Almost 100 children participate in workshops and demonstrations
KINGSTON, NH | The message was clear: You’re never too young to say, loudly, “No! Get away! Leave me alone!” And that message, along with many other safety tips, was taught to Girl Scouts of all ages at the Safety Event organized by Girl Scouts on Sept. 29 and held at Sanborn Regional High School.
Makayla Normandie, Ericka Delaney, Amanda McVey, and Isabelle Lang, each members of Girl Scout Ambassador Troop 22748, organized the event, embracing the G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ principles.
It started about a year ago, said Makayla, explaining that they hope the event would make people more aware of what Girl Scouts do, and that older girls will become interested in joining.
Ericka agreed, adding that she had learned a lot during her years with Girl Scouts, and wanted to find a way to share that experience.
The girls were excited by a large turnout of 91 people for the workshops on stranger danger, bike safety outing safety, dealing with dangerous situations, first aid, CPR, self-defense, cyber security, and netiquette. They were assisted by Newton police, fire and EMS representatives.
Sarah-Beth Gosselin and Dean Mace of Empower Martial Arts in Newton gave the girls a chance to try out self-defense moves, including shouting “No!” as loud as they could, running away from danger, and both pushing or kicking an attacker if necessary. Gosselin and Mace donated their time for the demonstration, and have sponsored the Girl Scouts in the past.
The event was funded by the four Ambassador Girl Scouts. “It was basically their parting gift to the Girl Scout community,” said Angela McVey, mother of one of the girls. “Several of the girls have been in Girl Scouts since kindergarten and have had many wonderful experiences with Girl Scouts, including a trip to Savannah, Georgia. They had been saving money to plan for some sort of trip but because of their busy schedules, we were never able to figure out the right time. They wanted to do something worthwhile with the money so they decided to give back to the Girl Scout community. The event also allowed my daughter, Amanda, the chance to share her Gold Award project with other Girl Scouts and hopefully, inspire them to participate in her program.”
Girls were able to earn badge requirements at the event, such as the Cadette Netiquette badge, as well as receiving participation patches. Girl Scouts recently added 30 new badges in cybersecurity, environmental stewardship, robotics and more, preparing girls for a lifetime of leadership.
At Girl Scouts, we place an absolute premium on girls’ safety, no matter what they’re doing, and through girl-led, girl-centered activities, we develop girls of courage, character, and confidence, who make the world a better place.
About Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains: Girl Scouts of the Green and White Mountains is recognized throughout New Hampshire and Vermont as a leading expert on girls. Our innovative leadership programs help girls discover, connect, and take action as they develop strong values, a social conscience, and a deep sense of self and their potential. Through our exciting and challenging programs, Girl Scouts not only participate but also take the lead in a range of activities—from kayaking, archery, and camping, to coding, robotics, financial literacy training, and beyond! Serving more than 10,000 girls throughout New Hampshire and Vermont, girls discover the fun, friendship, and power of girls together. Visit www.girlscoutsgwm.org.
