Girl Scouts support community veterans
Troop 52359 helps make Camp Skymeadow even more fun to explore
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G . I . R . L . s on a mission
Girl Scouts support community veterans
For their Silver Award , Michelle Phillips and Rena Shotts of Girl Scout Troop 40816 from Indiana said the inspiration for helping veterans came from each of their families ’ long histories of military service and Michelle ’ s desire to honor her late uncle who suffered from posttraumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ).
Michelle and Rena decided to help veterans who found it hard to do everyday tasks . They also took a close look at their community and learned which veterans ’ needs were not being addressed .
The girls created and distributed a flyer outlining their services and a brochure listing places to go to for assistance — from support groups to healthcare and education , as well as a Facebook group , Camo Scouts for Veterans .
While their goal was to address the issues of loneliness , depression and despair , and physically impossible or difficult tasks stemming from a soldier ’ s service or injuries , Michelle and Rena quickly realized that psychological injuries and issues were more difficult to recognize and treat than physical issues . So , they decided that offering companionship was more important than any other services they could provide . The girls loved interacting with the veterans and their families while learning about their experiences and what difficulties they encountered .
Michelle and Rena presented their project to local and out-of-state veteran groups . Both girls gained confidence to speak about issues that were important to them and learned how to make their vision a reality .
Troop 52359 helps make Camp Skymeadow even more fun to explore
Junior Girl Scout Troop 52359 from Oakmont has a special place in their hearts for Camp Skymeadow . On June 6 , 2017 , the troop was honored with cutting the ribbon to officially open the newly constructed barn at Camp Skymeadow and kick off the summer camp season . The barn serves as a hub for about 20 equestrian resident camps , and funding was made possible through the generosity of the Bozonne Family Foundation and the Allegheny Foundation .
Girls in grades 2-12 who participate in the horse programs learn about western riding , grooming techniques , and horse safety , while also enjoying Girl Scout camp traditions like campfires , songs , swimming , and archery . By building this new barn at Camp Skymeadow and taking full advantage of its miles of beautiful woodland trails , girls of all riding levels can progress in skill and adventure this summer at resident camp .
The eleven Juniors have provided another way for their sister Girl Scouts to explore the beautiful scenery of the camp . Working an average of 25 hours each , the girls designed and installed a geocaching course . The geocaching course is a sturdy , permanent course that was planned and placed strategically to hold up against weather and use .
It is now available at the camp for other Girl Scouts to go on geocaching adventures and earn the Junior Geocaching Badge . This project served as the troop ’ s Bronze Award service project and they hope their course will inspire others to do more geocaching .
Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania 2016-2017 Annual Report