Gold Award Girl Scout: Victoria Ciccarelli-Tilden, Denver, “The fall in gymnastics”

What did you do for your Gold Award project?

I held a workshop for gymnasts ages 6-18 to learn about injuries, injury prevention, and techniques on how to fall safely. Being a gymnast, I was able to experience first-hand how injuries are a huge part of the sport. I thought it was important for everyone to understand injuries, and what to do about them, but mostly I taught young gymnasts how to fall safely. Falling is also a huge part of gymnastics and most injuries stem from unsafe falls. I invited a medical professional in to talk to everyone about injuries, and injury awareness. Then, my team and I showed the young gymnasts how to fall out of skills, off of equipment, and safe ways to land. To be able to be a great gymnast, you have to be able to understand the risks that are involved.

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

I created a survey that I handed out at the end of my workshop that asked questions such as what they knew about injuries before my workshop, what they knew after, and what their major takeaways were.

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

I created a website that includes information about my project, and a video that can continue to be shown at multiple gyms all about safe ways to fall. The East High School gymnastics coach, Matthew Steele, is going to continue to show my video and spread my ideas.

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

My medical professional, Kasia Ilet, is a physical therapist and has presented at the National Congress. She gave a presentation at my workshop. She will continue to show the presentation to others.

What did you learn about yourself?

I learned that I am capable of a lot more than I thought. I was able to create a website, video, host an entire workshop, and teach young gymnasts important skills for their sport. I also learned that asking for help was okay. I am a very independent person. However, a project like this requires volunteers and lots of hands on deck.

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

It will help my chances of getting into college, getting a job, getting a scholarship, and many other future thing that I need to apply for.

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

It was important because it brought everything that I learned throughout my Girl Scout experience together in one project that I was passionate about. I was able to help my community as a Girl Scout, in a way that I wouldn’t have been able to if I wasn’t a Girl Scout.

How did earning your Gold Award help you become a G.I.R.L. (go-getter, innovator, risk-taker, leader)? 

Earning my Gold Award helped me become an innovator because I was able to see a problem within the gymnastics community and research a solution. I was able to create a website and a YouTube video that addresses the problem of uneducated gymnasts. I came up with ideas to help lessen injuries in the gymnastics community.

**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