BAGS OF WARMTH AND JOY
Troop 30740, Fitchburg
Alexandra Hanlon, Grace Kirrane, Grace Lambert, Gillian Lambert, Taylor Sadowski

Fifty children in Cardiac Intensive Care received care packages with friendship bracelets, coloring books, and craft kits thanks to Troop 30740’s project.

“I learned that I can do anything that I want to do with the help of others.”

BEAUTIFYING OVERLOOK
Troop 30254 , Ashburnham
Minna Wang

Minna led members of her 8th grade class in a day of cleaning and landscaping around their middle school.

“I told myself I could do it, and do it I could!”

BIKE SAFETY
Troop 40184, Hadley
Emily Koehler, Aldona Noonan

Emily and Aldona created a bike safety packet and led an event where young people could learn proper biking etiquette and practice what they learned.

“This project gave me the courage to stand in front of a group of people and speak.”

BLANKETS FOR BABIES
Troop 30635, Westborough
Ellen Waite

After a home for unwed mothers was destroyed by fire, Ellen made and donated blankets for the children and mothers.

“I thought they would appreciate the comfort of a new blanket. I’m proud to have had the chance to complete this project.”

BOTTLES FOR BOOKS
Troop 40377, Russell
Sarah Farnham, Clarisse Jones, Lauren Pisani

Girls from troop 40377 worked closely with their local library to determine the specific literacy needs in their community. They then used the money they raised by hosting can and bottle drives to purchase books for the library.

“I feel like my project made me a better leader and a better person.”

BRINGING FUN, GETTING SMILES
West Springfield
Nicole Gelinas, Isabella Russo

As a sibling to a cancer survivor, Nicole understood the need for patients and their families to have something fun to do in the hospital. She and Isabella made pillows and donated toys and DVDs to Baystate Children’s Hospital.

“I believe fun and smiles help the children heal.”

CAMP IN A BOX
Troop 30635, Westborough
Catherine Di Saia,
Katharine Nikopoulos

Catherine and Katherine created activity boxes for Camp to Belong, a week-long summer camp that re-unites siblings separated by foster care. They spent a day at the camp teaching the counselors to use the kits and lead the activities.

“I will be more willing to take charge in future projects because of my experience leading this project.”

CANINES FOR DISABLED KIDS - WELCOME BASKETS
Troop 30715, Harvard
Gwyneth Burns, Emily Ferguson, Sarah Seymour

Troop 30715 collected donations of toiletries, games, and books for children and made dog toys and beds all to be donated to Canines for Disabled Kids.

“Because of this project, I am more confident and will be able to lead other things.”

CAVORTING WITH CATS
Troop 30432, Charlton
Rebecca Nash

To create a more entertaining and comfortable environment for the cats at a local animal shelter, Rebecca decorated and received toy donations for a “Healthy Cat Room” where cats can spend time outside their cages.

“My project taught me that I can change something that is wrong in my community.”

CLINTON P2D2
Troop 77030, Clinton
Ashley Peloso

After reading that 80 percent of U.S. drinking water is contaminated by
prescription drugs, Ashley worked with her local police chief to create a more
safe Prescription Pills Drug Disposal (P2D2) system in Clinton.

“Throughout this project, I discovered that I was a leader, not a follower.”

CRAFT BOXES & BAGS FOR SHERRY’S HOUSE CHILDREN
Troop 30250, Holden
Lauren Robichaud

To make their stay more enjoyable, Lauren assembled and donate bags of craft
supplies to Sherry’s House, a home for children undergoing chemotherapy.

“I was amazed with the community at Sherry’s House. I’m happy that I was able
to help them.”

CRAFTY CRITTERS
CRAFT COLLECTION
Troop 30869, Lancaster
Jennifer Cote

Jennifer organized story hour at her local library, complete with craft activities for the children who participated. She also collected and donated craft supplies so that the program can continue.

“The library now has a variety of possibilities for upcoming craft events. My project was a huge success!”

FEELING LIKE A GOOD SPORT
Troop 20421, Monson
Eve Falk

Eve collected over 200 pieces of soccer equipment to donate to the Dorchester Youth Soccer Club. She also hosted a presentation in her community about the importance of girls in sports, inviting local female athletes to share their stories.

“Even though I am just one person, I can make a big difference in my community.”

FRIENDS FOR FAMILIES -
CAMP TO BELONG
Troop 30635, Westborough
Margaret Baldwin, Erin McCafferty

Erin and Margaret made stuffed animals for Camp to Belong, a camp where families separated by foster care have the chance to re-unite. Their creations were specially designed to include a pocket for notes and pictures of siblings.

“My leadership skills grew and I was able to take charge.”

GREYHOUND AWARENESS
Troop 30819, Mendon
Julie Cavanaugh, Julie Watson

To help retired racing dogs, Julie and Julie collected donations and distributed adoption information to the community. They cleaned, walked, and washed the dogs, and sewed crate blankets for Greyhound Rescue of New England.

“We have learned that helping other people and animals can make you happy.”

HELMET SAFETY
Troop 30635, Westborough
Christina Buffo

Christina prepared a presentation for elementary school students on the
importance of wearing bicycle helmets. She delivered multiple presentations to groups of up to 400 students at a time.

“At first I was scared, but I overcame my stage fright.”

HELPING ABUSED WOMEN
Troop 30723, Uxbridge
Courtney Walker

Courtney learned of the needs of woman and children at a local domestic violence shelter and set out to help. She worked with local organizations to donated items that the families needed to start over.

“I learned that it’s important to help others, especially those less fortunate.”

HELPING HAITI
Troop 40362, Norwich
Kristina Bartholomew

Partnering with the Haitian Health Foundation, Kristina educated herself and others on the needs of Haitian people and held fundraisers to purchase goats for families.

“I’m very glad I was able to make a difference!”

HEAL THOSE HORSES
Troop 30398, Mendon
Kelcey Kleya, Emily Perry,
Sarah Walden, Emily Waldman

Troop 30398 created a website, designed brochures and posters, and created a blog for Healing Horses in order to educate the public about the needs of the organization, and the powerful work they do to better the lives of horses.

“I hope that our efforts will help promote Healing Horses and to save the lives of humans and horses alike.”

HELPING HORSES
Troop 30398, Mendon
Kelly Borg, Amanda Godowski, Lydia Mason, Emma Wright

Troop 30398 worked with the Healing Horses organization to design and create notecards, drawings and paintings that Healing Horses can give out to thank
volunteers and donors.

“I selected helping Horses because it’s a tragedy to hurt animals and I LOVE animals”

KARING FOR KIDS
Troop 40221, Southwick
Emma Morton

Emma gathered books and created activity bags for children being treated in the emergency room. Her activity bags were focused on recycling to teach children about preserving our natural resources.

“I now know how to organize and keep a budget for projects to help others.”

KEEP WARM WITH KNOWLEDGE
Troop 30432, Charlton
Erin Tetreault

Erin collected gently used books and blankets to donate to Friendly House women’s shelter. After delivering the items, she spent time with the children at the shelter decorating cupcakes.

“I learned how much I enjoy the company of people and have decided that for my Gold Award project, I want to work with children, too.”

KUDDLE KITS
Troop 30981, Uxbridge
Olivia Brochu, Randi Fournier,
Allyson Parabicoli, Elizabeth
Simonds, Sharon Wallace

Members of Troop 30981 sewed blankets and pillows for patients at UMass Hospital in Worcester. They also taught a Brownie troop to sew so that the project could continue.

“We have gotten pictures and responses back from the children that have received the Kuddle Kits, and they are so happy and thankful! It makes us feel great!”

LEVELING LIBRARY A-Z
Troop 30309, Shrewsbury
Kayla Freeman

Kayla worked with an elementary school library to label all of their books with a reading level A-Z so that students can more easily find books that are suitable to them.

“By putting myself out there and leading this project, my confidence has grown.”

LIL’ BULLY BUSTERS
Troop 40184, Hadley
Annika Fett

Annika organized a play at her church to teach the younger members of the
congregation about bullying. She wrote and directed the play, then donated the script to be used again in the future.

“The topic of anti-bullying is really important. I was happy to pass the message
on to everyone involved.”

MISCOE BEAUTIFICATION
Troop 30355, Mendon
Hannah Goddard, Marin Murphy, Melissa Wojnowski

Realizing that the exterior of their school shaped kids’ perception of their learning environment, Troop 30355 updated the landscaping in the flowerbeds and successfully reduced CO2 levels by adding flowers and shrubs.

“I discovered that if I stick to something and work hard, I can accomplish a lot.”

N.E.A.D.Y. CATS ANIMAL SHELTER
Troop 30715, Harvard
Julia LeBlanc, Chase Peters,
Eleanor Willard

Cats at the N.E.A.D.Y. Cats shelter play an important role training service dogs for disabled children, by helping them learn to socialize. To help ensure that the cats had a comfortable place to rest, Troop 30715 made cat toys and beds for them.

“I gained confidence by presenting my project to others.”

OPERATION BOOK DRIVE
Troop 31020, Millbury
Shannon Martin

Shannon organized a kids’ book drive and hosted a book fair. She donated the books to the C/W MARS library so they are available to kids across Massachusetts.

“I will be able to take charge in many more activities because I learned how to be a leader”

OUTDOOR CAMPING SKILLS
Troop 35034, Worcester
Dyamond Holland

Dyamond planned and implemented an outdoor training skills program for younger girls at her Service Unit Encampment. Girls learned knot tying, fire building and knife safety, each left with t a first aid kit they prepared.

“It felt good to share my love of the outdoors with younger Girl Scouts.”

RAIL TRAIL ADVENTURE
Troop 30121, West Boylston
Christina Fallavollita,
Katherine McKeon

Katie and Christina repaired a bulletin board and updated the outdated information it housed along the Central Massachusetts Rail Trail. They also hosted Scout Day on the trail with activity stations for younger Girl Scouts.

“We wanted to raise awareness about this great outdoor space!”

REUSE, REDUCE, RE-FOAM-IT!!
Troop 30555, Westborough
Bhargavi Ram, Kaleigh Wright

Working with ReFoamIt, a styrofoam recycling company, Kaleigh and Bhargavi held an event to keep Styrofoam out of landfills, as it does not decompose.

“I learned that even though I am shy, if I practice, I can increase my confidence and be successful.”

SENIOR BALL
Troop 30482, Northborough
Rachel Lamy

Partnering with a local senior center, Rachel planned and hosted a Senior Prom for the residents; complete with music, corsages, food, and dancing.

“I learned a lot about communicating with other organizations.”

S.H.R.E.D. THE WORD!
Troop 20240, Springfield
Jamie Davis, Joely Gagne,
Starrlenna Lafleur

To help kids deal with bullying, Troop 20240 created “S.H.R.E.D. the Word” (Share, Help, Report, Educate, Do something). Over 150 students have completed the program, which is being considered by GSUSA for a nationwide program.

“I learned that what I have to say matters and I can make a difference.”

SILVER LACROSSE CLINIC
Troop 40184, Hadley
Kathleen Ellen Kuzmeski

Kathleen was dissatisfied with the athletic options for girls in her community. She organized a lacrosse clinic and donated a lacrosse goal to the town of Hadley.

“I really felt that I needed to let the younger girls know that they did have other options.”

SOMEONE CARES
Troop 40574, Clarksburg
Amanda Vallone

Amanda wanted to show elderly residents of a local nursing home that people really cared about them. She created care packages and Valentines bags with handmade cards and delivered them to the residents.

“Because of this project, I feel more connected to my community.”

THE NUTS AND BOLTS
OF NUTRITION
Troop 11024, Princeton
Maya Silvia

Maya created an interactive workbook and game to get kids interested in making healthy choices. She made presentations to a Brownie troop and local school, then donated all of her materials to be shared with future students.

“I learned that with the help and encouragement of family and friends, as well as my own determination, I can overcome obstacles to being successful.”

THE REFLECTION TRAIL
Troop 30869, Berlin
Monique DePlanche,
Madison Doerr

Monique and Madison revitalized an unkempt and rarely used hiking trail. After clearing and marking the trail, they designed brochures complete with maps, and created and registered a geocache to attract people to the resource.

”People in the town still come up to me and thank me for what Madison and I did, and tell me that they walk the trail every day. To me, that is the best award.”

THREADS THROUGH TIME
Troop 40088 , Amherst
Kendall Dapprich, Chapin Duffy

Kendall and Chapin inventoried the historic Girl Scout uniforms at the Leeds Service Center and developed a program foryounger girls to learn about Girl Scout history. They then held a Girl Scout fashion show for a nursing home.

“We did a great job working together to accomplish our goals.”

TOMATOES ‘R’ US
Troop 40049, Southwick
Alexis Glynn, Abigail Howe,
Emily McKinney

Troop 40049 planted and tended a garden, then donated their harvest (tomatoes, zucchini, summer squash and corn) to a local food pantry. The girls created a recipe book full of ideas on how to prepare the bounty.

“I learned how to organize a group to get a job done.”

VALENTINE SHOE BOXES
Troop 40184, Hadley
Bridget Lashway

Bridget created Valentine care packages for senior citizens. After collecting
donations and assembling the packages, she personally delivered the boxes to
their recipients.

“It was a challenge to overcome my shyness, but it was worth it.”

Wii WISH YOU HAPPY HOLIDAYS
Troop 40236 , Holyoke
Lindsay Cournoyer,
Ana Diaz, Maeghan Gallagher,
Lauren Sznicer, Amélia Vega

Troop 40236 held a health fair at a nursing home with presentations on identity theft awareness, nutrition and exercise. They donated a Wii to the community and taught the residents how to use it for exercise.

“I discovered that it’s easy to be a leader. You just have to make the right choices and know what you’re doing.”