The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
by Dessa Rodeffer, Quill Publisher
Children are enjoying the Gold Series "big as it gets" playground equipment at the Biggsville Ball Diamond as the four girls who are responsible for it, stand in the foreground.
The four senior girls cadet scouts (age 9th through 12th grade) are members of Henderson County Troop #6, Biggsville, part of the Shining Trail Council of Girl Scouts.
A Dedication and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was held Saturday afternoon. The girls explained the details of deciding on a project, putting their plan together, going before the board for approval, fundraising, and the many tasks of getting the materials and then building the swing set.
"We learned so much," each girl echoed.
And of course, they couldn't have done it without the many who supported them. They gave their thanks to the financial contributors and the many who showed them about tools, or hauled wood chips, or just gave them encouragement.
It was a privilege for scout leader Janet Earp to present each excited senior cadet with their Gold Award, a 14 karat gold pin, for it came from many many hours of community service.
This top honor in girl scouting only comes after receiving fifteen hours community service, thirty hours leadership experience, hours earning interest patches, career exploration experience, and the many hours in doing a Gold Award project for their community which must exceed 50 hours. In the girls' case, it was 110 hours.
Besides soliciting for donations the girls raised funds by doing everything from selling pork chops and hot dogs at SCC's Cruise Night to a dog wash and pet adoption. The end result totaled nearly $2300. They also received a $1,000 grant from Catfish Bend Casino which will be used to purchase aluminum baseball seats for the ballpark.
"The girls raised way beyond what they expected which allowed them to build the best commercial grade wood playground Menard's had to offer, complete with lifetime guarantee," said Troop #6 leader Janet Earp.
Earp read a letter of thanks from zoning officer William Leonard commending the girls.
Biggsville Village Board trustee Louise Webb added, "We are very proud of these young people and what they have done."
"I echo that response," said Bill Allaman, Union School board member in attendance.
"We learned a lot. We really learned a lot" said Kaci Hurka, during dedication ceremonies for a new top of the line playground at the Biggsville Ball Park. Everything from picking lumber, measurements, cutting, and team work. "We were tired and didn't like it all the time but we stuck it out. I think it is pretty sturdy and it will last a long time." Gold Ward receipients from left are Rachel Earp (parents Steve and Janet), Danielle Waterman (parents Rick and Tina), Kaci Hurka (parents Leroy and Kim), and Elizabeth Ackermann (parents Todd and Charlotte). Their leader is Janet Earp and Assistant Leota Caldwell. The Gold Award in girl scouting is comparable to the boys Eagle Scout Award.