Bronze Award: Chesapeake Humane Society
Girl Scout Troop 30 took the first steps of their Girl Scout Bronze Award journey with a visit to the Chesapeake Humane Society. There, they learned firsthand how a nonprofit organization operates, serving both animals in need and the wider community.
Working alongside Executive Director Debbie Hughes and Shelter Manager Tracy Magro, the girls asked an important question: how can we make the biggest impact with the resources we have?
Their answer became a community-powered initiative that used a lot of Girl Scout creativity, leadership, and compassion. The girls partnered with the Chesapeake Humane Society to host a joint adoption event and charity yard sale on Sunday, May 3, 2026..
Troop leader and long-time GSCCC volunteer Wendy Ireland shared, “The girls advertised their yard sale through several local businesses, coffee shops, and pet stores, distributing and posting flyers. They designed flyers, social media advertisements, and contacted friends, family, and neighbors to solicit donations of items they could sell to generate money to help the shelter. Conveniently, one of our troop members lives a few houses down from the shelter.”
Every aspect of the project was led by the girls themselves. They designed and distributed flyers across local businesses, coffee shops, and pet stores, created social media promotions, and reached out to friends, family, and neighbors for donations. They organized and priced items, set up more than a dozen tables, and hosted a bake sale to increase fundraising efforts. The project brought together Girl Scouts across age levels, with Cadettes stepping in to mentor and assist.
On the day of the event, the troop set up early, managed sales, and ensured everything ran smoothly. Adoptable dogs wearing “Adopt Me” vests were special guests at the event, bringing extra visibility and so much energy.
By the end of the event, the troop had raised $500 to support the Chesapeake Humane Society, funds that will directly benefit animal care and adoption efforts. The event also helped spotlight adoptable pets and connect them with potential forever homes.
This project reflects the heart of the Girl Scout Bronze Award: identifying a need, building community partnerships, and taking action to create lasting change.
