Westwood Girl Scouts Work Towards Silver Award Through Project

Elizabeth Collins and Elizabeth Slocum, two members of Westwood’s Girl Scout Troop 74297, held a self-defense class for young women on August 18 as part of their work on the Girl Scouts of America's prestigious Silver Award. I was able to interview these hard-working young women about their work with the Girl Scouts of America (GSA) and scouting.

1. The Silver Award can be a large commitment in terms of time and energy at an intense time for a Cadette. What made Slocum and Collins choose to work towards one? “There are a lot of strong female characters in books but in the real world, many women are presumed to be weak, so I wanted to help empower young women to be strong and not underestimated. I liked the [Dedham’s Kenpo Martial Arts, where their workshop was held] self-defense class so much, I’m signing up at Kenpo. I’m also going to try kick-boxing this month.” Replied Slocum.

“According to NPR, statistics show that 81% of women have experienced sexual harassment. By offering a self-defense class, we’d provide the participants with skills to help them if they encountered a threatening situation. All girls should learn these techniques.” Collins explained.

2. The Silver Award requires that Cadettes complete a Journey. What journey did you select?
They chose the Amaze journey.

3. How do Slocum and Collins plan on ensuring that this class or its safety goals are sustainable [as is a requirement of the Silver Award by GSA]? [Slocum and Collins] gave Kenpo follow-up class information to everyone who took the class. Daryl Hinthorne, Kenpo owner said he offers all Girl Scout or Boy Scout classes free of charge. [Slocum and Collins] are making sure the local scouts are aware of this generous offer. Also, they worked with Heather Rose from the Westwood Police Department who regularly offers a RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) program to the community. [Troop 74297 is] hoping that the RAD program will also teach a few self defense tricks at schools.

4. What keeps Slocum and Collins (and the members of Troop 74297 as a whole) interested in Girl Scouts? “It’s fun! We do cool activities. I really like spending time with the girls. It’s a great way to meet new friends and prepare yourself for life after school. We learn skills that we will use in the future even if we don’t realize it,” Replied Slocum. “I enjoy going to group camp (town-wide encampments) where we have team building games….we try things we might not do on our own...this year my troop went rock climbing and white-water rafting.”

“Scouting is very enjoyable. I find that the physical activities that we participate in are exciting and thrilling. Each trip that we have taken has been an adventure. White water rafting taught us how to work together as a team so that our raft would move quickly over the rapids. We also learn many business skills. When we sell Girl Scout cookies we need to publicize, take orders and fill them, and handle money.” Responded Collins.

5. What's been Slocum and Collins’ favorite part of Girl Scouts not surrounding the Silver Award? “I love when all the girls are together for overnights [to places such as Newport, Waltham, Plymouth, NYC, Nantucket] It’s for learning activities but it’s also fun!” Exclaimed Slocum.

“My favorite part of Girl Scouts is when we do simple, fun activities together, such as making tacos for Cinco De Mayo. Everyone in our troop gets along very well. During that event it was really nice to relax with each other and enjoy the evening.” Replied Collins.

6. In what ways have Collins and Slocum found the Girl Scouts empowering? “I like working with the younger girls. I remember teaching young girls how to do the Cotton Eyed Joe (dance) and helping them learn at a STEM program that I volunteered at…. I discovered volunteering can be fun. I volunteered at a town Daddy/daughter dance and now I volunteer weekly at the library.” Slocum replied.

“I really enjoy working on the annual Westwood Girl Scout Troops State Fair held at our Middle School. We introduce Elementary School children to fun facts about a particular state. This year our troop represented Wyoming. One fun fact was that ‘Wyoming Territory was the first to give women the vote in 1869.’” Collins said.

7. Although no one can predict the future, at present time do they see themselves completing a Junior Journey and a Gold Award with the GSA? “Definitely want to earn the Gold Award. I want to continue helping the community with reading so my project will be based on that.” Slocum announced.

“I absolutely will be working towards my Gold Award. At the moment I’m thinking about a project that would facilitate biking and walking more safely in my community.” Replied Collins.

Congratulations to both of these young women on their hard work and best of luck to them in finishing their Silver Awards!

As always, please email me to tell me about what you would like to read about (and have your neighbors read about!)

Did you see my interview with Principal Redmon?