gold Award project Amicus Dog Park. She shares her project, her travel experiences, and her virtual troop.

More about Caleigh:

My name is Caleigh Dahn and I am an Ambassador Gold Award Girl Scout out of the Manitou Council in Wisconsin. I have been a Girl Scout for 12 years and have also completed my Silver Award. I love working on badges and going camping with my troop. I have made some close friends through Girl Scouting, some since kindergarten and we have some amazing memories together. Outside of Girl Scouting, I am a ballet dancer en pointe and I love to read and be with my animals. I am considered an 11th grader, but I am currently in my 3rd year at a community college working towards my Associates in General Science. Next fall I will be going to Northern Michigan University to study Zoology and Spanish.

Link for Amicus Dog Park https://www.facebook.com/amicusdogpark/

Join our Facebook Community at Hearts of Gold Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartsOfGoldPodcast/

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2vtZWOY or on your favorite podcast app.

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Welcome to the Hearts of Gold podcast where Gold Award Girl Scouts share their experiences.

The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest award a Girl Scout can earn. It is earned while in High School and is a project consisting of: identifying a community issue, creating a proposal and presenting to the council's Gold Award Committee, at least 80 hours of personal time to complete the project, writing a final report and presenting it to the Gold Award Committee.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/_haOaV8mqFY

Excerpts from:

Ep 1 - Christina http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/ep1-hearts-of-gold-christine-wiles-arms-open-girl-scout-gold-project-mentoring-big-brothers-big-sisters-vermont-national-guard

Ep 2 - Isla http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/isla-horscroft-goals-for-girls-girl-scout-gold-project

Ep 4 - Kelsey http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/ep-4-hearts-of-gold-kelsey-chico-united-for-haiti-girl-scout-gold-project

Ep 5 - Julia http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/ep5-julia-kay-ban-the-bag-girl-scout-gold-project

Ep 7 - Jacklyn http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/ep-7-jacklyn-dougherty-pink-ladybug-girl-scout-gold-project

Ep 8 - Noelle http://heartsofgold.libsyn.com/ep8-hearts-of-gold-noelle-buice-cancer-kickin-critters-girl-scout-gold-award

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Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

Noelle Buice talks about her Girl Scout Gold Award project Cancer Kickin' Critters. She shares about the inspiration for her project, a Girl Scout sister.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/sEpGXBKNfzM

More about Noelle:

I've been involved in scouting since first grade. My favorite aspects of Girl Scouts are the focus on acquiring knowledge and serving the community. My Girl Scout troop became involved in serving the pediatric cancer community when one of our members, my best friend was diagnosed with cancer in seventh grade. Through girl scouts, we raised awareness about childhood cancer, and joined in the struggle to get more federal cancer research funding focused on children's cancers. I created Cancer Kickin' Critters in seventh grade, hand making toys for children fighting cancer because of my best friend. This project later evolved into my Gold Award project, where I was able to expand CKC into an official 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, that has assisted over 1,300 children across the US and Canada. Outside of scouts, I'm a captain of my high school's crew team, and active member of Young Life (interdenominational youth ministry), and a participant in multiple choirs. I've recently sent in my college applications, and I'm excited to hear those results since they will impact my future!

Links for Cancer Kickin' Critters

ckcritters.org

[email protected]

cancerkickincritters on instagram

Cancer Kickin' Critters on Facebook

Join our Facebook Community at Hearts of Gold Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartsOfGoldPodcast/

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2vtZWOY or on your favorite podcast app.

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Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is

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Jacklyn Dougherty talks about her Girl Scout Gold Award project Pink Ladybug. She shares about the inspiration for her project, her Grandfather, Poppy. We discuss finishing the Gold Award as a Sophomore. She also shares her favorite Girl Scout Journey and we have fun discussing her Instagram posts.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/gSAVePhsDkA

More about Jacklyn:

Gold Award Girl Scout Ambassador Jacklyn earned her recognition by creating Pink Ladybug.org. She educated her community on Skin Cancer Awareness and how to protect yourself. She created 600 Educational Sun Kits containing the following items: Sunscreen, lip balm, sun bracelet, sunglasses, educational card, all placed in a handy bag. She gave educational speeches at local high schools and Boys and Girls Club She used the hashtag #knowyourbody, educating students how to check their body for moles. She enjoyed educating everyone and sending them home with Educational Sun Kits.

Jacklyn's dream is to continue to educate on a National platform Skin Cancer Awareness and protection. She created a Nonprofit www. PinkLadybug.org. She is looking for donation and volunteers to help in her mission.

Jacklyn heart is on Pointe, she has been studying Ballet since the age of two. Pointe ballet is her favorite dance. She is on the Varsity Golf team and Tennis team. She plays the violin and sings.

Jacklyn lives in Kissimmee Florida, with her lovely Mommy. She has the most amazing relationship with her mommy. She thanks her Mommy, for assisting her with her Gold Awards.

Jacklyn future includes continuing to advocate Skin Cancer Awareness and Protection. She plans on attending University of Notre Dame, to become a lawyer.

More about Pink Ladybug:

At the nonprofit's website www.PinkLadybug.org, Jacklyn provides educational information about what is Skin Cancer. It also provides ways to protect ones skin from skin cancer. Jacklyn is willing to speak at event, schools, etc about Skin Cancer Awareness and Protection. The website includes a link to request her as a speaker or to donate to the mission.

Pink Ladybug Nonprofit

Mission: To Educate student about skin cancer awareness and protection

Vision: A world without skin cancer.

Jacklyn created Pink Ladybug is hopes that people will protect themselves from the sun and student will stop Prom Tanning. The name for the nonprofit came from Jacklyn using two of her favorites, Pink is her favorite color and Ladybug is a symbol for the Blessed Mother Mary. (which she is named after in her middle name). Her first name is named after her Grandfather Jack, whom is why she choice this cause to advocate.

Jacklyn's Instagram: jacklyndougherty

Website https://pinkladybug.org/

Join our Facebook Community at Hearts of Gold Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartsOfGoldPodcast/

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2vtZWOY or on your favorite podcast app.

Support future Hearts of Gold episodes at https://www.patreon.com/heartsofgold

Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

Jennifer Wickert talks about her Girl Scout Gold Award project A Chance for Better. She created a powerpoint and had multiple educational sessions with different types of students to educate about bullying. She shares how she thought she was done with her project, found out she had not met the requirements, what she did to meet the requirements, and how it impacted her overall project.ts on bullying and teen suicide prevention.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/04i4tztnxkQ

More about Jennifer:

My name is Jennifer Wickert. I have been in Girl Scouts since I was in kindergarten and recently became a lifetime member when I graduated high school. I am currently attending Jefferson State Community College as a Pre-Nursing student. I will be applying for the Nursing Program this fall. In Preparation for nursing school, I recently became a Certified Nursing Assistant. . I am a member of the National Student Nurse Association as well as the Jefferson State Community College Chapter. For my Gold Award, I created a book and powerpoint presentation to educate students on bullying and teen suicide prevention.

Jennifer's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/chance4better/

Jennifer's Instagram: @a_chance_for_better

Join our Facebook Community at Hearts of Gold Podcast https://www.facebook.com/groups/HeartsOfGoldPodcast/

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Please subscribe to Hearts of Gold on YouTube at http://bit.ly/2vtZWOY or on your favorite podcast app.

Support future Hearts of Gold episodes at https://www.patreon.com/heartsofgold

Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

Julia Kay talks about her Girl Scout Gold project - Ban the Bag. Julia worked to encourage her town to ban plastic bags, including speaking before the Town Board to present her petition and talking to the public to support the movement. Julia also discusses her active lifestyle and why Girl Scouting - and her two troops - is important to her and how she balances it all.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/rT7oQOxtiok

Organizations and people mentioned in this episode:

http://www.massgreen.org/

Massachusetts State Representative Colleen Garry

Town Selectman Robert Jackson

More about Julia:

I've been a girl scout for over 10 years earning my girl scout bronze, silver, and now gold award. Because of my gold award project I got accepted into an international leadership conference for women called Women2Women. I spent 2 weeks in Boston with over 100 girls form over 30 different countries around the world. I am on the Varsity Field Hockey team and Swim and dive team for Tyngsborough High School. I play defense for field hockey and do both swimming and diving on the team. I am also a year round theatre participate at my school. I cue all of the schools lights for the show as well as be in the major productions and dancing numbers. Last year, I was elected the Treasurer of the International Thespian Society (ITS). I also love dance and art. I hope to go to a good college and major in a type of engineering.

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Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

Kelsey Chico talks about her Girl Scout Gold project - United for Haiti.

My project was constructing a playground in a community space and delivering donations in Haiti. After the events of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, many countries in the western hemisphere were the most impacted, Haiti being one of them. Supplies and rations were needed due to the destruction taken place mostly in the South of the country. I decided to take action and gather donations from many businesses and organizations that included toys, clothing items, hygiene products, shoes, etc.

Episode available as a video at https://youtu.be/T17SXtF7V4M

More about Kelsey:

My name is Kelsey Chico and I am now an Ambassador Girl Scout. I am 16 years old, 15 when the project was complete, and I live in Florida. I joined Girl Scouts at the Brownie level and have enjoyed it ever since. My hobbies include video gaming, reading, painting, music mixing, singing and dance. This year will be my tenth year playing the violin and ninth year dancing. I like creating videos inspired by YouTubers and hope to one day start my own on topics such as gaming, singing, and general topics. Music is a big part of me and I like a variety of genres from video game soundtracks to movie soundtracks to modern artists. I enjoy playing FPS games on Xbox such as the Halo franchise but also creative thinking on Minecraft. I would like to be in the engineering field of STEM, perhaps audio design or video production because of my passion for video, editing and music, things that can create a message through the world of media. I would like to visit the company in charge of the Halo video game franchise, 343 Industries, because of my passion to learn about game design, soundtrack development and CGI. In addition, talk to movie directors and composers such as Andrew Stanton, Francis Lawrence, Joseph Kosinski, Steven Speilberg, Neil Davidge, Martin O'Donnell Kazuma Jinnouchi and voice actress Jen Taylor, to experience being in the shoes of directors and acting. I plan to continue dance and playing the violin but also Girl Scouts because of its life-changing goal.

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Video editing by https://www.offthewalter.com/ Walter's YouTube channel is https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCt0wFZRVaOpUd_nXc_8-4yQ

More details about Kelsey's project:

My project was constructing a playground in a community space and delivering donations in Haiti. After the events of Hurricane Matthew in 2016, many countries in the western hemisphere were the most impacted, Haiti being one of them. Supplies and rations were needed due to the destruction taken place mostly in the South of the country. I decided to take action and gather donations from many businesses and organizations that included toys, clothing items, hygiene products, shoes, etc. I had the help from the Haitian Consulate of Orlando to determine the destination for the donations. The Drive lasted over a 6 week period. After sorting by category for each item the weekend it finished, a confirmed weight of 2 ½ tons of donations were donated, 97 boxes total. I needed a way to deliver these donations overseas because, as you can imagine, many laws such as borer laws, water laws and international laws require many permissions and clearances. I contacted multiple cruise lines for the transport. Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines offered to ship the donations at no extra cost. I drove with my parents down to Port Canaveral where the company's warehouse is located. I met with the transportation team and they unloaded the 97 boxes onto 4 pallets and proceeded to load them in the warehouse. They would be left there for inspection by K-9 dogs and other scanning procedures to verify the clearance of transportation. The donations would be loaded onto the cruise ship going to its next port of call: Labadee, Haiti. I met the Haitian Consulate of Orlando at the border of Labadee, Haiti and the rest of the country. We loaded the boxes into 3 separate pickup trucks and drove down to the district of Nippes, one the most affected areas of the country. It was about a 5 ½ hour drive. I stepped onto the back of the pickup truck and opened the boxes, handing them out to women, children and families. To see them happy and grateful for these donations made this art of the project successful. Children in the country of Haiti did not get the physical education needed for early childhood or an experience on a swing. I took the initiative to construct the playground in the same district. This would benefit their physical education and have a memorable childhood experience. I had purchased a playground set consisting of two swings, a monkey bar, rock-climbing wall, a dome and a slide and was funded from the Charity Ball hosted during the donation drive which was another successful take on my project. The funds came from organizations and local funders who also participated in a silent auction and fashion show to help raise funds for the playground set. The item was then shipped overseas through air transportation to Port Au Prince, the country's capital, where I met the Haitian Consulate of Orlando and drove to her house where the set had been in safe keeping. We agreed to construct the playground in the district. I had the opportunity to speak with the mayor of the district and ask him for space needed. He agreed to a 49 sq ft grass space that was perfect for the playground! Added alongside the playground construction was a Geodome and picnic tables. The overall construction process lasted about 6-7 hours in the day. A ribbon ceremony was held before the playground's opening of use. Many kid and children were excited about seeing this playground they had never seen before! Two distinct memories I had upon its completion was during the process of consulting it. The native language for Haiti is Creole, which I did not speak. Using hand signals and communication, I was able to direct when I showed them what tools I needed or what could be done. The other moment was when I showed a little boy the Geodome for the first time. He was the younger brother of a boy who helped me. He was about 5 years old. I guided him over to the Geodome and showed him how to swing on it. I invited the other boys and girls to join in. The reaction from them all was excitement and joy! It is a moment I will never forget.

If there are a few things I had learned from my project, they are perseverance, risk-taking and stepping out of my own comfort zone.

What inspired me to take action for my project was the fact that I enjoy helping others. Traveling outside the country to another place showed me things from a different perspective such as learning a new language, inspiring others and overall creating that connection of love and help that was needed.

The biggest challenge for my project was the transportation matter. As I had mentioned, many clearances and requirements have to be met in order to ship items overseas to another country so having Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines to be a helpful partner in my project made it all the difference. Another was the language barrier. Not only did I learn a bit of Creole but I managed to use international hand signals and communication to talk with the native people and interact with them.

My mom and my family were a big help in my project. They were the ones who motivated me for my project and helped me out along the process, the Haitian Consulate of Orlando for meeting with me to plan where to build and deliver the donations, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines for transporting the items overseas and of course Girl Scouts, for inspiring me to achieve the Gold Award and building the courage, confidence and character to make a difference in the world.

My advice for any Girl Scout or anyone who wants to help out, you don't have to say in your community to make a difference – you can take it globally or internationally! Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and expand your knowledge of ways to help others in the amazing world that we live in, especially in foreign countries where we can connect and understand each other. Any act of help or service goes a long way and it starts with you. What do you want to change? How can your service impact others? What effect will it have?