 | | | From left, front row: Jen Donat (leader) Brianna Donat, Jaime Brown, and Trina Audley (leader); middle row: Eva Poulson, Hannah Kramer, Rebecca Lamotte, Callista Asuncion, and Margot Audley; back row: Julia Stedman, Dante Bamont, Alex Matson, Cara Wolfe, and Claire Terentieff. Photo provided | | | | | | Lafayette Girl Scout Troop 30863 celebrated the completion of their Silver Award service project at the end of 2013. The girls were recognized for their "Built to Read" project which included a year of individual and committee group effort to raise funds and collect and sort books. The troop then spent five weekend building sessions to construct two free-standing book shelves for donation.
Through Shelter, Inc. and the Mt. Diablo school district, the troop identified a single mother recently placed in new housing as well as an elementary school in need of the books and shelves. Each received delivery of the books and shelves in the fall.
"She can be our library now," commented a neighbor of the residential recipient who looked on as the troop delivered the painted free-standing book shelf and three large boxes of books. At the elementary school, a second grade teacher waited joyfully as the books were carted in by the troop. "Many families do not have books at home for outside reading. Now the kids can just pick one to take home," she said.
"Helping build the shelves and donate books really made me feel like we were making a difference," commented Julia Stedman, a troop member and freshman at Acalanes High School. "I love to read - reading is a privilege that all children should have."
The Silver Award project also marked the culmination of 10 years of learning and growth together for troop 30863. The majority of girls have been with the troop since it started. Additional members and their parents,who joined over the years, enriched the troop. Sharing careers, helping with camping and cookie sales and providing committee leadership and guidance, the parents played an active role. "Our time together as a troop will never be forgotten - it was a big part of my daughter's childhood," commented one 10-year parent after the ceremony.
Many troop members plan to continue their service as Juliette Girl Scouts, working to obtain their gold award within two years.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA