It’s time again for Girl Scouts Love State Parks! Every year, Girl Scouts get outdoors to explore nature and the natural wonders found all over the country in our state parks. Despite the many challenges posed by the global COVID-19 crisis, we’re making it possible for Girl Scouts to still participate and have fun. Plus, what better tonic for being cooped up in the house for many months than being in the wide, open spaces of a local state park? So join your Girl Scouts sisters along with family and friends on September 12–13, 2020 to discover the great outdoors. Let’s go!
Grab a Passport
Download the free Girl Scouts Love State Parks passport—complete with mini-games and reminders of Leave No Trace principles—to help guide your adventure throughout the weekend.
Visit In-person or Virtually
Whether you’d like to venture into the parks in-person or participate virtually from home, there are seemingly endless opportunities to join in the fun. Take a tour of the majestic Finger Lakes in upstate New York or see the Peace Arch at the United States and Canadian border—without leaving your couch. Find more activities and a full list of participating parks on Girl Scouts of the USA’s interactive map.
Prefer to visit in-person? Head to any state park (in Minnesota or in Wisconsin) and choose your own adventures: hiking, camping, packing a picnic, geocaching, bird watching, or even working to become a Junior Naturalist! (Note: Due to COVID-19, naturalist programs and amenities in parks are limited, so be sure to check the park website for updates before your visit).
Get Your Patch
Girls who experience the great outdoors—through a virtual or in-person program, or by completing a passport activity—can head to the Girl Scouts online store to purchase their Girl Scouts Love State Parks 2020 patch.
Stay Safe
Like many things now, outdoor activities need to be tweaked a bit to ensure our personal safety, and the safety of those around us. Always follow guidelines as issued by local and state health and government officials. If you’re planning a state park outing with your troop, be sure to follow Girl Scouts River Valleys’ In-Person Activity Guidance. Remember to pack snacks, water, and any other essentials (like hand sanitizer and face masks). It’s also always a good idea to check with your state park before heading out to see if they’re open and what amenities (if any) will be available. Then, plan accordingly.
Plan Your Next Adventure
Would you rather prep for a future trip? Keep checking back on Girl Scouts River Valleys’ website for videos and webinars featuring skills and tips to use on your next park visit.
No matter the route you choose, join us in celebrating our love of the outdoors, exploring the world around us, and learning the important role we play as environmental stewards. See you at the parks!
Heather Fleetwood – Heather is a program coordinator at Girl Scouts River Valleys. Originally from Chicago, her previous work as a park ranger has taken her all over the U.S. from Wyoming to Florida, before landing in Minnesota. Heather graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreation, park and tourism administration from Western Illinois University and loves spending every free moment outside. Whether kayaking a nearby lake, checking out a new trail, scoping out a rock-climbing area, or even learning to fly fish with her husband, Heather is always ready for an adventure and loves to share her passion for the outdoors with others.