SEARCY — Being a Girl Scout has taught 17-year-old Bailey Money of Searcy how to lead others into action, she said. Her efforts to create a community garden and inspire others’ involvement earned her the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award at a special ceremony June 10 at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock.
Money said she came up with the garden idea from a book about other Girl Scouts around the world creating gardens for their communities.
“The Gold Award has to be earned from a project that impacts the life of others,” Money said. “I thought by creating the garden, I could help those who could not afford food on their plates and those who want to become healthier eaters. The garden is still growing, and vegetables are still being donated to the Good Samaritan (a food pantry in White County).”
The garden harvested many vegetables, such as okra, sweet potatoes, tomatoes and squash. Church members — Money is a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church — as well as local businesses and Harding University students helped build the garden, Money said.
Girl Scouts have been making “meaningful, sustainable change in their communities and around the world” since 1916, according to the Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas website.
“The Girl Scout Gold Award, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, acknowledges the power behind each recipient’s dedication to not only empowering and bettering herself, but also making the world a better place for others.”
Money, the daughter of Don and Holly Money, is one of 10 Girl Scouts throughout the state to receive the Gold Award this year. She began her Girl Scout journey when she was 4 years old, following in the footsteps of her mother. Bailey is part of Troop 6448, led by Diana Prior.
Prior noted Bailey Money’s dependable nature.
“You could always count on her to help with the other girls in the troop,” Prior said. “She has a quiet demeanor about her until you get to know her. She’s a sweet, caring and lovable girl.”
Money also participates in the church’s praise band and volunteers with its children’s ministry. Acting is one of her favorite hobbies, and she is involved with the KidStage productions at the Center on the Square three times a year.
“I love KidStage and getting to act and be onstage with my friends,” Money said.
Money’s favorite aspect about the Girl Scouts is what she has learned from earning badges.
“I have learned everything from art and politics to financing,” she said.
The most challenging thing is making it to meetings because of the busy schedule she leads, said Money, who will be a senior in the fall.
“But I always try to make it to every meeting,” she said.
Her advice for younger girls who might think Girl Scouts is not for them is to consider all of the possibilities Girl Scouts presents.
“Girl Scouts is where you meet friends you will have for a lifetime,” Money said. “I am able to lead others into action because of what Girl Scouts has taught me. Girl Scouts has also strengthened my values. Girl Scouts has been part of my life and will continue to be.”
Taking care of her garden showed Money what she and the Girl Scouts stand for, she added.
“It’s all about leadership and helping others,” she said.
In the near future, Money said, she hopes to help with her church’s gardening club and establish more gardens throughout town.