Lisa Park, from Girl Scout troop 70216, organized two dances dedicated to those with special needs as part of her work to earn her Girl Scout Silver Award. She wanted to provide a safe environment where late teens to early adults with special needs could socialize and have a fun experience. A freshman at High School North, she has been a Girl Scout for two years.
“I wanted my project to revolve around helping the special needs community in some way,” she says. “I was able to finalize the project with the help of Girl Scout leader Kate Henkel, who has a son with special needs.” With the help of Henkel and leaders May Rowland and Minal Patel she held two successful events and earned the Girl Scout Silver Award on December 2.
Park ran into some obstacles — including a partner who dropped out of the project and scheduling difficulties with other agencies having events for teens with special needs. Both the Christmas in August and August Beach Bash dances were held in August. Both of them included a DJ, food, and craft stations.
“After hearing all of the positive feedback, I decided to continue holding these dances for the next couple of summers,” she says. The dancing included group dances, slow dancing, limbo, and more. Craft activities included face painting, board games, and play dough. “We made little messages to donate to American troops, colorful sand containers that we also donated, and Christmas ornaments,” she says.
At North, Park was a member of the freshman field hockey team. “I was awarded MVP, which was very exciting for me,” she says. She is also active in the tutoring society and yearbook committee. Park attends an art school.
For more information about the dances E-mail lisahaleypssdances@gmail.com.
For information about joining Girl Scouts as a scout or adult volunteer contact Louisa Ho at 371-2119 or E-mail girlscoutswwp@verizon.net.
