Monday, April 25, 2011

It’s a Jungle Out There: A Middle School Survival Camp

Jessica chose this as her Gold Award project when she found herself somewhat unprepared for the challenges of middle school. As she matured, she realized she was not alone in those feelings, and became determined to find a way to help other young girls face some of the negative images, pressures and pitfalls of this age group. Jessica developed a day camp activity manual which included activities on time management, healthy eating/body image, surviving peer pressure and exercises to build character and confidence. She conducted a two-day training session for volunteers from local schools, churches and organizations, to instruct them on how to implement the program. She hopes the final message of the camp will be for the girls to empower others. Jessica is a freshman at the University of Montevallo and is the daughter of Darrell and Lisa of Cullman.

The Gold Award is highest level of Girl Scout achievement. This award recognizes the Senior & Ambassador Girl Scout’s commitment to herself, her community, and her future. The girl who goes for the Gold embraces challenges, achieves excellence, and works diligently to make the world a better place, in her own unique way. Her leadership, vision, and boundless energy is an inspiration to all Girl Scouts. 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.