John Muir once said “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Becoming nature deficient is easy in a world increasingly dependent on technology and convenience. However, taking time to bask in nature by hiking is an important and fun way we can get outdoors, with or without our troops.
Northern California has so many national parks to explore, and so many amazing experiences for girls to take on! Girl Scouts can explore ancient trees towering over trails, a volcanic mountain venting steam, and waterfalls spraying thick mist. And that’s only the start! Check out these 8 national park adventures, from snowy trails to high adventure hikes.
We’ve all tied our shoelaces, but knot tying is so much more than just looping some string and pulling really tight—it’s an essential skill for taking on the outdoors. Whether your girls want to climb a mountain or dock a boat, here are 10 notable knots to show you and your girls the ropes.
Time to relax and play is so vital for a girl’s growth and development, yet it can be so difficult to make time for in a busy schedule. Read more on how to incorporate simple, but effective, mindfulness exercises into their everyday life that can help girls alleviate anxiety, and feel more confident and capable.
Whether winter camping means watching frost form on the window from the inside of a cozy, heated hotel room or it packing-in supplies to camp in the snow, here’s what how to plan a cozy winter outdoor adventure.
Camping with older girls is a whole new experience. They’re more independent, and capable of handling much of the trip planning and set up. But they also have different needs, interests, and goals than they did when they camped as younger Girl Scouts. Check out these tips for a successful older girl camping trip.
Camp can change your life. Girl Scout staff member and former camper and counselor Gabi shares how her experience at Camp Bothin shaped who she is today.
From packing your bag and planning your route to learning proper hiking etiquette and reflecting on your outdoor experience, here are 8 important topics to cover when planning a hike with your Girl Scouts.
From lesser known naturalist heroines like Rachel Carson and Herma Albertson Baggley to great conservationists like Jane Goodall, women have always had a place in exploring nature. But you don’t have to live with chimpanzees or trailblaze Yellowstone National Park to inspire a love of the outdoors in your girls! Dive into the complex beauty and diversity of the natural world with the Girl Scout Naturalist badges!
Girl Scouts are “out of the box” thinkers, taking basic badge requirements and coming up with inspired, creative ideas for activities to fulfill them! Here are 5 activities that will help your girls complete certain badge tasks in ways you might not have thought of!
Our council-run camps at Skylark Ranch, Sugar Pine, and Bothin are full of fantastic outdoor adventure, but they aren’t the only options! Volunteer-run camps (VRCs) also serve up a classic Girl Scout camp experience. From Gilroy to Humboldt and everywhere in between, there is a camp for every girl. Here are 5 reasons why you should sign your girl up for one of your local VRCs this summer.
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Camp is a transformative experience for every Girl Scout: trying new things, roasting marshmallows under the stars, and making life-long friends and camp sisters. But that kind of transformation can be daunting or even a little scary for first-time campers. Here are our four best tips on making sure your girl is a happy camper.
