Clark Girl Scout Creates Buddy Benches To Promote Kindness

CLARK, NJ — Clark resident and Cadette Girl Scout, Isabella Scipioni built two hardwood Buddy Benches as part of her effort to promote kindness and inclusion on the playground.

The two benches were placed at the playground at Franklin Elementary School in Rahway just before the new school year began.

Scipioni's idea for the Buddy Benches was part of her Silver Award Project for Girl Scouts. The Silver Award is the highest award a Cadette Girl Scout can earn. The award requires that at least 50 hours or more are spent on completing a community project that is sustainable.

Scipioni talked with Franklin School’s Principal, Aleya Shoieb, about the idea who invited her to speak about the Buddy Benches and how they promote social emotional learning to the Rahway Public School’s Education Committee in May.

Scipioni worked on the benches throughout the summer using donations from local businesses. Home Depot in Colonia donated all the wood, nails, glue and blue prints while Lowe’s Home Improvement in Woodbridge donated all the exterior paint.

The benches were delivered to the school before the new year began. Scipioni also showed a power point presentation along with a self-made movie to help train students and staff about the Buddy Bench’s proper function and use.

Scipioni said she is "very thankful for all the donations she received to create her benches."

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