Over 50 people learned the basics of emergency preparedness in their homes with emergency boxes, fire escape plans, and understanding common first aid symptoms thanks to Kathleen O. of Hillsborough Girl Scout Troop 60143.
Inspired by the struggles that the township faced through Hurricane Ida in 2021, Kathleen decided to concentrate her Girl Scout Gold Award project on emergency preparedness in the community by holding workshops in conjunction with township emergency services including police, fire and the Office of Emergency Management.
“Hillsborough has had its share of flooding over the last few years, I am glad I could help educate the town on how to be prepared when any kind of emergency happens,” she said.
Kathleen held the workshops during National Preparedness Month in September. She also hosted subsidized CPR (cardiopulmonary resuscitation)/FA (first aid) certification classes for 25 people and hosted a “hands-only CPR” day in partnership with the local YMCA.
During the “hands-only CPR” event, she trained another 68 people who are now able to assist in a CPR emergency.
“I hope no one ever has to use CPR, but if they do, I know they have the skills to do it now,” Kathleen said.
In order to earn the award, eligible Girl Scouts are required to complete a Girl Scout journey, project proposal/final report, and two interviews. The Girl Scout Gold Award requires 80 hours of project management, leadership, budgeting and execution. Only 5% of Girl Scouts earn the Girl Scout Gold Award.
“Working on my Gold project took a lot of time management and it was hard to do with so many other school, sports, and activities going on,” Kathleen said. “Doing a little bit each month got me to the finish line.”
