Addison “Addi” Ellis of Girl Scout Troop 20740 in Lincoln County has earned the Girl Scout Gold Award for a community leadership and service project, “Meditation – Prayer Garden,” which addresses the need for accessible mental health resources and quiet spaces for reflection within the community.
Aiming to address the lack of physical spaces for reflection and the stigma surrounding mental wellness, the Girl Scout Ambassador focused on civic engagement for her project, creating a safe space at Marvin United Methodist Church for anyone experiencing grief or loss to pray and reflect.
“I identified an issue in my community where mental wellness and the stigmas behind it are often overlooked,” said Ellis, a Girl Scout of seven years. “The garden is more than landscaping; it addresses the need for a physical space for reflection and recognizes the struggles of those dealing with mental illness. I wanted to show that no one should struggle alone.”
Beyond the physical garden, Addi installed an information box containing brochures she designed with resources for grief and counseling. To ensure the project’s sustainability, the church has committed to maintain the garden and restocking the brochures for years to come.
Girls in high school can earn the Girl Scout Gold Award by creating sustainable change on a community or world issue. They address the root cause of a problem, plan and implement innovative solutions to drive change and lead a team of people to success. Each Girl Scout must dedicate a minimum of 80 hours to planning and carrying out their project that benefits the community and has a long-lasting impact.
Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need, and those from the Girl Scouts Carolinas Peaks to Piedmont (GSCP2P) council have created community gardens, addressed issues in foster care, combated bullying in schools and so much more.
“Leading the project gave me confidence in speaking to groups, managing tasks and making sure every detail came together for a successful outcome,” said the Gold Award Girl Scout. “I’ve learned how to stay positive under pressure, communicate effectively and keep pushing forward even when things get tough.”
Thousands of Girl Scouts across the country earn the Girl Scout Gold Award each year, which first began in 1916 as the Golden Eaglet. Earning the Gold Award opens doors to scholarships, preferred admission tracks for college and amazing career opportunities. In 2025, 30 GSCP2P Girl Scouts earned their Gold Award.
To learn more about earning a Girl Scout Gold Award, visit https://www.girlscoutsp2p.org/en/members/for-girl-scouts/badges-journeys-awards/highest-awards/gold-award.html.
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