Is connecting with nature in meaningful ways possible even if we live in areas surrounded by city streets, sidewalks, civic buildings, and plazas? The answer is YES! Whether your Girl Scouts live in an urban, suburban, or rural area, they can experience the benefits and joy of being outside.
Did You Know?
Time spent outdoors has been suggested to have restorative benefits and can help with stress reduction and prevention of depression. Source
When youth spend time outside, they explore nature, science, and the environment, which provide opportunities to get inspired, have fun, and be present with their thoughts and surroundings. Additionally, outdoor experiences contribute to better mental wellness, foster leadership skills, and increase levels of physical activity. Girl Scouts who participate in outdoor activities on a monthly basis are stronger challenge-seekers and problem-solvers than those who don’t.
The best part? Your Girl Scout can join the Girl Scout summer outdoor fun no matter where they live. That’s right! Watching the sunset from a city rooftop; taking action on climate change in your suburban backyard, or spending time outside chasing butterflies in the backcountry—a Girl Scout can do it all!
Lace up those sneakers, restock your daypack, and get ready to spend some time outside. Step one is deciding on your summer adventure:
Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge
Celebrate your love of the great outdoors with this year’s challenge! From their window to a campsite, the sidewalk, or an even open trail, Girl Scouts of each grade level can complete this challenge with several activities and score an awesome patch.
Climate Challenge
Earth is calling. Will you answer? Through the Girl Scout Climate Challenge, Girl Scouts of all ages can learn more about the current state of climate change, connect with their communities, spread awareness, and earn a special patch.
Girl Scouts Love State Parks
Explore the natural wonders found across our country during the Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend, which is happening on September 10 and 11 this year. Head out to your local state parks for self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing, special events, and more! For information about events near you, contact your local Girl Scout council.
Newly Updated Brownies Pets Badge, made possible by the Elliott Wildlife Values Project.
Whether they’re cute and cuddly or slimy and scaly, pets are so much fun. With the modernized Brownie Pets badge, Girl Scouts have access to more tools that focus on pet safety and fun in the outdoors, as well as learning the difference between pets and wild animals. Get started with this FREE sample activity.
Newly Updated Daisy Petal Badges
Daisy petals have been expanded to become badges. And now the Daisy petal badges, handbook, and volunteer guide are combined in a single book for easy use—AMAZING! You'll find many fun outdoor activities woven throughout these badges that your Daisy is sure to love! Get started with this FREE sample activity.
So, which badge or patch is your Girl Scout planning to score first?
Check out the official Girl Scouts Outdoor portal for details. Better yet, invite your non-Girl Scout besties to join in on the fun! We can’t wait to hear from you! Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok, and join the conversation using #gsOutdoors.