Healthy Habits for All: Making a Lasting Impact
Gold Award Girl Scouts, like Kathleen, are world-changing rock stars who use everything they’ve learned as Girl Scouts to solve community problems and make lasting change.
Kathleen, who joined Girl Scouts in kindergarten, has been a part of the local lacrosse community since 6th grade. Throughout her time in the lacrosse club, she observed that there weren’t readily available health resources. At the same time, she became aware of the alarming increase in children who suffer from physical or mental health concerns.
“I wanted to help the community that meant so much to me,” said Kathleen.
Kathleen decided to create a Little Scoopers program for 1st and 2nd graders that taught healthy habits and a new sport. Kathleen worked alongside the Boys & Girls Club to launch the program and collaborated with the Oconomowoc Lacrosse Club’s board to support Little Scoopers. Dedicated to the program, Kathleen persevered through challenges of board turnover and personal loss.
During the five-day camp, Kathleen taught children about healthy eating, fitness, hydration, healthy relationships, and how to play lacrosse through fun activities.
To extend her reach beyond camp, she created health information cards that shared family-friendly healthy habits.
The Little Scoopers program enrolled 42 youth participants in its first season, and the Oconomowoc Lacrosse Club will be bringing the curricula back for future participants.
“Through Girl Scouts and my Gold Award, I have been able to enhance my leadership skills overall, and I have the confidence to take charge in situations that require a leader, fueled by empathy, compassion, and communication,” said Kathleen.
Girl Scouts of the USA recognized Kathleen’s leadership and impact with the GSUSA Gold Award Scholarship. The scholarship will support her journey at the University of Wisconsin – Madison this fall, where she plans to study biochemistry for a future career as a physician assistant.
Read more stories featured in the 2023 Summer Discover.
