Submitted by Lauren Thebeau
(December 29, 2025) — Girl Scouts in the Haddam/Killingworth community have been hard at work completing projects for the Bronze and Silver Awards, each focused on strengthening connection, supporting vulnerable groups, and improving the community.
The Bronze Award is the top honor for Junior Girl Scouts in grades 4–5. To earn it, girls complete a project that makes a lasting difference in their community. The Silver Award is the highest honor for Cadette Girl Scouts in grades 6–8. It requires identifying a community problem, creating a project that tackles the root cause, and leading the effort with at least 50 hours of work, either alone or with a small team.
Photo above, left to right: Mila Rossi, Penelope Brunt, Vienna Kalish, Eleanor Holland, Emma Bergman, Juliet Williams
Troop 60773’s Bronze Award came to be when Roslyn Reeps, who helps run the Helping Hands Food Pantry, reached out to their troop about needing outdoor seating. Roslyn educated the girls on how the pantry works and how people often wait outside in a line. There was a beautiful chest by the front door on which people would often choose to sit while waiting, which wasn’t the safest option. After learning this, Troop 60773 worked with local resident Kurt Suprono, who restores old benches. Kurt donated one of his benches and taught the girls how to restore the bench by sanding and staining the wood. Another local resident, Steve Reeps, offered to engrave the bench for the troop. The bench now provides a safe, comfortable spot for pantry visitors, where the troop plans to maintain it long term by staining it every 6 months. Troop 60773 would like to acknowledge Larry Williams, Mr. Reeps and Mr. Suprono for supporting them and helping them earn their Girl Scout Bronze Award.
One Silver Award project highlights Brynn DiNapoli, who created a buddy reading program that pairs 3rd grade students with 1st graders at Killingworth Elementary School. Each month every 3rd grader is matched with one or two 1st graders, supporting them through reading stories. The program is targeted to help younger students practice reading skills while giving older students leadership experience and the chance to be mentors.
Eloise Gifford organized social events and activities for elderly residents at Essex Place in Centerbrook, where she hosted activities including Bingo night, game night, puzzle night, painted flowerpots, and had live music. Her events are geared to help fight resident isolation and boost moods around the building.
Scarlett LeBlanc focused on rising teen depression and where to go for help. She partnered with the Haddam-Killingworth Middle School health department to add depression and suicide awareness to the curriculum where she created mental-health educational slides for the 7th and 8th grade. Scarlett provided resources, presented the information to students, and distributed pamphlets containing websites, school clubs, and phone numbers for help.
Jane Gaines and Emmeline Zeidler created themed sensory activity kits for residents at Robin’s Nest in Clinton, with a goal of enhancing sensory stimulation and promoting overall well-being among older adults. Their kits offer hands-on materials including art supplies, Play-Doh, sand, and yarn to encourage creativity, stress relief, and tactile stimulation.
Photo above, left to right: Brynn DiNapoli, Jane Gaines, Emmy Zeidler, Eloise Gifford (Not Pictured: Scarlett LeBlanc)
Photos by Melissa Bergman, Diana Dutch
