By 1808Delaware, ODNR
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is inviting Girl Scouts and their families to enjoy a weekend of wilderness fun during the fourth annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend. Events with the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) will be held at Ohio State Parks and across the country on Sept. 10 and 11.
One of the highlighted and participating parks is Alum Creek State Park here in Delaware County.
“We are excited to welcome the Girl Scouts and their families back to our Ohio State Parks for a weekend of outdoor fun,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “It’s so important for young girls to learn to love nature – whether it’s through fishing, paddling, or hiking – so they can not only enjoy the natural world but develop a passion for protecting it.”
Each year, ODNR and GSUSA work together to introduce young girls to the wonders of nature. A study done by the Girl Scout Research Institute in 2019 revealed that 70 percent of girls who did not already enjoy the outdoors at the start of the study became more confident while also increasing their interest and commitment to the environment through their involvement with Girl Scouts.
All events are free to families and friends of Girl Scouts, however, attendees should check their local Girl Scout council’s official website to see who can participate in what event. Lessons from Ohio State Parks include Useful Knots Everyone Should Know, Go Fish!, Bird and Butterfly Observing, a Dutch Oven Crawfish Boil, and more.
The Council of Ohio’s Heartland will be hosting an event at Alum Creek State Park which will include fishing, kayaking, looking at reptiles, and a self-guided Storybook Trail Walk. Complete details can be found here (look under the Council of Ohio’s Heartland tab, including dates, times, and participation guidelines.
