Last year, thousands of Girl Scouts connected with nature in meaningful ways during the 2020 Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. And even though our adventures looked different, some in-person and some virtual, your participation and excitement made it clear: Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend had to come back in 2021!
Choose Your Own State Park Adventure!
After checking with your council to make sure they’re participating and hosting in-person events, celebrate Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend September 11–12 by signing up for local events. You can also choose to opt-out of any in-person offerings and explore state parks online from the comfort of your couch. To help you discover the magic from home, we’ve created a special interactive map.
The Patch and the Passport
Whether you choose to participate in an in-person event or explore state parks virtually, you can earn your limited-edition 2021 Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch. Head to the Girl Scout Shop or a participating council store to claim yours. And don't forget, you can also print and work on your Girl Scouts Love State Parks passport.
Enjoy the Outdoors Responsibly
Of course, as Girl Scouts, we want to be safe and prepared. Here are a few tips to consider before heading outdoors:
- Check with your council for guidance on event pre-registration and requirements. These may vary from council to council.
- Pack snacks, water, and any other essentials, such as hand sanitizer and sunscreen.
- If advised by your council or state government, bring a face mask.
- Leave no trace! Respect your state parks and be sure to take your garbage back with you. Better yet, show how much you love state parks (safely) by picking up trash when you see it. Make a pledge to pick up trash at www.pickupamerica.com/girlscouts.
- Check with the state park you’re visiting about which of their usual amenities might be closed. Call in advance to find out, for example, if their restrooms are open for use—and if not, make sure you go before you go!
Take to social media with your state park adventures. Tag your posts with @girlscouts and @thorindustries and use #gsoutdoors, #GSLoveStateParks, and #PickUpAmerica.
Girl Scouts is about having life-changing experiences, building friendships, and making the world a better place by caring for our beautiful planet and those around us. And the outdoors is the perfect place to do it all! So don’t wait! Get started on your Girl Scouts Love State Parks adventure.
Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend is made possible by THOR Industries and The VF Foundation.