 | | | Girl Scout Troop 30863 Photo provided
| | | | | | Almost two years ago, at the beginning of their 4th grade year, the Girl Scouts of Troop 30863 embarked on their Bronze award. After considering general categories including the environment, children, animals and the elderly, the troop voted to help children. Learning this, one of the troop moms had an idea. From her business travels and contacts, Rebecca Klein knew that in rural India a school was being formed for the children of farmers. Rebecca described the village as lacking basic comforts but rich in culture and history. Although the children and their school could use help, they had much to offer and teach us. The girls of troop 30863 thought that was cool and chose to support and share in an exchange with the children of the Narsing Cuva school.
So, beyond badge work, the past two years was filled with communication, concern and collections for the far-away children. Early in the fall of this year, the troop's 5th grade year, the girls designed a patch to commemorate their connection with Narsing Cuva children: a heart and hands design holding the earth. The patch was generously made by Sew Now where the troop went on to earn their sewing badge by making neckerchiefs and special book bags for the children, per the school roster sent by the Narsing Cuva school. Also sent to the troop were photos and information about the school for the girls to see. From this and other research the troop learned more about the customs and children in India.
Throughout the fall and winter, the troop conducted drives for school supplies, art materials and sports equipment. Once our collections were complete in the spring, the girls met to design and add their personal touches. Hand drawn book marks and fliers personalized with the names of students went along with a "girl scout green" colored greeting poster upon which each girl mounted a photo of herself on a hand-colored card. Then it was time to sort, assemble, bag and box everything for shipment. Over the span of two meetings and two months, the shipment was prepared.
The boxes are now on their way to India filled with love, gratitude and best wishes for the Narsing Cuva school children. The Troop looks forward to hearing from the school children when they receive the poster, cards and supplies.
As leaders and speaking for the troop parents, we are very proud of the thought, concern and hard work put into the Bronze award by the 5th grade girls of Girl Scout Troop 30863! We also hope this is just the beginning of a lasting relationship between our troop and the children of Narsing Cuva school.
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Lamorinda Weekly, Moraga CA