The “Girl Scouts to the Moon and Back” essay contest was promoted in early 2022 as a way to get Girl Scouts excited about and interested in space exploration and STEM. The contest, implemented by Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) provided an opportunity for Girl Scouts to submit an essay and have the chance to earn their very own badge that has been to outer space aboard NASA’s Orion spacecraft. 15 winners from each Girl Scout level across the country were selected. The inclusion of 90 Girl Scout Space Science badges on NASA’s Artemis I mission demonstrates the important role women—many of them Girl Scout alums—have played and continue to play in scientific discovery and the exploration of our universe.

Girl Scout Adalyn from Troop #536 in Wake County entered the contest as a Daisy by submitting her essay. Girl Scouts from all across the country entered into the contest in hopes of receiving their own badge. Adalyn was nervous but hopeful, and over the moon when she discovered she was one of the lucky winners.

According to mother Rachel J., Adalyn was super excited about being an essay winner. “She loves Girl Scouts and has developed amazing friendships,” says Rachel, “things like the essay contest really encourage her to step out of her comfort zone and try new things. Writing isn’t her favorite subject, but she tried hard and felt so proud. Then imagine the feeling to find out she actually won! It was a pretty incredible moment.” In her free time, Adalyn continues to learn more and more about space through reading and researching. She knows many interesting facts, and recently saved up her chore money to purchase a space station Lego set in celebration of her essay.

We are beyond excited to have Girl Scouts’ important role in STEM be recognized through NASA’s inclusion of Girl Scout badges onboard the Orion spacecraft. It is Girl Scouts like Adalyn who inspire other girls and young women to pursue STEM fields, and we are honored to have Adalyn represent our Girl Scouts – North Carolina Coastal Pines council with her knowledge and courage.

You can join us in congratulating Adalyn by leaving a comment on this blog or by joining in on the celebration on our social media channels. To learn more about STEM opportunities and other programming, visit our website today!