A day center participant joining in on the gardening fun thanks to our new wheelchair accessible gardening bench!

A beautiful garden is a work of heart!

The Cadette and Junior Girl Scouts from Troop 53039 in Alexandria, VA recently completed a wonderful service project at the Insight Fairfax day center location. The project involved painting flowerboxes, planting flowers, and cleaning an outdoor sensory space for the participants.

The girls started by cleaning up the area and removing any debris that could cause a safety hazard. They then painted several flowerboxes with bright colors to make them visually appealing. Next, they carefully planted an assortment of colorful flowers, adding a cheerful touch to the outdoor space.

As they worked, the girls learned about the challenges that people experiencing dementia face. They learned that dementia is a progressive brain disorder that affects a person's ability to think, remember, and communicate. They also learned that people with dementia can experience mood swings, confusion, and frustration, which can make everyday tasks challenging.

The girls were able to connect with the experiences of the participants at Insight and learned valuable lessons about empathy and compassion. They understood that by creating a pleasant outdoor environment, they could help improve the quality of life for people in our community. They also learned that small acts of kindness can make a big difference in someone's day.

Overall, the service project was a great success. The participants were thrilled with the new outdoor space, and the girls were proud of their hard work and dedication to the community. The project not only benefited Insight's participants but also provided a meaningful experience for the girls that they will carry with them throughout their lives.

Additionally, many of the new garden items that expanded our space's natural beauty and functionality were funded by a grant from McLean Community Foundation in support of the Center’s recreation therapy services. Thanks to the McLean Community Foundation and the hard work of Troop 53039 our garden is now full of beautiful blooms and is accessible for all of our participants to enjoy!