A massive gathering of Girl Scouts at Golden Gate National Recreation Area in California was the first step in a national movement to get the girls better connected with the National Park System.
More than 6,000 Girl Scouts turned out last Saturday to mark the announcement of the revamped Girl Scout Ranger Program in Golden Gate. The program, a joint venture between the National Park Service and the Girl Scouts of the USA, connects girls to national parks throughout the United States, including monuments, seashores, and urban sites.
National Park Service Deputy Director Peggy O’Dell and GSUSA National Board President Kathy Hopinkah Hannan joined 6,200 Girl Scouts for a hike and festival that stressed the importance of outdoor activity, healthy choices, and respect for the environment.
“The National Park Service and Girl Scouts have the same goal – providing meaningful and memorable outdoor experiences for girls,” said Deputy O’Dell. “This partnership will introduce scouts to the many ways they can play, learn, serve, and work in our national parks. We want each girl to ‘Find Your Park’ and enjoy these treasures.”
Through the program, girls can participate in a variety of organized educational or outdoor service projects. Additionally, Girl Scouts may design their own project that aligns with their Girl Scout Journey experience, various badge activities, or a Take Action (“highest award”) project. Girls who successfully complete projects will be awarded certificates from the National Park Service and patches from the Girl Scouts.
Girls and troops who wish to participate in the program can visit www.nps.gov to locate a park near their home. There, they can also explore the history of the park and learn about its natural and cultural resources. Troop leaders and parents can arrange activities, such as hikes, bike rides, wildlife watching, and guided interpretive tours. The Girl Scout Ranger Program encourages girls to build their own unique park experience, earning badges and patches along the way.
“Girl Scouts is very excited to offer girls this incredible opportunity to explore the outdoors. Our national parks are an important part of the American landscape, both physical and cultural, and they have provided generations of American families with unique outdoor experiences. Now, through this partnership, we can offer Girl Scouts everywhere a chance to get outside and learn about nature and the importance of taking care of our environment,” said Ms. Hopinkah Hannan.
Comments
Absolutely an example of a much better way to introduce young people to our parks - as opposed to Anheuser-Busch's goal of "introducing a new generation of beer drinkers" to those areas!
Agreed, Jim. Programs to get more girls, more boys, more kids in general, as well as any other demographic. Getting them hooked young, on something healthy, is a Good Thing.