Colleen Parro, 17, a student at Ursuline Academy of Dallas, recently completed her Girl Scout Gold Award by coordinating and directing a camp at Boys and Girls Club for a group of 50 5-9-year old’s to help inspire them and spark their interest in STEM while providing a fun experience. She spent more than 85 hours bring this project to life. At the Boys and Girls Club, a nationwide organization with Clubs all around the city of Dallas and throughout our country, kids of all ages are provided a safe place to learn and grow while their parents are working. During Colleen’s time with the youth, she noticed the lack of access to STEM-related activities and opportunities. During this past summer, Colleen coordinated and hosted a four-day camp where the kids could participate in STEM-related activities that were both fun and educational.

Collen has been a member of Girl Scouts since 3rd grade and says the program has taught her valuable life skills. "I realized my potential for making a difference in the world," she said. "Girl scouts showed me that it is important to work hard for my goals and issues I believe in. I have learned a lot about the importance of communication and I learned many different leadership skills, such as how to keep a group's attention and how to maintain order while also keeping a positive and fun learning environment for everyone.”

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, combines leadership development, career exploration and community service.  It culminates in an 80 plus hour leadership project that each girl plans and executes according to her own interest and passions. Each girl must discover an issue in the community, connect with experts and community members, and take action to effect positive change. 

For more information about Girl Scouts, call Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas at 972-349-2400. Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas is comprised of more than 25,000 girls and 12,500 adult members strong. That's nearly 40,000 girls and adults with a mission to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. We have girls reaching their fullest potential in 32 northeast Texas counties. Our girls are discovering what’s important to them, connecting with their community, and taking action to make the world a better place!