York County Public Library Director Kevin Smith alongside Girl Scout Cadette Bella Bray. (Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast)
YORK COUNTY — Girl Scout Cadette Bella Bray from Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast Troop 1067 in Yorktown recently earned the Girl Scout Silver Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouts for her age level.
According to Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, Bray helped educate others about the importance of the role of pollinators in the ecosystem and our food supply by completing a service project she titled, “I Spy Butterfly.”
The project involved creating an outdoor space at Yorktown Library that attracts pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths. Along with creating a space that was inviting to pollinators, Bray believed it was important to find ways to involve the people living in her community.
To accomplish this, Bray planned and hosted an educational day for families visiting the Yorktown Library to learn more about her Silver Award project.
“I built a butterfly and pollinator garden area for the Yorktown Library. It includes two raised garden beds and a variety of plants that will attract butterflies and pollinators. I also put QR codes in the garden that families can scan to learn more about the plants used, as well as to get book recommendations that can be found in the library,” said Bray.
Bray continued, “I hosted a library program for families to come and see the new gardens. They could complete two activities: a birdhouse supply bag and a garden wish flag. I also did a butterfly release in the new garden area. I presented my final project to the library board with a presentation, so they could see all of the steps that were required. The library will continue to build up this area for families to visit.”
According to Girl Scouts of the Colonial Coast, whether they’re learning about endangered wildlife, keeping our beaches and waterways clean, developing creative recycling projects, or working toward a grade-level award, Girl Scouts focus on care, conservation, and responsibility for the planet.
