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.

Jaia Beall’s Gold Award project, “The Shelter Connection,” tackles a pressing issue in the community of Santa Barbara County—increasing volunteer engagement at local animal shelters. Recognizing the urgent need for more hands and hearts, Jaia developed a web application that makes it easier for individuals to connect with and contribute to animal welfare organizations. Jaia’s web application serves as a bridge between potential volunteers and animal shelters. The platform lists over ten different animal care facilities, including the SB Zoo, Humane Society, and BUNS (Bunnies Urgently Needing Shelter). Each entry provides essential information such as location, operating hours, contact details, and the volunteer application process. This allows users to find opportunities that align with their interests and schedules without the need for tedious searches and phone calls. One of the standout features of “The Shelter Connection” is its ability to track volunteer hours. This functionality not only assists users in managing their community service commitments but also motivates them by clearly displaying the time dedicated to helping animals in need. Since its launch, “The Shelter Connection” has received positive feedback from both the shelters and volunteers. Shelters have reported an uptick in volunteer applications, and users have praised the convenience and user-friendliness of the application. By simplifying the process of finding and committing to volunteer work, Jaia has empowered more community members to take action for animal welfare. Her project goes beyond a temporary fix; it’s a sustainable solution designed to foster ongoing support for animal shelters. By providing a tool that makes volunteering more accessible and manageable, she hopes to inspire a long-term increase in community service and awareness regarding the needs of animal shelters. If you want to participate, visit https://shelterconnection.org!

Jaia tells us, “My plan for the future is to attend college where I will major in animal science. Ultimately, I hope to become a veterinarian.”

Juliette Nasarenko’s Gold Award project, “Bringing Memory and Strength to Seniors,” brilliantly combines music and physical exercise to enrich the lives of senior citizens in assisted living facilities. Through her innovative approach, Juliette addresses the critical issues of loneliness and mental acuity, enhancing the quality of life for the elderly through the power of musical engagement and movement. Recognizing the profound impact music has on memory and emotional well-being, Juliette orchestrated a program where her high school orchestra performed monthly at a local senior assisted living home. The performances featured various music genres and were followed by social interactions, allowing both the students and the seniors to share experiences and stories, thereby bridging generational gaps and reducing feelings of isolation among the elderly. Further expanding her project, Juliette introduced a week-long summer camp at the assisted living facility, focusing on physical activities tailored to the seniors’ abilities. Using exercise bands and incorporating dance, she created a curriculum that not only promoted physical health but also mental engagement. Initially facing low turnout, Juliette’s persistent efforts with the recreation director to personally invite residents significantly boosted participation. The response was overwhelmingly positive. Surveys conducted at the end of the week showed that most participants recalled memories triggered by the music, and all reported feeling better after the physical exercises. Juliette also ensured the sustainability of her project by passing the torch to two honors orchestra students who will continue and possibly expand the program after her graduation. Her project held so much transformative power, not only for the seniors she helped but also for her personal and professional growth.

Juliette explains, “I have learned that I can identify a community need, a gap in our connection with other human beings, and fill it with music, social interaction, and new ideas. Indeed, music is the medicine, but playing it to others is the cure.”

Leah Cawley has taken a bold step forward in combating a global issue by introducing the “Human Trafficking Awareness Patch” program for Girl Scouts ranging from 4th to 12th grade. This project not only sheds light on a critical issue but actively involves young Girl Scouts in the fight against human trafficking through education and community action. Leah’s program is structured into a three-step process designed to educate and inspire action. The first step involves an educational component where Girl Scouts learn about human trafficking, focusing on understanding its impact and the importance of public awareness. By breaking down the information according to age groups, Leah ensures that the content is appropriate and impactful for each level of understanding. The second step encourages Girl Scouts to relate their newfound knowledge back to their communities. This involves identifying local aspects of human trafficking and understanding how widespread and close to home this issue can be. It’s about making the issue relevant to their immediate environments and fostering a sense of responsibility. Through her Gold Award project, Leah has not only equipped Girl Scouts with knowledge but has also empowered them to be advocates in their communities. The patch isn’t just a badge of honor; it symbolizes awareness, education, and the call to action that Leah hopes will resonate throughout the Girl Scouts’ lives and communities. Leah Cawley’s project sets a profound example of how Girl Scouts can tackle complex global issues and make a tangible impact. Her work with the Human Trafficking Awareness Patch has laid a foundation for future advocates, proving that even the youngest among us have the power to effect change on a grand scale.

Leah says, “With enough support from the people around you and motivation from within yourself, you can achieve what you previously thought to be impossible.”

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