Taylyn is an Ambassador level Girl Scout in Nevada, IA, who just finished her Junior year in high school. For her Gold Award project (Girl Scout Highest Award), she made medical supply kits. Her original intent was to send the kits to Venezuala since she knew there was need and she had a family connection to the country. After research and communication, she discovered this was not logistically possible due to the political status of the country. She contacted Medical Ministries International and they connected her with a doctor working in Ecuador. The doctor assured her there was a need in Ecuador for the medical supply kits and he would ensure they got to the people who needed them. Working with youth in Grades 1 and 2 at Central Elementary in Nevada, she created 50 medical supply kits. The students helped gather donations for the kits, which include items like bandaids, wash cloths, soap, gloves, tissues, cotton balls, and mini frisbees. Taylyn presented cultural and historical information about Ecuador to the students and explained the need for the kits. The donation effort was a great success. Twenty-five kits went with the doctor to Ecuador and were handed out to those in need. The remaining kits will go to organizations in the Nevada area like the local police and fire departments, Nevada Food at First Soup Kitchen, and Harmony Clothing Closet.
Taylyn has been a Nevada Girl Scout since Kindergarten and will graduate as a Girl Scout completing Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa's (GSGI) Highest Award. Her mom, Jenny, has been her troop leader since the beginning. Taylyn says Girl Scouts offered her experiences other youth weren't having or weren't able to have, like camping. She also said she gained many communication and networking skills through GSGI's Girl Scout Cookie Entrepreneurship Program. As she became an older Girl Scout, she developed her leadership skills and guided her own Girl Scout journey, something she really values. She said the Highest Award projects (Bronze, Silver, and Gold) helped her remain committed and motivated.
United Way of Story County funds many out of school learning programs like the Girl Scout's Leadership Experience program.
Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa serves nearly 400 youth from Story County every year.