Loveland, Ohio – Little Miami River Chamber Alliance is pleased to announce the Road to Health, a Health & Wellness Expo at Nisbet Park: 126 Karl Brown Way in Loveland on July 27th from 9 AM – 12 PM. “Loveland by nature lends itself to health and wellness; the beautiful parks, flowing river, and overall landscaping offer opportunity to exercise and live a better life,” CeeCee Collins, President/CEO of the LMRCA chamber said. “When we combine the natural landscaping with an array of health, wellness, and recreational businesses in the area, we felt that it made sense to showcase and offer to our community.”
This free event will bring in Mental, Physical, and Financial health professionals and enthusiasts to communicate to the community the benefits of living a life balanced with health and wellness. The event will include swag bags for attendees, 35+ health and wellness booths, free 30 min workouts and much more!
This event is free to attend and is open to the public. No registration required for attendance, show up and have fun!
The event includes:
*mammograms provided by the Mammography Mobile
*local business vendors specializing in physical, mental & financial wellness, and senior care
*local businesses showcasing their healthy smoothies & snacks
*free fitness classes: 9:15am class by SPENGA
10:15am class by Activate
11:15am class for ages 5-12 by Kids First
Sign up for the FREE fitness classes:
Road to Health Fitness Registration
Please click the link to complete the form.
Here are a list of local businesses registered so far:
A Healing Journey, LLC and Resilient Wellness and Physical Therapy
Activate Brain & Body
Athletico
Ben Morrison Memorial Fund
Better Blend Loveland
Cincinnati Children’s Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center
Clinical Elements LLC
CrossFit Illuminate
Devoted Health
Everdry Waterproofing
Galen College of Nursing
Garden City Chiropractic LLC
Homestead Insurance LLC
Kauffman Chiropractic
Loveland Chiropractic Offices, Inc.
Loveland Health Care
Mercy Health – Loveland Primary Care
Mosaic Climbing
Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol
Onward Physical Therapy
Optimize U
Pedigo Electric Bikes
Premier Pain Treatment Institute
Renewal by Andersen
Resourceful Woman LLC
Rx Integrative Solutions Inc
SAW Pilates
Seasons
Self Care Counseling Inc.
SPENGA
Sycamore Chiropractic
The Christ Hospital
The Grail in the US
Vantage Financial Partners
Western & Southern
2020 Eye Care
For more information or to register your health and wellness business at the Expo, visit
Ready to rejuvenate your body and mind? Whether you’re a seasoned yogi/meditator or new to the practice, come unwind and stretch your mind and body in the spirit of wellness and community. Prioritize your well-being and ground yourself in mindfulness as you prepare for a new semester. Bring a yoga mat or towel, a water bottle and a friend! We will have a limited number of mats available.
Wednesday, August 28 – Meditation
9:00 – 9:30 am – Colleen Kehoe
9:30 – 10:00 am – Leigh Anna Kelley
Friday, August 30 – Yoga
9:00 – 9:30 am – Colleen Kehoe
9:30 – 10:00 am – Colleen Kehoe
Location All sessions will be held on the new NWQ Lawn! Rain location: NWQ-D, Room 8885, within the Student Health and Wellness Center.
Pre-registration is preferred (to help with planning) by August 28. Select the event(s) you will attend.
Please arrive 10-15 minutes early to check in and complete your liability and photo/media release waivers.
For more information, or to request accommodations, please email mmringle@uwm.edu.
Annual Community BBQ And Health & Wellness Fair 2024 at Thompson Park in Monroe Township
Sunday, July 21, 2024 – 12:00PM to 4:00PM
Their annual PCNJ Community BBQ is returning this year on Sunday, July 21st, from 12 to 4 p.m.! This event is open to PCNJ attendees/patrons, volunteers, group facilitators, sponsors and donors, and their friends and families. It will include all-you-can-eat food, games, and activities. Several health and wellness partners will also be present, offering free HIV testing, blood pressure screenings, and information.
A suggested donation of $15 for each adult is encouraged to help support PCNJ ($5 off if you volunteer or bring food). This is a rain-or-shine event! There will be a covered shelter at the grove. Hot dogs, burgers, veggie burgers, and beverages will be provided. You will supply additional food and beverages! Please note that this is an alcohol—and substance-free event.
If you plan to attend this event, please complete the RSVP form to help them get a headcount. You can also use this form to sign up to bring a side dish or dessert.
Travis Barker has announced two health and fitness experiences in Los Angeles and New York this summer.
The blink-182 drum icon is putting on a pair of ‘world-class wellness experiences’, dubbed Run Travis Run, on July 6 and July 21 – and it sounds like it’s very much just the beginning of his plans for the fitness world…
“After my accident in 2008, more than 70 per cent of my body was burnt,” Travis explains. “I was told by doctors that I may never be able to walk or drum again, so I set out to prove everybody wrong, including myself.
“What started with short walks turned into short runs every day. This past year I ran my first half marathon and participated in a few 5Ks,” he continues. “The running community is massive and I loved how everyone from all walks of life ran together and supported one another.
“This is what Run Travis Run was built off of and we’re only getting started.”
Taking place at the Kia Forum and Queens’ Citi Field respectively, each Run Travis Run event will include a morning run (obviously) at 9am, after which you’ll also get a limited-edition shirt and medal. The wellness segment includes fitness classes and workshops, and Travis will also be doing a ‘day-in-the-life’ experience, where you can participate in his ‘pre-concert routine centred around running, health and wellness’.
Watch the Run Travis Run trailer – featuring a cameo from his wife Kourtney Kardashian – below:
Mental health challenges among college students have become an increasing concern in recent years. The growing focus on college students’ mental health has spurred a number of studies that have researched the specific mood disturbances and other struggles students grapple with, including suicide, eating disorders and addiction, as well as the driving factors behind these challenges.
The Los Rios Community College District mental health and wellness team is holding a series of mental health and wellness events this fall to equip students with resources to address some of these issues. Topics include achieving balance and maintaining mental wellness during the COVID-19 pandemic, and addressing how to support loved ones who could be at a higher risk of self-harm and suicide. The events are open to all students and employees.
These workshops serve as a reminder that students are not alone in the challenges they experience, said Chase Moore, interim director of mental health and wellness for LRCCD, in an email.
“Our overall wellness is a journey and something we pursue daily. Educational workshops support our students through skill building [and] providing social connection,” Moore wrote.
The workshops are designed to educate and inform students on how to cope with stressors, achieve balance in their lives, and support themselves in times when they might feel emotionally out of control, according to Moore.
Two workshops will happen this Friday, Sept. 24, from 3:00-4:30 p.m.: “From Surviving to Thriving: Finding Balance and Achieving Wellness Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic” and “Rising Above the Risk: Supporting Ourselves and Those We Love Who May Be at Higher Risk for Suicide and Self-Harm,” according to a recent Cityscape email announcing the series. Both workshops will take place on Zoom. No registration is required.
The Los Rios mental health and wellness team will continue to hold mental health and wellness events each month and will advertise the dates at the beginning of the month, according to Moore. There will be a different topic covered each month.
In addition, TimelyCare, LRCCD’s health care partner that provides free telehealth services to Los Rios students, is now offering group sessions and is hosting a series of mental health webinars, according to the Cityscape email. Participants must register for the webinars.
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The telehealth service is providing two yoga class options throughout the next month: Beginner Slow Flow Yoga (offered on Mondays at 5 p.m.) and Stretch and Lengthen Yoga (offered on Fridays at 8 a.m.). The classes will go through the end of October.
TimelyCare will also host an Optimizing Emotional and Mental Well-being workshop on Friday, Sept. 24, from noon to 12:45.
“In the Company We Keep,” a new therapeutic support group for Black women students, will launch Tuesday, Sept. 28 from 6:30-8:00 p.m. The group will meet virtually once a week for nine weeks to offer support in issues that many Black women face and to provide a space for Black women to talk through their individual challenges.
The group will discuss topics including microaggressions, romantic relationships, eating disorders, Black feminism and navigating space, depression and anxiety, sisterhood and friendships and sex, said Chioko Grevious, the group’s facilitator, in an email. Grevious is an associate marriage and family therapist, professional clinical counselor and has a master’s in public health.
“Each week will be a different topic,” Grevious wrote. “There will be an opportunity at the beginning of each session that will be used for check ins, which could lead to organic conversations.”
Because the group will discuss sensitive topics, Grevious says she hopes that the same group of women will attend each session in order to create a safe space for participants, though she understands that schedules can change. She will stop taking new participants in the fourth week of the group.
For more information about the group or to register, contact Grevious at 916-424-3700 or [email protected].
Mindfulness is an awareness that arises by intentionally paying attention to the present moment. Mindfulness has been studied for a range of medical and psychological conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, diabetes, depression, cancer, heart disease and stress. Recognizing the many physical and emotional health benefits, Mid Coast Hospital offers a variety of wellness programs to assist community members of all levels with initiating and maintaining a mindfulness practice.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction
It is normal to experience stress in your daily life. How you choose to respond to that stress determines its impact on your overall health and well-being. Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) is an educational program developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn, Ph.D. The curriculum is designed to help participants cultivate mindfulness through direct practice in meditation, mindful movement, instruction, and conversation. MBSR is an eight-week course taught in 2.5-hour, weekly group classes and one six-hour weekend retreat. Participants are also encouraged to complete approximately 45 minutes of home practice per day.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Continuing Practice
These one-hour, monthly classes provide an opportunity for continued teacher-led practice and reflection for those who have already completed the 8-week MBSR program. Classes will focus on guided practice (mindful movement, sitting meditation, walking meditation, the body scan), discussion of the practice and its relevance to our lives, and support for continued home practice.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction for Teens
Seven-week training designed to reduce stress and anxiety symptoms, improve general mental health, and increase the coping skills of youth to manage daily stress.
Mindful Morning Mini Retreats
These 3-hour mini retreats will provide an introduction to mindfulness for the beginner and an opportunity for those with all levels of experience to deepen practice. Mindfulness-based exercises, meditation and movement (stretches and gentle yoga) will be combined with discussion of the principles of mindfulness and its relevance to stress in our lives.
Weekly Meditation Sessions
These half-hour drop-in classes provide an opportunity for mindfulness practice for all levels of experience. Practices will change from week to week and may include mindful movement (gentle stretches and yoga), sitting meditation, walking meditation and the body scan. There is no need to register and prior experience is not required. Just join us in the middle of the day for an opportunity to pause, notice and reflect.
Summer Meditation Sessions – Free One-hour mindfulness practice sessions outside among the beautiful pines on the Mid Coast Hospital campus. Each session consists of mindful stretching, walking in nature, meditation and discussion. Beginners welcome! Seating will be provided, but feel free to bring your favorite outdoor chair. Limited to 20 participants per session. Registration is required.
When: Wednesdays at 5:30 pm; Saturdays at 9 am
Where: Mid Coast Center for Community Health & Wellness, 329 Maine Street, Brunswick
Email: Meghan Perham
Phone: 207-373-6585
Youth Mental Health
Through a grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, Mid Coast Hospital–in partnership with NAMI Maine–provides free youth mental health first aid education to our community, including all our middle and high schools. Specifically designed for people who interact with youth ages 12-18, this nationally certified program is packed with information designed to help you identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health concerns.
Youth Mental Health First Aid class helps people understand typical adolescent development and signs and symptoms of potential mental health concerns. Topics are well researched, the lessons are easy to follow, and the format addresses both stigma and how nonprofessionals can help. The eight-hour course results in a three-year national certification as a Youth Mental Health First Aider. Sub-pay/stipends are available for middle and high school teachers.
Join a Youth Mental Health First Aid Training Session
Youth Mental Health First Aid is designed to teach anyone who regularly interacts with youth how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or is in crisis. The course introduces common mental health challenges for youths, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a 5-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders (including AD/HD) and eating disorders. After completing this course, you will be able to recognize the signs of a teen who is experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge or who is in crisis, and know how best to respond and connect them with help.
To register for the next free training session, call 207-373-6925 or email MidCoastCHI@mainehealth.org.
Leadership positions chronically demand optimal performance and participation, and health directly impacts one’s ability to lead effectively. Leaders are expected to meet a certain standard, as other employees look up to them for guidance, direction, inspiration, and motivation. Constant strategic planning, decision-making, financial management, and maintaining stakeholder relationships are just a few of the stressors top executives are expected (and paid) to manage. But these responsibilities can take a toll on the mind and body.
Worth has carefully curated the list of the 10 best executive wellness programs that have proven effective. These programs improve executives’ physical, mental, and emotional health while addressing other stressors caused by the work environment. (Disclosure: The authors have no business relationships with or financial interests in the companies covered here or their competitors.)
One key reason for choosing the Cleveland Clinic’s executive wellness program is its doctors’ relatively long-term experience dealing with executive health. They have a personalized approach to meeting the needs of patients. Their examination is usually based on the risk factors, family history, gender, age, and personal goals of executives. They offer specialty consultations, granting executives access to more than 120 medical and surgical experts. There’s an option for personal phone calls with your physician, and a program is created to meet your specific needs. A central focus of the program is creating a space where executives feel comfortable talking about all aspects of their health and lifestyle.
Contact: 866.320.4573
Cooper’s unique approach is its complete focus on prevention. “It is all we do,” says Dr. Tyler Cooper, CEO. The company has a long history of wellness and preventative services: iIt was founded in 1970 by Tyler Cooper’s father. The center’s 30-acre Dallas campus caters to busy executives seeking a one-day preventative screening and individuals who want to focus on improving overall fitness, diet, and health habits through a stay at the center’s hotel. Clients at Cooper Aerobics are said to be “getting Cooperized, which is the simple process of getting healthy,” says Cooper. The services offered to patients are individualized, “Nothing more, nothing less.”
Contact: 972.560.2667
Similar to many of the best executive health programs, Duke’s program benefits from access to the resources of one of the nation’s top academic medical centers—Duke University School of Medicine. The Durham, N.C., program features a standard battery of health screenings and regular follow-ups throughout the year. With a thorough health assessment covering a preventive and diagnostic exam, the program provides a realistic schedule and plan for periodic health maintenance to ensure consistency and complete improvements. The core of the program is a team approach: Patients receive services from physicians and an entire group of medical professionals, including dieticians and physiologists.
Contact: 919.660.6606
The Johns Hopkins program comprises a team of doctors (including Dr. Bimal Ashar, director) specializing in preventative care and patient-doctor communication, among other areas. One-day consultations include an EKG and comprehensive blood testing to eye, ear, and dermatology screening and nutritional counseling.
A host of optional tests are also available, including a colonoscopy, exercise stress test, and body-fat analysis. The program’s biggest advantage is access to Johns Hopkins University’s world-renowned medical center in Baltimore, where enrolled individuals can engage with experts in their field and gain hands-on clinical experience in healthcare.
Contact: [email protected], 410.955.9819
“Our program is built around prevention, wellness, and healthy lifestyles,” says Dr. Kurt Carlson of the Rochester, MN.-based center. (Mayo also has programs in Florida and Arizona.) All new patients undergo a series of exams, particularly a cardiovascular screening, to identify potential risk factors early, creating room for timely preventive measures, treatments, and interventions tailored to each executive’s health needs.
These exams are customized based on the patient’s needs, and the medical provider is dedicated to building a long-term relationship to attain and maintain peak health. The focus is on finding and preventingailments first. “Stress management can be a key concern for executives,” Carlson says. “We don’t have a package. Our goal when patients call in is to find out what they need help with, then we reach out to our resources everywhere in the clinic.”
Contact: [email protected], 507.284.2288
MDVIP is a network of more than 1,100 doctors nationwide, often resulting in travel savings for patients. The network also means that as patients travel, they can access personalized executive wellness medical services almost anywhere in the country. Patients are “paired with a doctor who is local to you and who can typically offer same-day, extended appointments,” chairman and CEO Bret Jorgensen says. As proof of the quality of care, Jorgensen points out that MDVIP has a 94% retention rate and a readmission rate (the rate at which patients must return to a hospital after an illness) of 1%.
Contact: 844.393.6070
The Mount Sinai program in New York City connects its clients with the most experienced medical professionals from one of the nation’s top hospitals. “We only allow senior-level physicians to participate,” says Sarah Pesce, director of business development. “The patient leaves at the end of the day with real peace of mind.” Because of Mount Sinai’s size, clients have access to imaging equipment, tests, and specialists on a same-day basis. Unlike some executive health programs, which encourage an à la carte approach, Mount Sinai bases its treatment on a program designed to screen for preventable illnesses, including heart, pulmonary, ophthalmic, and dermatologic evaluations.
Contact: 212.241.8000
The NYU clinic, as the name implies, focuses on men. The center provides a range of services—such as cardiology, dermatology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, internal medicine, and neurology—to holistically address various health needs. The intent is to “overcome this barrier and create an environment where men would feel comfortable in both sickness and health,” says Dr. Steven Lamm, medical director of the New York facility.
“The center gives the sense that you are in an academic setting and have the support of an institution,” Lamm adds. It boasts innovative technology, such as palm-print scanners for accessing patients’ medical records. For every executive health exam taken, a consistent follow-up is required for optimal results.
Contact: 646.754.2000
Northwestern University’s executive health program in Chicago offers standard physical and 24/7 concierge medical care. Services include guaranteed same-day or next-business-day appointments, an annual executive physical, multiple annual wellness checkups, email and phone consults, and expedited specialist care through the university’s medical center—all tailored to fit the schedule and lifestyle of a busy executive.
Contact: 312.926.1300
The University of Pennsylvania’s executive health program is modeled on concierge services. The Philadelphia center includes 24-hour phone support, personalized care programs for each patient, and a battery of doctors available to patients for basic health screenings or emergencies. “I have all of the resources of the Penn health service almost at a snap of the fingers,” says Dr. Gary Dorshimer. One of the head physicians of the program, Dr. Dorshimer has burnished his credentials as head physician for the Philadelphia Flyers hockey team and internist for the Philadelphia Eagles football team.
Contact: 610.731.1429
While these programs are primarily designed to support all executives, there are executive wellness programs specifically for women and employees at all levels. These programs may vary in scope, but they all aim to promote and foster a culture of well-being across the entire workforce.
BENTONVILLE, Ark., May 14, 2024 — Vacations, camps and summer get-togethers are on the horizon, and Walmart wants to help make your health a priority for them all. Join Walmart for Wellness Day on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Customers can receive free health screenings for things like glucose, cholesterol, BMI and blood pressure, as well as affordable immunizations against COVID-19, shingles, tetanus, measles and others at pharmacies nationwide. Customers will also find a broad assortment of product offerings ranging from allergy relief options to vitamins and more.
Walmart Wellness Day encourages families to check in on their health by providing tools and resources to seek care, improve healthy lifestyles and maintain successful habits. Nearly 4,600 Walmart pharmacies across the country will host Walmart Wellness Day events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. local time on Saturday, May 18. Select stores will feature vision screenings, in-store giveaways and demos of wellness products to make it even easier for customers to access the specialized services they need.
Walmart Wellness Day events feature the following health resources, administered by qualified pharmacy and Vision Center teams:
Free health screenings, including glucose, cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index and vision screenings (select locations).
Affordable immunizations, including COVID, measles, mumps, pneumonia, tetanus, HPV, rubella (MMR), varicella (chicken pox/shingles), whooping cough (TDAP), Hepatitis A & B and more.
Wellness resources and the opportunity to talk with pharmacists.
“Our pharmacies are pillars in the communities they serve, and Wellness Day creates wonderful opportunities to deepen those connections while also offering impactful services such as free screenings and affordable immunizations,” said Kevin Host, Walmart’s senior vice president of Pharmacy. “We’ll continue to build and execute through our pharmacies and Vision Centers to ensure we’re doing what we can to help people save money, live better and live healthier this summer.”
Since 2014, Walmart pharmacies have hosted Walmart Wellness Days, contributing more than 5 million free health screenings for customers. More than 4,000 Walmart stores are in medical professional shortage areas, which means Walmart is often the first stop for health care in these communities.
SANTA ROSA, Calif. (KGO) — In the North Bay, health and wellness professionals say they’re feeling sick about a planned fitness festival this weekend in Santa Rosa, which they say wasn’t legit. NorCal Fit Fest was a chance for small business owners to showcase their products and talents, but participants believe they were scammed. They say the promotor vanished with their money.
“It was like what? This is what’s happening right now,” said Cassandra Hampl.
Performance artist Cassandra Hampl describing the moment when she realized a big fitness expo planned in Santa Rosa likely wasn’t real.
“Having the main producer fall off the communication bandwagon was really disheartening,” Hampl said.
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NorCal Fit Fest was scheduled for May 25 at the Veteran’s Memorial Building, billed as “a magical Saturday packed with fitness, dance and health adventures.”
“People invested their time and money,” said Tristan St. Germain.
Sonoma County health and wellness professionals like Tristan St. Germain were contacted through social media in January by a man named Jon, asking if they would participate and pay between $90 and $120 thru a PayPal account for a booth at the festival.
“He said he was a philanthropist, retired, he was helping his friend Emily and Jess – this was their event,” said St.
Tristan said it seemed legitimate, there was an event website and posts on Instagram. but when it came time to meet Jon and secure the event space with a signed contract last month…
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“He no-showed, never met us, never signed the contract, never paid my friends for the work they put in,” St. Germain added.
“When I spoke with him on the phone, he said he doesn’t use credit cards, that he would bring crisp 100-dollar bills when he saw us,” said Colleen Teitgen, aka DJ Dyops.
“That’s when the lightbulb happened, this is a scam,” Hampl added.
“We had red flags from the beginning,” said Zack Darling.
This group says the worst part is, Jon added a dance party event after learning about Tristan’s son Kainoa’s diagnosis of MS. The $25 ticket sales would go towards his medical care. Tristen believes that too was a scam.
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“I feel bamboozled, it’s hard for me to understand how people can be so mindless and heartless and cruel. I feel he played on my vulnerability at the worst time of my life,” said St. Germain.
ABC7 News tried several times to reach Jon with voicemails, texts and messages – so far no response.
Police are now investigating. They confirm FitFest isn’t happening.
“We encourage anyone who bought a ticket or booth with a credit card to give credit card company a call,” said Santa Rosa police sergeant Patricia Seffens.
Vendors say they’ll move on. They are hoping to alert others. Tristan offering the GoFundMe page for her son, which she says is definitely the real thing.
I had the pleasure of meeting Anna at a recent Town Council meeting! Anna got up during the public session portion of the Council Meeting to speak about and invite everyone to her event, Bee Seen Bee Heard. I thought she did a fabulous job (I could tell she was nervous speaking in front of the Council) and was riveted by her story so I asked her if she would be interested in telling her story for the Newsletter! Here it is……
My name is Anna Schunke and I am a member of Girl Scout Troop 95388. I am a junior at Indian Hills High School in Oakland, NJ. I have been a Girl Scout for the past twelve years and I am a recipient of both the Bronze and Silver awards and I am currently working to complete my Gold award project. The Gold Award is the highest level award a Girl Scout can receive and focuses on finding solutions for problems girls observe within their community. For my Gold Award Project I have found that the lack of knowledge and resources available for children and teens struggling with mental health in Bergen County to be extremely alarming. As someone who has had an extended history of struggling with mental health I understand the difficulties faced by those experiencing mental health issues; especially when it comes to seeking help. This is why for my Gold Award Project I have organized a free Wellness Event to promote people and organizations that specialize in mental health and overall well being.
This event is called the Bee Seen Bee Heard Mental Health and Wellness event. For this event I have gathered together dozens of organizations including therapists, counselors, yoga instructors, meditation specialists as well as healthy supplement sellers and other vendors. My goal is to have all of these resources available in one place, making it easier for the community to find the help they need. There will also be wellness activities located outside run by student volunteers such as making stress balls and zen gardens. Presentations will be held every 10-15 minutes, providing valuable information as well as leading attendees through breathing exercises and other self calming techniques. And, we will have Mikes Hot Dogs, Playa Bowls and an ice cream truck giving out free food! The event will take place at Valley Middle School, 71 Oak St in Oakland, from 1:00-3:00 pm on Saturday June 8th.
I became involved in Girl Scouts just as any other little girl does, when in kindergarten their mother signs them up to see them in the cute little blue vest with the flower on the front. I stuck with my troop throughout my years at Manito Elementary School with the same array of girls, participating in projects like making blankets for Project Linus as well as creating a kindness rock garden. As we entered middle school the number of girls began to decrease. However with my mom as my troop leader I stuck through gaining skills that helped me with other aspects of my life as well. Girl Scouts allowed me to develop skills that I now contribute to several other extracurricular activities such as becoming the Varsity Girls Tennis Captain for the 2024-2025 season as well as the Media Manager, working as the Set Coordinator and Media Manager for the Indian Hills Theater Company, the President of the Italian Club, and as a camp counselor and Tennis Coach for young children. Being a Girl Scout for the past twelve years has taught me to consistently motivate others and become a driving force within the community.
Some other Girl Scout events that I have had the opportunity to participate in include creating a kindness rock garden at one of the local elementary schools which helped earn me the Bronze Award, becoming the first overall winner of the Oakland Girl Scouts cupcake wars competition and since then I have become a judge annually, as well as making and selling t-shirts to raise awareness for the Bergen County Horse Rescue that helped me to earn the Silver Award. Being a Girl Scout for so many years has taught me so many life skills that I wouldn’t have learned anywhere else, including leadership, independence, time management, collaboration skills, and to embrace my own creativity. The Bee Seen Bee Heard event alone has taught me to improve upon my time management and organization as well as my public speaking and communication skills.
