Girl Scouts Honored by SNAP Organization

Special Needs Athletic Programs (SNAP Inc.) honored some 4th and 5th grade Morris Area Girl Scouts on Tuesday at for their outstanding contributions to the organization. Scouts from Troops 1224, 495 and 1864 were recognized for the commitments they have made recently to SNAP.

Special Needs Athletic Programs (SNAP Inc.) is a non-profit organization created to inspire youth to work together through athletics, peer mentoring activities, and educational programs. SNAP's goals are to ultimately raise awareness about the impact students can make in the lives of children with autism and other disabilities.

Kylee Strasser from Troop 1864 noted, ''In SNAP I am a mentor to a kid named Matt. And, we don't just hang out in the sports clinic, we'll hang out just like other friends do. We invited him to a pool party, bowling he even invited me to his school dance! SNAP is a place to make new friends while making a difference in the community.''

, a  sophomore, was there to present the girls with special medals for volunteering their time as mentors in one of the many programs SNAP offers such as swimming, Tae Kwon Do, sports and music clinics.

Michelle Bertram (Troop 1224) noted, "I looked forward to going to Tae Kwon Do every Monday night to see those smiling faces. It made me feel good and special to help the kids in this program."

Juliette LaMontagne (Troop 1224) said, "The kids are so nice and we have so much fun. I made a lot of new friends. It was a great opportunity for me to help other kids. It made me feel good."

Liana Kardaras (Troop 1864) points out, "To me, being a mentor for SNAP is just to be respectful and most of all to not judge kids or grown ups with special needs. They have little problems, but that doesn't mean they are different. They are all the same as us. They are all very happy, respectful and appreciate the help they can get from us. To be able to teach them new things, it touches their lives. It's an amazing feeling to put a smile on their faces! SNAP not only changes their lives, it definitely has changed mine, too!"

The girls from Scout Troop 1224 presented Zack and SNAP with specially designed SNAP Ambassador patches that were designed, produced and paid for by the girls to be given to all scouts who participate in SNAP programs as mentors.   

Troop 1224 had a goal to earn their Bronze Award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can earn. To earn this award the girls needed to work together to develop a community service project. The girls agreed that they all had an interest in working with children and because they knew about SNAP through the Coins for a Cause program and special training they received from SNAP they thought they would be a great organization to work with.

"SNAP is a great organization. It's an easy and fun way for kids to get involved in the community," said Juliette LaMontagne (Troop 1224).

Troop 1224 met with Zack and Mrs. Certner from SNAP to brainstorm ways for the girls to help SNAP. They suggested their desire to have a patch to give to scouts who volunteer for SNAP. A patch their volunteers could display on their scout uniforms.

The girls agreed to design a patch and fundraise to get the money needed to fund the patch. They got together as a troop for several craft nights and also helped to bake for a craft/bake sale. The girls raised enough money to pay for 120 patches.

"Our girls felt a connection with SNAP which is why they wanted to work with them. Zack had visited our school to work and train the kids and the organization took part in Coins for a Cause a couple of years ago.  Also, we have a young lady in our troop who has a special needs sister and she participates in the SNAP program so the girls wanted to help do something special for this orngaization," said Sharon Bertram,  co-leader of Troop 1224. 

By working with SNAP, the girls also learned about the many opportunities to become mentors for Special Needs children in our community. Most of the girls have become mentors for several SNAP programs including Tae Kwon Do, swimming and music clinics.

"To me, being a mentor for SNAP means that I am helping a person a little different than myself. It means making them smile, and am bringing happiness into their lives. Even though you may think they are different. They are not. They are just like you and me and I can make their day," said Faith Kardaras (Troop 1864).

It has been a learning experience for the girls, and they have enjoyed helping SNAP and the children in their programs.

Abigail Kirsinger (Troop 1864) said, "I like being a mentor at SNAP because seeing my SNAP buddy smile is priceless and our friendship means the world to me and to them."

–Sharon Bertram