Girl Scouts of Western New York is proud to announce Elizabeth
Del Vecchio of East Aurora, NY, as a 2019 Gold Award Girl Scout. Del Vecchio’s project was titled “Charming Sensory Interactive.”

Del Vecchio explained, “My project created weighted stuffed animals for people with anxiety issues. The weight of the stuffed animal helps calm the person that is holding it. I had several groups get together to help cut open stuffed animals, remove the original stuffing or move the stuffing into the legs, arms and head area, and then add weighted pellets. The finished weighted stuffed animals weigh between 1.5 to 4 pounds. I had high school students from East Aurora High School help me make these animals. I donated them to East Aurora Schools and local low-income donation centers. Anxiety issues are worldwide in every age group. I was not able to cure anxiety, but what I did do was help calm a few students in a classroom and at home. The weight of the animals relaxes the student when it is placed on their lap. I was able to help students in elementary school, middle school, high school, and even a few college students.”

Del Vecchio added, “Girl Scouts has been an important part of my life for as long as I can remember. Through my involvement with Girl Scouts, I have developed life values that I will always cherish. I respect everyone that has dedicated their time, skills and resources to help all Girl Scouts. I’ve been very fortunate to go on countless camping trips, along with a trip to Washington D.C. for the 100-year anniversary celebration of Girl Scouts. Growing up as a Girl Scout has made me develop into a team player, a leader, and an independent young woman. For all Girl Scouting has done for me, I am extremely grateful.”

Del Vecchio will receive her Gold Award at the Gold Award Ceremony on June 1, 2019. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the most prestigious award in the world for girls.

The Gold Award project is the culmination of all the work a girl puts into “going for the Gold.” A Girl Scout’s project should be something that a girl can be passionate about—in thought, deed, and action that encompasses organizational, leadership, and networking skills. The project should also fulfill a need within a girl’s community (whether local or global) and create change that has the potential to be on-going or sustainable. Approximately 80 hours of community service are involved in the project. Completion of the Gold Award also qualifies the Girl Scout for special scholarship opportunities and to enter the military a full rank higher than her peers.

The Girl Scout Gold Award, the most prestigious award in the world for girls, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also to making the world a better place for others. These young women are courageous leaders and visionary change makers.

The Gold Award requires a Girl Scout to identify an issue and investigate it to understand what can be done to address the problem. The girl then forms a team to act as a support system, including a project advisor close to the issue who is not a troop leader or family member, while she leads the project. The Girl Scout creates a plan to ensure they know what steps they must tackle while working on the project. The Girl Scout submits a proposal for her project to her local Girl Scout council. After acceptance, the girl begins to work through the steps of their plan utilizing the assistance of her support team where necessary. Lastly, the project is used to educate and inspire others about the cause they are addressing.

To learn more, visit gswny.org.