Get ready to turn up the outdoor excitement this summer, Girl Scouts!
Experiencing the joy of being outside is easier than you think. When you take the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoor Challenge, you’ll score a snazzy new patch and have access to 50 fun outdoor activities. Whether you’re surrounded by city blocks or towering trees, there are plenty of ways to put yourself out there, soak up the sun, and reap the benefits of being outdoors.
Did you know that going outside can be a total game-changer? It’s true! Besides the obvious thrill and fun, being active in nature can zap stress and help you find your inner Zen. Plus, it’s the perfect opportunity to make new friends and build a fantastic outdoor-loving community.
Feeling unsure about how to unleash your inner explorer this summer? Fear not! We’ve got you covered with a taste of the amazing activities awaiting you:
Walk on a local trail.
Find your favorite pair of shoes and get walking! You can explore an urban trail that winds through your city or hike on a wooded trail with friends or family. Along the way, take note of any interesting sounds you hear and take pictures. Can you hear birds singing? Do you see any cool plants?
Ride a bike.
Pedal your way to adventure by hopping on a bicycle. Riding a bike is a low-impact, environmentally friendly way to get around quickly. Be sure to wear a helmet and use hand signals, especially when you’re riding around cars.
Look at & identify plants on your street.
What types of plants do you see on your street? Look closely! You might find nature in even unlikely places, like the sidewalk! If you’re not sure what type of plant you’re looking at, ask an adult for help.
Sit in the sun.
The sun helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, which helps us stay healthy. Just 15 minutes of being in the sun can improve your mood and help you sleep at night. Always remember to wear sunscreen to protect against sunburn.
Make a garden box.
Garden boxes are a great way to bring nature into your own backyard or even to your windowsill. The box can be as big or as small as you want. First, decide what you’d like to plant. You can plant flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Then, choose how you’d like to build your box. You can use supplies from around the house, like old boxes and glue, to make a quick and easy DIY garden box. Ask an adult for help with getting seeds and soil. Once you’ve planted your seeds, research how often they should be watered and how much sun you need. Take care of your plants and soon, you’ll see them bloom!
With these five fun outdoor activities, you’ll explore your neighborhood and discover the wonder of the outdoors, no matter where you live.
Ready to put yourself out there? Join us for the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge, running from June 1 to September 10. Download the FREE activity sheet with 50 fun activities that will get you out and exploring. Inspire others to embark on their own thrilling journeys by sharing your experiences using #gsOutdoors. Can’t wait to see where the adventure takes you!