Girl Scout Develops Program for Teens with Down Syndrome to Earn Gold

Nora Michaelis of Troop 14494 recently earned the Gold Award, the highest award available to Girl Scouts. Her project involved the creation of a mentoring program for teens with Down syndrome called bEquals (check them out on Instagram @bEquals_) at GiGi’s Playhouse Atlanta. Michaelis designed a series of events throughout the school year for teens with Down syndrome to partner with neurotypical teens to improve social skills and communication, as well as dissolve the stigma associated with working with kids with special needs.

In addition to the mentoring program, Michaelis fundraised for and designed a new coffee bar area and the teen/sibling lounge at GiGi’s Playhouse’s newly-renovated facility. The playhouse provides programming for individuals with Down syndrome free of charge. Check out their website at gigisplayhouse.org/atlanta for more information.

Michaelis commented, “Starting bEquals has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. My only regret is not starting it sooner. There’s such a need for neurotypical outreach programs, and I’m just happy to have really made a change in my community.”

Michaelis is a 16 year old Junior at King’s Ridge Christian School in Milton and is the daughter of Charlie and Keri, who has also been her troop leader since Kindergarten. For more information about Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, visit https://www.girlscoutsatl.org/.