Cypress-Area Girl Scout Launches Teen Fitness Initiative
Meet Mary Marie Carmel, an inspiring 11th-grade student at Bridgeland High School and seasoned Girl Scout who is on a mission to bridge the gap in fitness opportunities for teenagers. Frustrated by the lack of options for teens like herself who want to pursue their fitness goals but may not qualify for competitive or club sports, Mary Marie has taken matters into her own hands through her Gold Award project, the highest honor a Girl Scout can earn.
Mary Marie has always been passionate about fitness and sports. From her early years in tee ball and soccer to her later interest in Zumba, staying active has been a significant part of her life. But after aging out of community sports and grappling with the high standards of club sports and school programs, she noticed a gap in the local fitness scene. And Mary Marie has heard similar sentiments of disappointment from many of her teen peers.
Mary Marie, second from right in an orange shirt, after Zumba class at the Fairfield Athletic Club. (Source: Mary Marie Carmel)"I tried to find avenues for teens like me who wish to pursue their fitness goals, but they were either too competitive or had age restrictions," says Mary Marie. "There's a real gap between the ages of 14 and 17 where teens don't have much opportunity to stay physically active and fit."
To tackle this issue, she decided to center her Gold Award Project on a mission for change through "Girls Fitness United." This initiative aims to establish a fitness class designed for teens aged 14 to 17 at her local athletic club in Fairfield. The goal is to cater to teen girls who might not qualify for competitive sports or club sports, yet harbor a desire to maintain their physical health and connect with like-minded peers close to home.
Her frustration stemmed from attending the Zumba class at Fairfield Athletic Club, where she was the youngest participant. "I enjoyed the classes, but I always felt a bit out of place. I wanted to create a space where teens like me could get age-appropriate instruction and feel a sense of camaraderie," she adds.
Mary Marie pitching her Gold Award at a recent leadership meeting. (Source: Mary Marie Carmel)Participation in "Girls Fitness United" will be open to teens who reside in and outside of Fairfield, although non-residents will have to a pay a nominal, one-time fee of $20. For those who need financial support to participate, Mary Marie plans to utilize funds from her Girl Scout cookie sales to ensure access for all.
Her mother, Karen Carmel, shares her daughter's frustration and supports Mary Marie's mission completely. "My daughter's project is born out of her love for fitness and her desire to fill a void in our community. I truly believe this will benefit many teens who share the same passion for wellness."
Mary, who has been a Girl Scout since kindergarten, is no stranger to leadership. Last year, she was honored with the Distinguished Leader Award for her outstanding volunteerism. Outside her project, Mary works part-time at Cinemark, plays acoustic guitar, draws anime - she even has an Instagram account dedicated to her art, @mary_lover017 - and maintains a keen interest in animation/digital media. Her ambitions point towards a potential future with Disney or Universal.
Her vision for teen-focused fitness doesn't stop in Fairfield. She hopes that this fitness initiative could inspire similar programs in other communities and bring fitness opportunities to teens of all abilities and skill levels. As she continues her journey towards her Gold Award, Mary Marie invites you to visit her project website and support her cause. Join her in shaping a healthier, active, and connected teen community.
"This project is not just for me or my friends, it's for every teen who wants to stay physically active and fit," adds Mary. "Together, we can make a difference. And that's what Girl Scouts has taught me."
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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