'Zombie Challenge' To Test Lower Merion Girl Scout Preparedness

LOWER MERION TOWNSHIP, PA – About 100 Girl Scouts from a local Lower Merion unit will encounter zombies at an upcoming emergency preparedness program. That's right: zombies.

On Nov. 17, Girl Scouts from the Mill Creek Service Unit, the local Girl Scout unit that encompasses Lower Merion School District, will do the "Zombie Survival Challenge."

The challenger will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Narberth Borough Hall, 100 Conway Ave. in Narberth.

In the Zombie Survival Challenge, the Girl Scouts will learn skills to help their families and community during a natural disaster.

Emergency preparedness is often approached from a place of fear. The subject can be daunting and scary, especially for younger children. The Zombie Survival Challenge takes the fear away and replaces it with empowered Girl Scouts.

During the event, girls will cycle through hands-on learning stations earning patches on topics such as shelter, water, food, first aid, cooking, light & heat, pet safety, communication and mutual aid. The girls will even be able to "get zombiefied" at a special-effects makeup station.

Many local agencies and first responders are supporting the event, including the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, County Animal Response Team (CART), Lankenau Hospital, Lower Merion Fire Department, Lower Merion Police Department, Lower Merion Public Information Office, Narberth Ambulance, and Narberth Fire Department. Cabela's donated goods to be used at the event.

This patch program encourages Girl Scouts to engage in building resilience at the neighborhood level. Once completed, Girl Scouts will not only have taken charge of their learning but will be prepared and capable of taking a leadership role in their families and communities.

Leadership and other skills are an inherent part of the Girl Scout program for both girls and adult volunteers. All Girl Scout leaders are required to be First Aid/CPR/AED certified. Through badge and journey programs, most girls have earned First Aid badges. Many older girls are certified babysitters. In a large-scale disaster, and even in a smaller event, Girl Scouts can play a role in resilience and recovery.

The Mill Creek Zombie Survival Challenge was organized by Christine Weatherwax with Missy French (Service Unit Manager), Ali Liu-Brown, Eric Lowry and Marta Villarraga.

"What started as an idea for a small badge program has grown into a flagship event involving all areas of our community," said event organizer and troop leader Christine Weatherwax. "This takes the resiliency and outdoor skills the girls have been learning throughout the Girl Scout program to a whole new level. We are excited to give the girls the opportunity to expand on their knowledge and experiences in a fun new way."

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