South County Girl Scout Builds Buddy Bench to Earn the Girl Scout Silver Award

November 13 marks World Kindness Day, a global celebration each year that promotes the importance of being kind to each other, to yourself and to the world. World Kindness Day is a time to uplift stories in our communities on the positive power and common thread of kindness which binds us. Jovie Miller, a Girl Scout Juliette, wanted to spread kindness in her school district by helping young children who don’t have the verbal skills to communicate, find a friend to play with while at school.

To earn her Girl Scout Silver Award, Jovie built and installed the “Itty Bitty Broncho” Buddy Bench and restored a Memorial Bench at the Bayless Early Childhood Center, where her younger brother previously attended. Jovie was motivated to give back to the school that had helped her brother develop and grow during his time there. The new buddy bench gave kids a designated spot to sit if they were feeling lonely, indicating to the other children on the playground that they needed a friend.

“I was motivated by my family and friends to earn my Girl Scout Silver Award,” said Jovie. “Bayless School District is a National School of Character, and this project encompasses the concepts taught in the classrooms. I used buddy benches when I was in elementary school and really wanted to introduce the concept to kids that were in preschool. In addition, I thought that starting preschoolers with the ability to communicate by sitting on the bench instead of always having to use verbal words would provide some comfort.”

“I feel like my successes with this project were learning how to use multiple power tools, using my planning skills to complete the project, and spending time with my dad,” said Jovie. “This project broadened my thought process when I encountered an issue. I learned organization skills, adjusted the plan as needed and moved forward. I also had financial support from my family and friends to help cover the cost of the project.”

“I am excited to start working on my Gold Award Project next and helping another organization in my area,” said Jovie. “I look forward to attending camp next summer and make lasting friendships!”

The Girl Scout Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette, girls in 6th-8th grade can achieve. It requires girls to identify a need in their community and dedicate on average more than 50 hours towards addressing and solving the issue. When Girl Scout Cadettes focus on an issue, they care about, learn the facts, take action to make a difference, and they gain the confidence and skills that catapult them to lifelong success.