On Nov. 2, 2019, Surprise-based Girl Scout Troop 4996 decided to find a local animal shelter that they could help to make a positive impact in their community.

However, after searching, they were shocked to discover that Surprise did not have an animal shelter in a permanent building. What they did find was a local foster care program called Chance Shelter.

Chance Shelter provides emergency animal services for animals in crisis situations. They assist pets and their owners who need assistance through alliances with valley fire departments, police departments and other charities.

After speaking with two of Chance Shelter’s volunteers, the troop found that Chance Shelter hosts different fundraising events like their Annual Spring Picnic in Spring and Furry Festival in the fall.

With news about Chance Shelter’s new land donation by Courtland Homes, they are focusing on raising money for a building on this site. The next fundraiser is the shelter’s third annual Furry Festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21 at Toyota Of Surprise 13543 N. Autoshow Ave.

Troop 4996 will be there with Life-size Jenga and multiple cornhole games. Troop 4996, with 17 members, two leaders and many helpful parents, decided that they would help Chance Shelter events by creating two more activities.

The first thing they made was cornhole boards. Girls met with their partner and painted their animal-themed designs with non-toxic paint on the cornhole face and put a clear coat on it. After drying, the girls fastened the frame to the face.

The second game is Life-size Jenga. Troop 4996’s girls measured and sanded the blocks for the game, and two of their dads helped cut and measure the blocks evenly. They added a clear coat to protect the blocks, which took a while. However, they sure were simpler than the cornhole boards.

After a few months of work and lots of paint fights later, the games were finished. They decided to publicize their work and the picnic event by writing a newsletter to present to the public. It also helps them complete their Scribe badge.

All Girl Scouts in their Junior level can complete their “Bronze Award”. This award, which is the highest honor a Junior Girl Scout can achieve, and is earned by helping their community and making a positive impact.

They also must make sure that their project is sustainable — meaning it will continue to make an impact even after the troop has completed their project. Troop 4996 knew that to accomplish this award, they wanted to help a local animal shelter.