Bella Durbin from Shiloh Designated a Gold Award Girl Scout
Girl Scouts of Southern Illinois congratulates Bella Durbin from Shiloh, Illinois for becoming a Gold Award Girl Scout—a designation she earned by bringing the importance of mental health awareness front and center.
Bella has always been passionate about mental health education. When she was growing up, she often questioned why physical education classes were required, but none for mental health education. Bella also recognized the toll the COVID-19 pandemic took on people’s mental health. From there, the planning for her Girl Scout Gold Award project began.
Bella developed and held three separate events focused around mental health education and awareness. First, she held an event at the O’Fallon Public Library. At that event, kids were taught the importance of taking care of their mental health as well as coping tools in the form of activities and crafts. Second, Bella held an event with her Girl Scout Service Unit where she introduced the girl volunteers to a mental health app and showed them how to make their own “calm box” and self-soothing fidget toys to put inside. Finally, Bella held an event at the Downtown Belleville YMCA where various businesses and organizations were invited to speak about the importance of mental health relating to their business or organization.
“While discussing mental health is much less taboo than in the past, people are still wary around the subject. When I was planning my Gold Award project, I knew I wanted to do something relating to mental health education in order to make those who are struggling feel less alone and more supported and seen,” said Bella, reflecting on her project.
As they take action to transform their world, Gold Award Girl Scouts gain tangible skills and prove they are the leaders our community and world need. The Gold Award is earned by girls in grades 9–12 who demonstrate extraordinary leadership in developing sustainable solutions to local, national and global challenges. Since the highest award was established in 1916, Girl Scouts have answered the call to drive lasting, impactful change. The Gold Award is the mark of the truly remarkable.
Bella is the daughter of Natalie Durbin and Shawn Durbin. She recently graduated from O’Fallon Township High School. She is currently attending Columbia College Chicago where she is majoring in Film and Television. Bella is a Trifecta Girl Scout who has earned the Girl Scout Bronze Award, Girl Scout Silver Award, and Girl Scout Gold Award.
October 16, 2023
