Silver Award Spotlight: Bridging to Middle School
Girl Scouts observe their surroundings and take action to make the world a better place! Rising Girl Scout Seniors Ali, Olivia, and Raevyn from Troop 1422 earned the Girl Scout Silver Award for doing just that; they noticed that the footbridge used by students commuting daily to Queens Lake Middle School in Williamsburg was in urgent need of repair. After seeking the school’s approval, the Girl Scouts came up with a plan to replace the worn bridge.
Raevyn said, “Walking or riding a bike to Queens Lake Middle School is how most kids from one neighboring community travel to school. The original bridge was built years ago and was narrow, worn, and becoming unstable. Building a new and improved bridge was perfect for achieving the Girl Scout Silver Award. After carefully planning and obtaining the cost of materials, we were able to purchase the needed supplies and begin construction. The bridge was ready for crossing just as the school year began.”
The Girl Scouts replaced the bridge entirely and improved the crossing’s safety in the process. After demolition and with electric tools in hand, they installed replacement decking and railing using weather-treated wood and hardware.
Olivia said, “For my leadership role I managed money and shopping. I coordinated the meeting dates and times for planning, shopping, and building. I kept track of how much money we spent. I discovered I enjoy building. It was fun to see how the structure all came together. It was great to create something that is used by kids every day.”
By making these updates, the Girl Scouts can ensure that students and other pedestrians who use the bridge will have a secure crossing for years to come.
Congratulations, Troop 1422!
