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Gold Award Spotlight: Smart Reading Cookies
Literacy is foundational for children as it forms the building blocks of critical thinking, academic success, and future career opportunities. Healthy reading habits enable kids to communicate effectively, understand the world around them, and empowers them to become informed citizens!
Kate, a Girl Scout Ambassador from Troop 5357, earned the Gold Award for completing a service project to help provide accessible reading resources to families in her community.
Kate said, “According to the Literacy Project Foundation, one-fourth of children in America grow up without learning how to read, especially because many low-income families do not have access to age-appropriate books.”
With the help of the members of the Isle of Wight Academy Key Club, the Girl Scout hosted a book drive within her school and collected more than 500 pieces of literature from peers of all grade levels. The collections were made through drop boxes located in classrooms throughout Isle of Wight Academy.
Using the books collected throughout the school year, she hosted a summer reading program which she named, “Food for Thought.” Through a partnership with an area Christian outreach program, Isle of Wight COP, Kate was connected with families who may need reading resources. Books were provided, at no charge, to families served by the Isle of Wight COP during their monthly food pick-ups. Kate also hosted a summer reading program and invited attendees to explore various STEM topics and read popular children’s books, free of charge for all families.
Kate’s project had many successes that she was able to reflect upon. From enlisting a team of volunteers to creating a reading program, Kate used her leadership talents to make her vision a reality. Best of all, Kate was able to share her love of reading with others!
Kate said, “After talking with the guardians of the children who returned the packets, the wonderful comments they had were a clear indication that the project was a success. My Gold Award project indicated that children who read develop many important life skills and gain knowledge that will stick with them forever.”
Congratulations, Kate!
