Guilford-based Girl Scout Troop 62834 completed their bronze award project centered on improving recess at Baldwin Middle School. The troop surveyed the student body, using the results to make some recommendations about the recess environment, use of space and equipment suggestions to the Dean of Students, Phillip Ross.

“We let the girls pick the project. They were passionate that some simple changes could make a big difference in the recess experience at Baldwin. Given their personal connection, we knew the project would be meaningful and make a difference,” said Jennifer Mullett, Troop Leader. “The process wasn’t easy. Girl Scouts outlines a fairly rigorous process to follow requiring a minimum of 20 hours of work.”

The students at Baldwin Middle School have recess in the back school in a parking lot. The troop knew there were some easy things that could be done to make the experience better for students. The troop brainstormed ideas and administered a survey to more than 200 students to validate their initial thoughts and observations. The girls worked closely with Dean Ross to understand the challenges and limitations the administration manages in coordinating recess. The troop donated over $400 worth of equipment to the school and presented recommendations that will be utilized in future planning.

“We all knew this wasn’t about getting fancy playground equipment. It was about being creative and finding the small things that could make recess better,” added Kiera Stankewich, Troop Member. “Based upon the survey, we donated a bunch of fun items like hula hoops, real soccer balls, Nerf footballs, jump ropes, a volleyball, bean bags, chalk and some games for indoor recess like decks of cards and Connect 4.”

“Another thing we did was put together a laminated book of game ideas that can be clipped on to the equipment cart,” explained Emma Mullett, Troop member. “Kids said they need ideas, so we put together a list of activities that don’t require any equipment like tag and monkey in the middle.”

Troop Member Ellie Miller mentioned, “We gave Mr. Ross a list of things we would like to see in the future, like having benches and tables to play checkers, making the four square boxes bigger on the black top, creating a dedicated area for chalk, making sure the balls are inflated and in good shape, coming up with some ways to add more color to the space and painting half court markings for basketball. We hope some of our ideas happen!”

Aside from making the recommendations to the administration, the girls had to follow specific steps outlined by the Girl Scouts organization to earn the Bronze Award including learning about teams, exploring the community, making and executing the plan, and spreading the word about their accomplishments.

Mullett summarized, “The project was a big undertaking. It was hard to finish a full day of school and spend a significant part of our meetings focusing on the project. We were proud of the girls, they rolled up their sleeves and got the project done with enthusiasm. A big thanks to Dean Ross for his support and encouragement. We hope the school will implement many of the troop’s recommendations!”