Williamsburg Girl Scout Installs Flag Disposal Box
Samantha Baumgartner from Williamsburg, Iowa, has achieved the Gold Award, the highest award a Girl Scout can earn, by building a new flag disposal box in a more accessible location, making it easier for community members to dispose of damaged flags.
“I wanted to build a new flag disposal box for the community of Williamsburg and beyond to use. This new disposal box is in a more convenient location, and it will be easier to maintain in the future.”
After settling on her project, Samantha met with the American Legion to learn about the importance of flag disposal boxes and how to appropriately dispose of flags. Her next steps were to collect her building supplies and lumber for the box. Samantha then coordinated with volunteers to assemble the box and paint it.
“My brother’s Boy Scout troop helped me with building the flag disposal box and painting it. The American Legion also helped by making flyers that were given to surrounding towns. This will help to spread the word about the new box and why they’re important.”
Samantha presented the finished flag disposal box during a ceremony for the rest of the American Legion. Any flags dropped off in this box will be repaired or respectfully destroyed in a ceremonial flag burning. Throughout this project, Samantha built her coordination and communication skills and was able to let her creativity shine. Samantha's flag disposal box can be found in front of the can shed at Brother’s Market in Williamsburg.
