GIRL SCOUTS OF THE USA

Girl Scouts Love State Parks

Girl Scouts Love State Parks (GSLSP) is an integral part of Girl Scouts’ efforts to increase access to the outdoors for all. It is a program intentionally designed to connect Girl Scouts and their families to local, accessible outdoor spaces that, for many, were previously unknown or not visited. GSLSP Weekend takes place across the country each September, with local state parks encouraging self-guided tours, family hikes, watersports, stargazing and more.

In addition to overall funding for GSLSP, two Girl Scout councils received grant funding to engage with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) girls and families as part of a new pilot program.

Girl Scouts of Colorado had 40 girls and 15 adults from troops in Title 1 districts take part in their GSLSP activities. Troops had their entrance fees to the park covered and joined staff at Barr Lake State Park for special programming. Troops were provided with outdoor supplies. Council staff were provided with annual state parks passes so they can return for outdoor skill building programs yearround. At Girl Scouts of Greater New York, 65% of the participants from their all-urban council were from minority backgrounds. Programs included rangerled activities such as estuary exploration, fishing, marine life seining, invasive species removal, bird watching, scavenger hunts, litter pick-up, bike repair workshops, Girl Scout songs, crafts and games. Girl Scouts who were unable to attend in person participated in a virtual event.

Girl Scout councils have openly embraced GSLSP Weekend and say it makes a bold statement that joining Girl Scouts means everyone should feel welcome and have access to the outdoors and have fun. This event is now considered a “valued activity” by the National Association of State Park Directors and has been incorporated into other signature national activations including the Girl Scouts Love the Outdoors Challenge.

45,000

GIRLS AND FAMILIES PARTICIPATED IN GSLSP

98

COUNCILS HOSTED ACROSS THE U.S. AND PUERTO RICO

518

36% EVENTS AT 367 STATE PARKS ACROSS THE U.S. AND PUERTO RICO

OF PILOT PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS WERE FROM UNDERREPRESENTED BIPOC COMMUNITIES