Fitness key in scout’s Gold Award project

Goodrich-A local scout is hoping to put a new charge into fitness.
Jessica Taylor, 17, a high school senior this fall, is vying for her Girl Scout Gold Award’the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. Open only to girls in high school, Jessica’s project created a fitness circuit to introduce fitness to the community.
‘I was researching the issues in the community and realized there are no parks to work out in the area,? said Taylor, a member of Goodrich Troop 31. ‘So creating the fitness circuit is my effort to put physical activity into people’s lives. The facility is open to the public, you don’t need a gym or trainer.?
The circuit is located at the middle school and includes parallel bars, pull-up bars, balance beam, jump panel, step up and push up/sit up bench.
‘The stations that I have included within the circuit are the building blocks to many different workouts for all ages and skill levels,? she said.
Taylor raised the $600 needed for the project by going door-to-door and collecting change for residents. Also, several local businesses assisted with the project incluidng Brown’s Do-It Center, Bedrock Express, Lucy’s Pet Supplies and Feed, John’s Steakhouse and Continental Interior Designs, Inc.
‘I started in Girl Scouts when I was about 8-years-old and have been involved ever since,? she said. ‘After that I told my mother I wanted to be in scouting for life. I just love it. I’ve earned more than 100 badges over the years and just enjoy having the opportunity to meet so many people.?
Taylor, a National Honor Society student, will be attending Hillsdale College in the fall of 2014 to study forensics. She has earned a partial scholarship for softball as a member of the Martian softball team.
A demonstration of the fitness circuit will be at 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Sept. 30. Children under 10 must be with an adult. Contact Jessica at: 5sballtaylor@gmail.com.