Girl Scout Gold Award Project: Katelyn Eaman, Broomfield, “Let’s Build a Garden Together”

Katelyn Eaman

What did you do for your Gold Award project?

For my project, I built four raised garden beds in BHS’ enclosed outdoor courtyard for two school groups: the catering/Pro-Start classes and Multi-Intensive classes. I saw that my school’s courtyard was underutilized. By building four garden beds, I created a beautiful space that could be enjoyed by many and provided a hands-on learning experience for the Catering and Multi-Intensive classes.

How did you measure the impact your Gold Award project made on your target audience?

To measure the impact of my project, I created an online quiz which I advertised to my school’s community. This quiz addressed the basis of the project, Girl Scout information, purpose of the project, and some environmental questions related to local gardening/farming. From this quiz, I gathered results, of which will be compared to students’ results in the future.

How is your project sustainable? How will your project continue to impact after your involvement?

My project, of course, will be sustained by the two intended classes, the Catering/Pro-Start and Multi-Intensive students, who, as a part of their new curriculum, will plant and maintain the garden beds. Broomfield High School’s National Honor Society has committed to maintain the garden beds over the summer and during the school year as a part of their mandatory volunteer hours.

What is your project’s global and/or national connection?

Today’s generation and youth know very little about the earth and how it functions. Many kids have not grown up learning to plant flowers or vegetables at home and with that said, very little is taught at school about the importance local gardening has on the economy and environment. Families buy so much food with plastic packaging which is thrown away and added to the ever-increasing landfill spaces. I wanted to emphasize that with the world’s population increasing and landfill space is  decreasing, we need to realize we cannot  keep throwing away the plastic packaging when there is a healthy alternative which can be built in their backyards or kitchens.

What did you learn about yourself?

I definitely learned a lot about myself through this project, but one of this greatest realizations was that I was not as organized as I thought nor do I have great time management. I am the girl who cleans for fun! Who, before going to bed, creates tomorrow’s to-do list. I realized that I procrastinate more than I thought.

How will earning your Gold Award impact you in the future?

There are many skills that I learned or skills that were strengthened by earning the Gold Award. One of these was that I strengthened my communication skills which will impact how I do in future leadership roles. If I take on a leadership position in a lab or project, I am more confident I can present my ideas and gain team members’ respect and trust.

Why do you feel the Gold Award was an important part of your Girl Scout experience?

The Gold Award was an important part of my Girl Scout experience because from an early age it made me want to continue Girl Scouts. I remember in first grade, at an after-school meeting, a high schooler came in and shared her Gold Award and her experience. I just thought that it was the coolest thing ever, how a girl like her could impact the world at such a young age! I told my mom, “Mom, I want to do that. I want to get my Gold!” And I am so glad I did because it was the culmination of all  leadership, community, and communication skills I learned throughout twelve years of Girl Scouts.

**IMPORTANT NOTE: This blog represents only a small fraction of the hard work, dedication and requirements that go into earning a Girl Scout Gold Award. It is simply a brief summary, which is meant to inspire Girl Scouts to Go Gold in the future. For more information on earning your Gold Award, please email highestawards@gscolorado.org