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Troop 726 Keeps Community Service in Focus
For many troops, the end of the school year is a time to slow down and look back at what they have accomplished and the adventures they have had as sister Girl Scouts. For Troop 726 in Isle of Wight, looking back includes a lot of memories of community service. Community service is a core pillar of Girl Scouting, empowering girls to build vital leadership skills, develop deep civic responsibility, and boost personal confidence. By participating in community service and Take Action projects, Girl Scouts learn that their voices matter and that they have the ability to enact real change.
Troop leader Wendy Smith says this has been very much a part of their routine and monthly activity plans. “This year, the troop has done a variety of services that have included volunteering with the Isle of Wight Auxiliary Rescue Squad for their annual fish fry, putting together meal kits for our local food pantry, Griffin Food Pantry, and delivering Gift of Caring Girl Scout Cookies to School Resource Officers.”
Recently, the troop created more than 75 period and hygiene packs to be distributed to students in need, helping ensure they have access to hygiene products throughout the summer. The packs were given to Smithfield High School and Georgie D. Tyler Middle School.
When it comes to sustainable Take Action projects, two of the girls in the troop earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award last year for doing a beautification project for a church in their community. Many of the Isle of Wight Christian Church members are senior citizens. They had hoped to have the sign in front of the church stand out by building a box around it but faced challenges due to their inability to do the work themselves. Girl Scouts Kassie and Makaylah stepped up to help!
After discussing the church's vision, the girls devised a plan. They gathered the necessary materials through donations and constructed the box themselves, demonstrating their determination and hard work in pursuit of their Bronze Award. Members of the church were pleased and made a commitment to keep up the boxed garden space.
The troop also makes time for fun and special trips. This year they had a night out at the theater to see Ghost, The Musical at Peninsula Community Theatre and had their photo taken with the cast.
“Our Girl Scouts are learning that leadership begins with service,” Wendy Smith said. “They are using their time, talents, and hearts to help build a stronger community while having fun at the same time. They have each shown what it truly means to be a Girl Scout and I couldn't be prouder of them.”
