How-to Guide: Scout Participation

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Involve your scouts in a creative and meaningful community service project to raise awareness for pediatric cancer. For each gold pumpkin your scouts decorate, the Little Hero Foundation will contribute $1 towards pediatric cancer research.

Educate the Troop:

• Start by explaining the significance of pediatric cancer awareness and why gold is the chosen color for this cause symbolizing resilience and hope.
• Share information about the Little Hero Foundation and how their efforts help children and families facing pediatric cancer.

Discussion:

• Discuss how the scouts’ participation in "Gold Pumpkins for the Cure" can make a difference in spreading awareness and supporting the cause.
• Encourage scouts to brainstorm additional ideas on how they can help.

Gather Supplies:

• Each scout should bring a pumpkin to paint, or you can arrange for a donation of pumpkins from a local farm or community sponsor.
• Provide gold paint (spray or acrylic), paintbrushes, sponges, and decorating materials such as glitter, stickers, or stencils.
• Set up a painting area with protective coverings for tables and plenty of space for the scouts to work.

2. Schedule the Event:

• Choose a convenient date and time for the pumpkin painting session, either during a regular troop meeting or as a special event.
• Consider involving parents or siblings to create a family-friendly atmosphere.

3. Assign Roles:

• Older scouts can assist younger members with painting and decorating, promoting leadership and teamwork within the troop.
• Designate scouts to help with setup and cleanup to ensure the event runs smoothly.

Get Creative:

• Encourage scouts to use their imagination in painting and decorating their pumpkins. They can paint the entire pumpkin gold or add unique designs with other materials.
• Remind them that the goal is to create eye-catching pumpkins that will raise awareness for pediatric cancer.

2. Safety First:

• Use non-toxic, child-safe paints and materials. Provide smocks or old shirts to protect clothing, and have hand wipes or a washing station available.

Organize a Display:

• Arrange a display of the gold pumpkins in a prominent location, such as a community center, library, or school.
• Alternatively, set up a pumpkin patch or display at a local park where the community can view and learn about the cause.

2. Community Outreach:

• Deliver pumpkins to local businesses, hospitals, or schools with a small card explaining the significance of the gold pumpkins and the work of the Little Hero Foundation.
• Consider organizing a "Pumpkin Parade" to showcase the scouts’ creations and spread awareness throughout the community.

3. Social Media Campaign:

• Take photos of the scouts with their gold pumpkins and share them on social media using a dedicated hashtag like #GirlScoutGoldPumpkinsForTheCure.
• Encourage families and community members to share these posts to extend the reach of the awareness campaign.

Step 5: Fundraising and Awareness

1. Fundraiser for the Little Hero Foundation:

• Organize a fundraising event alongside the pumpkin painting, such as a bake sale, raffle, or silent auction. All proceeds will be donated to the Little Hero Foundation.
• Alternatively, sell the gold-painted pumpkins within the community, with the profits going directly to the foundation.

2. Educate the Public:

• Create posters, flyers, or information cards to distribute with the pumpkins, explaining the connection between gold pumpkins, pediatric cancer awareness, and the Little Hero Foundation.
• Include information on how community members can get involved or make donations directly to the foundation.

Reflection:

• After the event, reflect on the experience. Discuss what the scouts learned about pediatric cancer and how they felt about contributing to the cause.
• Encourage scouts to share their favorite aspects of the project and ideas for future service activities.

Recognition:

• Award participation badges or certificates to each scout who took part in "Gold Pumpkins for the Cure," celebrating their efforts to support the Little Hero Foundation.
• Consider hosting a small celebration or treat for the troop to acknowledge their hard work and impact.