The Gold Award is the highest award a girl can earn in Girl Scouting. It’s a national standard that acknowledges a girl’s accomplishments, leadership, commitment, creativity, and personal effort to make the world a better place. Each Gold Award is a significant achievement in a girl’s life and an extension and compilation of all she has learned through her Girl Scout experience.

In the vibrant halls of a school in India and the classrooms of her own high school, Ananya Jonnalagadda’s Gold Award project, “Anybody Can Dance!”, has made waves by bringing the joy and benefits of dance to students with disabilities. For nine years, Ananya has studied Bharatanatyam, an ancient Indian dance form known for its ability to connect the mind, body, and soul. Ananya’s project began at her high school here in the United States, where she introduced children with disabilities to basic Bharatanatyam movements and breathing exercises as part of their physical education. Recognizing the transformative impact of dance, Ananya expanded her workshops overseas, connecting with a Tamil public school in India dedicated to students with disabilities. The challenges of teaching dance to children with disabilities were met with Ananya’s determination and empathy. To enhance communication and build stronger relationships with her Tamil-speaking students, Ananya dedicated hours each week to improve her proficiency in Tamil. This commitment to cultural exchange and personal growth turned her workshops into a space of mutual learning and adaptation. The culmination of her efforts was brilliantly showcased during the Indian Independence Day celebration, where her students delivered an unforgettable performance. This event not only highlighted the students’ newfound confidence and skills but also marked a significant achievement in Ananya’s journey as a leader and advocate for inclusive physical education. Her project has not only fostered an environment where children with disabilities can thrive through dance but has also sparked discussions on the importance of inclusivity in physical education both locally and internationally.

Ananya tells us about her future plans and says, “I plan to attend the University of California Berkeley as a Molecular and Cell Biology major as I pursue the pre-med track.”

Ashlynn Chavez, driven by her passion for wildlife and community service, launched the “Turtle Turnover” project, aimed at rehabilitating the tortoise shelters at the Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande. This Gold Award project not only enhanced the conditions for these gentle creatures but also strengthened community ties by connecting local Girl Scouts with the rescue efforts. The Turtle and Tortoise Rescue of Arroyo Grande, an essential refuge for rescued reptiles, was in dire need of infrastructural rejuvenation. Ashlynn’s project focused on rebuilding the shelters to provide a safer, more accessible environment for both the tortoises and the community volunteers. Her hands-on involvement in the construction and design process ensured that the new shelters were not only functional but also inviting to the public, encouraging educational visits and active participation in conservation efforts. A significant aspect of her project was to bridge the gap between the rescue center and the local community, particularly young Girl Scouts. By developing a resource manual tailored for scouts of all ages, she provided a framework for ongoing engagement. This manual includes activities, educational materials, and project ideas that encourage scouts to interact with and learn from the rescue center, fulfilling the Girl Scout Law to make the world a better place. Through her project, Ashlynn has successfully raised awareness about the existence and mission of the Turtle and Tortoise Rescue. The project has not only benefited the reptiles by providing them with improved living conditions but has also fostered a sense of stewardship among the local youth. The newly built shelters allow easier access for educational tours, caretaking activities, and scout projects, which helps to cultivate a lasting interest in environmental and wildlife conservation.

Ashlynn explains, “I learned that not every idea I have should be followed through. During the process of my Gold Award, I learned that I cannot hang on to the minute details and focus on the bigger picture in order to be efficient. I learned that when I put my mind to something, I really can see it through. It is all about motivation and self determination when it comes to something as big and prestigious as the Girl Scout Gold Award.”

Camp Arroyo Grande, nestled in the serene environment above the village of Arroyo Grande, serves not just as a camping ground but as a beacon of community involvement and outdoor education, thanks to Charlie Beaman’s visionary Girl Scout Gold Award project. Through her initiative titled “Discovering Camp Arroyo Grande,” Charlie has significantly enhanced the local community’s engagement and appreciation of this scenic locale. Charlie recognized that despite its potential, many locals were unaware of the myriad activities that Camp Arroyo Grande could offer. Her project aimed to change this by introducing several engaging activities designed to attract and educate the community about the camp’s facilities and the natural beauty it conserves. These activities included a little free book library to promote literacy and a love for reading, a scavenger hunt to make learning fun and interactive, and a community day to showcase the camp’s utility and beauty. By integrating these activities into the camp’s offerings, Charlie not only enhanced the camp’s appeal but also educated her community on the badges and activities that troops could earn and participate in at Camp Arroyo Grande. Her efforts have laid a sustainable foundation for continued community engagement and environmental education. Charlie’s project is a testament to the impact thoughtful and dedicated youth can have on their communities.

Charlie tells us, “Keep trying even if you feel like giving up the easy part if accomplishing the goal the hardest part is actually following through with the goal.”

For more information about the Gold Award and how Girl Scouts are creating positive change within their communities, visit here.