4
NATIONAL YOUNG WOMEN OF DISTINCTION
These two women have been nominated for the National Gold Award Girl Scout recognition , which honors Gold Award projects that demonstrate significant sustainable impact , astonishing leadership and tackle a local challenge related to a national issue .
BRIANNA BARRY | SELF GUIDED HIKING TRAIL
Brianna Barry created QR code posts throughout the Wekiwa Springs State Park that allowed visitors to scan the code to reveal information about the different features the park has to offer . She made map dispensers throughout the trail that highlight the location of all the QR code posts for hikers to follow . Brianna wanted to create a way for technology to compliment a person ’ s experience with nature .
“ I would like to make people more interested in the park and encourage them to spend more time outdoors and possibly even take steps to help the environment ,” said Brianna . “ I love the idea of knowing that the posts of my trail will be there for years to come and will encourage people to have a greater appreciation of the environment .” be the best area to put the posts . She created extra markers for the posts and made extra maps so that the project could be sustained by the park rangers at Wekiwa Springs State Park . She believes everyone from frequent hikers to out-of-state visitors can use these codes to explore what nature has to offer .
“ My completion of this project demonstrates my growth in my ability to identify an issue within my community and take steps to resolve it ,” said Brianna .
She hopes other Girl Scouts can add to her project . Brianna also wants to encourage other girls to complete their Gold Award because of her own personal experience . She feels the journey to earning her Gold Award has given her confidence in her ability to lead and make changes in the community .
Brianna hiked the trail several times with multiple people to determine which spots would