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Local Scouts supply first aid kits to city parks
In the fall of 2020, the world was still reeling from COVID-19 and slowly coming out of isolation. At the same time, several local Girl Scout Juniors in Troop 3989 were preparing for one of the highest honors in Girl Scouting, the Bronze Award.
To achieve the Bronze Award, the girls had to explore their community, decide on a project, make a plan of action, and implement it.
“The girls worked as a team to look at a need in the community. Each girl works 30 hours in meetings, research, brainstorming, and project development and seeks community support. The project is meant to be sustainable,” explained Troop Leader Shannon Nevins.
After what seemed like a lifetime since their last in-person meeting, Girl Scout Juniors Allison Plummer, Avery Alcantar, Harley McCreery, Jordan Callahan, Ava Clymer, Layla Loughmiller, Norah Lawrence, and the rest of their troop were encouraged to meet outside, and practice social distancing. Troop Leader Shannon Nevins said this was a blessing in disguise and gave the girls a crucial idea.
“We were allowed to start having meetings again but were encouraged to use outdoor spaces where social distancing would be easier. We met at many of our local parks,” explained Nevins. “We have this great resource in our community that really became an important part of our programming. That is where the girls began brainstorming what our community needed.”
From their experience, the girls knew that playing in the park could always lead to potential injuries.
“The girls formed a plan to create first aid stations for each of our city parks with very basic supplies of band-aids, alcohol swabs, antibiotics, and bee sting ointment.”
The girls created their first aid stations from mailboxes and spray-painted first-aid symbols for identification. The boxes were mounted at each park with help from one of the girls’ dads.
The project was completed in 2023. The girls hope the essential supplies will be beneficial to the community.
“The girls thought that these basic supplies would give children the chance to keep playing after getting a simple injury.”
Nevins explained that the first aid stations are checked regularly, but if you notice one of the stations needs to be restocked, don’t hesitate to reach out.
“Please call or text 209-600-3989 or email gstroop03989@gmail.com.”
Troop 3989 is composed of scouts from North Clay, Van Buren, Forest Park, and Rosedale Elementary. Shannon Nevins and Jerica Mullis are leaders of the group and receive help from volunteer helpers Eric Loughmiller and Tiffany Callahan.