Citrus Peel Vol.9

citrus peel
2017-2018 | Vol. 9
GIRL SCOUT
GOLD AWARD
EDITION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
MARYANN’S
INSPIRATION LETTER
02
MARYANN’S
INSPIRATION LETTER
05
03
FALL PRODUCT
11
04
COUNCIL SHOP
15
Hello Citrus Family and Friends!
Can you believe we are already closing out the
2017-2018 Girl Scout season?!?! It has been a
challenging year as we have struggled to make our
way back from Hurricane Irma’s crushing impact
on our Council and our Central Florida community.
As we all navigated our way through recovering
from the blows Mother Nature sent us during 2017,
my inspiration was fueled by our amazing girls.
NATIONAL
YOUNG WOMEN
OF DISTINCTION
17
TROOP STORIES
GOLD AWARD
RECIPIENTS
21
PARTNER PROFILE
MKW REBUILD
STATUS
23
VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
Their enthusiasm and commitment to our
mission at such young ages served as a beacon;
encouraging me to remain positive, determined,
focused, and grateful through some pretty tough
days. Each girl I had an opportunity to speak
with filled my heart with hope for the future
and renewed zest for ensuring we give them all
the tools and experiences possible to feed their
dreams and support them on their path to be the
very best G.I.R.L. their heart desires as they strive
to make our world a better place. So, here’s to all
of the amazing girls of Citrus Council! I cannot
wait to see what you are going to do next!
PAGE 02

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PAGE 03
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SE HABLA ESPANÕL

UNITED FOR HAITI
KELSEY CHICO
MEGAN LEE
NATIONAL
YOUNG WOMEN
of DISTINCTION
Taking a global approach, Kelsey Chico
provided a sustainable recreational playground
to encourage physical fitness to students at a
school in Amaud, Haiti.
Kelsey collected clothes, dry food and toy
donations from her school to be distributed to
the Haitians. Along with monetary donations
from several corporations, she hosted a
fashion show and a silent auction to collect
the money she needed to buy the playground
equipment. Local Labor, a local Haitian
organization, generously donated their time to
build the playground.
One of the most challenging obstacles Kelsey
had to overcome was getting all the supplies
shipped to Haiti. She reached out to corporate
representatives from Royal Caribbean cruise
line who provided handling, delivering and
shipping logistics and cost. Another concern
was the language barrier she would have to
overcome to communicate with the people
of Amaud. However, once she arrived, she
realized she had nothing to worry about.
“I didn’t have to speak Creole to talk to them; we
shared a common language of friendship through
laughter,” said Kelsey.
Her project brought a life-changing experience
to not only herself but to the children of Amaud.
They had never experienced anything like this
playground before; she even had to teach them
how to use swings. She wanted to create a space
that allowed these children to enjoy their youth like
other children do in different parts of the world.
“At the age of 15, I was able to lead a sustainable,
large-scale humanitarian global project outside
the United States, thus uniting efforts with United
Nation’s new millennium developmental goals of
eradicating poverty and hunger,” said Kelsey.
These four women have been nominated for the
Young Women of Distinction Award, which honors
projects that demonstrate huge sustainable
impact, astonishing leadership and truly addresses
a local challenge related to a national issue.
JACKLYN
DOUGHERTY
Their Gold Award projects exhibit
the essence of what being a Girl
Scout is all about. Whether it be from
demonstrating perseverance after
being told no or working with the local
community to further their cause, these
women have successfully changed the
community and the world for the better.
SARAH SCHUH
PAGE 06

SAVING GOPHER TORTOISES
Megan Lee set out to educate the public on Gopher
Tortoises, which are a threatened species in Florida.
She posted educational signs throughout Wickham
Park and promoted April 10th as Gopher Tortoise Day
in the Space Coast region of Brevard County.
The danger to these animals was mostly caused by
the public being unaware that Gopher Tortoises and
their burrows are protected under state law. Many
people mistake Gopher Tortoises for turtles and try
to place them in water, but they cannot swim and will
likely drown.
“Education is essential in order to ensure that the
public understands and respects Gopher Tortoises,”
said Megan. “Gopher Tortoises live among us and
play a very important role in our ecosystem.”
Megan focused her efforts on Wickham Park and
placed signs in areas with a dense population of
Gopher Tortoises and a lot of pedestrian traffic. She
obtained sponsorship from four organizations that
provided resources to purchase seven additional
signs for Wickham Park.
Her ultimate goal was to receive a proclamation from
all 16 towns in Brevard County. However, one town
denied her request because she was not a resident
of the town. But, with perseverance and support
from the local community, she found a longstanding
business within the community to champion her
effort. At the end of her project, she was able to
capture proclamations from the Mayors of all 16
towns.
Megan was able to connect with Hundred Acre
Hollows, a local nonprofit organization, to help
sustain her initiative. The organization agreed to
annually promote April 10th as Gopher Tortoise Day
across the Space Cost region of Brevard County.
“My success has inspired me to continue to pursue
my passion and look for other opportunities to help
protect our environment and make a difference in
our world,” said Megan.
PINK LADYBUG SKIN
CARE AWARENESS
Jacklyn Dougherty created
an educational awareness
presentation discussing the
dangers of skin cancer. She
informed over 600 students
about the effects of skin
cancer and provided tips on
sun protection. She created
sun kits to be distributed to
students, which included
sunscreen, sunglasses and lip
balm. Also, she built a strong
partnership with C2 Golf
Academy, a local golf school,
and helped them implement
her awareness presentation
into all their junior golf
programs.
Her passion for educating
people about skin cancer
prevention came from her
own family experience with the
disease. Her “Poppy” had skin
cancer, which made her realize
how dangerous the disease
can be and how people take
for granted its severity. She
wanted people to have access to
information about this disease
so that they could take the
proper precautions to protect
themselves from the sun. “My
prayers are for skin cancer to
rapidly decline over the years,”
said Jacklyn.
Along with her presentations,
Jacklyn created an interactive
website that explains the different
kinds of skin cancer, gives
statistical data regarding skin
cancer and provides information
from a licensed doctor.
She said her project taught
her marketing, leadership and
organization skills. The project ignited
her desire to educate more people
about this disease, which has led her
to the decision to turn her project
into a nonprofit.
“I am proud to be a part of a group of
women that are changing the world,”
said Jacklyn. “The Gold Award is the
most challenging and rewarding thing
a Girl Scout can do.”
PAGE 07 PAGE 08

GIRL SCOUT KNIGHTS
BACKPACKS FOR A
BETTER WORLD
Sarah Schuh educated teenagers on the
dangers of human trafficking through hosting
an awareness event at her high school along
with providing three Lake County high schools
and several nonprofit organizations with a
box containing all the information needed to
host their own awareness event.
The “Event in a Box” contained documents,
an awareness movie and a copy of the book
that inspired her to take action, “Half the Sky.”
She was offered a vendor table at the Greater
Orlando Human Trafficking Awareness Day
in January met with six organizations that
requested her “Event in a Box” be sent to
them so that they could implement it into
their program.
“Many people think that the issue of human
trafficking is something that happens
somewhere else or overseas in the Middle
East and Africa, but it also happens here in
Central Florida,” said Sarah. “We need to act
against this inhuman trade to protect those in
our community.”
PAGE 11
PAGE 09
Along with educating the community about this crime,
she created over 120 backpacks filled with donated
toiletries, towels and clothes, which she gave to
organizations that directly support human trafficking
survivors. She also arranged for Citrus Council to
receive an offer to be a part of the Central Florida
Human Trafficking Task Force.
However, her project did not come without challenges.
Her original plan did not produce the outcome she
wanted, so instead of giving up she decided to
reevaluate her project because the prevention of
human trafficking was too important not to share.
“My Gold Award has revealed my lion’s heart which
strives to make others smile, give people opportunities
and maybe even save a life,” said Sarah.
ALL NEW SHOW
SEPTEMBER 5, 2018 | SEPTEMBER 6, 2018 | SEPTEMBER 12, 2018 | SEPTEMBER 13, 2018
Show Starts At 7pm • Two-Hour Tournament • Medieval Feast • Magnificent Horses
Authentic Sword Fights and Jousting • Free Parking
4510 W. Vine St., Kissimmee FL 34746 | 888-WE-JOUST | medievaltimes.com
Scouts & Leaders $ 29. 95*
Non-scouts $ 32. 95*
FREE FUN PATCH INCLUDED!
*Scout groups of 15 or more guests will receive these rates. Prices do not include tax or gratuity. Scouts and leaders must wear
uniforms or scout shirts to receive free patch. Valid at the Florida Castle only. Price includes medieval feast, show, and admission
to the Medieval Life Village. Children 2 & under receive free admission only.

GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS
These 2018 Gold Award Recipients will be
joining the legacy of more than 1 million girls
who have earned their Gold Award since 1916.
Brigid Brickman
Health Fair
Madison Elford
Lakeside Spiritual Trail
Emily Forgione
Courage and Hope
Mackenzie Beach
Community Reading
Center Nakuru Kenya
Amanda Belawski
The Paragon School
Photography and Video
Production Program
Brooke Forgione
Hospital Mural
Galen Clark
A Cup Full of Confidence
Stephanie Giordano
St. Elizabeth’s Gathering Garden
Melissa Kovach
One Heart
Lilly Byerly
South West Middle
School Theatre Hair
and Makeup Stations
Jean Sara Kopack
Cycle for Cypress
Deanaira Caruso
Empowerment Mural
Ellie Davey
Walk on Water
Feeds Merritt Island
Danielle Drummond
Teach Me Tech Now! An Easy
I-Device for “Seasoned” Citizens
Carolyn Lightsey
Story of the Woman Artist
Chloe MacFarlane
Ways to Honor and Support
Soldiers and Gold Star Families
PAGE 11 PAGE 12

GIRL SCOUT GOLD AWARD RECIPIENTS
Destiny Massey
VE Butterfly Garden
ArraBella McDermott
St. Michael Dedication
to Our Military
Sydney McDermott
Enrichment Education
Mari Nicole Rosales
Never Too Young -
Colon Cancer Awareness
Sophia Sardella
Occupational Therapy
Tools for Florida Children
Victoria Smalt
Cheer Couture
Kaley Monahan
Books for a Happier Future
Alyssa L. Pennington
Paragon School Learning Garden
Jessica Stord
Student Home Libraries
Amelia Unseth
Students Against
Distracted Driving
Annalisa Peburn
Dance Education For
Title One Children
Alison Strout
One Tree at a Time
Rachel Presti
Using Sun to Power Fun
Allyson Reinert
Buzzing for Bee
Conservation
Elizabeth Wills
Brave Start
Dakota Wilson
Youth Liturgy
PAGE 13 PAGE 14

MKW UPDATE
We would also like to thank the 12 firefighters from
the Seminole County Professional Firefighters Union
Local 3254 for building ramps and decks for the tiny
houses at Raccoon Run, Fresh Look Outdoors for
reinstalling the engraved bricks around the flagpole,
Advanced Floor Care for buffing and waxing the
floors of the lodge, and Mission BBQ for preparing
and serving volunteers a wonderful lunch.
On May 10, all Keller Williams Realty associates are
asked to partake in their annual event called RED
(Renew, Energize and Donate) Day, which allows the
employees to donate their day to helping their local
community.
This year, the Keller Williams Realty Oviedo office
picked Camp Mah-Kah-Wee and had around 49
employees volunteer their time to help revive the
camp. They stained the rest of the decks, touched
up the paint on the bath houses and filled the
walkways with new mulch.
MAH-KAH-WEE REBUILD STATUS
Despite a challenging year, Camp Mah-Kah-Wee moving
forward and is ready for summer.
STEAM CENTER ON THE HORIZON
Another exciting, new addition to the campgrounds
is the Crymes Family STEAM Leadership Center.
The Center was originally the Eco-Center, which
was used for environmental programming and skit
nights for the girls. The first phase of construction is
underway. To make this center look one with nature,
the design will combine natural landscape features
with an environmentally-friendly structure.
Everyone is welcome. Girl Scouts of Citrus Council
wants to create a fun and stimulating space where
kids can come during field trips, daytrips, and
camporees. The new additions to the camp will
foster children’s love for nature and state-of-the-art
technology in a safe and accepting environment.
The future looks brighter than ever with the help
of the innovative ideas our girls want to implement
into the camp. Ideas which include elaborate tree
houses, floating cabins across the lake and cozy
Yurtz. The additional support the camp has received
has been extremely valuable. Our community is
stronger when it works together, and the help from
volunteers is what makes our community truly
thrive.
Publix Supermarkets has gone above and beyond in
finding ways to help revamp the beloved camp. On
April 3, over 120 Publix employees volunteered their
time to come out to camp and partake in the Publix
Service Day.
The volunteers were separated into three groups
and tackled their jobs with determination. They
helped upgrade landscaping, stained all the decks,
and painted bunk beds and bath houses. We’re
sure our girls will greatly appreciate all the work
these volunteers have done as they stroll in for
summer camp this year.
Along with Publix’s help, several Oviedo
community businesses donated time and
materials to help improve the campgrounds. Home
Depot provided paint and other materials, as well
as skilled professionals to construct decks at
Shady Pines, install doors and guide volunteers on
how to safely construct.
There are plans to equip the center with a 3D printer,
robotics and computers that incorporate digital
design; allowing children to express their creative
minds while being immersed in nature. Another
innovative feature the center will include is a thirdfloor
platform with a hammock hotel. This area will
give visitors a quiet place to study during the day
and an amazing view to stargaze at night.
BEFORE
PAGE 15

TROOP STORIES
1
Over the Presidents’ Day extended weekend
this year, 25 Windsong Community Girl
Scouts with accompanying leaders and
chaperones journeyed to the Golden Isles of
Georgia. It was an action-packed weekend!
We hiked through the swamp and along
a beach on Jekyll Island, ascended the
St. Simons Lighthouse and soaked in the
magnificent view. We were awed at how
settlers at Ft. Frederica (circa mid 1700’s)
survived on the remote island of St. Simons,
learned about sea turtles and watched a
medical procedure on one that had been
rescued. We witnessed how the uber-rich
lived during the Gilded Age (late 19th century)
on Jekyll Island, and climbed on trees
scattered across Driftwood Beach on Jekyll
Island, perhaps our most favorite activity.
2 3
Junior Troop 4017 in Indian Harbour Beach (Turtle Tracks)
had an interesting April evening working on their Business
Owner’s Badge. They began at the TD Bank, getting a
tour and learning about banking and about loans offered
to small businesses. From there, they traveled a short
distance to meet with a panel of six local business women
to fulfill other steps of the Business Owner’s Badge. The
panel was made up of a wide range of businesswomen: a
restaurant owner, an owner of a gasket making business,
a freelance writer, an attorney, the owner of a parasail tour
company, and a dentist who owns her own practice.
Submitted by Pamela Fox-Dhople
Troop co-leader
Troop 1244, Kelsey Shaner
East Orange Community
Last March, my troop went
backpack camping. At points when
our troop thought we could not
proceed any further, we pushed
past that feeling and kept hiking;
and that was something that I
genuinely appreciated about the
trip. Not only did the backpacking
trip test our endurance but it
also strengthened our friendship
and determination as fellow Girl
Scouts.
4
Troop 2009
Heart of Lake Community
These girl scouts are part of a newly formed troop
in Lake County. They didn’t waste any time getting
out in their community. The troop wanted to do
something special for their local community of
Umatilla for earth day. What better way than to plant
the seeds of the future! These Girl Scouts planted a
series of beautiful flowers in Caldwell Park for all to
enjoy and appreciate.
PAGE 17 PAGE 18

5
Troop 1574
Shooting Stars
Seminole County
Troop leader Rebecca Dixon reached out to local
artist Jeff Sonksen - known for his paint the trail
and paintings of celebrities that have recently
passed- to ask if he would be open to working with
their Brownie Troop 1574. He said yes! Sonksen
surprised the troop by bringing them to paint on
fence posts.
6
On March 31, Troop 1063 hosted a Sushi Rolling
class at Benihana in Lake Buena Vista. They were
joined by their sisters in Troops 1109, 1279, 455,
344, 1079
The girls prepared two different kinds of sushi.
They learned why sushi rice is sticky. They
especially enjoyed discovering that sushi is
traditionally eaten as a finger food. The scouts
ended their culinary experience by preparing
a dessert sushi using their favorite variety of
seafood… Swedish Fish!
The girls followed his directions while they taught
him how to be Girl Scouts. They shared information
on Juliette Gordon Low as they painted. The painting
is now being hung on Sonksen’s trail in Longwood.
He made a video of the girls doing pre-painting and
said this was a one-time event. There will never be
another one made!
Cadette Troop 1611 and
Brownies from Sparkling
Rivers Community
7
The sushi chefs at Behihana were impressed with
the use of “Hey, Hey, Ho, Ho” to gain the attention
of the group. They were going to try it with all their
sushi rolling classes.
8
Kristin Fortier
Troop 1521 Co-leader
Sunrise Girl Scout Troop #1521 Donates A Little Free Library to Eastwood Community
The Girls volunteered at
Grace United Methodist
Church on May 9. They
helped to fill 5,000 pounds
of rice bags for the food
bank. Each bag is an
individual serving and
will be sent to Haiti and
Honduras.
In October 2017, members of the Sunrise Girl
Scout Troop #1521 (East Orange, Orlando,
Florida), made up of Daisies and Brownies
(grades K-3), proposed the idea to the Eastwood
Community HOA of building and donating a
Little Free Library to the Eastwood community.
Members of the troop attended the meeting,
spoke of their plan to the board, and the board
voted unanimously in favor of allowing the troop
to provide this gift to the community and install
it in Eastwood’s Central Park.
The troop used fall product profits to pay for the
materials to build and install the library. The library
was registered with LittleFreeLibrary.org, and the troop
purchased an official charter sign and charter number.
One of the troop fathers built the library, and another
set of troop fathers installed it in Eastwood’s Central
Park for the entire Eastwood community to enjoy! On
February 28, 2018, Troop #1521 dedicated the Little Free
Library to the Eastwood community.
PAGE 19 PAGE 20

SEAWORLD ORLANDO
SeaWorld has been an
incredible partner to the
Girl Scouts of Citrus.
Over the years, the theme park has held various
programs and hosted numerous Girl Scout Days
for our Girl Scouts and their families.
In 2018, SeaWorld really went above and beyond as a
partner for our Council. Early in the year, they became
our host location for the 2018 Cookie Rally.
Hundreds of Girl Scouts and their families came to
SeaWorld to hear about the upcoming cookie lineup,
connect with other Girl Scouts, and share in the
excitement for the cookie season. While there, the Girl
Scouts were also treated to a special live performance
at one of SeaWorld’s most prestigious open air
theatres. And yes, there were those that even braved
the splash zone.
When Citrus Council was looking into
launching the ‘Earn Your Lab Coat’ series,
SeaWorld was front and center to lend
their support. The pilot series focused on
promoting STEM education through first hand
activities and unique experiences.
Through the partnership with SeaWorld,
Citrus Council was also able to bring back
Splash Bash for Girl Scouts. This overnight
waterpark event was a one of a kind
experience years ago, which drew in girls
from all over Florida. Many Girl Scouts had
fond memories from the event, and were
excited to see it come back after so
many years. The event took place
June 2, 2018 for the first time ever
at Aquatica. It was also the first time
Aquatica closed its theme park for an
overnight event.
Seaworld has been, and continues to
be, a great partner for Citrus Council
and Girl Scouts. With the 2020 G.I.R.L.
Convention on the horizon, we can
expect something great coming up for
all Girl Scouts to enjoy.
PAGE 21 PAGE 22

IN MEMORY OF
TRACY MCELWAIN
BREVARD COUNTY
Tracy McElwain, grew up in Girl Scouts with her
mom as her troop leader for 6 years. While serving
in the United States Air Force she continued being
involved as a troop leader, while stationed at Eglin
Air Force Base.
When Tracy came to Brevard County, she began
Troop 007, and the troop flourished. Troop 007
worked over 100 cookie booths every year to
earn enough funds to go on amazing outdoor
adventures. Tracy served on numerous Voyager
Team positions including, Community Cookie Chair,
Community Booth Chair, anwd Troop Mentor.
She was probably most known for being Camporee
Director and putting on amazing camp experiences
for girls to make lasting memories. Tracy walked our
Girl Scout mission every day and served as a prime
model of what being a G.I.R.L. is all about.
DEEDEE RIGELL
SEMINOLE COUNTY
The Rigell’s were chosen as our “Scouteriffic Family
of the Year” at our 2017 Annual Meeting, given
their overwhelming commitment to the Girl Scout
movement as a family. DeeDee Rigell was “a sister
to every Girl Scout” in the best way possible. Not
only did she run a troop of thirty-plus members,
but she also regularly recruited and mentored new
volunteers.
DeeDee touched the lives of all who knew her and
will forever be remembered as our Girl Scout sister.
PAGE 23 PAGE 24

VOLUNTEER
SPOTLIGHT
JENNIFER WARD
OSCEOLA COUNTY
Jennifer Ward absolutely
bleeds green and loves her
community, Windsong. Not
only does she support every
troop and leader in the
community, she has a special
program geared for the older
girls.
The leaders in the community
look up to her, respect her
and go the extra mile for
her. She is just a fantastic
volunteer, one everyone is
privileged to work beside.
KELLY KRAUEL
VOLUSIA COUNTY
SILVIA CARVALHO
BREVARD COUNTY
Silvia Carvalho is an outstanding
role model of a volunteer in Brevard
county. She has served as Turtle
Tracks Communications Coordinator
and Troop Mentor for the past three
years. She has also served as a
Bonze and Silver Award trainee and
works with the Council program
team to develop and bring more
programs to Brevard county. Silvia is
also the recipient of our Honor Pin –
a Board Approved award.
Kelly Krauel is a 3rdgeneration
Girl Scout who
is herself raising the next
generation. In her troop of
over 16 girls, she actively
encourages her girls to
recruit new members and
help spread the movement
across all of Edgewater
and New Smyrna Beach.
She has also taken up
the role as the New Troop
Trainer for Turtlemound
where she mentors new
volunteers, offers trainings,
and promotes growth in
the community. Kelly truly
embodies what it means
to be part of the Girl Scout
sisterhood.
PAGE 25

GIRL SCOUT PROMISE
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God and my country,
To help people at all times,
And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
GIRL SCOUT LAW
I will do my best to be
honest and fair,
friendly and helpful,
considerate and caring,
courageous and strong, and
responsible for what I say and do,
and to
respect myself and others,
respect authority,
use resources wisely,
make the world a better place, and
be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Girl Scouts of Citrus
341 N. Mills Ave.
Orlando, FL 32803
800-367-3906