Girl Scout Project

[curlycue]

Hi ladies I wanted to ask your advice on something.I have a 16yr old daughter who is a Girl Scout and she is getting ready to do her Gold Award, she would like to do something with IC! we just dont know what! I dont even know if I should be asking you ladies I dont want to get in any trouble. If anyone has any suggestions I would love to hear them. Thanks.

[dancemomof2]

HMMMMMMMMM Have to think abou this, I would love to help if I can.

[SandyRN]

How about something regarding compassion for chronic pain patients...sure would be nice to get the word out on how much we struggle for pain relief. Or maybe some 'advertising' ideas like we've done on this board before...the Got IC?, I have IC but it doesn't have me, etc....these were going to be slogans on a tshirt.

I know how hard it is to come up with project topics like that, I've got 3 kids and my brain is just plain tired!

[ICNDonna]

She might do something like a poster demonstration project, showing how an ICer can eat safe foods and still have a balanced diet. The presentation could include an explanation of IC, with pictures of a healthy bladder and a diseased one and stress the importance of diet.

Donna

[curlycue]

Thanks those are all good ideas.

[Jean12]

I was thinking something along the line of an awareness campaign. Information from what it is, who it affects (all ages, both sexes, all races - very non-discriminatory disease), varying levels of the disease, how people cope, get diagnosed etc. It doesn't need to be heavily detailed, sometimes simpler is easier for "outsiders" and newcomers to comprehend.

Maybe if she knows how to use a publishing program she could do up a few brochures to place in pharmacies, libraries, town halls etc. Maybe could encourage a high school community service group to ''adopt" the illness and work toward awareness. Our local communities have health fairs all the time. Maybe she could contact someone at a local clinic or hospital and find out about a health fair in your area.

Depending on your area and how informed the health community is, she could compile a list of self help stategies, self advocacy information, support information etc to be left with local doctors.

Jean

[curlycue]

Thank you Jean. Thats a really good idea. I really appriciate the help.

Curlycue's Daughter

[Jean12]

Ruth, is the Gold Award equivalent to the Eagle Scout award with the Boy Scout's program? I wish her well, I know that if it's a similar award it takes a tremendous amount of work and that it is not a quick or easy process. I wish her well whatever she chooses to do IC or not. Keep us posted.

Jean

[curlycue]

Yes Jean it is and I am so exausted. I never realized how hard its going to be. I need all the luck I can get. Thanks

[SrMaggie]

I've supervised Eagle Award projects several times. I know parents need to support the child in the project. One time, I never saw the child. I dealt with the father every time there was a paper to be signed or the project to be confirmed. I didn't want to recommend the young man for the award, as he had not done the organizing. When I see Eagle Scout on a resume, I assume that the person was able to do all the work for the project.
I guess what I'm suggesting to you is that in order for your daughter to get the most from the experience, she needs to be the one exhausted - not you.
peace,
Maggie

[curlycue]

Yea your right.