Calling all Girl Scouts in Ohio – it's time to lace up your hiking boots and to proudly wear your sashes. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is set to host the seventh annual Girl Scouts Love State Parks weekend, from September 12 to September 14, as a call to adventure for Girl Scouts, their families, and their friends across the state. As reported by ODNR, participants will have the opportunity to engage in a variety of outdoor activities while learning valuable lessons on nature and conservation.
The weekend is a cooperative effort between ODNR and the Girl Scouts of the USA (GSUSA) and will feature special programs at 12 chosen state parks. "There’s nothing better than seeing young people discover the magic of Ohio’s great outdoors," ODNR Director Mary Mertz expressed in a statement obtained by ODNR. Events range from kayaking to wildlife watching, striving to spark a lifelong passion for the outdoors among attendees. Indeed, whether you prefer paddling a kayak or hiking through verdant landscapes, there's something tailored for every young explorer this weekend.
Activities are designed under the guidance of ODNR naturalists, ensuring that participants can not only safely enjoy the scenic beauty of parks like Pymatuning State Park and Maumee Bay State Park but also gain hands-on experience with activities such as fossil collecting at Hueston Woods State Park. Additionally, ODNR encourages those who wish for more autonomy in their adventure to take advantage of self-guided opportunities available in all 76 Ohio state parks. This flexibility ensures that attendees can craft an experience as unique as their badge-covered vests.
With an underlying message of conservation and empowerment, this event underscores ODNR’s commitment to support the Girl Scouts' mission to nurture girls who hold the courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place. These engaging activities aim to not only develop a connection with the great outdoors but to do so in a setting that is safe, supportive, and unquestionably inspiring.
Highlighting the accessibility of natural wonders, ODNR reminds us that Ohio’s state parks are open to the public free of charge, with event participation open to all Girl Scouts, their families, and friends. More details on activity registration and the exclusive Girl Scouts Love State Parks patch are available on the local Girl Scout council’s official website, a hub for all pertinent event information. Those eager to delve into the full spectrum of events can explore the full list of offerings on the ODNR official page.
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is dedicated not only to providing top-notch outdoor recreation and boating experiences but also to the careful balance of customer service, environmental education, and the conservation of the state's numerous parks and waterways. As they prepare to welcome a new cohort of nature enthusiasts this September, their mission to balance wise use with the protection of natural resources shines as a beacon for conservation efforts and community involvement alike.
