Abby Siegel from Belleville Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Abby Siegel from Belleville, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by constructing a hammock lounge at Camp Torqua.
One of Abby’s favorite pastimes is lounging in hammocks while talking with friends during campouts. After seeing hammock lounges at other camps, Abby knew she wanted to create something similar for Girl Scouts at her council’s own Camp Torqua.
After gathering all of the necessary supplies to construct a hammock lounge, Abby assembled and led a team to carry out the construction. Not only is the hammock lounge a great addition to the camp, but Abby also wanted it to serve another purpose. She understands the importance of face to face communication and how technology can diminish those interactions. Abby led talks with other Girl Scouts at Camp Torqua about the need for this type of interaction, and how the hammock lounge can serve as an inviting space to connect with others.
As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. Since the highest award was established in 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.
Not only do Gold Award Girl Scouts better their communities through their projects, they often grow themselves through the process and learn skills they can take with them throughout their lives. “I learned how to better communicate with people in my community,” said Abby, reflecting on her Gold Award project.
Abby is the daughter of Becky Siegel. She is a senior at Belleville West High School. Upon graduation, she plans to study nursing. Abby is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze, Silver, and Gold Awards.
October 01, 2024
