Awesome Alert: New York Girl Scout Learns to Weld on Set of New PSA
Kylie, 16, has never been one to shy away from a challenge. She’s a lifelong Girl Scout and G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-Taker, Leader)™ after all! And this fall, when she was chosen to be part of our new “I’m Prepared” Girl Scout public service announcement, was no exception.
Kylie, also a professional actress, learned to weld right on set of the PSA shoot to help show girls that they really can do anything when they face their fears, try, and never give up. She’s a real go-getter (she expresses her vision, is ambitious, and persists through challenges) and risk-taker (she makes decisions, faces her fears, and takes on new experiences)!
Kylie’s scene in the PSA, shot over the course of three days, showed a nondescript person in a mask who was welding. That welder’s true identity was revealed in a later scene—a proud girl under that helmet. Nice!
“I was really excited when I got the opportunity to be a part of this project, because it combined two things I love: acting and being a Girl Scout,” Kylie said. “I didn’t know how to weld before this, but everyone was really nice. The owner of the shop, Craftsman Ave, taught me how to do it. It was easy to take direction from him and others on set, because they communicated clearly what they wanted me to do. It was a great experience, and I even got to take the piece I welded home!”
Kylie’s mom, Tracy, was excited for Kylie too, but also a little nervous that she would actually have to learn how to weld on set. In the end, Tracy was glad Kylie really welded and didn’t pretend to weld (because that’s not what Girl Scouts do!), and that Kylie got to learn a new skill.
“I thought the PSA turned out really well. The script was inspirational, and I was asked to come back another day to record the voice-over,” Kylie said. “I liked everything about it. It [the PSA] also shows a girl falling down and getting back up, which means you don’t have to be perfect. You just have to try and you can accomplish anything, even welding!”
For Kylie, who started Girl Scouts as a Daisy, being part of this project was just one of the many amazing things she’s had the opportunity to do through Girl Scouts—taking memorable camping trips, completing countless community service projects centered on protecting and nurturing the environment, earning badges, mentoring younger Girl Scouts. And, of course, embarking on many adventures to practice leadership early and often with her Girl-Scout-forever friends.
“I think being in Girl Scouts has really opened her [Kylie’s] eyes to community and giving. If she hadn’t been in Girl Scouts, I don’t think she would have been so exposed to that,” Tracy said. “I really like that about Girl Scouts—the emphasis on giving back and helping those in need. I think it’s made her more mature for her age. She is very generous, and I attribute a lot of that to being a Girl Scout. I think the experience has really shaped who she is.”
To Kylie, leading like a Girl Scout has always meant to lead with confidence, take initiative, and be ready to do anything to help out. “ I think being a Girl Scout has really made me more of a leader, a go-getter, and a risk-taker because whenever there is something I want to do, I make sure I push forward and achieve my goal. Girl Scouts has played a huge role in that.”
We’re so proud of you, Kylie, and can’t wait to see what you accomplish next!
Want to learn more about what it means to be a G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader), and how you can get involved with the largest leadership organization for girls in the world?
