Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Troop 108 Volunteers at Metro Animal Shelter

Four girls from Troop 108 worked with the Metro Animal Shelter to complete their Bronze Award. The girls went through training on how to properly care for the animals. They also completed tasks such as walking dogs, playing with the cats and giving baths to the animals. The girls also worked on generating some word-of-mouth publicity for the the shelter and even convinced some people to adopt pets.

At the Metro Animal Shelter, there are more than 7,500 cats and dogs a year waiting for a home but only 40 a month are adopted. Most of the animals that come to the shelter have been abandoned, neglected, abused or surrendered. This is the case for many animals in shelters like Metro Animal Shelter. Troop 108 urges Girl Scout troops and others alike to get involved with local animal shelters to help improve animals' lives throughout their communities.

Troop 108 wants to encourage other Girl Scout troops to help at their local animal shelters and to adopt animals from a shelter instead of buying one from a store.

Friday, February 13, 2009

Girl Scouts Honored in National Awards Program

Olivia, 14, of Birmingham was named one of Alabama's top two youth volunteers for 2009 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards, a nationwide program honoring young people for outstanding acts of volunteerism. The awards program, now in its 14th year, is conducted by Prudential financial in partnership with the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

Olivia, an eighth grader at Huffman Middle School, volunteered more than 200 hours at the Birmingham Zoo last year feeding and caring for animals, assisting with birthday parties and other special events, working at the zoo's summer camps, instructing visitors and helping with a recycling program. Olivia, who loves animals, decided several years ago that she wanted to work at the zoo.

In addition to naming two winners, the judges also recognized four other Alabama students as Distinguished Finalists for their impressive community service activities. Victoria, 17 of Birmingham is a member of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama was named as a Distinguished Finalist. Victoria, a senior at Spain Park High School, created a program called "Rescue Quilts," which has provided 2,500 handmade quilts and blankets for police officers to distribute to children in crisis. She has engaged more than 600 volunteers to help with her program.

Lindsey, a member of Girl Scouts of North-Central Alabama, was also named as a Local Honoree for her volunteer work in her community.

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Madison girl earns her Girl Scout Gold Award

Cynthia Ann of Madison recently completed her Gold Award, the highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. Each girl earning her Gold Award demonstrates excellence through a leadership project totaling more than 65 hours. Girls who earn their Gold Award are also recognized by the President of the United States, the U.S. Congress, the U.S. Armed Services, state legislatures, colleges and universities for admission and scholarship opportunities, and the American Legion. To earn her award, Cynthia campaigned for healthier snack options in her high school’s vending machines. She worked with Buffalo Rock, the school’s snack food vendor, to get junk food replaced with healthier choices like granola bars and trail mix in the vending machines.

The Gold Award is an achievement that takes long-term planning and commitment. Girls working towards their Gold Award get the opportunity to learn organizational, networking and leadership skills by devising their own comprehensive community service project. They are not only responsible for putting the plan into action, but must also research the project, draw up a proposal and get others involved.

The Gold Award is all about making lasting changes, both from within oneself and in the community. Cynthia not only got healthier snacks put in the vending machines, she made a change for the better at her school. Girls like Cynthia prove to others that one person really can make a difference, and that’s the essence of what the Gold Award is all about.