Silver Award | Girl Scouts
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2024 Silver Award Girl Scouts
2024 Silver Award Girl Scouts

PHOTOS

Mary — Troop 61020, Middletown

The issue this project addressed was there was not an accessible playground in this neighborhood for children with special needs to play with their peers. Also, the park had been beaten up and run down and needed upgrades and repairs. The kids in the area were not using it to play or gather and they were playing in the street which was dangerous. 

The project was to improve the park to give access for all children. The result was a park where children are excited to gather together and it is safe. It will have a bike rack for those who ride there. It also will have an ADA swing for children with special needs to swing along with their friends. For children who may have trouble getting into the woodchips, there will be painted activities on the sidewalk. The playground is also cleaned up and the kids in the neighborhood helped so they want to keep it nice. The mayor also plans to replace the playset by 2025.

The park was cleaned up, redone, a bike rack and new ADA swing are being added. Also, the neighborhood was educated about the history of the park and also what ADA accessible means. 

Anisa — Troop 60327, Middletown

Annabelle — Troop 60327, Middletown

Lucy — Troop 60327, Middletown

Mina — Troop 60327, Middletown

The issue the project addressed was that there are not as many pollinators and butterflies as there used to be. We wanted to see more butterflies in our area. We decided to take action to address this issue in our community.

Butterflies and other pollinators are important to pollinate the food that we eat. Insects like bees, flies, butterflies, and beetles are important in the production of 70% to 90% of fruits and vegetables. They are also important for the reproduction of other plants to ensure our town is full of nature.

The number of pollinators around the world has been declining due to a number of factors. These factors include the use of pesticides, loss of habitat, and climate change. Many people aren't aware of this issue, and don't realize just how crucial pollinators are not only to the environment but also to our food supply.

We created a garden full of perennial flowers that come back year after year. We also also watered them throughout the summer to sustain and establish them. After we created the garden, we taught Girl Scouts about pollinators through a virtual event.

Chloe — Troop 50015, Toms River

The issue the project addressed was the lack of awareness and emphasis on positivity, kindness and mental health in society. 

My Silver Award project involved crocheting positivity hearts and distributing them across our local community and even reaching out to different states. Additionally, the project included detailed instructions on how to crochet your own hearts, empowering others to join in spreading positivity. 

I reached out to local community entities and fellow Girl Scouts to collaborate in identifying suitable venues where individuals could learn to crochet hearts and where workshops could be held to teach others this skill.

Avagrace — Troop 60427, Howell

Kelsey — Troop 60427, Howell

Makayla — Troop 60427, Howell

Olivia — Troop 60427, Howell

The issue our project addressed was saving and helping potentially adopted pets. We wanted to educate the public on preventing unintentional harm or death.

We did this by informing them on how to properly care for and prepare for their potential pets. Our initial project idea was to educate our community on how to properly care for exotic pets by giving our brochures to pet stores. During our research and our visits to these pet stores we learned that there is a need for exotic and domestic pet education.Due to this we expanded to educating the public through events and working more closely with our local animal shelters. 

Our group completed our project by creating informational pamphlets that we distributed to shelters and at events. We also held multiple events for the public that educated and inspired people to learn more about exotic pets. To continue to spread the word.

Ava — Troop 61457, Wall

Lily — Troop 61457, Wall

The issue the project addressed was bullying. Bullying effects kids mentally and physically. We wanted to get a head start on the issue while the kids where still in elementary school.

Our team's project idea was to present a presentation about kindness to the 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders at West Belmar Elementary School. In the end we put up a sign that had a positive quote on it and all the 5th graders signed it. The 3rd and 4th graders painted rocks with kindness messages on it to go around the sign. We addressed the root cause by teaching them how to be kind to others through a presentation and engaging activity's. 

We created a slideshow about kindness that we used in an interaction presentation. After the slideshow the students participated in 3 different stations: kindness skit, rock painting/sign signing, and ball pit. The 5th graders signed a kindness sign.

Jillian — Troop 50237, Forked River

Kaylee — Troop 50237, Forked River

Rebecca — Troop 50237, Lanoka Harbor

Zoey — Troop 50237, Lanoka Harbor

Our project was targeted at encouraging a love of reading in early childhood. Our school district recently shifted what grades are in which buildings and we now have a school that is entirely a kindergarten and preschool building. The library had been gutted and there was not much in there for the kids to use and enjoy. Our idea was to create a camp-themed reading nook in the school library where the students could ¨read¨ to stuffed animals, building their confidence. 

In speaking with Mrs. Donohoe, the school principal, she loved the idea of a camp-themed reading nook with reading buddies and wanted to incorporate it as a station for kindergarten students in library class. The nook accommodates five children at a time (although we left extras of everything, so they could maximize it up to 8) as they rotate through the days´ activities. Mrs. Donohoe did not want a collection of books at this time; however, she was interested in having a tipi that would house the stuffed ¨buddies¨ and the seating cushions.

Kids will go inside the tipi, pick a cushion and a buddy, and sit outside the tipi around the stuffed campfire to read to their buddy. We explored the issue, worked with school administration, and then built a tipi, sewed floor cushions for each child to space out on, collected stuffed animals with the help of the community, and decorated the final project once installed.

Ava — Troop 60061, Ocean Township

Maya — Troop 60061, Ocean Township

Our project, Math in Action, addressed student performance gaps in math. Our project also addressed the issue of kids not being able to stay after school for Spartans Leading the Way (homework club). We did this by creating a website for 5th grade math help that includes videos explaining crucial skills, review games, and other opportunities to practice math skills. We targeted 5th grade students because in 5th grade math, basic skills are taught which provide the foundation for many years of math to come.

Our team’s idea was to create a sustainable website that includes multiple videos, games, and countless resources on each topic. Kids will be able to teach themselves with little difficulties for years to come. With our website, everything is in one place which provides 5th grade students with a direct place that has tons of resources. Also, for the kids who did stay after school for Spartans Leading the Way, we went to the sessions to share our wisdom with the kids who were struggling.

Our project is sustainable because our team helped to create our website by making a google site that has IXL resources, Khan academy videos, Blookets, and our own videos. The website will always be available for students and teachers to use.

Emma — Troop 60795, Wall

I found that in my community there wasn't enough education in financial literacy. In my school all they taught was how to make a logo. After speaking to people in other schools and realizing kids in middle school and some high schoolers were not getting an education in financial literacy. I talked with my mentor before committing to this project and just what I learned from him in the hour I sat down with him was more than I had learned in school in their Financial Literacy course. I knew there was a real need for this kind of project.

My project idea was to make a binder to give to kids to help them learn about financial literacy. The binder was going to be a how to guide, then it was more of a guide based on older people with financial experience, to give their experiences, good or bad and take what they have learned and hopefully teach children what they should do based on their experiences. The binder evolved into a video which has the potential of becoming a published book.

The project is sustainable because the book will create be a resource for people to refer to and maybe be in schools and libraries. The video will serve as information that will be readily available on YouTube. I plan to take my project and display parts.

Gabriella — Troop 60447 , Union Beach

The project aimed to assist the community by providing support for their pets. Ensuring individuals didn't face the dilemma of prioritizing between their own meals or their pet supplies.

I collected initially food, I had 3x a month of collections. eventually moving to 1]x a month. Memorial school sent out messages. People shared my flyer everywhere. Tractor supply agreed to collect for the community.

Every 3rd Saturday the food pantry is open. I open with them. The night before I stuff bags with cans, treats and toys. to help me organize myself to hand out.

Ruth from Faith Chapel wanted to keep it and Geri part of the food pantry is collecting all dontions.

Makayla — Troop 50015, Manchester

The Plastic Harmony Bench project addressed the environmental issue of plastic waste, specifically focusing on soft plastics and reusable shopping bags. These materials are often not recyclable through conventional municipal recycling programs and contribute significantly to environmental pollution. It mattered because plastic pollution is a critical global issue affecting ecosystems and wildlife. By collecting 1,000 pounds of soft plastics and 2,500 reusable shopping bags, the project diverted these materials from landfills and oceans, promoting recycling and environmental conservation. The project benefited several groups.

My project idea was to collect 1,000 pounds of soft plastics and educate the community about the importance of reducing, reusing, and recycling. Afterwards, I converted the collected soft plastics into a Trex bench and place it at Hilltop Nursery School. This bench will serve as a space for people to reflect and honor those who have passed away. As part of the project, I've also included information on how others can earn a Trex bench and details about the principles of reduce, reuse, and recycle.

I created a sustainable solution that continues beyond project completion by advocating for reusable bags for those in need, educating businesses and community members on their importance. 

Reagan — Troop 50249, Forked River

Victoria — Troop 50249, Little Egg Harbor

The issue that this project addressed was that there aren't many places for pollinators to have a home or pollinate anymore.

Our team project idea was to create an environment that pollinators could use to stay alive and safe, considering the population decline and the unsafe environment provided for them due to deforestation and overuse of pesticides.

We created a sustainable pollinator box using sustainable materials. It educated other about the issues with the pollinators population decline.

Elexis — Troop 50516, Little Egg Harbor

The issue my project addressed was providing a Robotics Club for Junior High school students, focused primarily on getting girls interested in robotics and continuing a passion in the STEM field. 

My project idea originally was to share my passion for robotics with more girls my age whom generally don't have access to these resources. I would like to spread my dedication to others and hope that they become interested in robotics just as much as it interests me.

Pinelands Regional Middle school approved a Robotics Club to start in September of 2024.

Annabel — Troop 60577, Manasquan

Marisa — Troop 60577, Manasquan

Scarlett — Troop 60577, Manasquan

The issue the project addressed was the level and stress of people in New Jersey was addressed.

Our project was turning one of our dogs into a therapy dog. We knew that this could be difficult but we stuck with it by training and testing our dog. During this project we visited the Phoenix recovery center, Manasquan public Library, Jersey Shore hospital, Town Square Adult day care center. We saw the impact that Rockett had on each of the population, including the children petting Rockett and laughing and smiling, the elderly people light up immediately, and the nurser were so happy to see a dog. We enjoyed seeing smiles and making people happy.

We developed a brochure which included the benefits of having a therapy dog visit. We distributed the brochure each visit. By handing the brochures people were able to learn more about therapy dogs which may inspire them to make there dog a therapy dog.

Erin — Troop 60220, Point Pleasant

Lola — Troop 60220, Point Pleasant

The issue the project addressed was the lack of a water supply for the pollinator garden.

My team's project idea was to install a rain barrel to aid in the water of the plants along the road and in the town's pollinator garden. The rain barrel will be visually appealing with its bright and colorful designs. It is also located near a public park which allows it to be approached and investigated, to which curious visitors will find an informational page about rain barrels and their benefits. 

Working with the elemetry schools no longer made sense, we pivoted to the Garden Club's Pollinator Point. The committee members helped us to create steps we could execute. We made and presented a slideshow.

Emily — Troop 60427, Howell

Lydia — Troop 60427, Howell

Madison — Troop 60427, Howell

Paige — Troop 60427, Howell

The issue we felt was not enough kindness and positivity in the schools and the community. We wanted to help create a better environment for children. Some kids may not feel confident or safe in their schools. They may feel sad or nervous.

Our ideas were to paint positive murals and messages inside schools. Make a video that can be shared with students for years to come. To create a kindness rock garden for the local community to keep spreading the word.

This was done through murals, a rock garden, and educational workshops.

Isabela — Troop 60157, Millstone

Isabella — Troop 60157, Clarksburg

Laney — Troop 60157, Millstone

Sophia — Troop 60157, Millstone

The issue the project addressed was to make sure students feel happy and positive at school. Millstone Township had a spike in HIB reports known as harassment, intimidation and bullying. There was also a rise in bullying in school which was creating unconfident students. This rise also led to an increase in time spent at the Guidance office which caused students miss parts of their classes. Our group all attended Millstone Township Middle School, we noticed that sometimes other students, including ourselves, felt sad and worried to go to classes at times. As a solution, we wanted to help change that. We came up with the idea that would help students feel happy upon entering the school. The blank stairwell was the first thing students would see upon entering the building. That is how the staircase of inspiration idea came to life. Each step included inspirational sayings on the stairs We hope that these sayings would lift students spirits as the go to class. This would also make the school day a better and brighter.

Our team’s project idea was to take vinyl and write inspirational sayings on each step of the main staircase in our middle school. This project was aimed towards the root issue of increased bullying and lack of respect. We did this by creating the staircase of inspiration that prompted positivity and kindness. As students walk up the stairs, our goal was to make sure they would read these positive messages, which would help them feel encouraged and remind them to be respectful to others, and eager to go to class. The results were very good! These results helped there be a more positive atmosphere in the school, with students feeling happier and more motivated to be kind, go to class and respectful towards each other.

This project was completed in time for the incoming 6th grade students on Orientation Day. It was also done for the start of the 2024-2025 school year. This helped educate and inspire incoming as well as returning students for the school year.

Julia — Troop 60427, Howell

Kaitlyn — Troop 60427, Howell

Miranda — Troop 60427, Howell

Sarah — Troop 60427, Howell

The issue the project addressed was that the seniors living in the memory care unit of Brandywine Assisted Living were not able to get outside easily due to mobility issues. Due to this, most of their activities were indoors. We wanted to bring nature to the seniors, which then resulted in us building an indoor raised wheelchair accessible garden bed.

Our team’s project idea was to create an indoor raised garden bed, which is wheelchair accessible. We made sure to put it on wheels so it is easier for the staff to move it when needed. Our group chose plants that thrive indoors and are safe for the seniors, and then created a book that would teach them how to maintain the garden. As a group, we also designed decorations on the table and sprinkled kindness rocks among the plants to share joy with the seniors. We also made a slideshow to inform the seniors and staff about the physical and mental health benefits of gardening.

To educate the community about our project and the benefits of gardening, we had tables at multiple farmer’s markets and presented them a different slideshow, which included games for kids.

The project is sustainable because my team made sure the garden will last outlast our project by being attended to by Mrs. Ricciardi. Mrs. Ricciardi is responsible for the activities that go on at Brandywine and will help assist the seniors.

Ambrosia — Troop 50440, New Egypt

The issue my project addressed was that so many items are thrown away when they can actually be reused.

My project idea was to educate the children in my community to use resources wisely. I shared at troop meetings, group events, national night outs and back to school nights to share with as many children as possible.

Church and Community Members continue to collect cards of all types through out the year and each year at Christmas and Special Holidays Girl Scouts will continue to provide happiness to others with a recycled card.

Danielle — Troop 60061 , Ocean Township

Elena — Troop 60061, Ocean Township

Layla — Troop 60061 , Ocean Township

Teachers face a lot of stress during the school year, from grading tons of kids work to coming up with the curriculum. My group and I wanted to provide a safe and stress free space for Wayside teachers, called the Mindfulness Garden. Teachers are able to relax, eat their lunch, or even just take a break when they don't have a class.

Our team's project idea was that we could renovate a courtyard into a mindfulness garden for the kids and teachers at wayside school. This idea evolved into having a mindfulness garden for just the teachers. We decided to change it because the space we chose was through the teacher's lounge. We didn't want students invading teachers' spaces, but the teachers can bring their students in if they want.

We pulled out bricks and put them back in a neater way. We replaced the dirt that had weeds with mulch, so it looks better. We weeded, added little mini gardens full of rocks. We decorated those mini gardens, and the rest of the courtyard.

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