Bettendorf Girl Scout Makes Outdoor Adventures More Accessible
Alivia Isaacson from Bettendorf, Iowa, has achieved the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, for collaborating with the Bettendorf Public Library to provide kits to empower all people to hike or camp in nature.
“In a world increasingly dominated by technology and urbanization, the disconnection between people and nature has become a pressing issue. My project aims to bridge this gap by providing easily accessible outdoor activity resources, information, and equipment to individuals of all backgrounds,” says the Gold Award Girl Scout. “Through this initiative, we strive to create a more inclusive and nature-centric society where everyone can enjoy the numerous benefits of outdoor activities. The project aims to democratize outdoor experiences, ensuring that individuals from all walks of life can enjoy the benefits of nature.”
The “rent a hike” kits are backpacks that can be checked out at the Bettendorf Public Library with supplies to hike or camp successfully. Isaacson also developed a website to thoroughly explain the kits, find local trails, teach outdoor etiquette, and view educational videos that cover outdoor skills like setting up a tent. To learn more about Rent a Hike and find resources to get outdoors, visit https://sites.google.com/view/rentahike.
“The backpacks serve as tangible solutions to bridge the gap between people and nature, fostering environmental stewardship and overall well-being.,” says Isaacson.
Gold Award Girl Scouts become innovative problem-solvers, empathetic leaders, confident public speakers, and focused project managers. They learn resourcefulness, tenacity, and decision-making skills, giving them an edge personally and professionally. As they take action to transform their communities, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they’re the leaders our world needs.
According to recent research, Gold Award Girl Scouts are more likely to fill leadership roles at work and in their personal lives and are more civically engaged than their non-Girl Scout peers. Eighty-seven percent (87%) of Gold Award Girl Scouts agree that earning their Gold Award gave them skills that help them succeed professionally. Seventy-two percent (72%) said earning their Gold Award helped them get a scholarship. Changing the world doesn’t end when a Girl Scout earns her Gold Award. Ninety-nine percent (99%) of Gold Award Girl Scout alums take on leadership roles in their everyday lives.
Isaacson shared that the Gold Award provided her an opportunity to develop her leadership skills:
“Through these leadership roles, I honed my skills in communication, organization, and advocacy. I learned to navigate logistical challenges, build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, and promote a cause I deeply care about. These experiences not only contributed to the success of my project but also equipped me with valuable skills and confidence to pursue future endeavors in making a positive impact.”
Alivia Isaacson graduated from Bettendorf High School in the spring of 2024 and currently attends Liberty University in Virginia.
