Carving them, lighting them up and baking pies with them…pumpkins are repurposed in a variety of ways during the fall season.  Now, Girl Scouts of Connecticut (GSOFCT) has created a new way to use them: as projectiles in a catapult launch!  Specifically, the preeminent leadership development organization for girls is hosting its annual Pumpkin Chuckin’ Challenge on Sunday, October 15, 2023, during nearly 200 participants will test their STEM skills by building a catapult, trebuchet, or slingshot to launch their pumpkin as far as it will go.  The annual event, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Camp An-Se-Ox in Oxford, is one step in the process of Girl Scouts earning their “Think Like An Engineer” merit badge.

“Our mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place has not changed, but certainly our organization’s focus on science, technology, engineering, and math has exponentially increased in recent years as more females are exploring and entering careers within STEM fields,” said Diana Mahoney, Chief Executive Officer of Girl Scouts of Connecticut.  “Our organization introduces girls of every age to unique STEM experiences relevant to everyday life. Whether they're discovering how a car's engine runs, how to manage finances, or how to launch pumpkins the farthest, girls are reaching new heights as they fast-forward into the future!”

The daylong event is open to Girl Scout Brownies, Cadettes, Seniors, and Ambassadors currently in 6^th to 12^th grade, who are sectioned into groups and led by GSOFCT instructors and volunteers with STEM expertise to work with sophisticated physics and math calculations in building their particular launching devices.

“There is always a spirit of collaboration and excitement at this event, now in its second year,” adds Mahoney.  “It’s truly awe-inspiring to see how girls from the various grade levels approach the challenge and create a solution amidst a loud-cheering crowd!”

For more information about STEM programs and activities offered by GSOFCT, please visit www.gsofct.org.

We Are Girl Scouts of Connecticut

Girl Scouts bring their dreams to life and work together to build a better world. Through programs from coast to coast, Girl Scouts of all backgrounds and abilities can be unapologetically themselves as they discover their strengths and rise to meet new challenges—whether they want to climb to the top of a tree or the top of their class, lace up their boots for a hike or advocate for climate justice, or make their first best friends. Backed by trusted adult volunteers, mentors, and millions of alums, Girl Scouts lead the way as they find their voices and make changes that affect the issues most important to them. To join us, volunteer, reconnect, or donate, visit gsofct.org.