Girl Scouts from Florida’s Gulfcoast treated local senior citizens to a virtual sing-along on April 28 as part of their “Across the Generations” council-wide service project. Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida partnered with Harbor Chase in Sarasota for an old-fashioned campfire sing-along, with a virtual twist. Using an online platform, more than 100 girls, family members, and volunteers sang familiar favorites such as “The Brownie Smile Song,” “Do Your Ears Hang Low,” and “Make New Friends” to the enjoyment of assisted and independent living facility residents across the area.

“I am currently living in an independent living center and have not been able to leave the building for several weeks,” said Betty Webb, a long-time Girl Scout volunteer. “Listening to the camp songs brought back some very nice memories. I thought the idea for the project was very timely and kind.” 

Girl Scouts began the service project in March by sending cards, letters, and drawings to local nursing homes and assisted and independent living facilities, whose residents are feeling isolated during the COVID-19 lockdown. The virtual sing-along was also held in conjunction with the 2020 Giving Challenge.

“The Giving Challenge is all about giving back to the community, whether it’s a monetary donation to your favorite local nonprofit organizations or a simple act of kindness during these especially challenging times,” said Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida CEO Mary Anne Servian during the sing-along. “Girl Scouts are well-known for giving back to their communities, and today, we celebrate that tradition of service with a virtual sing-along to lift your spirits.”

Held April 28-29, the Giving Challenge was sponsored by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County and further supported by The Patterson Foundation. The Girl Scout council, along with hundreds of nonprofits in Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto, and Charlotte Counties, raised funds to help support their programs. 

The virtual sing-along is available for viewing on Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida’s Youtube channel. For more information about joining Girl Scouts, volunteering, or making a donation, visit www.gsgcf.org, or call 800-232-4475.

Click here to see the video.