Although 2020 was challenging for all of us, Girl Scouts across the nation came together to inspire one another, spread kindness, share virtual smiles, and used their voices to speak up for much-needed change.
Here are a few highlights of Girl Scouts' resilience and perseverance in 2020.
1. Getting Virtual
Like many others, Girl Scouts had to get creative and go virtual once COVID-19 quickly shook up the state of the world. They visited state parks with our free virtual map, camped from their living rooms with other Girl Scouts across the country, and attended troop meetings virtually. Girls also took part in the newly launched Girl Scouts at Home, a site where girls and their families, both members and nonmembers access free, self-guided activities from Girl Scouts of the USA’s (GSUSA’s) research-backed programming and lively panel discussions.
2. Showing Appreciation for Frontline Heroes
Girl Scouts made it their mission to bring a little positivity to those essential workers who tirelessly provide medical attention to those affected by COVID-19. In Rhode Island, the Girl Scouts of Southeastern New England donated more than two dozen cases of cookies to staff members at Kent Hospital to thank them for their efforts during the pandemic. Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama donated 180 boxes to urgent care clinics and Baptist Health in Montgomery, Alabama. Further north, Girl Scouts of Greater New York donated cookies and penned thank-you notes to the staff working in the neonatal intensive care unit at a local hospital. And in New Jersey, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore donated cookies to police officers and healthcare workers at Hackensack Meridian Health.
3. A Fight Against Racial Injustice
This year also deepened national conversations about racial injustice and inequalities in the United States. Troop 40681 from Girl Scouts of Greater Chicago and Northwest Indiana used their voices for change as part of their Girl Scout Silver Award, the girls organized “MG Black Lives Matter: A Family Friendly Protest and Vigil” in Morton Grove, Illinois. More than 200 people attended, where they spoke and paid their respects to the many lives lost because of police brutality.
4. Being Kind with Election Signs
After an election is over, we usually don’t think twice about what happens to all the campaign signs that popped up in lawns across neighborhoods. Instead of letting these signs fill up trash cans or litter the streets, Girl Scout Troop 118 in Indiana took initiative and created a drop-off location so signs could be recycled. Sometimes it’s paying attention to the little things that creates a healthier, more positive planet!
5. Going Gold
GSUSA named ten girls as National Gold Award Girl Scouts. This prestigious title is given to select Girl Scout Seniors and Ambassadors whose Gold Awards demonstrated extraordinary leadership, had a measurable and sustainable impact and addressed a local challenge related to a national or global issue. From designing a helipad that saves lives to fighting menstrual stigma, each and every one of these ten girls made their mark in a big way and helped make a difference in their communities. Check out more about their amazing efforts.
We are so proud of all the girls who took the initiative this year to make it a bit brighter for their communities and cannot wait to see what they accomplish in 2021!
To learn more about what Girl Scouts have been doing during the pandemic to make the world a better place, follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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