Driven to Learn: Girl Scouts Master Car Care at Brookdale

High school Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, from Monmouth and Ocean Counties, recently gathered at Brookdale Community College’s Automotive Technology Department to earn their Car Care Badge, gaining hands-on experience with essential vehicle maintenance and in road safety.

Led by Brookdale’s Associate Professor of Automotive Technology, Ivan Anderson, and Instructor George Poosikian, the program provided the Girl Scouts with valuable skills. This badge is part of the Girl Scouts’ effort to build practical life skills and is designed to give ninth through twelfth graders a foundational understanding of vehicle maintenance and safe driving practices.

Participants learned how to change a tire, replace windshield wiper blades, check and fill wiper fluid, and jumpstart a car battery. Additionally, they explored vehicle safety features, assessed brake pads, examined air and cabin filters, and discussed how to handle roadside emergencies safely.

“The girls were engaged and eager to learn. They asked a lot of questions, especially knowing they are starting to drive or will be driving soon,” said Devin Carrick, Girl Experience Manager for the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. “Even the adults who attended found it valuable; you might have been driving for 20 years, but it’s always helpful to refresh your knowledge.”

Carrick, a Brookdale alumna, earned an Associate of Arts degree before completing a bachelor’s degree in cultural anthropology with a minor in women’s and gender studies at Rutgers University. She was instrumental in bringing this opportunity to the Girl Scouts. This marks the second year the Girl Scouts have partnered with Brookdale for the Car Care Badge workshop, and plans are already underway for next year.

The program also covered consumer awareness, such as understanding when a mechanic might be upselling unnecessary services, a beneficial topic for young women entering the world of vehicle ownership. Discussions extended to eco-friendly cars, including hybrid and electric models, emphasizing fuel efficiency and environmental impact.

The Girl Scouts badge journey emphasizes the development of a broad skillset as part of their progression toward the prestigious Gold Award, the highest achievement in Girl Scouting. While the Car Care Badge is not a direct prerequisite for the Gold Award, the experience fosters independence and confidence, benefiting Girl Scouts as they tackle future community projects and leadership roles.

Brookdale is committed to community engagement and education beyond traditional classroom settings. “We love hosting programs like this because it empowers young people and opens their eyes to opportunities in automotive technology,” said Anderson.

For more information about Brookdale’s Automotive Technology degree program please visit the website page.

About Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore: Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore serves over 11,000 members in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing a time-tested leadership experience that inspires and motivates them to take action for themselves and their communities. Girl Scouts builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. For more information about Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore, please visit gsfun.org.