Claire Teitelbaum Silver Award project
Girl Scout Troop 40950
On September 12, 2023, Claire Teitelbaum of Berkeley Heights Girl Scout Troop 40950, presented her Silver Award project to the residents of Autumn Lake Healthcare. The Girl Scouts Silver Award is the second highest award of the Girl Scouts of the USA, and the highest award that a Girl Scout Cadette can earn. The award is earned after a Girl Scout completes a project that helps make a difference in their community. The project must have a lasting impact and bring a positive change to that community.
Claire chose to help the residents of Autumn Lake. “I had to think for a long time about which part of my Berkeley Heights community needed some attention, and then I thought about the residents here at Autumn Lake. My grandfather was a resident here a few years ago, and I always enjoyed visiting him and doing activities with him”, said Claire.
The result of Claire’s hard work is a series of activity mats, called “Memory Mats”, which will help the residents who are suffering from dementia and memory loss.
Using the methods taught to her as a child in Montessori school, as well as generous crafts donations from the Berkeley Heights community, Claire researched and designed four sensory mats. Maria Delia, of Maria’s Sewing Box, charitably donated her time and expertise to give Claire sewing lessons. “Claire was such a pleasure to teach sewing skills to and that she chose a project that would benefit the elderly.”-Maria Delia
Sensory mats are activity mats that are widely used with toddlers, children, and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as seniors suffering from memory loss. These therapeutic mats will provide a variety of activities and tactile sensations to keep the residents active and busy. The different fabrics and textures can offer sensory stimulation that can be reassuring and have a calming effect.
“I made four mats in total, all similar but not exactly alike. I used many bright and welcoming colors to stimulate the senses. There are also many different textures and fabrics, and some fabrics offer sounds as well. By using these mats daily, I hope they will help the residents with their muscle memory, increase their focus, help engage their gross motor stimulation, and calm them down when feeling agitated or stressed”, says Claire.
“I’ve worked here at Autumn Lake for 17 years! These sensory mats are amazing! Most definitely one of the most creative projects ever presented to us! Our residents REALLY enjoy them, and they keep them entertained for a while! (Which is a difficult task normally.)
I also notice that our residents play with them “together “, which is so nice to see! The interaction and fun they have brought to us is a beautiful thing!
Claire’s presentation was also so heartfelt and beautiful! She showed such love and compassion toward our residents while presenting them.
We couldn’t be more grateful that Claire chose us for her amazing creative project.” Said Cathy Balsamo, Autumn Lake Healthcare.
Here is what the residents have to say:
“Not only do we enjoy the activity mats, we loved the presentation and the visit from Claire!”
“The mats are something different then our usual puzzles, cards and board games, they are entertaining for us.”
“We enjoy playing with them when we are watching television.”
“I like that my hands can stay busy buckling and unbuckling and tightening and untightening. I even remembered how to tie a tie!”
“The activity mats are fun!”
Claire really enjoyed making these mats and is proud to have been involved in the Silver Award project. She hopes the residents at Autumn Lake enjoy them as well and will get many years of use out of them!
