Girl Scout Troop 33530, part of the Fossil Valley Service Unit of Girl Scouts of West Central Florida (GSWCF), has completed a meaningful community service project focused on increasing access to arts and crafts for children in underserved communities across Hillsborough County.
Led by troop leaders Jennifer C. Loader-Wohl and Melody Gershkoff, the Girl Scouts identified a need among families living below the poverty level, including those experiencing housing instability, who often lack access to basic art supplies at home. In response, the troop designed and assembled Children’s Art Bags to encourage creativity, family bonding and confidence through hands-on art activities.
To date, the troop has created 180 Children’s Art Bags, which are being distributed through the Hillsborough County Children’s Board Family Resource Centers at six locations throughout the county. The bags include age-appropriate craft kits; younger children receive a paper windmill craft with colored pencils, while older children receive a wooden-boat kit with paint supplies. Each project allows children to create, keep and take pride in their own artwork.
The project was designed to support child development by promoting creativity, fine motor skills, focus, language development and confidence. It also provides families an opportunity to spend quality time together while creating art with materials they may not otherwise have access to.
This project was completed as part of the troop’s leadership and service efforts and is being submitted for consideration for a Girl Scout Bronze Award, the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. Regardless of award status, the project reflects the Girl Scout mission of making the world a better place through service and community engagement.
Community members interested in learning more about the project or supporting future efforts are encouraged to contact the troop leader directly.
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