This year, the National Parks are turning 100! That means it’s time for Girl Scouts get outside and join the celebration. The good news? It’s summertime, so the outdoors is exactly where we want to be!
As Girl Scouts, we know the importance of our environment, and how our conservation actions can make a difference for the planet. With that in mind, I hit the road and met up with Smokey Bear, the US Forest Service’s face of fire prevention and conservation, to get the inside scoop on some of the great things you can do in National Parks this summer!
To get in the mood, wish the National Parks a “Happy Birthday” along with some woodland creatures.
Find Your Park
There are lots of National Parks around us. You can find parks along with different activities and ideas, or see lists of all National Parks in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Iowa.
Earn a Patch
Girl Scouts who visit National Parks can earn an exclusive patch for their adventures through the Girl Scout Ranger Program. Just take some time to think about what you may want to do at a park. (Think exploring over 500 rare species of wildflowers in Pipestone, visiting the water power park on the Mississippi, or walking the National Scenic Trail where mammoths and saber tooth cats walked 15,000 years ago during the Ice Age.) Then give the park a call to let the Girl Scout Ranger program or volunteer coordinator know what you’re interested in – they can help your ideas come to life when you visit the park! Contact info can be found at the bottom of each park’s website.
Share the Love
We want to see all of your adventures! If you take photos while you’re out exploring, be sure to tag them so we can see all the fun you’re up to! #girlscoutsrv #gsOutdoors #NPS100 #Findyourpark
P.S. June is National Get Outdoors month, and what better way to celebrate than visiting a National Park! Don’t worry if you don’t make it to a park until later in the summer – you can earn your ranger patch anytime.
Emily Burck – Emily has worked at River Valleys for nearly seven years in many roles, including Product Program, Service Unit Support, and Troop Support, and she is now the Senior Director of Council Program. Before River Valleys, Emily worked in youth programming in the YMCA Beacon’s program, the Minneapolis school district, three social housing communities, and Camp Menogyn, where she first realized the profound impact of girl-specific programming. Minneapolis born and raised, Emily loves to travel, get outside and explore, and camp in Yellowstone, California, and the BWCA.
