We’re offering a special deadline extension to December 31, 2020 and will continue to re-assess over the next few months:
Recognizing that many schools, youth activities and community gatherings have been suspended, and that we are navigating a period of rapid change, Girl Scouts is offering a three-month extension from Sept. 30 to Dec. 31, 2020, to provide flexibility for Girl Scout Juniors, Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors earning Girl Scouts’ Highest Awards. This is particularly relevant for fifth grade Juniors, eighth grade Cadettes, and twelfth grade Ambassadors who will bridge to the next program age level officially on Sept. 30, 2020 and typically would be no longer eligible to earn the Bronze, Silver or Gold Award, respectively.
Obstacles provide productive problem-solving; barriers don’t and should be addressed.
Problem solving obstacles is a critical part of the Bronze, Silver and Gold Award process. However, there is a difference between an obstacle and a barrier:
- Obstacles can be overcome—they may include a girl losing in-person access to a site and/or their target audience. Girls may no longer be able to enter elderly centers to give classes, meet with their clubs in-person during lunchtime, or provide in-person afterschool enrichment. But: all those people are still seeking engagement!
Community partners may need time to adjust. Give it to them!
Like all of us, community partners are also in a significant period of adjustment. They may lack the capacity or interest to continue supporting girls’ projects right now. And, project advisors may be too overwhelmed to give proper attention, guidance and support. Coach girls to be patient and mindful that “right now” might not be the right timing and waiting a month or two may give community partners, project advisors and other teammates time to adjust to their new normal and become receptive again. This is one reason we put the national extension in place.
Should my Gold Award committee meet virtually?
Follow the guidelines shared from the CDC for your community or state government. We encourage virtual meetings! GSUSA is currently exploring online platforms, like Zoom, that will promote meaningful virtual engagement for girls and volunteers…stay tuned! Regardless, always be sure there is a call-in option for those with limited internet access!
