The Highest Awards in Girl Scouts – the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards – give girls the chance to make a difference in their communities while supporting issues they care about. The skills and experiences that Girl Scouts gain on these journeys earn them special recognition and set them on a lifelong path of advocacy and service.

Troop 20533

When Girl Scout Juniors team up to make changes, they learn important leadership skills, discover new passions, and watch how seemingly small actions make a big difference. This all adds up to the Girl Scout Bronze Award – the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior can achieve.

Recently, Junior Troop 20533 from Hollister was inspired to help out the environment by reducing plastic waste. Girl Scouts Sarah, Paige, Gema, Camila, and Emily decided on creating a recycling program that could be carried on for years after their involvement. After some research, they found ColorCycle, a Crayola marker collection program that converts plastic into reusable energy. ColorCycle takes used markers and repurposes the plastic into fuel for school busses.

Four schools in Hollister – Accelerated Achievement Academy, Calaveras School, Gabilan Hills School, and Hollister Dual Language Academy – all joined in for the collection effort. Over a two month period with over 100 classrooms participating, 25 lbs. of markers were collected. The girls sorted the markers and packaged them up to send to the Crayola Company, and each school has teamed up with their teachers to keep the project going.

On their achievements, Troop Leader Kim Reiland said, “We are super proud of the girls’ accomplishments. A lot of hard work went into this project. They will be remembered for initiating change and helping our environment.”

The girls were rewarded with their Bronze awards this past February!

Troop 25086

Girl Scout Cadettes have the opportunity to focus on an issue they care about, learn the facts, and take action to make a difference. As they gain the confidence and skills that will catapult them into lifelong success, they are able to earn the Girl Scout Silver Award – the highest honor a Cadette can achieve.

Cadette Troop 25086 from Hollister decided that they wanted to give back to the individuals that dedicate their lives to serving our communities. Together, Girl Scouts Renee, Julia, and Piper made scarves that could be gifted to both local veterans and members of the armed forces serving overseas. The girls dedicated their time to cutting fabric, pinning and pairing different colors together, and sewing each scarf.

Troop 25086 teamed up with one of their own in Hollister, Combat Veteran Bernie Ramirez, who helped them package the scarves. The girls used some of their cookie proceeds to purchase snacks such as jerky, nuts & seeds, and coffee to send along in the care packages. Each scarf was tagged with a handwritten thank-you note.

In total, over 50 scarves were made and donated to veterans in the community, as well as shipped to active military serving in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq.

Troop Leader Kim Reiland said, “We are proud and humbled by the girls’ efforts. A lot of hard work went into this project along with hours of sewing. They will remember this as a very humbling experience. This group of girls is so super special and I am honored to be their leader.”

Is your troop working on an exciting Bronze or Silver Award project? Send your stories and photos to media@girlscoutsccc.org. To learn more about the highest awards in Girl Scouts, visit here!