Indian Springs Girl Earns Gold Ward by reaching out to Teenage Girls

For her Gold Award project, Emily wanted to reach out to teenage girls on the subject of purity of mind, body and soul, as well share an abstinence message. Her opportunity began during a two-week mission trip to Big Timber, Montana, where over 50 children, ages 6 to 19, from a nearby reservation attended camp at the Four Winds Ministry Center. While teaching such a difficult subject , she was able to relate to the girls by sharing some of her own experiences and struggles as a teenager. Emily soon realized her project was even bigger than she imagined when she saw that the majority of the children were lacking in the most basic of personal hygiene items. Knowing how simple, good hygiene habits can impact one’s self-respect and confidence, she purchased additional bags of personal supplies for the campers. Emily’s project taught her flexibility and leadership skills. “I learned how to lead in a new way,” she stated, “by interacting with others more positively without putting them down.”

Emily is a junior at Oak Mountain High school and wants to pursue a career in engineering. Her parents are Charlie and Kelly of Indian Springs.