Articles & Education
Resources, articles and education supporting Girl Scouts outdoors!
Girl Scout, Youth, & Adult Programming
The Girl Scout Ranger Program is a partnership connecting Girl Scouts with National Park Service sites across the United States.
USDA Forest Service
Free Junior Ranger Book & Pin. Learn about ecosystems, preventing forest fires, and more! Available in print and .pdf.
Stickers, Magnets, and Games!
LEAVE NO TRACE
Leave No Trace is a great resource for novice and experienced adventurers to learn about outdoor etiquette and backcountry ethics. https://lnt.org/
Take the pledge:
https://lnt.org/pledge/
For decades the National Wildlife Federation has worked to connect children and youth with nature, inspiring children through Ranger Rick® magazine, working with educators to get kids learning outdoors, and helping parents find new ways to engage their children outside. https://www.nwf.org/Kids-and-Family/Connecting-Kids-and-Nature
National Geographic Educator Certification
Demonstrate your expertise in interdisciplinary teaching and join a community of changemakers.
Many different on site and virtual education programs available. Suggestion: Eco Friend Badge
PeakFinder shows the names of all mountains and peaks with a 360° panorama display.
Gear, Cool Tools, Apps, Science
Outdoor Gear Lab – have you ever wanted to buy an outdoor product and been stumped about which product is best? Outdoor Gear Lab provides trustworthy reviews and side-by-side comparisons of latest high-quality outdoor gear. Reviews are not sponsored by manufacturers. http://www.outdoorgearlab.com
US Topo Maps – free topographic maps covering nearly entire US. Maps include most of the feature classes of traditional topographic maps. A great tool for anyone planning a longer hike or backpacking trip in the wilderness. Topo maps can be downloaded free of charge at: http://nationalmap.gov/ustopo
Rugged Resource Lab. Patagonia's checklists and gear guides. The gear cleaning guide is very useful especially for mildew in tents: https://ruggedoutdoors.com/outdoor-resources
National Audubon. Watching birds in your backyard! Go on a hike and look at the birds:
https://www.audubon.org/birding/backyard and information about going birding: https://www.audubon.org/birding
App -- Learn to tie more than 150 Knots! For iOS and Android
Inspiration
"Green-Exercise" has both well-being and economic benefits, as well as immediate and long-term impacts.
It’s a challenge for parents to keep their children entertained over the long summer break. To reduce the times you hear, “I’m bored,” you need to plan ahead. Check out these 60 outdoor activities and choose the ones that will keep your children smiling all summer long: https://www.signupgenius.com/home/outdoor-activities-for-kids.cfm
10 Fun Ideas for Your Backyard Campout
Awesome camping fun for Seattle-area families — without leaving home: https://www.parentmap.com/article/fun-ideas-backyard-family-camping