GRASONVILLE — Ensuring local horseback riders have an engaging sensory trail experience, three members of Girl Scout Troop 899 in Centreville recently partnered with Talisman Therapeutic Riding to earn their Silver Award.
Queen Anne’s County High School students Grace Anderson-Schultz, Aleah Davis and Katlyn Harvey designed, built and installed two sensory boards along Talisman’s riding trail, said Troop volunteer and Silver Award mentor Erin Anderson.
During an April 2024 visit to the Grasonville riding center, the girls learned about Talisman’s mission and the needs of its therapeutic horsemanship program. Sensory trails are a key part of that program, giving riders opportunities to engage their senses and improve cognitive, physical and emotional skills.
The scouts noticed that an existing sensory board featuring bottles of scented materials was weathered and poorly located. With assistance from Lowe’s Home Improvement in Easton, they designed two new boards, including one with various textured surfaces for a tactile experience, Anderson said.
After digging post holes and setting concrete themselves, the scouts installed the new boards in two different locations along the trail. Riders can now interact with the boards while on horseback, exploring scents and textures that encourage balance, focus and sensory development.
Built from long-lasting, weather-resistant materials, the new additions will serve riders for years to come, Anderson said. “I’m confident these contributions to Talisman will stand the test of time,” she said.
The project did not stop there. The scouts also built wooden benches for Talisman’s garden area, which supports the farm’s vegetable sales and donations. Grace Anderson-Schultz said the benches were her favorite part of the project.
“I liked building the benches,” she said. “I got to use power tools and build stuff with my mom.”
Anderson said the project took more than a year to complete and gave the girls valuable experience in design, problem-solving and teamwork. “They were willing to tackle new challenges and learn new things,” she said.
The Silver Award is the second-highest honor a Girl Scout can earn, requiring at least 50 hours of work on a sustainable project that benefits the community. Only about 10 percent of Girl Scouts achieve it, Anderson said.
“It felt good to see these girls plan and execute this project, fulfilling all of their requirements,” she said. “There were times they felt overwhelmed or tired, but they persevered together to see it through.”
Information about joining local Girl Scout troops can be found at mygs.girlscouts.org
Click here to read original article from the Bay Times and Record Observer.
