Girl Scouts of Winter Springs Kids to Know Orlando
Incredible things can happen when kids put their heads together. Five members of Girl Scout Troop 869 recently completed their Bronze Award project—the highest honor a Girl Scout Junior (fourth or fifth grader) can earn—by improving safety near Moss Park in Winter Springs.
Their project resulted in a new pedestrian crosswalk and wildlife crossing sign at Dolphin Road and South Moss Road. We connected with two scouts and their Troop Leader to understand how this project impacted them and their community.
A Safe Community Thanks to These Girl Scouts
OPM: How did the Troop go about making this project happen?
Troop Leader Angie: The girls first identified safety as a concern in their neighborhood, especially where kids play, and wildlife crosses the road. They researched the issue, learned about how the city approves new crosswalks, and decided to petition for one. Each girl wrote a short speech and helped create displays to present at a public commissioners’ meeting with the mayor. They spoke in front of the board and were approved that night!
Five months later, the crosswalk and wildlife crossing sign were in place.
OPM: Why did they choose this project?
Angie: The project started with the girls asking people in their community what they needed most. Many of them live near Moss Park, so safety was something that really mattered to them.
OPM: What challenges did they face along the way?
Angie: At first, the process seemed overwhelming—how could kids get a crosswalk installed? They learned to break a big project into smaller steps, from research to presentations. They also realized that making change sometimes means thinking creatively, like adding a wildlife crossing sign to help protect animals, too.
Veronica: I learned that asking powerful people for something takes time, but they will most likely get to it.
OPM: What impact has this project had?
Angie: The community has been so supportive. Neighbors and city leaders have thanked the girls for helping make the area safer. Most of all, the girls learned that their voices matter—and that they can make real change where they live.
Olivia: I learned a lot about my position in the community because I didn’t know that I could do all these things. I didn’t think I could make a crosswalk. I didn’t know I could speak with the mayor at age 11. I felt like a leader and that I benefited my community, which made me feel very good. I think that kids should know how they can help the community, even at their age, and you don’t have to be an adult to help your community, and you can do amazing things at this age.
Veronica: I feel very proud of myself, and it made me feel like I accomplished something. Kids should know that helping their community has a positive impact and makes a lot of people happier.
