Silver Award Spotlight: Paws and Zen Sensory Space
After spending a day at Virginia Beach Animal Care and Adoption Center (VBACAC), four Girl Scouts from Troop 424 were inspired to take action to benefit the facility and its residents, and earn their Girl Scout Silver Award along the way. Girl Scout Cadettes Elliana, Lily, Myleigh, and Olivia worked together to plan and carry out their project after touring the animal care facility with VBACAC staff member Ellen Giordano, when they learned about some of the challenges that shelter animals face.
Lisa Gehring, GSCCC volunteer and troop leader of Troop 424, said, “We saw the kennels and heard the dogs barking and crying. They fed them treats as we walked through, but it was sad. Miss Ellen showed us the enrichment room inside that dogs could visit, but they didn’t always get to do that. She showed us outside spaces that the dogs were walked and ran in. One area had been cleaned out by her husband because she had a dream to one day build a sensory park for the dogs, but she didn’t have the help or money to do it.”
The Girl Scouts worked together to address this obstacle by creating a calming area for dogs to explore. The troop was intentional about designing a space that encourages the dogs to use the five senses. There is a nature path where dogs can experience different textures under their feet, a digging box to explore, a memorial bridge to honor past residents who have passed, and they planted dog-friendly flowers and herbs. The troop also refurbished a bench that was part of a Girl Scout troop project completed 13 years ago, providing a new place for staff and volunteers to sit.
The troop shared, “Ms. Ellen has reported that the dogs enjoy the area and one of the volunteers said that the dogs were being helped because they have a new area to explore with the volunteers. Our area is shaded, so the volunteers may also spend more time with the dogs in that area instead of other areas that have direct sunlight and nowhere to sit.”
A Girl Scout’s helping hand can extend to all in need, even those with paws. Together, these Girl Scouts improved a space for animals and the humans who give their time to care for them.
Congratulations, Troop 424, on making the world a better place!
