Local Girl Scouts receive "Child Jesus" award

The Roman Catholic Diocese of Albany recognizes Giada Smith and Margaret Durfee, third-graders in Girl Scout Troop 3317 in Saratoga, for receiving the “Child Jesus” award.  

Both Catholic youth ministry and Girl Scouting share common core values and goals, such as character development and preparation for responsible citizenship, as well as spiritual and physical well-being. 

The Diocesan Committee on Scouting is committed to advocating the “duty to God” at each level of Girl Scouting. The Child Jesus award focuses on the life of Jesus, the sacrament of baptism, the mass, and prayer, alongside an understanding of how faith connects with Girl Scouting. 

Giada Smith and Margaret Durfee were the first to receive the award in more than five years.

“These girls exemplify what it means to be a Girl Scout and we are so very proud of their accomplishments,” said Mary Buszuwski, CEO of Girl Scouts of Northeastern New York. “We hope that more faith-based organizations consider Girl Scouts as a path to grow their youth ministry programs.”

Giada participates as an altar server at St. Paul’s Church and attends St. Clements Catholic School. She is involved in multiple extra-curricular activities such as ballet and Taekwondo and plays the flute. 

Margaret attends St. Mary’s Catholic School and enjoys playing softball and basketball as well as reading and taking trips to historic sites with her family. 

Both Smith and Durfree previously received the National Catholic Committee for Girl Scouts Family of God medal and the Girl Scouts USA My Faith/My Promise pins. 

For those interested in forming a troop within their youth ministry program please contact GSNENY Director of Membership, Beth Gould at [email protected] or at (518)-489-8110.