Outdoor experiences in Girl Scouts provide opportunities for girls to discover, connect, and take action in ways that build courage, confidence, and character. These experiences increase girls’ understanding and curiosity about the natural world and shape girl leaders who are environmentally conscientious.
Spending time in the outdoors is a cornerstone of the Girl Scout
Leadership Experience. The all-girl environment and proven programming
show girls the benefits of outdoor experiences in ways that encourage
them to take healthy risks and overcome their fears. Explore all the
outdoor experience that Girl Scouts has to offer!
Check back weekly for new outdoor activities!
GIRLS IN THE WOODS: Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors are invited to take a behind-the-scenes look at careers with the US National Forest Service through videos with women who work in botany, recreation, timber and corresponding at-home activities. Get started!
NEW! BUILD YOUR OWN HIKING FIRST AID KIT: Anytime you go hiking or camping, you need to bring a first aid kit! First aid kits will look different depending on the type of activity you plan on doing outdoors. This activity will help complete Step 3 of the Brownie and Junior First Aid badges. In this video, GSOSW Outdoor Specialist Angie will teach you all about the importance of first aid kits in the wilderness, then learn how to make one of your own in this fun activity. Learn more and get started!
NEW! MAKE YOUR OWN VISION BOARD: Do you have any big Outdoor adventure goals for the future? Dream big and start to put those goals into action by making your very own outdoor vision board with this fun and creative activity! This activity will help you to complete Step 1 of the Trail Adventure badge and Snow or Climbing Adventure badges for all grade levels. Get started!
Camp on!: The new summer 2020 Girl Scout camp experience! Through three options: GSOSW’s monthly Experience Kits, virtual campouts (monthly Camp In Campout), and outdoor skill workshops, your girl will continue to gain confidence in the outdoors and experience the magic of Girl Scout camp at home. She’ll try something new, connect with other Girl Scouts and even earn a Camp On! patch along the way! Join us this summer to develop skills, build confidence and stay mentally and physically active through adventures with Camp On!
FIGURE 8 FOLLOW THROUGH KNOT: Practicing knots is a great way to build your climbing skills without having to leave home! The Figure 8 Follow Through is an essential knot for all climbers to learn and practice. Learn how with this helpful resource sheet!
HOW TO MAKE A TOILET PAPER PLANTER: Learn how to make a small planter from repurposed materials to get your summer garden started! This activity can help you complete Step 1 of the Junior Flowers badge or Step 4 of the Junior Gardener badge! Get started.
HOW TO SET UP A CAMPSITE: Silver Award Girl Scouts from Troop 41105 teaches you how to set up the best campsite possible. Learn more!
THE 7 PRINCIPLES OF LEAVE NO TRACE: Check out this awesome activity led by Girl Scout Senior Natalie! Learn all about the 7 Leave No Trace Principles, and how you can apply them on your next outdoor adventure!
GREAT OUTDOORS CHALLENGE: Participate in the GSOSW Great Outdoors Challenge! Many of these activities can be done in your own home, backyard, or neighborhood. You don’t have to stick to just this month’s activities! Explore as many as you’d like. Be sure to track them in your nature journal!
GIRL SCOUT RANGERS & THE 19TH AMENDMENT: The National Park Service and Girl Scouts of the USA are commemorating the centennial of the ratification of the 19th Amendment with a limited-edition commemorative patch, activity guide, and special awards. The Girl Scout Ranger 19th Amendment Patch Program will enhance Girl Scouts’ understanding of the significance of the 19th Amendment which removed the gender restriction to voting and granted many women the right to vote. Celebrate the advances that resulted from the suffrage movement and key historical figures who were involved.
THE 10 ESSENTIALS OF HIKING AND CAMPING: Join GSOSW Outdoor Program Specialist Angie Madsen at Camp Arrowhead to learn about the Ten Essentials for hiking, camping and other ourdoor adventures! What do you need to be prepared in the outdoors? Watch this video to find out, then try it out yourself with this at-home activity.
KNOTS: Learn and practice the 10 Essential Knots every Girl Scout should know!
The 2020-2021
Great Outdoors Challenge is here!
The Great Outdoors Challenge is all about getting outside and getting excited about the amazing natural world around us! Each month, complete a challenge like day hiking, geocaching or gardening and document it in your nature journal. Complete the challenge by June 2021—National Great Outdoors Month—and you'll earn a special fun patch! Patches are available for purchase at any GSOSW Shop.
Cadettes, Seniors and Ambassadors can get an inside look at what it's like to work in the outdoor industruy and learn more about the many outdoor career paths that are an option for them in the Outdoor Career Exploration: Trails to Your Future patch program. This patch program features interviews with women who have outdoor work experience, career preparation activities and tips to help Girl Scouts land their dream outdoor job.
